2018 Niner RKT 9 RDO Ride Report (Part 1) - XC Race Mountain Bike Review

Let's go for a ride on the 2018 RKT 9 RDO from Niner Bikes. Can a bike designed for XC racing be an all-around bike?
➡️Gear used in this video:
Watch: geni.us/fenix5plusti (Amazon)
Bike Computer: geni.us/edge130mtb (Amazon)
Heart Rate Monitor: geni.us/sr24 (Amazon)
/// THE GEAR ///
Favorite Wearable: geni.us/tpYB4j (Amazon)
Bike GPS: geni.us/IZULbM & geni.us/ys01orB (Amazon)
Adventure GPS: geni.us/CuUyGeJ (Amazon)
/// CONNECT & UPDATES ///
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[@OutdoorGold]

I have to give you a lot of credit! You might be the only youtuber that can talk coherently while shredding uphill! LOL Nice ride!

[@DesFit]

Ha! Thanks man!

[@morgusfly]

Ha! I was thinking the same thing. super nice reviews and great riding. my bike (in orange!) is coming next week!

[@evilbanks]

Love your reviews man. Just got a great deal on a 2017 Jet 9 RDO 27.5. which will be a good addition to my Sir 9 and RLT

[@DesFit]

Nice! Thanks and enjoy!

[@Bad888Max]

lots of sharp rocks damn you are brave

[@AlexTampa-zn9xo]

Great vid 👍

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@hansenp60]

Great review Des. Like you pointed out, I'm tearing the hell out of my pedals and I've had some close calls catching them on rocks. I've clearly noticed the lack of bite with the rear in loose, steep areas e.g. Powerline road in Bobcat. But Gods the RKT loves to fly through the valley in Lory. So freaking fast. Totally impressed that you both rode and talked through the climb up Reservoir Ridge. I died on that last month -- couldn't breath, let alone talk. I think the best ride I've had on mine is Soapstone where it really felt like a rocket. Looking forward to seeing your next review, specifically with the dropper added.

[@DesFit]

Thanks P! Funny, just rode Bobcat yesterday and again, SO many pedal clippers that are hidden behind the tall grass or brush. Glad you're enjoying the bike!

[@hansenp60]

@@DesFit Do you have advice for a dropper? Bruce has told me, from a purely safety standpoint, I shouldn't be riding without one at my age. :-) I believe him and hope Santa will come through. I had planned on talking to you Monday night but I've been sick and missed making it.

[@DesFit]

Not really TBH, I use a KS Lev Si on my bikes and they have served me well.

[@christianlopez6560]

Nice but I hope you do upload the second part of this video I’m still waiting for part two of the rip 9 RDO. Thanx

[@DesFit]

You already own one it looks like so you already know it’s rad! 😜🤟 Ya now that I got this one out of the way I can complete the final verdict on the 2018 RIP 👍

[@copacetic723]

Fantastic insight. Thank you. At the end you mentioned that you took this bike out more than the "Rip"? Do you mean Ripley? I have an LS which I love, but am wanting to get a bike that is more suited for long long days (I'm thinking of making some 50-100 milers a long term goal). I am currently researching more XC leaning bikes and was wondering. Thanks!

[@DesFit]

Not the Ripley, the Niner RIP 9 from 1.5 years ago. I’d look at something in the 90-130mm range for the distance that you’re aiming at doing. To note, the bike I chose for that range is the 2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy - video coming soon ;) Thanks!

[@mtbboy1993]

8:40 I would still get a cash guide, cus the chain nwill stay on, and the linkage will move so you might hit the chainring anyway.

[@billwilson1928]

How'd your fenix 5 plus TI do with the heart rates on trails like that?

[@DesFit]

Pretty much the same as any other wrist-based HR. (read: not great) I only use WHR for testing and the reviews. I use chest HR almost always, otherwise.

[@cyclejockey4397]

Nice review bro. You think the Niner RKT 9 RDO is XC race worthy ?

[@DesFit]

Thanks! XC racing is what this bike was designed for...I’m just shocked at how good it is for more rugged trail riding.

[@cyclejockey4397]

@@DesFit Sweet. Thanks for the fast reply. I have a hardtail now, but also wanna add a FS. This RKT9 just might be it !

[@DesFit]

It is an extremely capable rig...especially with the 120mm fork up front. The older RKTs only had 100 up front which made it a little twitchy. It’s perfect with the 120.

[@cyclejockey4397]

@@DesFit Nice. Thanks again !