Yes, Vinny, there is a Santa Claus. 150mm of rear wheel travel in a lightweight carbon frame? Yes! The 2018 RIP 9 RDO trail bike has 439mm chainstays and slacker head tube angles than the previous generation. With a Boost 148mm frame standard, 150mm of rear wheel Niner CVA travel, ISCG 05 tabs, new [R]Evolution geometry that handles both 29" and 27.5" Plus wheels and tires, as well as the full-on RDO carbon treatment, the RIP 9 RDO is fully capable of tearing through the gnarliest trails without sacrificing climbing function, nimble handling or bike control. Not only have Niner's engineers created the long travel trail bike riders have been writing letters to Santa about, they have also broadened their minds, and thus the appeal, with single frame build options for 29 or 27.5+ wheels.

Boost standards have been crucial to advances in long travel frame development, and for the RIP 9 RDO the opportunity to add tire clearance (29" to 2.5", 27.5+ to 3"), shorten the chainstays and add frame stiffness from the 12/148mm rear dropout and new bottom bracket junction. Combined with the bump from 125mm to 150mm of rear wheel travel (from the RIP 9 Carbon), the overall combination delivers a much more capable design. By changing the front end to accommodate a longer front-center position with a shorter stem and wider handlebar, and moving to a 29er geometry optimized for a 160mm fork delivered a 67° headtube angle (170mm 66.5° with 27.5+). Now the design is much more capable on technical descents, with back-end flickability and front-end handling confidence and agility to allow you to carry more speed with less rider input through technical corners, even with larger wheels.

The RDO-level carbon frames from Niner gets extra material for strength where needed, without adding much weight. The premium quality carbon materials and advanced Niner CCS process uses rigid internal molds, which increases the level of compaction and precision in wall thickness. This reduces resin build-up from the compaction process and the end result is a frame that is internally clean and clear of excess material, and much greater control over the construction itself. The light, stiff frame features the 12/148mm Boost rear drop out, with a replaceable derailleur hanger and increased lateral stiffness from the bottom bracket to the rear axle, resulting in better power transfer. The wider bottom bracket junction and the tapered headtube also benefit greatly from CCS, creating a frame that exhibits much improved torsional stiffness.

Niner's patented 29er specific suspension design is called CVA, for Constantly Varying Arc travel and has been optimized for this 150mm RIP 9 RDO. 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. This essentially isolates the drivetrain from the suspension, maintaining pedaling efficiency throughout the travel range, and basically eliminating the snap-back that can occur with many suspension designs as the suspension unloads. Sag setting is crucial, because just past sag, the axle path moves inward, with a constantly varying arc, limiting chain growth throughout the travel range. The active suspension is handled by a CVA-specially tuned Fox Factory Float X EVOL shock. The Kashima Coat keeps action smooth and clean, while the manual lever allows the rider to change effective platform as needed. Niner makes all it's own excellent hardware, and the super stiff linkage is made from high pressure molded carbon. Enduro Max Black Oxide sealed bearings handle the action. The assembly delivers premium travel, but also combines with the stiffness of the front and rear triangles to deliver massive torsion resistance, which makes the bike respond immediately to rider input, whether under pedaling load or when blitzing into a hot corner where every millimeter of bike control is crucial.

How are you going to build your RIP 9 RDO? The ISCG 05 mount gives you chain guide options you'd expect on a trail bike. Drivetrains are limited to 1x options only, with 168mm q-factor, Boost specific (+3mm) cranksets or crank/chainring set-ups, with up to a 36t chainring. The internal routing system of the front triangle works great with mechanical or electronic drivetrains, and comes with all the fitments you need to make it happen. Internal or external dropper posts are accounted for, as well as storing a Di2 battery inside the frame should Santa have brought you a sack full of cash with your frame.

We are wholly impressed with what Niner has brought forth with the RIP 9 RDO and we expect many riders will be as well. You get an exceptional, aggressive trail-ready 150mm travel frameset that offers you personal preference on wheel and tire sizes without compromising on the true capabilities of the frame. Prefer 27.5+ 3" wide wheels and a 170mm travel fork? Go right ahead. Love the 29er experience on the trail and want to keep your bike light and agile at 160mm front travel, and can't live without a 2.5" tire? Great. Build it that way. The effective overall diameter of the 29 and 27.5+ options is pretty similar, but the greater volume and tire width option of the 27.5+ will appeal to many.

Niner's sizing tip if in between sizes: size down. Need more help than that, or want to discuss a build kit? Give us a call at (800)627-6664 and one of experienced staff of cyclists can talk you through the options and process. We believe the RIP 9 RDO is one the lightest, most capable trail bikes on the market, and Niner's build quality and attention the small details stand out from the crowd, just as you prefer to as well. Either lead the group or ride alone, on the rugged, technical trails of your daydreams with the RIP 9 RDO.