RKT 9 RDO 2-Star GX1 Complete Mountain Bike - 2016
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Don't worry though, we have a lot more XC Full Suspension in stock than that.
Shop Similar ProductsNinerds unite.
Niner affectionately refers to its devotees as ninerds, a title that fans of big-wheeled bikes ranging from the Lycra-clad racer to the weekend adventurer have embraced with pleasure. By combining SRAM's yeoman one-by drivetrain with Niner's most race-efficient geometry, layup, and rear triangle to date, the all-new RKT 9 RDO 2-Star GX1 Complete Mountain Bike may be the first machine in Niner's lineup to adequately cover the needs of virtually every member of the ninerd community.
The frame has some geometry tweaks aimed at bridging the divide between a low-weight XC race missile and a high-confidence, line-holding trail sled. Given that the Queen of Pain herself summarizes the RKT 9 RDO as a dream come true, we'd say Niner hit the mark. Compared to Niner's previous XC racers, the RKT 9's longer top tube and shorter head tube make for a more aggressive rider position and a longer geometry with better line-holding capabilities across terrain skewing into the five-inch trail bike category. These adjustments are paired with Boost 110 and 148mm axles in the front and rear, respectively, for increased wheel stiffness and more rear-end clearance, allowing Niner to slam the back wheel up and reduce the chainstays to just 440mm. Stubby stays make for more agility coming through corners and more power-transferring stiffness.
The frame is built according to the specifics of Niner's RDO Carbon Compaction System (CCS). CCS uses internal molds during the curing process to ensure precise control over wall thickness and material distribution, eliminating excess grams and structural imperfections like resin pooling. For the RKT 9 RDO frame, the CCS process has been refined even further, resulting in a frame with a claimed weight as low as 4.5lb. That's almost 1/2lb lighter than the current Jet 9 RDO, and it hits that weight without exhibiting any weakness or flex while being thrown around on the trail.
Given that it's an XC race bike, Niner tweaked the RKT 9 RDO's CVA travel to hit the sweet spots of low-travel speed. In its initial stroke, the RKT's CVA focuses on maintaining a firm, responsive pedaling platform — a theory that translates well to the trail. Even while riding the shock open, CVA encourages speed on rocky, root-latticed climbs to the point that the RKT fires out of berms on the uphills with almost the same alacrity as it does on the downhills. Alacrity also describes the RKT's enthusiasm as roll overs and light rock gardens usher the travel into the mid stroke, which opens up a bit more to embrace trail furniture without sacrificing momentum or straying from its line. As it hits the end of its 90mm, the travel ramps up to avoid harsh bottom-outs, extending the margin of error just a bit further for when enduro ambitions start to get the better of XC restraint.
SRAM's GX1 drivetrain makes its Niner debut on the RKT 9, and — given the above qualities of absurdly accommodating XC travel and stiff aggressiveness — we can't think of a better chassis to showcase GX's workman-like abilities. It may lack the bling factor and low weight of XX1, but GX1's slightly higher gram count is almost completely offset by the efficiency of the frame. We also certainly appreciate the considerable cost difference, which amounts to multiple seasons' worth of entry fees or just gas money for the trip to distant trailheads.
- Frame Material
- CCS carbon fiber
- Suspension
- CVA
- Rear Shock
- FOX Float DPS Factory
- Rear Travel
- 90 mm
- Fork
- RockShox Reba RL Solo Air
- Front Travel
- 100 mm
- Headset
- Cane Creek
- Shifters
- SRAM GX (right only)
- Front Derailleur
- n/a
- Rear Derailleur
- SRAM GX
- Crankset
- 32 t SRAM S1000
- Bottom Bracket
- SRAM PF30
- Cassette
- 11 - 42 t Shimano XT M8000
- Chain
- SRAM PC 1130
- Brakeset
- SRAM DB5
- Brake Type
- hydraulic disc
- Rotors
- 180 / 160 mm Avid G2CS
- Handlebar
- Niner Flat Top Alloy
- Handlebar Width
- 710 mm
- Grips
- Niner Grrrips
- Saddle
- Niner Custom with Cr-Mo Rails
- Seatpost
- Niner Alloy
- Seat Collar
- 34.9 mm
- Wheelset
- Niner Alloy
- Front Axle
- 15 x 110mm
- Rear Axle
- 12 x 148mm
- Tires
- Maxxis Ikon
- Tire Size
- [front] 29 x 2.35 in, [rear] 29 x 2.2 in
- Pedals
- not included
- Extras
- titanium chain guards
- Recommended Use
- cross country
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 5 years on frame
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