Niner Jet 9: New geometry for the trail bike from Colorado
9 things you should know in advance:
- Suspension travel: 130/ 120 mm
- Tyre clearance up to 29 x 2.6"
- Flip chip for geometry adjustment
- Proven CVA rear suspension system
- four frame sizes: SM-XL
- Price: five models from 4299 euros to 9999 euros
- Frameset available, price: 3299 Euro
- Lifetime warranty
- available from the end of May
Niner Jet 9 RDO: Geometry update and flip chip
Niner Bikes are back from Colorado with an update to the Jet 9 RDO for 2021. The XS frame size has been removed from the range, and from now on the trail bike will be available in four frame sizes from SM to XL. The 29-inch forge has retained some proven details, the two years ago, for the first time in the company's history, a 27.5-inch mountain bike has presented, but remains faithful. The frame retains its 120 millimetres of rear travel. The floating rear suspension system (Niner calls it CVA), in which the closed rear frame triangle rotates around a virtual pivot point via two rocker arms, is also used on the new Jet 9 RDO. The rear triangle has proven itself over the years thanks to its sensitive and drive-neutral operation and is now fitted to many Niner models, including the RIP 9 and the recently introduced WFO 9. In the complete bikes, Niner Bikes continues to rely on a 130 mm fork with 34 mm stanchions.
And what's new about the geometry? Probably the biggest change is the built-in flip chip. This allows the geometry to be changed in just a few simple steps. There are two positions, high and low. Depending on the position of the insert, parameters such as the chainstay length and the bottom bracket drop can be adjusted by a few millimetres. The steering and seat angle also change by half a degree. Compared to the old model, the new frame has undergone a trend-conscious development. In the MD frame size in the high setting, the frame has a reach of a whopping 450 millimetres. In comparison, the previous model had a reach of 421 mm. A shorter seat tube leaves room for manoeuvre when choosing the frame size, especially for smaller riders. This also gives Niner the option of installing dropper seat posts with more travel. Thanks to a slightly shorter chainstay of 430 millimetres, playful riding behaviour should not be neglected. For more effective climbing and more pressure on the front, Niner has given the frame a two-degree steeper seat angle (76 degrees). The head angle is half a degree slacker compared to the old Jet 9.
Models, prices & weight
The new Jet 9 RDO is available both as a frameset and as a complete bike. You can choose between two colours in advance, green or silver. Niner uses a star system for the model hierarchy. There are five models, but only two of them are expected to be available in Europe. It starts with two stars with the Sram SX Eagle package at 4299 euros. The other models:
- 3 stars: Sram GX Eagle
- 4 stars: Shimano XT
- 5 stars: Sram X01 Eagle
- 5 stars LTD: Sram X01 Eagle AXS
Only the 3-star and 4-star variants will be available in Europe. In Colorado, the Jet 9 RDO relies 100 per cent on Fox suspension. The Fox 34 is used in combination with the Fox Float X shock. From three stars upwards, the Jet 9 complete bikes roll on DT Swiss wheels. The weight of the most expensive model is around 10.5 kilos. The frameset is available for 3299 euros - also in Europe.
