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Niner RIP RDO 29 3-Star Review

The Niner Rip 9 RDO has an enduro-esque feel yet performs well all-around for the descent-focused rider
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Niner RIP RDO 29 3-Star Review
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Price:  $5,600 List
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Manufacturer:   Niner Bikes
By Jeremy Benson, Joshua Hutchens, Pat Donahue  ⋅  Jun 12, 2019
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#17 of 19
  • Fun Factor - 25% 8.0
  • Downhill Performance - 35% 9.0
  • Climbing Performance - 35% 6.0
  • Ease of Maintenance - 5% 6.0

Our Verdict

The new Rip 9 RDO is easily the most intriguing bike we've seen from Niner, pretty much ever. This is a completely redesigned version of their flagship trail bike with 140mm of rear and 150mm of front wheel travel that is available in either 29" or 27.5" wheel sizes. We tested the 29" version and found it to be a capable trail bike that excels on the descents. It feels generous with its travel and rides like a mid-travel enduro bike. This has a lot to do with its long, low, and slacked out modern geometry that gives it unflinching stability at speed and plenty of confidence when the going gets steep and rough. It's a little heavier than we'd like for a carbon bike at this price, but it climbs better than expected. The 3-star build we tested also comes decked out with a great build including high-end Fox suspension. If you're looking for an aggressive mid-travel trail bike, we think the Rip 9 RDO is worth a look.
REASONS TO BUY
High-end suspension
Adjustable geometry
Good component spec
REASONS TO AVOID
Moderately heavy
Complicated linkage
Low bottom bracket

