2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO Mid-Term Review!

[@thesergeant3524]

Nice review Clint! I built up a Niner RLT 9 Alloy this year, 1x12 with Rival AXS+Hope RX4 Brakes and Eagle X01 AXS derailleur. I'm actually running XT HG+ 10-51 Cassette, Chain and 44t Garbaruk chainring and this drivetrain is the smoothest shifting of any bike I have. I really debated whether or not to get the carbon version but the reality for me, at 140#, is that the tire choice/pressure determines how the bike feels. The difference came down to weight and at a $900 price difference for ~500 grams it isn't worth it to me. The difference in power required on a 10% grade climb for 500g is ~1w which is imperceivable. I had no budget constraints and still went with the aluminum. Point being, for you riders out there looking at this bike, if you want the carbon, go for it, it's an awesome bike, but don't think you're selling yourself short, or that your ride quality will suffer if you go aluminum. On modern bikes with a 45c tire at 25-28psi every bike is going to feel smooth. For me the RLT checks every single box. Rack and fender mounts, pack mounts, dropper compatible, single speed compatible, 50c clearance, excellent and stable geometry, 1x and 2x compatible, excellent price, lifetime warranty, front fork has clearance for 12mm and 15mm endcaps, direct mount frame bag and top tube bags, etc. etc. I can't find another bike that has this complete set of features. I considered a Hakka MX, Cervelo Aspero and a Santa Cruz Stigmata but ultimately saved thousands and bought an alloy RLT frame and have enjoyed every moment of it.

[@DougMerrill-nm7ve]

Hey Clint, you may already know this, but I recommend you (and anyone else with the Easton 2X cranks) check the torque on the four bolts that hold your inner 32t chainring to the spider. I learned the hard way that these Easton Cranks are somewhat notorious for these bolts loosening up. This weekend I heard a bad down when I stood on the cranks and fortunately immediately froze and stopped pedaling. My inner chainring had 'taco'd' as two of the four bolts had worked out without me noticing. The remaining two bolts were very loose, no threadlock was present on them. Fortunately, I did not damage my frame, other than a light scratch on the paint. Had I been pedaling fast, the chainring could have easily cut through the carbon fiber in the bottom bracket. When I bought my bike, it was still in the box from Niner, just about the only thing that came assembled was the bottom bracket and crankset. Perhaps the Niner build instructions tell the bike shop to retorque those four bolts, I didn't have access to those instructions so I did not. In any case, I recommend checking them!

[@DougMerrill-nm7ve]

Follow up post... Easton covered this failure under warranty and sent me a new pair of chainrings. I checked the torque on the bolts before mounting them to my bike and they were not up to the 8.5nm of torque specified by their customer service reps. Not sure why their factory doesn't seem to be able to torque to their own design specs. Hopefully this problem won't repeat itself. I really like the crankset, I'll monitor the bolts periodically to ensure they are not loosening up.

[@DougMerrill-nm7ve]

Great review. I have a 2023 4 star 2X that I've been riding since last August. I don't race it but have done many 30-40 mile gravel rides here in the Northeast. Based on my miles last fall, I made one change to the stock setup, I swapped my stock aluminum Easton bars out for a set of Lauf Smoothie carbon bars, in a slightly narrower 44cm width. It seems to have made a slight improvement in keeping my hands from tingling on the longer rides. I love this bike, it is comfortable, efficient, and confidence inspiring. Last week my wife and I rode the C&O bike path. I put my old Blackburn rack on the back and carried about 20lbs of tools, clothes and food. It rode like a champ! 62+ miles per day. To me, it was the ideal rig for this ride. We averaged 12-13mph all day long, with no problems navigating the rocky or muddy bits. Its hard to imagine ever wanting to replace this ride.

[@peterfontecchio4335]

Clint, great video. I enjoy your reviews very much. I like 2x on gravel as well. Not just the smaller jumps for the flats, but dropping to the small ring is a nice way to get in a climbing gear quickly when you hit those small but slow climbs.

[@jasongrubb3350]

Nice review. I just bought this bike in the 4star build. Crazy deal on Jenson right night! That rear derailleur… you can soften the clutch with a little adjustment screw under that rubber cap. Find a nice middle ground so you don’t have to just flip it into the “off” position for those smooth shifts.

