Niner Jet 9 RDO Review - Mid-term Update

[@AndyBeal1]

As someone who will soon be switching from a budget HT to my first FS, I got chills when you described the trails in NC having a "pillowy cloud feel." 🥰 Can't wait for that feeling!

[@dj_ath]

I agree with your review. I live on the Westslope Colorado. Ive had the Jet 9 for about 2 weeks. This bike even handles massive decents in rock gardens. Im pushing this bike to its limit. Its handling everything very well. Im saving for a enduro but I dont feel like I need the enduro anytime soon.

[@wademetzler]

Thanks for this one and all your review videos Clint. Your initial reaction on the Spur has delayed my trail bike purchase (well that and the fact that Transition has not yet released the Spur) so ya like others out there, please do that comparison soon. You referenced 4-6 weeks? My trail bike choices are narrowing to Spur, Canyon Neuron, Jet 9. Again thanks for your excellent reviews!

[@carado1984]

Stay away from the Neuron. It needs an update. While it has typical trail bike geo the seat tube needs to be steeper to compete with bikes in its category and its way too long. I anticipate an update coming next year. Canyon hasn't adjusted to geo to the current trend and that bike is slotted perfectly to do so. They also raised the price of the AL 7.0 from $1699 last fall to $2499.

[@larrytate1657]

I got a Cannondale Habit a few months back. My first full sus, I like it a lot, one day I want the carbon version of it,

[@egin3]

Great review and insight as usual Clint. I’m tussling between Trail and Enduro. Live in foothills of Sierras. Videos like this give me plenty to think about! 👍

[@lukemilton8510]

Took this bike for a test ride the other day here in loamy Bellingham, WA. Really enjoyed this bike.

[@jeffbowers6148]

Clint, thanks for the videos. Always helpful. I'm thinking about a new trail bike. I have a Trek Fuel EX now (Previous gen). I'm either thinking of going with the new gen Trek Fuel or a Niner RIP or Jet 29er. Most of my riding is mid-atlantic, some rock, some hills. Love riding down hill but wanna still climb fast. Any recommendations? Your thougths on the Trek Fuel EX?

[@thomaskuhn6541]

I'm a big fan of Niner, been on a ROS 9 for the last 5 years. I'm due for a new bike and would like to stick with them, but wanted to ask if you find the reach short on this bike, 440mm on the large is 30-40mm less than bikes like the Spur, Ripley and Ranger. You must really notice it when you jump on the Spur which is quite a bit longer. Do you think Niner will go longer and slacker (within reason) when they next update the Jet?

[@ClintGibbs]

You do notice it but it's not a big deal. It makes the front wheel easier to loft and get over things. That being said I do think the next version will be updated with slacker geo. All bikes go in that direction.

[@benoitmurray85]

Me too! Can't wait for you to compare it to the Transition!

[@zxtenn]

Something tells me you LIKE that bike!! I am heading to Uwharrie National forest later Today, never been there but more challenging trails from what i can see and under 1 hour away, hopefully it wont be too much.

[@dj_ath]

Have fun I hope you enjoy the new trail

[@orriechaffin2850]

What’s your handlebar sweep degree? I’m newish to biking riding a trek stache HT. I’ve been getting some pain in my thumb. Inner part of the second joint. Any suggestions?

[@burkebair]

I’m so torn on a new bike. The Jet 9 is on the list to demo. I had a great ride on my 2001 26er Ellsworth Truth this morning. I question why I need a new one. Riding a Fezzari La Sal Tuesday and Wednesday. I wanted to try the Delano Peak, but Fezzari doesn’t have one set up for demo. Thanks for the mid-term review.

[@TheNationalTrails]

Made a comment about keeping the RKT and selling the Jet. Got to say after seeing you ride the steeps here in this video, it looks like you've got the rhythm and flow just right on the Jet! Thinking it's wise to keep RKT and the Jet after seeing this video. Didn't realize the Spur has "flex-stay" pivots. In my experience, I haven't rode a shock-tune yet that actively maintains traction on very technical climbs. Comparing the tune to a standard 4-bar horst-link system. Leads me to assume that real pivots create a rhythm and that the rhythm carries into your cadence and style of riding. That and I hope Niner releases a 165x45 trunnion mount upper rocker link upgrade path for you. A couple notes on rethinking this suggestion... I've ridden a Scott Spark Ultimate and it couldn't keep up with the technical singletrack in AZ. I ride tough terrain and for whatever reason the rear tire simply couldn't hold traction. This is probably the best flex-pivot bike on the market with a seriously hefty price-tag and build spec. Admittedly, it's extremely technical terrain, but I ride this terrain at slow speeds for a few beneficial reasons... The other thought is your comment about the Giant Trance Advance Pro feeling flexy vs the Jet. I think this comes down to the strange rear shock offset found on Maestro suspension. No one comments about it, but it's about 10-15mm offset toward the non-driveside. This is kind of similar to the Specialized Stumpjumper if you think about. To be honest, I have a very tough time finding a true balance point with an offset rear shock. It appears to angle-deflect off trail obstacles in a strange manner and it's ever so slightly. Yet, enough to keep the rider from truly grasping the utmost confidence from their ride. In contrast, a bike with a shock mounted perfectly in the center of the frame, I might suggest tends to feel solid and precise: potentially allowing the rider to load up more power and effectively deliver more power. Anyway, lots to say there. Just seems like a couple valid reasons to taxi that Jet to the next big-mountain adventure. Enjoy!

[@ClintGibbs]

Great post! Thank you.

