NINER JET 9 RDO/SRAM X0 COMPLETE BIKE

What you’re looking at is not just a feathery, eye-pleasing frame with some expensive components hung on it. You’re looking at hundreds of hours of 29er specific research and development. Niner turned this R&D into an optimized carbon structure and finely tuned rear suspension for optimum efficiency, ride quality, and reliability. To complement the Niner Jet 9 RDO ’s thoroughness, we’ve meticulously selected each and every part, from the SRAM X0 drivetrain to the WTB grips—reflecting the very nature of this definitive cross-country, full suspension 29er.

The heart of the Jet 9 RDO is its carbon monocoque structure. Firmly planted in front of brain boxes, Niner engineers used the latest in computer modeling to explore every conceivable option before moving onto physical prototype testing. Then, using both in-house and independent testing facilities, Niner accumulated hours and hours of fatigue testing before placing the protos under their highly skilled, enthusiastic, and abusive riders. The results are clear—take a look at the bottom bracket area; massive and menacing, it houses the new BB30 pressfit standard, a direct-mount front derailleur interface, the shock mount, and mounts for the lower forged aluminum linkage. This packaging focuses forces into a heavily reinforced area for extreme strength and efficiency. Add into the equation details like internal cable routing, molded chain-slap protection, and proportions that’ll rival a super model, and we feel we can assertively refer to the sultry Jet 9 RDO as art.

Niner’s extensive carbon fiber research and development produced a frame perfectly matched to their 29er specific Constantly Varying Arc (CVA) suspension design. Sporting 100mm of travel, the CVA linkages are located to isolate pedaling forces while remaining fully active under all conditions. Because the lower link sits below the bottom bracket and the CVA’s instant center is in a virtual location ahead of the drivetrain, chain tension at the rear axle pulls the two linkages in opposite directions—effectively isolating the drivetrain from the rear triangle. When you press on the pedals, nothing’s lost to compressing the suspension and you won’t suffer kickback from chainstay growth when pedaling through rock gardens.

Differing Niner’s CVA design further from competitors are its super-short chainstays. Short chainstays are vital to full-suspension 29ers, directly affecting their ability to easily negotiate tight switchbacks. Because the rear tire’s tucked under the rider, the Jet 9 RDO remains planted when carving turns and is highly maneuverable in technical situations. The CVA also doesn’t inhibit front derailleur placement or operation, something that plagues FS 29ers and forces excessively long chainstays. Another key feature of the CVA is its low ratio of shock stroke to suspension movement. This decreases the amount of preload needed, which translates to smooth, effective damping and less drag on the shock seals. With CVA, plush is the name of the game, and a full complement of sealed cartridge bearings combined with Fox’s top XC air shock—a custom tuned, Kashima equipped RP23—ensure your mountain adventures and race-day efforts will be luxury-liner smooth.

The frame’s obviously supremely sorted; let’s take a look at the rest of the package. Up front a Fox Float 29 120 RLC with a 15QR thru-axle offers stiffness and plush action respected throughout the 29er community and is complete with rebound and compression adjustments with a lockout for climbing. You’ll roll on responsive Easton EA70XC wheels wrapped in Schwalbe Performance Rocket Ron 29 2.25” tires for tenacious traction. Easton EA70 parts also get the nod for the handlebar, stem, and seatpost, with a Sella Italia SL Kit Carbonio saddle.

We’ve found the shifting of SRAM’s X0 components to offer unsurpassed precision and speed so we spec’d an X0 2 x 10 Crankset with a 42/28 setup and a 12-36 1050 cassette, along with a matching X0 rear derailleur and shifters. This combination offers all the gear ratios, and spot-on shifts needed to get you around the mountain efficiently and quickly. Powerful and lightweight X0 brakes provide consistent, confidence-boosting stopping power as well.

The Niner Jet 9 RDO/SRAM X0 Complete Bike is available in Black and comes in four sizes; Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large.

Jet 9 RDO/SRAM X0 Complete Bike Price:  $4699.00