Niner RLT9 RDO Review: Collaboration with JOM from Gravel Cyclist!

After doing my first look at the 2019 Niner RLT9 RDO (link below), this is my review after 1 month aboard the bike. I was fortunate to team up with JOM from www.gravelcyclist.com for this review and draw on his knowledge, as he has ridden a lot of different gravel bikes.
My first look video of this bike:
• Niner RLT9 RDO 4-Star ...
JOM's review of the RLT9 carbon and alloy:
• Niner RLT RDO Carbon v...
Follow me on Instagram: @clintg37
To support the channel: / clintg

[@mancello]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs! I had the 2019 alloy and carbon versions of this bike. I disagree that they felt the same. The alloy version was very stiff compared to the carbon. I'm over 200 lbs and noticed the alloy wasn't nearly as comfortable so I sold it. The carbon RLT9 RDO is one of my favorite bikes and gets ridden a lot. I hope JOM gets more subscribers because he has a great channel.

[@GravelCyclist]

Thanks Nick! My comparison was between the 2020 bikes that are all-new.

[@osint6372]

@@GravelCyclist You are suggesting to swap out the wheels. Can you suggest which ones you would select? I assume you are talking about carbon wheels. Correct? Thank You in advance.

[@GravelCyclist]

@@osint6372 I rode the bike with ENVE G23's and BERD Spoke / ENVE G23 rims. Those wheels are amazing upgrades, but expensive.

[@osint6372]

@@GravelCyclist Thank you...Any experience with HUNT wheels...

[@GravelCyclist]

@@osint6372 I reviewed two pairs a while ago on my website - GravelCyclist.com - Please use the search function on the website to find those. Bear in mind, I have not reviewed any of their later wheels.

[@Wojtas_G]

Both of You convinced me to Niner RLT 9 RDO...will be my gravel bike. This is sure 👍 sooner or later (better soon 😀) All the best from Europe from Poland 🇵🇱 Be healthy!

[@BluesDawgBikes]

I like the collaborative review idea. Good to see you, JOM! A possible reason for the Ultegra FD vs the GRX might be that the GRX crank has a 2.5 mm wider chainline and the FD is optimized for that . Since they went with the Easton crank, a FD with standard chainline would be in order.

[@CaptainShiny5000]

Talking about the Clutch - on GRX rear derailleurs you can adjust the friction of the Clutch mechanism. There's an adjustment screw under the plastic cover of the clutch. I did that with mine and loosening it a bit improved shifting performance significantly but still prevents chainslap.

[@ClintGibbs]

👍

[@EdwinRager]

The collab gravel needed

[@pingpongballz5998]

Two legends in the gravel community

[@ezekielfitzeldorf5901]

I think the reason for the Ultegra front derailleur is the GRX has a 2.5mm offset which works with the GRX cranks, but not the Eastons.

[@mattmacpherson1033]

My two favorite you tube gravel bike guys in one video. Very informative and real world. I am flipping between this 9 er and the specialized Diverge Comp Carbon. Would love to see a comparison some time. Both have pluses and minuses.

[@grandad1982]

My two favourite Florida based cycling youtubers. I mean your the only two I know of but still.

[@mattcardarelli]

Two great bike minds right here. Gravel bikes are so damn good for heavy urban use, jumping curbs, ripping down potholed alley ways, manhole covers.

[@TarmacSkin]

I just love my Niner... keep the good work guys. My two fave Gravel Channels! 🚴🏻‍♂️🚵🏻‍♂️

[@LiftedAdventures]

Just getting into gravel. Riding my Enduro right now when I go to the group gravel ride every week but plan on getting a gravel specific bike someday soon. I've actually been looking at this bike. Great review.

[@NCtrailX]

Great to see JOM here! Love the gravel vids!

[@monty2078]

Thx Guys, excellent video. I do run an Ultegra Di2 50/34 with a clutched rx on the back with an 11/40 on my gravel bike and, as Jon says, works perfectly

[@amanda_panda_]

Fun collab to watch! We love JOM!

[@bolonissay8953]

this is cool. great to see both of you together doing a review.

[@mortenreippuertknudsen3576]

Ultegra FD is used because of the Easton cranset! GRX cranset moves the chainline outwards with 2.5mm to get a better chainline on 135mm spaced disc brake wheels (road is 130mm) - the GRX FD are designed to wok with the +2.5 chainline only. Shimano knocked off Campagnolo H11 here, and the ignrant part of the cycling press laughed about disc specific cranksets but it does make a lot of sense. Expext next genenration Shimano DureAce & Ultegra to come up with a rim and a disc brake specific crankset.

[@antonioluismadeira]

Thank you! Very interesting point of views - very fruitful team. Obrigado, António

[@eddunne4558]

Well done gents! Keep up the great work.

[@C.Medina]

Clint, whatever camera you used here looks superb, the colors, the quality and definition etc.

[@ClintGibbs]

Yeah, it's a new camera. Canon EOS R.

[@twowheelslater7112]

Great video. Only thing that I don't get about the grx is you pay a about a 100 gram weight penalty to go to the 46 30 since it only comes in the 600 series. I live about 45 min from bull and jake mountain where the southern cross event is. You need all the low gears you can find in that area.

[@GravelCyclist]

I have suffered at least three times at Southern Cross... Winding Stair... ouch.

[@theadventurebiker]

Great discussion man. I can't stand 1X either. Cheers

[@dcweber1]

JMO what model Industry 9 alloy wheels were you referring to as a favorite? And what tire would you recommend for central Florida all-around gravel riding? Thanks, Doug.