[@guicao]

hi clint...would u recommend this bike over a RKT for a ultramarathon race like cape epic or any other multi stage race? cheers!

[@ClintGibbs]

Tough call. It would really depend on how rough the terrain is. You're definitely going to be fresher physically but the RKT9 has great pedaling efficiency. Not that the jet mount is any slouch. I haven't done a lot of research on ultra endurance racing but I would think if the terrain is smoother the RKT9 would be the ticket. If the terrain is rougher than this bike with a light weight wheel set.

[@guicao]

@@ClintGibbs tks man...i apreciate...happy hollidays ✌🔥👊

[@larrytate1657]

Have you ever tried a rocky moutain full sus bike? If so what do you think of the brand generally? My local shop has one in stock. Thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

I almost bought one several years ago but it was on back order and I canceled it. Everything that I can see about them says they're good bikes.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

They do have some of the best looking carbon frames

[@296capthook]

Great vids and content. I'm a weekend warrior and have been on a Cannondale HT for the last 12 years. Decided to give myself an early Xmas gift and purchase a FS bike. Narrowing my choice to either a Niner Jet or Fezz Delano. You are on a 4-star Jet. What's your opinion of the 2-star build? 4-star is wayyyy above my experience level and the price point of the 2-star is more palatable. Thoughts, Clint? Anyone else?

[@ClintGibbs]

2 star is still a great build. You could always upgrade to carbon wheels later.

[@jimmylai9174]

Man at that price why not get a ripley deore build?

[@jimjigga]

Hi Clint, what was the reason you opted for this bike over the next giant trance advance?

[@ClintGibbs]

One, I no longer have my connection with Giant, which I may explain in one of my patreon videos. Also, I just like this bike better. It's a stiffer frame and more playful and rides better.

[@quintstubb12]

Great video, can't wait until mine comes in later this month! Looking forward to the compare to the Transition Spur. Do you think the Jet 9 climbs as great as the Spur?

[@ClintGibbs]

On paper I would give the nod to the Spur because it is 3 lb lighter. But I'll know for sure when I do my next trip.

[@toddshafer9869]

What trail were you riding? That flow section looks great. You mention Stone Mountain.

[@ClintGibbs]

Probably Rocky Ridge

[@toddshafer9869]

Rocky Ridge is a great trail. Wish it was longer though.

[@DM-hw4cr]

I like the Kashima with the blue paint.

[@whitetrashblackops4998]

Short travel bikes FTW! Great review!

[@conman1395]

CLINT! I hope you get a demo on the new Trance X!

[@JJ_MTB_15]

I’m wondering if they’re going to redesign the Jet/Rkt for 2021, both frame designs haven’t changed much.

[@johnvmtb5440]

I have my niner jet 9 rdo for 6 months and it can handle pretty good on turns, downhill, rocky sections. only thing its a bit heavier on the climbs.

[@fklisanti]

Nice review clint

[@fklisanti]

I got the blaze yellow jet 9 Getting it dialed in and starting to dig it alot

[@NJL-bw6wp]

Great video Clint. Have you gone away from Giant now? Any reason as I remember you was an avid Giant user

[@ClintGibbs]

No more Giant bikes. I may make a video about it in more detail for my Patreons, as I don’t want it out there publicly. But bottom line is they completely stopped responding to me. Not sure why. But I love working with Niner and Transition. Super solid companies and very responsive.

[@patrickmckellips5960]

Clint, reading between the lines. The Jet 9 seems to offer more a special ride character then the Giant Trance Advanced 29?

[@arsenioalejo3314]

Wow! Clint your the reason why the trance adv 29 2 is my first choice. Hmmmm you got me thinking

[@boballard6040]

Great review and I’ve experienced the same since receiving my Jet 9 in June. Same color scheme and drivetrain! Loving it! My only issue is trying to contact Niner the past two months and they are absolutely unresponsive. No callback or email replies.

[@Abravenewfear]

175 cranks always make me feel that the seat height is not adjusted right. 170 perfect!

[@derektaylor2845]

I just dont see the need for an enduro bike unless I'm riding Big Mountain Enduro. If your decents aren't over 5 minutes and you don't have lift access 50% of the time an enduro bike is way overkill.

[@ImMikoFreako]

A bit weird to compare xc bike to enduro. Especially riding on mellow, smooth trail.

[@ClintGibbs]

The JET 9 used to be an XC bike. Niner have evolved it into a trail bike. The RKT9 is their XC bike now.

[@ImMikoFreako]

@@ClintGibbs i understand that but is it possible that bike with 67 head angle and short travel suspention can be as good in descends as enduro bike? We all know it climbs better. I just hope Your reviews are honest because most often we make our purchase decisions based on yt videos and reviews we find on internet. Its hard these days to find unbiased videos, every one wants to make money from yt.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@ImMikoFreako it's not as good on rough descents but it's not that far off. like I said the video, I was really surprised at how capable this bike was on the descents. A lot comes into play to make that happen... Geometry, cockpit, tires, wheels. It's way way better than a cross-country bike would be in those situations.

[@larrytate1657]

Is a Cannondale Habit 6 more of a trail or enduro? 140 mm travel I believe. Im new to the sport but love it and bike every day it doesn’t rain which is only 3 to 4 days a week sadly.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@larrytate1657 It is a trail bike

[@mister_ray]

At least two thirds time riding is spent climbing. So crazy not to be on a lighter bike that climbs well.

[@thomasmiddlebrooks5169]

Enduro bikes are overkill most of the time. Trail bikes are the most versatile.