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

Looking forward to your other Niner bike review, the RKT 9 RDO. Wonder if my butt can handle only 100mm.

[@richtoepper7102]

Agreed-waiting for that too.

[@aleksandrisaykin2680]

I bought the Niner RLT9 RDO and this is the only frame geometry that fits me in size 59 for height 193 cm and does not overlap the toe of the foot. I chose it from all the existing frames. It's the best bike I've ever had. I weigh 86-90 kg and the frame feels very stiff on the climbs, while it absorbs vibration amazingly, sometimes I think I'm more comfortable on this bike than on my mtb bike. A fantastic combination of stiffness and comfort, love it. Thank you for video :)

[@P_UA]

I am 194 cm tall, will a size 59 fit me?

[@aleksandrisaykin2680]

You can compare the geometry of your current bike with the geometry of the Niner and see if you feel comfortable with that kind of Reach and Stack. My inseam 93cm and I have use 78,5cm saddle height from bb to top of the saddle and I feel perfectly with it. All people is different.@@P_UA

[@thecappy]

Still rocking my 2016 steel RLT. Upgraded it to 2x Grx a couple years back.

[@markreams3192]

Press fit bottom brackets are a deal killer for me. I hate creaking! My current bike is a Sage Titanium Barlow with a T47 BB. I assemble this BB with Morgan Blue aqua proof paste aka the bottom bracket silencer. It’s a marine paste that doesn’t change viscosity with temp changes and will not wash out with water (like anti seize does). This stuff is great for any press fit or threaded application. It is not a bearing grease. Because the bike is titanium I pull the BB, clean an grease every six months. It shows no sign of corrosion or contamination. I could honestly go much longer. You can use it on carbon. That’s a nice bike but because of the BB, I wouldn’t consider it. Press fit BB’s are enough of a problem that even Cannondale is going back to threaded. That’s my rant on press fit BB’s!😂 I’m so triggered right now!🤣

[@jasonb2934]

Thanks for the review! Put me over the top on ordering an RLT RDO frame set (same color) that is on clearance. Carbon and alloy are basically the same price right now.

[@ClintGibbs]

Nice! You’ll really enjoy it.

[@jasonb2934]

@@ClintGibbs Does that slate gray have a green hue to it? Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

@@jasonb2934 yes, very light

[@jasonb2934]

@@ClintGibbs Thanks so much. I'm actually replacing the frame that you reviewed on 12/25/17. It's been a great frame but I can't run more than 43's and even that is really tight. Do you notice improvements since then or is a frame a frame? Cheers!

[@jayswavely6371]

I have not felt huge differences between frame materials. The biggest impact is air pressure and seatpost flex. A nice set of big tires help.

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

I have 1X GRX di2 and yes don’t like the large jumps In the stock XT cassette. Wish I had the 2 x setup . But not going worry about it now. I do have a niner stem and seatpost zero degree like yours on my Giant XTC carbon MTB . Very stiff seatpost no flex , but glad your RDO is compliant. That’s really making the difference, probably some flex in the saddle too. Not on my MTB , very stiff but solid saddle from SDG . They make some good saddles but not for road or gravel or even carbon . But they don’t crack or flex or break like other saddles I had on my MTB . Enjoy Clint 😊.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

I have a 12-30t cassette on my 11-speed 1x setup. My jumps are pretty small.

[@alrosenbaum2490]

Clint, thanks for the great review. I'm considering buying this bike in the 4 star at a local shop here in NH and my only concern is the press-fit bottom brackets. I'm 6'2"" and 220 lbs and I crank hard on my bikes to keep up with you smaller guys :). I really appreciate reliability and have had some road bikes that "creek" that bothers me. Am I overthinking this issue? I'm mostly just concerned with having to maintain it multiple times a year. Thanks in advance for your feedback! Love your reviews!

[@ClintGibbs]

It’s really not a big deal. Just plan about every six months to tap out the bottom bracket, put some grease in the shell and then press it back in. Usually it’ll start creaking and you know it’s time to do that. That happens with any pressfit BB on any bike in my experience.

