In a recent email from Niner, some of the changes were outlined for the 2011 RIP 9. Though subtle, these changes indicate to me that the line between the RIP and the WFO is now getting blurrier. It’s widely-known that the RIP 9 is one of my favorite bikes on the market. My 2010 RIP 9 is going to stick around for awhile.
Though I don’t see the real need for slackening the head angle by a degree, I can see how that may improve the downhill capabilities of the RIP and, if you use an adjustable travel fork (like the sweet Fox TALAS 29), climbing prowess should remain unaffected. While I can’t recall Niner officially stating “hey, slap a 140mm on the RIP”, this latest announcement clearly does so. I wonder if I should change my RockShox Reba 29 to 140mm mode? And, I wonder what that means for the WFO? It seems that the WFO may not stick around, but perhaps I’m just speculating there. Hmmm…
So, for 2011, you get:
- 1 degree slacker head angle
- Overt 140mm fork endorsement
- Hot Tamale red color
- Zero Stack headset standard (Upper: ZS44/28.6 – Lower: ZS56/40)
Here’s the official info from Niner:
We know that there are a lot of you looking for info on the newest version of our R.I.P. 9.
Whether you are building a bike for the tech of the Pacific Northwest, for the rocky chunder of the desert or for alpine singletrack flow, this evolved version of the R.I.P. 9 gives you the flexibility you want. The R.I.P. 9 now comes stock with a one degree slacker headangle and standard internal ZS headset and a head angle of 70.5º (120mm fork) to 69.5º (140mm fork). With an upgrade to an aftermarket Cane Creek Angleset you can either achieve even steeper or slacker angles, giving you a range from 72º (with 120mm fork) to 68º (with 140mm fork)*. This makes the evolved R.I.P. 9 our most versatile frame yet – perfect for dialing in to best fit your local trails.
The R.I.P. 9 is Niner’s go anywhere / do anything machine, especially when kitted out with one of our curated 29er specific build kits. These bikes are available for order from your Niner dealer and come in a great range of colors (Raw, Hot Tamale and Black Anodized).
For complete geometry details see the Niner Encyclopedia. The R.I.P. 9 is available for $1799.99 MSRP from your Niner dealer.
A Seattle native, Jason developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded
Jason, if you HAD to choose one bike to keep around for all of your riding, would it be the RIP 9, Ibis mojo or other? Just wondering, I am looking at getting a RIP 9.
Really tough call… I would likely go with the RIP, but the Mojo wouldn’t go down without a fight. I just wish the RIP or the JET were available in carbon. If that were the case, either one would be my choices for a long-term relationship.
The RIP is really an astounding bike as is the Mojo. The Mojo is a bit more capable, but the RIP takes advantage of the big hoops in every way.
Jason, what is the major advantage of carbon other than some weight saving? I know that shock absorption is key with road bikes but on a full suspension bike, is the risk of Carbon (like notorious trek/Fisher destruction) worth the price? Just a few questions I am trying to work out, I know Mojo carbon is nothing like trek, just using an example of carbon gone wrong. Also, would you put the reba XX 120 fork or fox float on the Rip?
Thanks again
Spenser… you’d be surprised how much low-level vibration a carbon frame absorbs on dirt. It is very noticeable. I think another immediately-noticeable characteristic of the material is how quickly power is transferred to the bike. It reacts ultra-fast and translates rider input directly to the trail.
I wouldn’t worry about having issues with carbon. Stuff happens, but it’s not as widespread as nay-sayers would like you to believe..
Jason, trying to decide between the RIP, Mojo HD and Mojo SL. I live in Florida, and the local trails are fairly tight and twisty with lots of roots, rocks, sand, short up and down hill sections with lots of man made drops and jumps. I think the light weight of the Mojo SL would make it ideal but I’m worried about the durability of the lightweight carbon fiber frame. Seems like it had to sacrifice some strength to get the weight down. The HD seems like it would be bullet proof but its heavier and I’m not sure how it would handle the XC type trail sections. The RIP seems like a good all around bike but I’m not sure if the big wheels would be a good thing in the low speed technical trail sections and its a little bit heavier than the Mojo’s. I’m 5’9″, 200lbs and a fairly aggressive rider. I’d appreciate any thoughts. Can’t make up my mind…
Tim… I’ve seem some of the trails in Florida last year when I was out there near Ft Walton Beach. I went to the Timberlakes area. I at least know the terrain you’re talking about. I’m wondering if you would want to consider the Niner Jet9 or other 100mm-ish 29ers. They may be a bit nimbler for you.
I love big hoops and would recommend them for the rolling, sandy terrain you ride. A larger contact patch would be highly recommended, IMO.
But, the Mojo SL is a superbly-capable steed and the carbon issue is really a non-issue, IMO. The HD would truly be overkill for your neck of the woods (unless you head up to the Appalachian’s on occasion and hit some of the killer terrain up there). Still, it would be a lot of bike for your locale.
Good luck in your decision. Great bikes all around!
I appreciate the info… I’ll give the 100mm 29ers a look. Thanks.
Hey just curious, have you tried the 2010 RIP with a 140 mm fork? As you mentioned the 2011 RIP endorses a 140 mm fork, but not sure how that translates to the 2010 model.
Thanks
Negative. Sorry… 120 was my max. I’d worry about front-end wander at 140.
Jason – First – Thanks for the great site and comments. I would like your thoughts on suggesting my next bike: I’m curious if you have had a chance to get a ride on a JET RDO? I have a Mojo (partially due to your great review – thanks!), but have recently begun to race cross country and have been thinking about getting a JET RDO as my everyday ride. My riding is a mix of cross country racing on relativly smooth trails, 13 mile commutes to work (paths and small rocky trails, but super flat), and my local home trail, which has extremely short steep hills, log piles, small rocks, and the occasionaly less than 2′ drop. The Rip is overkill for this type of terrain and I think the Jet would ride rough compared to the Ibis.
Also, how well does the CVA pedal compared to the DW link?
Hey John
Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad that the Mojo has turned out well for you. That is one sweet bike! Unfortunately, I haven’t ridden the RDO yet — those things are pretty scarce. I’m hoping to get one in to test ride later this Fall after Interbike, so we’ll see.
From what I’ve heard, the RDO with a 120 fork might be just what you’re looking for. Honestly, I think that may be my personal steed come next season as well! It won’t be quite as plush as the RIP, but the efficiency and quickness would be worthy trade-offs, I think. We’ll see.
As far as the CVA vs. DW… they are very similar in many ways. I really like them both a lot. But, I think the DW is just a little plusher and maybe just a tad more active, but not by much. That RDO is going to be AWESOME!!!