First Look: New Niner RLT 9 gravel bike and Air 9 MTB – Bike Magazine Australia

Niner have unveiled a new gravel-centric aluminum RLT 9 frame for 2018 which boasts a few modern updates in the form of flat mount brakes that replace the old post mount style, and a new lower top tube for increased standover clearance.

Other models in the line see bright new colours. The Jet 9 RDO now comes in neon green, the RIP 9 RDO is offered in aquamarine, and the Air 9 RDO glows in bright orange.

Niner’s Air 9 hydroformed aluminium hardtail mountain bike is also returning, with Boost 148mm rear axle spacing and clearance for up to 29×2.4” or 27.5×3.0” tires. Geometry also sees an update with a longer reach, shorter chainstays, steeper seat tube and a slacker headtube angle, which Niner has dubbed [R]EVOLUTION Trail Geometry. A pressfit 30 bottom bracket allows the use of a standard bottom bracket or eccentric type for single speed use, and internal dropper post cable routing allows for the use of Stealth style posts. The Air 9 now comes with a 120mm travel fork as well. 

Niner’s Star builds are now entirely SRAM 1x drivetrain equipped with NX1, GX Eagle, and X01 Eagle throughout. Suspension is shared by Fox and Rockshox with the Sir 9, Air 9 and RKT 9 now utilizing 120mm travel versions.

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