Twelve years have passed since Niner introduced one of the world's first 29-inch long-travel mountain bikes. Now the 29-inch pioneers from Colorado are relaunching their then seminal bike. 180 millimetres at the front and 170 millimetres at the rear are intended to provide a freeride feeling in the new WFO 9 RDO.
It all started in 2009 with the large wheels on hardtails and marathon full-suspension bikes. were introduced. However, 29-inch wheels were unthinkable on enduro and freeride bikes with ample suspension. The manoeuvrability of 26-inch wheels was appreciated. The 29-inch specialists at Niner took a different approach and wanted to utilise the better rollover characteristics on fun bikes with lots of suspension travel. The WFO 9 with 140 millimetres of travel was born. What was hotly debated twelve years ago has now become the norm. 26-inch wheels have died out, 27.5-inch wheels are almost only used on small frame sizes and even downhill bikes now roll on 29-inch wheels.
Wide, Full Open.
That's what the abbreviation WFO stands for. And that's exactly what the enduro MTB is made for: full throttle downhill. In 2021, Niner is relaunching its former pioneer. With modern geometry and plenty of suspension travel. 170 millimetres at the rear and 180 millimetres at the front should equip the WFO 9 RDO for tough enduro and freeride missions. The new Niner bike should also be able to accommodate tyres with a width of up to 2.6 inches without any problems. The rear triangle, which has been specially developed for the large wheels, is strongly modelled on its twelve-year-old predecessor and should feel at home in demanding terrain. Incidentally, RDO stands for the carbon fibre used.
Thanks to the CVA rear triangle, Niner has managed to keep the chainstays very short at 435 millimetres. This should ensure a lot of playfulness and manoeuvrability. In addition, the rear triangle, which is also used on the RIP 9 RDO, is very drive-neutral when pedalling and still remains sensitive on the trail. The brace on the side of the shock is designed to increase frame stiffness to withstand even the toughest conditions.
The cable routing runs inconspicuously inside the frame. Thanks to integrated guides, however, the brake cable and shift cable housing can be pushed through the carbon frame without much effort. Practical. The rear bearings are specially sealed to protect them from dirt and dust. The Californians are convinced of their quality and durability and even give a lifetime guarantee on the frame. The frameset costs 3799 euros. The complete bike is available in five equipment variants and costs between 5000 and 10600 euros. The 5 Star version with X01 drivetrain is said to weigh 14.74 kilograms. It is not yet clear whether all versions will be available in Germany.
Geometry
With a moderate reach and 64-degree head angle, the WFO 9 RDO is designed to master the balancing act between smoothness and manoeuvrability. The rider should be positioned centrally on the bike to lower the centre of gravity. If this causes problems with ground clearance, the bottom bracket can be raised by nine millimetres via a flip chip. Thanks to the 77-degree seat angle, the rider should be able to pedal back to the summit in a sporty riding position.
Niner WFO 9 RDO - Facts at a glance:
- Suspension travel: 180 / 170 millimetres
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight (5 Star equipment): approx. 14.7 kilograms (in M)
- Frame sizes: SM, MD, LG
- Price: 4999 - 10599 Euro / frameset 3799 Euro
