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Niner
Jet 9 RDO 2-Star SLX Complete Mountain Bike - 2017

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The similarities between the 2016 and 2017 Jet 9 RDOs lie mostly in the name, with this year's version seeing some drastic changes that usher this much-loved trail machine into a whole new world of versatility. The 2017 Niner Jet 9 RDO 2-Star SLX Complete Mountain Bike is longer across the top, steeper out back, and slacker up front. Add in 20 more millimeters of Continuously Varying Arc (CVA) travel than its predecessor, and this Jet 9 is better at just about everything that made the original such a favorite. Whether you're grinding climbs, shredding descents, or powering through fast, flowy singletrack, the Jet 9 RDO lives up to its versatile reputation. This particular build gets kitted up in Shimano's workhorse SLX componentry, a dropper post, and Niner Alloy hoops.


As with most bikes in the current trail generation, the key element underwriting the new Jet 9's versatile geometry is its Boost rear axle. Bumping the spacing up to 148mm lets Niner chop 21mm off of chainstays by slamming the rear wheel up into the seat tube. The seat tube contributes to that versatility, too. Despite the fact that the 2017 Jet 9 comes with 130mm of front travel, it's got the same seat tube angle as the 2016 Jet 9 with a 100mm fork. Adding 30mm up front would typically force you out of the bike's center; however, the new Jet 9's geometry keeps you on top of the pedals while the included dropper post allows you to clear out some cockpit space so you can throw the bike around on descents.


The bike's updates shine at the front end, too. In 2016, the Jet 9 was limited to a 71 or 70.5-degree head tube, depending on whether you were running a 100 or 110mm fork. For 2017 (as configured here), it drops to 67.5 degrees. This puts the Jet 9 right on the cusp of moderate stability and enduro abandon. When paired with the new iteration's longer reach and shorter stem, that angle means the bike can ride roughshod across all manner of trail furniture without sacrificing responsive steering. Slack head tubes are fun, but we're occasionally frustrated by their muddy responsiveness. The Jet 9 lives up to Niner's reputation of nimble wagon wheel machines by ensuring that enduro aggression doesn't come at the cost of control.


Despite the above changes, Niner's Race Day Optimized (RDO) construction process remains relatively unchanged. This is a good thing, as Niner's compaction method presses out any excess resin and compacts the carbon down to a uniform wall thickness. This gives Niner precise control over where material is and where it isn't, letting the engineers actually engineer the frame by reducing weight where it's not needed while ensuring stiffness and durability at key areas of power transfer and abuse.


The CVA suspension model is also virtually unchanged. CVA is designed specifically around 29in wheels to keep the big-rim platform balanced between taut and supple. Its low compression ratio means there's less need for suspension preload, so the mechanism can float more freely and react more readily to the terrain without being loose or sloppy. CVA's lower linkage placement beneath the bottom bracket isolates pedal input from suspension action to prevent the system from bobbing or back-kicking, resulting in a smooth but efficient bike that's responsive to both your power and the trail's trickery.


The frame's finishing details are everything you'd expect from the obsessive developers at Niner, and our favorite new addition is the inclusion of a BSA threaded bottom bracket. PressFit shells may be lighter and more convenient, but the exact tolerances of a CNC-machined thread are virtually unsurpassable by today's composite technology. The threading means bearing cups install perfectly, reducing wear over time and eliminating the creaks, groans, and pops that so often accompany PressFit models. Vulnerable bits are girded with titanium protection plates. The frame also includes integrated batter storage in case you get the urge for electro shifting and the revised axle spacing and geometry dimensions accommodate 29er tires up to 2.4in and 27.5 tires up to 3in.


Details

  • Niner's classic trail bike gets a versatile update
  • Adds 20mm of CVA suspension compared to previous model
  • Updated geometry climbs faster and descends harder
  • RDO carbon construction drops grams to gain speed
  • Shimano's workhorse SLX componentry weathers the miles
  • Compatible with electronic drivetrain routing and battery storage
  • Item #NNR005D
Frame Material
RDO carbon fiber
Suspension
CVA
Rear Shock
Rock Shox Monarch RL Debonair
Rear Travel
120mm
Fork
Rock Shox Pike RC 130 Solo Air
Front Travel
130mm
Shifters
Shimano SLX M7000 11-speed I-Spec-II
Front Derailleur
n/a
Rear Derailleur
Shimano SLX M7000 GS 11-speed Shadow Plus
Crankset
32t Race Face Aeffect
Bottom Bracket
Race Face BSA
Cassette
11 - 46t Shimano SLX M7000
Chain
Shimano SLX HG-600 11-speed
Brakeset
Shimano SLX M7000 w/ metal pads
Brake Type
hydraulic disc
Rotors
[front] 180mm Shimano RT76, [rear] 160mm Shimano RT76
Handlebar
Race Face Aeffect
Handlebar Rise
20mm
Handlebar Width
760mm
Grips
Niner Grrrips, lock-on, nylon
Stem
Race Face Aeffect 35mm clamp
Saddle
Niner Custom with Cr-Mo rails
Seatpost
KS Dropzone R
Wheelset
Niner Alloy
Front Axle
15 x 110m Boost
Rear Axle
12 x 148mm Boost
Tires
[front] Maxxis Ardent SC, [rear] Maxxis Ikon DC
Tire Size
[front] 29 x 2.4in, [rear] 29 x 2.35in
Pedals
not included
Recommended Use
trail
Manufacturer Warranty
5 years on frame

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