Niner

BSB 9 RDO 3-Star Rival 22 Complete Cyclocross Bike - 2016

The 2016 Niner BSB 9 RDO 3-Star Rival 22 Complete Cyclocross Bike ups the Blood, Sweat, and Beers game with new graphics and the addition of a 12 x 142mm rear thru-axle. The graphics are a nice touch, but the real upgrade is that thru-axel, which adds stiffness and a sprightly, responsive liveliness to the ride. Kitted out with SRAM's Rival 22 drivetrain and powerful hydraulic brakes, this BSB boasts versatile gearing to shred nearly any terrain.

The BSB 9 RDO is built for the rowdy, obstacle-embracing 'cross set, so it's expected to exhibit stiffness and strength on difficult terrain while remaining light. Niner achieves this balance by using its Carbon Compaction System to mold the frame, fine-tuning the placement of carbon and eliminating any material that doesn't directly contribute to the frame's sharp handling or lateral stiffness.

The process involves laying-up the carbon around rigid foam molds, which Niner credits with a more consistent shape than traditional bladder molds. At the end of the process, the inside of the tubes is as flawless as the outside, and the BSB 9 RDO is lighter than comparable frames. The 530g thru-axle fork is also fully carbon and borrows much of its design from the rigid fork found on Niner's Air 9 RDO hardtail—just with a slightly flatter profile to better adapt to cyclocross.

With its steep head and seat tube angles and the pedal clearance of a high bottom bracket, the BSB 9 RDO was made for 'cross racing. Niner's roots in mountain bikes mean it's no surprise that the frame was built to offer plenty of clearance during tight cornering. It's finished with a playful nod to cyclocross's often irreverent attitude: When you shoulder the BSB 9 to navigate a steep run-up, astute racers behind you will get some encouragement from Niner's signature admonition to "Pedal, damn it," which is inscribed on the bottom bracket.