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Top Pick Award
Best Aggressive Trail Bike
Top Pick Award
Best Consumer-Direct Bike
Editors' Choice Award
Best Short Travel Trail Bike
Editors' Choice Award
Price $5,600 List$4,300 List
$3,000 at Evo
$4,599 List$5,899 List
Check Price at Backcountry
$2,999 List
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Bottom Line The Niner Rip 9 RDO is a versatile all-around trail bike that rides like a bike with more travelAn innovative, highly adjustable longer travel trail bike that can span disciplines from everyday trail riding to bike park lapsAn excellent value mid-travel trail bike with a crowd-pleasing, well-rounded performanceThe new and improved Ibis Ripley is one of the best all around mid-travel trail bikes we've ever riddenThe aluminum framed Ibis Ripmo AF is the best aggressive trail bike you'll find at this price
Rating Categories Niner RIP RDO 29 3-... Specialized Stumpju... Fezzari Delano Peak... Ibis Ripley GX Eagle Ibis Ripmo AF NX Eagle
Fun Factor (25%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Downhill Performance (35%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
Climbing Performance (35%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
Ease of Maintenance (5%)
6.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
Specs Niner RIP RDO 29 3-... Specialized Stumpju... Fezzari Delano Peak... Ibis Ripley GX Eagle Ibis Ripmo AF NX Eagle
Wheel size 29" 29" 29" 29" 29"
Suspension & Travel CVA - 140mm FSR - 150mm TetraLink - 135mm DW-Link - 120mm DW-Link - 147mm
Measured Weight (w/o pedals) 31 lbs 6 oz (Large) 31 lbs 14 oz (Large) 30 lbs 5 oz (Large) 28 lbs 14 oz (Large) 34 lbs (Large)
Fork Fox Float 36 Factory FIT4 EVOL 150mm Fox 36 Rhythm - 160mm Fox 36 Performance Elite, 150mm Fox Float 34 Performance 130mm 34mm stanchions DVO Diamond D1 160mm
Shock Fox Float DPX2 Factory EVOL Fox Float DPX2 Performance Fox Float DPX2 Performance Elite Fox Float Performance DPS EVOL DVO Topaz T3 Air
Frame Material Carbon Fiber FACT 11m Carbon Fiber CleanCast Carbon Fiber Carbon Fiber Aluminum
Frame Size Large S4 (Large equivalent) Large Large Large
Frame Settings Flip Chip Flip Chip and Headtube angle Flip Chip N/A N/A
Available Sizes S-XL S1-S6 S-XL S-XL S-XL
Wheelset Stans NoTubes Flow S1 with Neo Hubs Roval 29 alloy rims with Shimano Centerlock hubs, 30mm ID Stan's Flow S1 rims with Stan's Neo hubs Ibis 938 Aluminum Rims 34mm ID w/ Ibis Hubs Ibis S35 Aluminum rims with Ibis hubs, 35mm ID
Front Tire Maxxis Minion DHF 3C/EXO 2.5" WT Specialized Butcher GRID TRAIL T9, 2.6" Maxxis Minion DHF EXO 29 x 2.5" Schwable Hans Dampf 2.6" Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5"
Rear Tire Maxxis Aggressor 3C/EXO 2.5" WT Specialized Eliminator GRID TRAIL T7, 2.3" Maxxis Aggressor EXO 29 x 2.5" Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.6" Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5"
Shifters SRAM GX Eagle Shimano SLX 12-speed Shimano SLX SRAM GX Eagle SRAM NX Eagle
Rear Derailleur SRAM GX Eagle Shimano SLX 12-speed Shimano XT 12-speed SRAM GX Eagle SRAM NX Eagle
Crankset SRAM Descendant 7K 32T SRAM Descendant 7K 32T Shimano XT M8100 32T SRAM Descendant Alloy 32T SRAM NX Eagle DUB 32T
Saddle Niner Custom TR CR-MO Specialized Bridge Comp Ergon SM Stealth WTB Silverado 142mm WTB Silverado Pro
Seatpost SDG Tellis 170mm X-Fusion Manic 170mm (S4/S5), 34.9 diameter X-Fusion Manic Bike Yoke Revive 160mm KS Rage-i 150mm(Large)
Handlebar Race Face Aeffect R 35 780mm Specialized 6061 alloy, 30mm rise, 800mm width Fezzari FRD Charger 35, 800mm Ibis 780mm Alloy Ibis 780mm Alloy
Stem Race Face Aeffect R 35 40mm Specialized Alloy Trail stem, 35mm bore Fezzari FRD Charger 35 Ibis 31.8mm 50mm Ibis 31.8 50mm
Brakes SRAM Guide R Shimano SLX 4-piston Shimano XT 4-piston Shimano Deore 2 Piston SRAM Guide T 4 piston
Measured Effective Top Tube (mm) 624 625 613 625 631
Measured Reach (mm) 467 475 480 475 473
Measured Head Tube Angle 66.0-degrees 63-65.5 (adjustable) 65.4-degrees H/65-degrees L 66.5-degrees 64.9-degrees
Measured Seat Tube Angle 75.5-degrees 76.9-degrees 77.9-degrees H/77.5-degrees L 76.2-degrees 76-degrees
Measured Bottom Bracket Height (mm) 338 340 H/333 L 345 338 340
Measured Wheelbase (mm) 1212 1247 1234 1210 1239
Measured Chain Stay Length (mm) 436 438 (S1-S4) 434 434 435
Warranty Five Years Lifetime Lifetime Seven Years Seven Years

Our Analysis and Test Results

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - the rip 9 rdo is a very capable longer mid-travel trail bike. it's...
The RIP 9 RDO is a very capable longer mid-travel trail bike. It's generous with its travel and has geometry to slay the descents.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Should I Buy this Bike?


The RIP 9 RDO is the evolution of Niner's long-standing RIP 9 trail bike which they claim is “more versatile and capable than ever before.” It's definitely the most exciting bike we've seen Niner make in quite a while, a real departure from their traditionally more conservative designs. It is undoubtedly more capable than any Niner we've ridden on the descents, thanks to their adoption of a modern long, low, and slack, geometry. The new RIP 9 has a serious preference for the descents and is a bit of a bruiser with a mini-enduro bike feel. It's very forthcoming with its travel and feels like it has more than 140mm of rear suspension as it smooths over mid-sized chop, eats up big hits, and comes alive as speeds increase. Its climbing performance is respectable, though the uphills aren't this bike's strongest suit. It's an aggressive trail bike, plus it has adjustable geometry with a flip chip to slack it out even further for shuttle or lift access days. Niner has also broken their own mold by offering the Rip 9 in a 27.5" wheel size, a good option for smaller riders or 29" wheel haters.