[@kylecouture1917]

Why does a 2 star Tiagra build cost 3000. Thats insanely overpriced. Literally you could get a brand new canyon with sram force and carbon wheels for that price.

[@brianm9053]

If you can any bike with Sram Force and Carbon wheels for 3k, please send me the link!! I am buying 10.

[@quantumdecoherence1289]

It's the reason I'm never buying Niner. Wayyy overpriced. And I thought the company went bankrupt , so not much confidence in this company sticking it out for the long term and warranty.

[@frankstrobel4350]

i run a 1x11 42 chainring 9-46 cassette. i dont notice the gaps. 9 tooth helps me keep of with others on the road. and the 46 allows me to climb a wall. we got some decent hills here.

[@chrishodgson1968]

Brilliant video. Hope you both do more together.

[@michaelbailey8129]

Clint, another video with excellent content. Appreciated your take on wheelset. Runs counter to the more $$$ is always better. What would you say about using the RLT 9 RDO as an everyday bike? Is it sporty enough to keep up on a group road ride? It surely seems quick off road

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, I use the RLT 9 RDO as a commuter bike and it's great (I use a backpack). It's a bike that would do fine with road tires if you wanted to road ride. As a gravel bike, it still puts a smile on my face every time I ride it :)

[@michaelbailey8129]

Clint Gibbs thanks for the feedback. Happy trails out there 👊👊

[@dirtbike9003]

Solid info gents.

[@tubesockets120v]

How can the rlt 9 steel still have 100x15 front wheel spacing using the presumably same front carbon rdo fork as the aluminium and carbon rlt 9 which shrunk to 100x12?

[@andrzejt2101]

2x for gravel & CX bikes is Shimano 105 is better ; work ideal but not not just one day after purchase bike with shimahno 105 :)

[@robertsonfamilyfarm9126]

Hope you got to ride bikes together? Gravel bikes fun stuff , tarmac, gravel , single track and back again !

[@keithgarn9038]

Off topic. But I’m really curious on your take between the Rip vs Sentinel

[@pedrolahoz]

Thanks Clint I keep coming back to this bike, because of tire clearance, carbon frame, and niners mtb experience. I am currently loving a bsb, but due to tire size limitation I am drawn to the new rlt9rdo. I love bombing gnarly terrain and keep either pinching tubes or wrecking rims. 1. With a 50mm tire, how much space is left to the chainstays for mud clearance?? 2. How does the rlt9rdo compares with the bsb in acceleration (love how my bsb accelerates) Thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

I have not put a 50C tire on this bike so I can't really get first hand recommendation on the amount of clearance. As far as acceleration, I think you'll notice a slight difference but not much. Gravel riding typically doesn't include hard accelerations like you would find in cyclocross racing. I think you'll find the frame more comfortable.

[@mjoyce1155]

Did this RDO replace the giant advanced revolt 0? If so why did you sell the giant?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yep. I just like the Niner a bit better. But both are great bikes.

[@RadioSnivins]

9:29 TRA, not TRX.

[@jonathanharrill1795]

As always, great gravel bike review! I'm very interested in the RLT RDO 4-star in olive green and orange based upon this review and Clint's joint review on JOM's channel. However, I'm vacillating on the size... 53cm or 56cm. I'm 5'11", 31.5" inseam with a longer torso. My roadie is a Trek Domane SL9, 56cm. I've been told the RLT RDO standover is slightly higher ( 81.78 cm’s in the 56cm while the 56cm Domane is only 77.6). Perhaps I could purchase the 53cm and add a 110/120mm stem and get kinky with the saddle/seatpost. Unfortunately I'm unable to test ride as there is not a Niner distributor that carries the RLT RDO bike within 100 miles of me in Wash DC.Thoughts anyone?

[@ClintGibbs]

At your height I would go 56.

[@jonathanharrill1795]

Clint Gibbs Thanks Clint! Last question, Revolt vs RLT? I have Giant distributor locally but not Niner. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@ClintGibbs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXndqn-XndSDpNk

[@osint6372]

@@ClintGibbs would a 50 be the one to get for a 5.65-7- height? Thanks...

[@ClintGibbs]

@@osint6372 is that 5 ft 6.5 inches?

[@mannylopez6767]

I appreciate all the specific reviews on the components. But over all, did you like the Niner? Is it better than other similar bikes?

[@ClintGibbs]

It's still my favorite gravel bike to date. Not that I have near the variety of experience riding other bikes like JOM, but I really enjoy it.

[@mannylopez6767]

@@ClintGibbs I was hemming and hawing between the niner and a lauf. Thanks for your response, it was helpful.

[@ralphkeith2905]

@@mannylopez6767 I'm also debating the Niner and the Lauf. What did you end up with, and why?

[@mannylopez6767]

@@ralphkeith2905 I got the Niner, based on a compilation of reviews, the Niner philosophy of building bicycles and what I though would be the best fit for my needs.

[@ralphkeith2905]

@@mannylopez6767 Thanks!! Enjoy your new bike!

[@Ross-fo2vw]

Hey Clint !, I have a close to new Giant Trance 2 and was wondering what would be the best way to trade or sell it? It is way more bike then iv'e come to realize and seeking a hardtail for basic trails. Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

If you are in the United States I would recommend pink bike

[@nelsongsousa37]

Forget name brands plug ins front now forward

[@hansschotterradler3772]

I'm running a 1x with a 11-30 cassette and a 38t chainring on my gravel bike since all my riding is in the flats and gentle climbs. You should be able to get away with the same in Florida.