Niner Bikes Introduces RIP 9 RDO at Interbike 2012

Like Sasquatch, a carbon RIP 9 has been something of a legend. Everyone has been clamoring for it, but Niner has been tight-lipped until now. For Spring 2013, Niner will finally have the full-carbon trailbike everyone wants. Built from the same mold as the much-heralded (I loved mine) RIP 9 Al, the new RIP 9 RDO ups the ante with more travel, added stiffness, smoother travel and lighter weight.

Some of the notable things I see about the RIP 9 RDO include: Lightweight RDO carbon frame, internal cable routing through the downtube, optional ISCG mount, 142×12 rear axle,  full-carbon linkages, standard BB shell (eschewing BB30, etc.) and all the trail-gobbling goodness with the RIP, but in a carbon frame.

Here are a few images of the new 29er trail slayer:

The RIP 9 RDO Highlights:

• Carbon full suspension for the 29er – only mountain bike company
• 125mm of patented CVA suspension is efficient in every chainring
• Compatible with 120-140mm forks
• Tuned for CVA – Fox Float CTD shock with Kashima coat
• Removable ISCG 05 tabs and offset linkage design for chainguide compatibility
• Carbon suspension linkage and unique Niner alloy hardware
• 142mm x 12mm rear spacing
• First production run in Rally Blue (new Niner color)
• MSRP: $2899 (available Spring 2013)

TRAIL BIKE 29
“Quiver Killer” meets carbon. 2 years in development, Niner’s highly anticipated and requested carbon trail bike finally makes an appearance. The R.I.P. 9 RDO incorporates global rider feedback as well as Niner’s rigorous carbon design, engineering and testing standards. Our alloy R.I.P. 9 has over 30 glowing media reviews for ride quality and handling – the R.I.P. 9 RDO takes these characteristics and ups the ante with carbon frame, linkages, ISCG compatibility and additional travel.

CVA™ SUSPENSION
The R.I.P. 9 RDO features Niner’s patented CVA suspension (U.S. Patent No. 7,934,739) and delivers 125mm of fully active travel with superb compliance and damping via a tuned for CVA Fox Float CTD Factory Shock with Trail Adjust and Kashima Coat. For those seeking the technical advantages of 29” wheels combined with pedaling efficiency across all chainring combinations (not just the middle ring), CVA™ is the front-runner. The result? A faster, smoother ride up and down the trail.

VERSATILE GEOMETRY
To progress as a rider you need predictability, balance and nimble handling and Niner is the company that first made fun trail bike 29ers a reality. Climbing or descending, the geometry of the R.I.P. 9 RDO is tuned to keep you in control and ready to conquer new terrain at every turn. The R.I.P. 9 RDO is intended for 120 to 140mm forks, allowing riders to further fine tune the ride.

C5 WARRANTY
Our robust R&D program – computer modeling, physical prototype testing (both in-house and at independent testing facilities), and hours of riding by skilled and abusive individuals make us confident that the R.I.P. 9 RDO will exceed your expectations. We maintain that our carbon fiber development rivals the best in the bike industry and to back it up we offer our C5 warranty (five year) and a standard-setting commitment to customer service.

TAPERED HEADTUBE
The increased surface area of a tapered headtube allows for a larger downtube, increasing strength and rigidity at this critical intersection. Tapered fork steerer tubes measurably reduce fork deflection, which means your Niner tracks straight and true. The full spectrum of riders from XC racers to All Mountain shredders benefit from these features which is why we incorporate the technology in all our new frames. The R.I.P. 9 RDO lets you take full advantage of increased steering precision as you negotiate your daily dose of singletrack.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL
When you are in the backcountry, the details are what take your ride into the sublime. The trim and sexy carbon links rotate on oversized Angular Contact Bearings for awesome lateral rigidity and immediate power transfer, dropper post routing and ISCG 05 chainguide compatibility mean you can build this bike to fit your ride style and an integrated replaceable skid plate lets you try that optional line with confidence. The R.I.P. 9 RDO features more tire clearance, full housing internal cable routing for a clean look and precision-machined alloy interfaces for the bottom bracket, direct-mount front derailleur and brake caliper post mounts.

More Info: Visit NinerBikes.com