The Editor's Choice Award-winning Ibis Ripmo V2 is one of the easiest and most obvious comparisons for the RIP 9 RDO. The Ripmo shares similar travel numbers as well as a similar long, low, and slack design and rips the downhills harder than the Niner, with a sportier and more lively rear end that helps make its performance feel more well-rounded on the descents. The Ripmo has a steep seat tube angle and supportive rear suspension, power transfer is excellent, and it climbs as well as it descends. The Ripmo also weighs less than the Niner, giving it a noticeably lighter feel that contributes to its liveliness and climbing prowess. The carbon Ripmo V2 comes in a variety of builds starting at $4,399.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - it's a ripping trail bike with a serious preference for being...
It's a ripping trail bike with a serious preference for being pointed downhill. If you're looking for an enduro style bike with more moderate travel this is a solid option.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The Santa Cruz Hightower is similar to the Niner. It also has 29-inch wheels and matching travel numbers to the Rip 9 RDO, though it is a touch slacker, with a longer wheelbase and a steeper seat tube angle. We found the Hightower to feel more confident in super rough terrain and at speed, with a more supportive and progressive rear suspension feel that handled big hits with aplomb. On the climbs, the Hightower's VPP suspension design provided great pedaling support that combined with the steep seat tube angle for an efficient and comfortable experience. Overall, we'd say the Hightower is a bit more well-rounded and versatile option. It comes in aluminum and carbon frames, with complete builds ranging from $2,999 to $10,499.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - for as slack and low as the rip 9 rdo is, it still climbs pretty...
For as slack and low as the RIP 9 RDO is, it still climbs pretty darn well.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Frame Design


The RIP 9 has been Niner's flagship trail bike for a number of years and it has seen a complete redesign for 2019. This bike is a departure from Niner's typically conservative geometry, and it's clear that they intend for this bike to shred on the descents harder than anything else they've ever produced. This is most evident in their adoption of a long, low, and slack design that puts this bike in line with modern trail bike geometry. They've also equipped it with 140mm/150mm of generous feeling suspension to tackle whatever comes down the trail. It's also offered in both 27.5" and 29" wheel sizes, with dedicated frames for each wheel size. Flip Chips in the seat stay pivots also allow you to choose between high and low geometry settings.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - the rip 9 rdo's frame is pretty unique, especially the rib cage...
The RIP 9 RDO's frame is pretty unique, especially the Rib Cage struts that give it a distinctive look.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The RIP 9 RDO features their CVA (Constantly Varying Arc) suspension design, which they claim “is perfectly balanced, so the result is stable yet supple, active, ground-hugging traction in every situation.Constantly Varying Arc refers to the path of the rear axle as the rear suspension moves through its travel. They claim this axle path helps to control chain growth during the bike's suspension travel, which helps create the anti-squat in the rear suspension. This design features a rocker link attached about midway up the seat tube that compresses the shock straight down towards the bottom bracket. There is also a large curved lower link that is attached just in front of the bottom bracket that wraps underneath it during compression of the rear suspension. Both links are connected to a stout rear triangle with thick carbon tubing.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - the "crack pipe" valve adapter is pretty annoying to deal with, and...
The “crack pipe” valve adapter is pretty annoying to deal with, and its location on the inside of the seat stay make it awkward and difficult to access.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The front triangle of the RIP 9 RDO has big carbon tubes, and they've added Rib Cage struts that connect between the down tube and seat tube around the rear shock to stiffen up the rear end. While they may stiffen up the frame, the Rib Cage struts do get in the way of the shock's valve, and you have to use a valve adapter to make pressure adjustments. Niner has included a crack pipe valve adapter, which is nice, but using it is annoying, as it is difficult to reach the attachment point on the inside of the seat stay. The frame has a low standover height, and Niner has shortened the seat tube to allow for the use of longer dropper seat posts; our size large test model came with a 170mm dropper. We measured our test bike to have a 624mm effective top tube length and a 465mm reach. Its got a long 1212mm wheelbase and 436mm chainstays. The head tube angle measures 66 degrees in the high geometry setting with a 75.5-degree effective seat tube angle. In the low setting the head tube angle slackens out to a trail plowing 65-degrees and the bottom bracket lowers by 7mm.