[@TheRdrage]

Look into Hambini for bottom brackets. Don't let a BB standard keep you from buying any bike you want.

[@michaelmooresoutheastcta1617]

Hi Clint! Another great video as usual. I have watched it a few times now as I am considering purchasing this build but with a 1x from Jenson. Just curious about the hubs. Are they DT 350 or Zipp? Any comments about Zipp hubs? Thanks for you time and happy holidays!

[@mister_ray]

Surprised the 5 star build does not include Di2 GRX. I like the GRX clutched GRX r-der. Gives crisper shifting.

[@mancello]

I sold the alloy version of this bike because it was too stiff for me. It was a 2019 model. I got the 2020 RLT9 RDO 4-star build and agree it gives the most bang for the buck. Did wind up putting Stans carbon hoops on it later. Lightweight and very responsive bike with excellent compliance. What more could you ask for?

[@madcapper6]

There's a version of this bike at Jenson USA for $3.6k called the "GRX ZIPP JENSON EXCLUSIVE." Is it the same bike as yours? It looks to have very similar/identical specs except it's a 1x rather than the 2x on yours. Wondering if it's the same bike with just a rename and a recolor.

[@gabrielfong]

How would you compare the RDO with the Giant Revolt? Thanks. Great review!

[@notpablo8369]

Every ride carry on races/training rides please🫶

[@SVaya2018]

Great video, love the channel. How tall are you and what size frame you have? Hard to find many Niner gravel bikes in stock.

[@ClintGibbs]

I’m 5’8” and ride the 53. It fits me perfectly.

[@pulafun]

@@ClintGibbs that tilt photographic video of the bike at the beginning looked like a model bike for a second. Well your video about shimano spd multi release clips is my all time favourite, because it' has been the most useful but also the clearest one could tell the information - still actively sharing that one, thanks.

[@kevinedward-jt2vs]

UGGGH, still using PF BB

[@macy9123]

Love those gravel road / path...Location ?

[@ClintGibbs]

Alachua Florida area

[@DjDoggDad]

Niner was so much better before they got bought by huffy/united wheels. I would know having worked their factory, they couldn't even keep face in fort collins and don't have any presence here anymore on hq update.

[@povertyspec9651]

Does the color have a greenish hue which seems to be the case from the video?

[@ClintGibbs]

A very light green

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

Hey Clint, I would appreciate some advice. I have a steel frame gravel bike (Surly Midnight special). I'm 56 yo and looking for more compliance on my ride. I was wondering if caron wheels on a steel frame would make a difference with ride comfort? I have 650 B X 47 tires and aluminum bars and seat post. Thanks.

[@ClintGibbs]

Carbon rims don’t generally add more comfort. They are lighter and therefore provide better acceleration and even deceleration. They also add lateral stiffness to increase steering precision. Some carbon rims are built with compliance, with stans rims being the best I’ve used for that. Alloy wheels often mute trail chatter better than carbon.

[@rrrseajay]

Tires and tire pressure will make a larger difference than anything else.

[@OhBuoyancy]

Do you have any thoughts on this as an all-rounder bike? I need to replace my Liv Avail AR that I use for road and gravel (swap wheelsets) and these frames are pretty affordable. Would it be suitable as an endurance road bike?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, this would make a good endurance road bike. And of course you have the option of putting bigger tires and doing gravel. I’ve been testing a few gravel bikes lately and this one still is my favorite

[@OhBuoyancy]

@@ClintGibbs sweet, thanks for the reply!

[@Nicky_Pin_It]

What size you riding? I'm 5' 8.5" and stuck between the 53 or 56

[@ClintGibbs]

53. I’m the same height as you so that’s what I would recommend. Fits me very well.

[@kevinedward-jt2vs]

Niner has been in and out of bankruptcy. Seems a stranger bike to fixate on given all the other good gravel bikes out there. Is this just a sponsorship relationship resulting in an infomercial?

[@ClintGibbs]

I don’t get paid anything by Niner. I’ve just been riding their bikes for a long time and really like them. They were bought out by a conglomerate with plenty of capital. Still existing under their brand and going strong.

[@kiethpederson7558]

He looks bigger than 140