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Niner
RKT 9 RDO 5-Star XTR Complete Mountain Bike - 2016

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The nuclear option.

Though its official model name comprises three initials, when we're discussing Niner's new RKT 9 RDO 5-Star XTR Complete Mountain Bike, we can't help but pronounce it as though it's got vowels plugged in between the consonants. For others, this bike's name may be pronounced "are kay tee"; for us, it's "rocket," because its ride qualities and big wagon wheels definitely recommend it as the XC missile. If the frame serves as a jet-engine chassis, then the addition of Niner's Carbon XC wheels, a full Shimano XTR build kit, and RockShox's revolutionary RS-1 fork with Predictive Steering means that the 5-Star XTR build is the superlative nuclear option.


Though it appears much more conventional than RockShox's inverted fork, the RKT 9's frame has some revolutionary features of its own. These manifest as geometry tweaks aimed at bridging the divide between a low-weight XC race machine and a high-confidence, line-holding trail sled. Given that Ms. Rusch, 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. Niner assures us that this process is being outsourced to the rest of the RDO line; but until that happens, the RKT is almost 1/2lb lighter than the current Jet 9 RDO. This is even more impressive when you beat the hell out of it on the trail and realize that the RKT 9's low weight doesn't come at the cost of structural weakness or flex.


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.


Frame Material
CCS carbon fiber
Suspension
CVA
Rear Shock
FOX Float DPS Factory
Rear Travel
90 mm
Fork
RockShox RS-1 Solo Air
Front Travel
100 mm
Headset
Cane Creek
Shifters
Shimano XTR M9000
Front Derailleur
n/a
Rear Derailleur
Shimano XTR M9000 GS Shadow+
Crankset
32 t Shimano XTR M9020
Bottom Bracket
Shimano XTR BB93
Cassette
11 - 40 t Shimano XTR M9000
Chain
Shimano XTR HG-900
Brakeset
Shimano XTR M9020 Trail
Brake Type
hydraulic disc
Rotors
180 / 160 mm Shimano RT86 Ice Tech
Handlebar
Niner Flat Top RDO carbon
Handlebar Width
710 mm
Grips
Niner Grrrips
Stem
Niner RDO carbon
Saddle
Niner Custom with Ni-Cro Ti Rails
Seatpost
Niner RDO carbon
Seat Collar
34.9 mm
Wheelset
Niner Carbon XC
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 protectors
Recommended Use
cross country
Manufacturer Warranty
5 years on frame

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