Hot on the heels of the new carbon fiber RIP, Niner is releasing a more affordable aluminum version. The metal bike shares all the same features of its fibrous brother–150mm of rear travel, Boost spacing, 29 or 27+ compatibility, threaded bottom bracket, and internal or external dropper post routing–as well as identical geometry. With 29″ wheels and a 160mm fork, the head tube angle sits at a slack 67 degrees. Niner recommends a 170mm fork when using plus wheels, which further slackens the head tube by half a degree. The longer fork on the plus build also lengthens the wheelbase slightly compared to the 29″ build.
Niner is offering the aluminum RIP with their 2-Star SLX build. Suspension duties are handled by a RockShox Lyrik RC fork and a Monarch Plus RC3 shock. The drivetrain is Shimano’s new 11-speed SLX group paired with a RaceFace Aeffect crankset. Brakes are SLX as well. RaceFace’s Aeffect line also gets the nod for the bar and stem with a 35mm clamp diameter, a nice touch to see at this price point. A KS Dropzone R post gets the Niner-branded saddle out of the way.
On the 29″ build, Niner uses their own wheels wrapped in Maxxis rubber–a Minion DHR II Wide Trail front with an Ardent in the rear. The plus build uses a Stan’s wheelset consisting of their Neo hubs and Baron S1 rims. Details of the wheels are not listed on Stan’s website, so they may be an OE-only option. Tires on the plus build are a Maxxis Rekon+ front and an Ikon+ rear. Both tires are 2.8″ wide.
Prices for the new aluminum RIP are $3,500 for the 29er and $3,800 for the plus. The bikes will begin shipping to Niner dealers in September.
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