Design Highlights

  • Offered in carbon fiber only
  • Available in 27.5" or 29" wheel sizes with dedicated frame designs
  • CVA (Constantly Varying Arc) suspension design
  • 140mm of rear wheel travel
  • Designed around a 150mm reduced offset fork
  • Adjustable geometry flip chips
  • Full-length internal cable sleeves
  • Frame only starting at $3,200
  • Build kits ranging from $4,500 to $8,800

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - the rip 9 rdo is a confident and capable descender that prefers...
The RIP 9 RDO is a confident and capable descender that prefers speed and attacking the fall line.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Downhill Performance


The Rip 9 RDO impressed us the most when it was pointed downhill and gravity was doing most of the work. It has plush suspension and modern geometry that excel at speed, over mid-sized chop, and on bigger hits or drops. It seems to have no speed limit and handles rowdy terrain better than some others in its travel class, though it does so at the expense of agility and liveliness. The 3-Star build is impressive and helps this bike excel in aggressive terrain.

The RIP 9 RDO has a preference for speed and handles rowdier terrain quite well given its 140mm of rear and 150mm of front wheel travel. It gives freely of its travel, and it feels like it has more squish than those numbers suggest. We tested it primarily in the high geometry setting, mostly because the low setting felt way too raked out and low for our everyday trail riding needs. The 66-degree head tube angle is plenty slack to charge down steep rock gardens with confidence, and this is backed up by a sturdy yet super plush Fox Factory 36 fork. The CVA rear suspension settles deep into its travel, lowering the bottom bracket and slackening the front end even further. At 30% sag, we measured the head tube angle in the upper 64-degree range. The rear suspension is quite supportive at the top and mid-stroke but generously provides full travel when you need it.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - our test laps also offer plenty of buffed out flowy terrain.
Our test laps also offer plenty of buffed out flowy terrain.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The RIP 9 RDO has a long but not excessive 1212mm wheelbase which helps give it impressive stability at speed. It also has a long but reasonable reach of 467mm. This provides a roomy and comfortable riding position that feels great when the pitch steepens, or you're going warp speed. This bike definitely feels better at speed and in more open terrain, it prefers the fall line and has a ground-hugging suspension feel. When the trail gets tight and speeds decrease, we noticed the length of the wheelbase and the slackness of the head tube resulting in somewhat sluggish handling. Playful isn't a word that got used much to describe it either; this bike is more of a plower. A couple of testers also noted that it occasionally, but not always, seems to wallow in its suspension when it's deep in the stroke. This resulted in some moments of awkward handling with the front end being ultra slacked out while the rear end tries to recover.

The build on the Niner is really quite impressive. The cockpit is well appointed with an excellent Race Face 35mm bar stem combo for responsive steering, and a 170mm SDG Tellis dropper post that gets your saddle nice and low for those steep, aggressive descents. Niner also chose to spec a nice wide Stans NoTubes wheelset and crowd-pleasing Maxxis Minion DHF/Aggressor tire combo. These tires are spot on for this bike's aggressive intentions, and provide great cornering and braking traction and inspire confidence. The SRAM Guide R brakes are solid and have predictable and reliable performance. The suspension package is what really blew us away. The Fox Factory 36 fork and Fox Factory Float DPX2 pack some serious bling factor, are highly tuneable and are typically found on more expensive builds.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - strength and skill are helpful when the trail gets really steep or...
Strength and skill are helpful when the trail gets really steep or technical.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Climbing Performance


Considering the aggressive downhill performance of the RIP 9 RDO it still climbs pretty well. The CVA suspension platform provides a good amount of anti-squat, and it has a calm and relatively stable pedaling platform, even with the shock in the open position. It rolls along relatively efficiently and climbs well for a bike of this weight and geometry.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - climbing on the rip 9 rdo is relatively efficient, though it...
Climbing on the RIP 9 RDO is relatively efficient, though it requires more effort than some of the competition.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

The CVA suspension platform provides a stable pedaling platform that has barely any suspension movement when seated. Out of the saddle, there is noticeable bobbing of the rear suspension, and if you're an out of the saddle climber, you will probably benefit from the use of the compression dampening on the rear shock. With an effective seat tube angle of 75.5 degrees, the seated pedaling position is comfortable and just about directly above the cranks for solid power transfer. Due to the frame's design and kinked nature of the seat tube, it does feel a little bit like your weight is a little further back over the rear wheel than on bikes with straighter seat tubes like the Ibis Ripmo. The RIP 9 does settle into 30% sag very easily and the 338mm bottom bracket height can feel a little low and result in pedal strikes if you aren't careful.

