Niner

BSB 9 3-Star Cyclocross Bike

The BSB 9 3-Star Complete Cyclocross Bike from Niner keeps its Blood, Sweat, and Beers mantra going and adds new paint to go with last year's update to flat mount discs. It continues with its thru-axles on either end adding stiffness and a sprightly, responsive liveliness to the ride. This build is kitted out with SRAM's Rival 1x drivetrain and powerful hydraulic brakes letting the BSB shred nearly any terrain and perform like a boss on the 'cross course.

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. Its carbon thru-axle fork is also crafted completely from carbon and borrows much of its design from the rigid mountain fork that Niner is so well known for, with a slightly altered axle to crown and fork rake better suited for cyclocross.

With its steeper head and seat tube angles and the pedal clearance that comes from a slightly taller bottom bracket, the BSB 9 RDO is made for 'cross racing. Given Niner's roots in mountain bikes, it's no surprise that the bike is quick off-road and it'll help you deftly maneuver around a slippery course. It's finished with a playful nod to cyclocross' often irreverent attitude: right behind the headtube is Niner's signature admonition to "Pedal, damn it," encouraging you to push a little harder towards some handups on the course or the finish line.