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First Impression: Niner Air 9 RDOFirst Impression: Niner Air 9 RDOSubmitted by Josh Patterson on Mon, 04/30/2012 - 15:29 Inside Line - Tech Sea Otter 2012 Web Exclusives
By Josh Patterson
Niner expanded their RDO (short for Race Day Optimized) line this spring with the introduction of the Air 9 RDO.Niner used the Air 9 Carbon (read our full review here) as the foundation for building this carbon hardtail. Thecompany’s goal was the shed weight while adding a bit of compliance to the new frame (two objectives that generallygo well together).
Where the Air 9 Carbon uses Niner’s CYA bottom bracket system—an oversized bottom bracket shell with a 55mminner diameter that is compatible with press-fit, threaded, and Niner’s eccentric bottom bracket—the Air 9 RDO forgoesthis expansive range of compatibility in favor of a lighter PressFit 30 bottom bracket.
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6/24/12 4:04 PMFirst Impression: Niner Air 9 RDO | Dirt Rag Magazine
Page 2 of 4http://www.dirtragmag.com/webrag/first-impression-niner-air-9-rdo
To improve compliance, the company used smaller diameter top and downtubes. The rear brake mount was movedfrom the seatstay to the chainstay, allowing for a lighter, more forgiving carbon layup to be used on the seatstays.
One subtle revision that is sure to please mechanics is full-length cable routing through the headtube. This shouldsimplify Niner’s internal routing; I would not be surprised if Niner’s other carbon models follow suit.
Sea Otter’s mountain bike fondo was a good proving ground for this race-ready hardtail. Being a Fondo, we were nottechnically “racing," although that didn’t stop me, and a handful of like-minded participants, from turning it into acompetition—I have my Strava reputation to think of…
After twenty miles of fire road and singletrack, I feel Niner has done a good job of balancing comfort and performance.The trails around Monterey are mostly hardpack, but are full of stutter and braking bumps that quickly take their toll.The RDO’s rear end did a commendable job of muting high-speed trail chatter, and I never encountered a situation inwhich I was left wanting for stiffness. I could see this bike being an excellent choice for endurance racers who preferthe lightweight and simplicity of a 29er hardtail to a full suspension.
6/24/12 4:04 PMFirst Impression: Niner Air 9 RDO | Dirt Rag Magazine
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Erik Kvarna · University of Nevada, Reno
How are you liking that Ergon saddle? I was thinking of getting one for my bike.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · May 1 at 11:27am
Josh Patterson · Editor at Dirt Rag
Quite a bit. Look for a review in a future issue.
Reply · Like · May 1 at 11:35am
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So that was the flashy green bike in front of me all the time at the Gran Fondo! I came in right behind you onthe Yeti 575. That was a pretty fun ride!
Bela B.
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6/24/12 4:04 PMFirst Impression: Niner Air 9 RDO | Dirt Rag Magazine
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