The RIP 9 Carbon is a perfect example of how the Niner's 29er specific mission and engineering have come together to dominate trail riding, and we have built this versatile steed with an M8000 XT 1x11 drivetrain and XTR 9020 Trail Brakes from Shimano. Full suspension 29er bikes have proven themselves to be excellent options for short and mid-range travel applications and longer travel versions have proven to carry the pedigree forward. Niner has been dedicated to fully developing 29er designs for these applications from day one. With 125mm of rear travel, the Rip 9 balances out perfectly with the Rock Shox Pike RCT3 Solo Air 140mm fork for excellent Enduro-level capability. The plush, five full inches of travel from the frame can be set up for a firmer or softer experience. In our experience, 125mm of rear travel on a 29er feels as capable as 140mm of travel on a 26 inch wheel, but riding styles and preferences determine your experience. The full suspension design of Niner has unlocked and expanded the potential of 29er long travel, and this complete package is perfect way to explore without boundaries.

Niner's patented 29er specific suspension design is call CVA, for Constantly Varying Arc travel. The lower pivot sits under the bottom bracket, creating an instant center location in front of the BB. A dual linkage system then reacts with counter force to suspension load. CVA works exceptionally well, and takes full advantage of the 29er platform. Travel is smooth and efficient, driven by a CVA specific Rock Shox Monarch RT air shock. The simple, efficient Monarch RT is a high volume shock with plenty of compression adjustment. The Fast Black piston coating keeps the shock gliding effortlessly. Niner makes all it's own excellent anodized hardware, and the linkage is made from high pressure molded carbon.

Ah carbon. Yes, this bike is built with the Rip 9 Carbon frameset, and the sleek carbon front triangle is stiff and light; designed for easy stand-over clearance. The massive, shaped head tube junction and bottom bracket ensure torsional rigidity. Niner's goal with this frameset was to deliver the lighter, better riding, and more effective front triangle to more riders, and the trade-off for higher costs overall was carrying over the aluminum alloy rear triangle from the previous version of the RIP 9. The aluminum version is laterally stiff and super strong, mating very effectively with the carbon linkage to provide a consistent feel from the front to the rear. The 142/12 rear dropout system is locked in with the included 12mm Maxle from Rock Shox.

The Rip 9 features a slick, removable ISCG 05 tab mount for chain guides, though we haven't found one necessary with the 1x11 XT drivetrain. We upgraded to the XTR M9020 Trail Disc Brakes for their amazing feel, power and modulation, especially with the IceTech XT 180/160 6-bolt rotors. The geometry is trail specific, with the 140mm Pike RCT3 with 15mm Maxle Lite a perfect choice for aggressive trail riding. In our experience the RIP 9 is stable, and much whippier than expected. The 45cm chainstays and lower, forward center of gravity of the CVA suspension really deliver a rider position that is balanced for technical riding. The Easton Haven cockpit we have selected for the RIP 9 Carbon suits the short stem/wide cockpit the frame was built around. A Haven Lo-rise 20mm, 740mm wide bar and Niner RDO 90mm stem get the job done. We have spec'ed an aluminum Haven seatpost, because in our experience dropper posts are a personal choice and many riders look to transfer an existing post when possible. The NoTubes Arch EX Wheelset is light enough to be noticeable, with the Arch rims providing the stiffness and strength the bike requires. Outfitted with Maxxis Ardent tires, this set-up is ready to rock.

The Excel Sports built Rip 9 Carbon XT bike delivers amazing value, a great ride quality, proven suspension, and considerable set-up flexibility. If you are looking for a feature-laden enduro capable trail bike that pedals and climbs technical trails with ease, and can shred the descents you earned, the RIP 9 Carbon is the place to start. Give one of our experienced cyclists a call if you need to discuss your build options or have any questions.

Details

• Exceptional 1x11 29er trail/Enduro bike with 125mm rear travel, 140mm front
• Niner RIP 9 Carbon/aluminum frameset with Monarch RT shock, CVA suspension
• Rock Shox Pike RCT3 Solo Air Fork, 140mm, 3 position tunable adjustment
• Shimano XT drivetrain: 175mm crankset w/ 32T ring, 11-42 cassette, BB, Chain
• XTR M9020 Trail Hydraulic Disc Brakes with excellent power and modulation.
• XT IceTech Disc Rotors 180mm front, 160mm rear
• Easton Haven 740mm Alloy Lo-rise bar, 30.9 alloy seatpost, Niner RDO 90mm stem
• Fizik Gobi M3 Saddle, Ergon GE-1 Grips, CaneCreek 40/44 headset and spacers
• NoTubes ZTR Arch EX Wheelset: 15mm front, 142/12mm rear, 3.30 6-bolt disc hubs
• Maxxis Ardent EXO tires, 2.4" front, 2.25" rear, tubeless ready (tubes installed)
• Color: Black/Niner Green
• Expertly assembled and shipped with care by Excel Sports, Boulder, CO