Niner AIR9 RDO 4-Star Shimano XT Bike - 2020

Niner’s purest expression of light, stiff Race Day Optimized carbon fiber rules the racecourse. This efficient yet compliant frame makes the most of carbon’s unique properties to give you the best ride, no matter if you’re gunning for a podium or cruising local singletrack. The new AIR 9 RDO is our expression of the classic twenty-niner carbon hardtail. We've learned so much since the early days and applied that knowledge of geometry and materials to meet the ever-changing demands and riding styles of the modern mountain biker. The result? Our best race and high performance hardtail to date. The AIR 9 RDO embodies all the versatility, durability and performance you've come to expect from Niner. This frame's identity is refreshed with a bold design aesthetic. Continuing the lineage that began with RKT 9 RDO, the strong, overbuilt shapes that define the front triangle are made for stiffness and pedaling efficiency. But to keep the ride smooth, sleek tubes along the length of the cockpit and seatstays are slender and subtly curved. Topping it off, a 27.2mm seatpost offers rearward flex to take the edge of bumps in the trail. If ultralight simplicity, clean appearance (and a hard workout) are your jam, set up your AIR 9 RDO as a singlespeed. This frame is compatible with our BioCentric 30 bottom bracket system. You can set up your bike with a single cog and chainring, then tension the chain easily with our patented eccentric BB insert. We’ve been purist mountain bikers from the early days of 29-inch wheels and this frame has been one of our most popular for just this reason. The PF30 bottom bracket shell gives us plenty of options with regard to drivetrain, no matter your preference. And if you run a geared drivetrain, internal cable routing is super sano and easy to maintain. Even better, this frame is ready for the future with ports to use Di2 electronic shifters. Carbon fiber is common, but care, quality and attention to detail are not. Niner RDO carbon fiber is a cut above. We start with the best grades of raw carbon layered precisely according to the stress points on the frame structure. In construction, our process employs rigid internal molds and results in tighter, more consistent compaction of the carbon fabric. The result? Increased precision in wall thickness and reduced resin pooling in the final product. We can build more elaborate structures with better ride tuning, increased strength, outstanding durability, and less weight.