Niner completely redesigned two of their most popular bikes this summer – the RIP 9 and JET 9. Both bikes got a bump up in travel, thoroughly modern geometry, and plus tire compatibility. However, the bikes were initially launched in carbon fiber only, with starting prices of $4,500 and $4,700 for the JET and RIP, respectively. An aluminum version of the RIP 9 followed soon after the launch of the carbon bikes, and Niner is now adding an aluminum JET 9 to their line as well.
Key geometry figures include a 67.5-degree head tube angle, 434mm chainstays, and a reach of 445mm for a size large.
The JET 9 has 120mm of rear travel paired with a 130mm travel RockShox Yari fork. Boost spacing on the frame and fork allow clearance for burly 29er tires or 27.5+ tires up to 3″ wide. Niner went with a threaded BB shell (woo-hoo!) on the new bike, which greatly simplifies maintenance. The bike does not come with a dropper post, but the frame has provisions for both internal and external routing. In keeping with the times, the alloy JET has a 1×11 drivetrain courtesy of SRAM’s budget NX1 group. Many of the other components are Niner-branded, including the wheels, bars (780mm wide), stem, post, and saddle. We’ve tested a variety of Niner’s bikes and have found their house brand components to be high-quality.
For the asking price of $2,600, there’s not much to poke out. Even with the addition of a dropper post after purchase, you’d still come away with a helluva trail bike for under three grand. The aluminum bikes begin shipping this month, so be sure to visit your local Niner dealer to check them out.
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