Due to the long wheelbase and slack head tube angle, the RIP 9 RDO can be a handful in tight uphill switchbacks or technical terrain that requires quick and precise handling. It motors along quite well in a straight line and benefits from momentum and a skilled climber. While the 31 lb 6 oz weight isn't terribly heavy, it is noticeable when navigating techy climbs and will certainly wear you out on all day epics, especially when compared to lighter models.

The components on the Niner are a benefit to its climbing abilities. The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain is great and provides reliable and consistent performance with plenty of gear range. The 32-tooth chainring paired with the 10-50 tooth 12-speed cassette has pretty much every gear you'll ever need. The 2.5" Maxxis Aggressor tire in the rear has loads of air volume and a fast rolling center tread, yet provides ample climbing traction in all but the loosest of dirt conditions.

Photo Tour



It's really a nice looking frame, low standover height, and great...
It's really a nice looking frame, low standover height, and great colors.
The RIP 9 RDO comes tricked out with super nice Fox Factory...
The RIP 9 RDO comes tricked out with super nice Fox Factory suspension on the 3-star build we tested.
Niner molded two "ribs" between the down tube and seat tube to add...
Niner molded two "ribs" between the down tube and seat tube to add lateral stiffness.
The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain is really a reliable workhorse. No...
The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain is really a reliable workhorse. No complaints.
You can't go wrong with the proven performance of the Maxis Minion...
You can't go wrong with the proven performance of the Maxis Minion DHF, especially on a mini-enduro bike like this.
The Maxxis Aggressor rear tire is a nice spec, its fast rolling and...
The Maxxis Aggressor rear tire is a nice spec, its fast rolling and burly enough to handle the way most people are likely to ride the RIP 9 RDO.

Value


The 3-Star build we tested retails for $5,600, and we feel this is a good value considering the quality of the component specification. That's no drop in the bucket, but this bike comes fully decked out and ready to charge on the trails. There is little if anything we'd need or want to change about this build, and the Fox Factory suspension is definitely a highlight. Of course, this bike will be most valuable to the right consumer, a descent-focused rider looking for an aggressive mid-travel trail bike.

niner rip rdo 29 3-star - the rip 9 rdo is an exciting new bike from niner that aggressive...
The RIP 9 RDO is an exciting new bike from Niner that aggressive trail riders will love. It has a mini-enduro bike feel that really excels on the descents.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


Niner is certainly on to something with their new RIP 9 RDO. This is by far the most cutting edge and aggressive design we've seen from this traditionally more conservative brand. This is an aggressive trail bike that thrives at speed and when the trail gets steep and rough. It rides like it has more travel than it actually does and feels a lot like a mid-travel enduro bike. It's far from the most agile or playful bike out there, but if you're focused on the descent and are after a stable, planted, and confident ride we think this is a solid mid-travel option to consider.

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Other Versions


Niner offers the RIP 9 RDO in both 29" and 27.5" wheel sizes. They have produced completely different framesets for the different wheel sizes. They offer it as a frame only for $3,200, and in 4 build kits including the 3-Star GX Eagle we tested.
  • The least expensive version is the 2-Star NX Eagle, $4,500, that comes with a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, Fox Performance suspension, SRAM Level brakes, and a Niner wheelset.
  • The 4-Star XO1 Eagle, $6,950, comes with a SRAM XO1 Eagle drivetrain, SRAM Guide RSC brakes, carbon cranks, and a carbon handlebar.
  • The top of the line 5-Star XO1 Eagle build, $8,800, comes fully tricked out with a SRAM XO1 drivetrain and DT Swiss XMC 1200 wheels.

Jeremy Benson, Joshua Hutchens, Pat Donahue