Niner RKT 9 RDO Full Review

I've done a few interim reviews of the Niner RKT 9 RDO. This video is my complete stand-alone review of this bike.

[@doeboy319]

I usually don't comment but I must say you make some great high quality videos. Thank you for your time spent on making them I truly enjoy every new video released

[@ShelbyPowell]

One Peace25 I agree! That shot of him being followed on the trail was especially great! 😆

[@keeb226]

Hi Clint, very much enjoying your thorough and quality videos. I also bought the RKT but built it from the frame up after demoing it at my local trails (South Florida). Love the bike and agree with your review on how the bike rides and handles. Hope to see a future video on servicing the Fox Step Cast fork. Thanks

[@SobanBhatti]

Excellent review! Very complete and appreciate the rider perspective. I just bought a Trek Top Fuel with SC fork and all the new tech you talked about (boost 148/shorter chainstay) to replace my Giant Anthem 26er and can't wait to share the same findings. I wish Giant can get on with refreshing their line with updated geometry 29ers.

[@michaelutley]

As usual, great video Clint. I ended up returning the rkt and exchanged it for the ripley og. It was equally if not faster, much stiffer, and so much more capable. I'm a lot bigger than you so that could have played a role.

[@kevinbetters]

I'd love to see you review the new Pivot Mach 429SL ... with a side by side comparison to the RKT9!

[@jdaniel1274]

Nice review, Sir. I have demoe'd (sp) on Niner Demo tour. It is a great bike quick and nimble. I have the Niner Jet RDO now previous version, when it was considered Niner cross country bike it does well. Still looking for a good excuse to upgrade.

[@MarzNet256]

Hey Clint. I've had great results using Boesheild T-9 as a cable lube. You can just rotate bike on stand and put a few drops into ends of housing and let gravity pull it through.

[@Kuttermaxxx]

Thanks for the great series of videos on the RKT 9 RDO. I also purchased one last fall during the late season sales and have really enjoyed it so far. I noticed now that Niner changed all their build kits for 2017 to include a 120mm rather than a 100mm front fork. Word is that most of the Niner employees have preferred a 120mm on this bike and this, at least in part, prompted the change. It would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on this and even do some sort of comparison. Thanks for the great content!

[@ClintGibbs]

+Kuttermaxxx yeah I found that pretty interesting too. Giant did the same thing for the 2017 anthem. Either these guys are really pushing the envelope with the trend or that's the way things are headed. I think a 120 Fork on that bike could be really good because it's going to make it less Twitchy and more fun on downhills. But adding a pound to the bike? Not sure. Perhaps in the near future I'll try to get my hands on a 34 120 fork and see how it goes.

[@Kuttermaxxx]

I have a RS-1 120mm on my first gen Jet 9 RDO and may have to switch it over to my RKT 9 RDO and see how it goes. I don't have the StepCast on my RKT, but rather the regular 100mm Fox Float with FIT4, so I should have too much of a weight penalty making the switch. The only issue then is the wheel build. I've got ENVE AM's on the Jet and Niner's OEM carbon rims on the RKT, so I'd have to run the Niner rim out back and then ENVE up front due to the custom hub/RS-1 combo.

[@JoeCaridi]

Thanks Clint. I'm headed down to Santos tomorrow to demo this bike. This really helped.

[@ClintGibbs]

+Joe Caridi cool. Let me know how you like it.

[@JoeCaridi]

Clint Gibbs I loved the RKT compared to my trek hardtail. I stayed in the saddle the entire ride, powered up short climbs and cruised over roots and rocks. I hated getting back on my HT after. It's definitely on the list.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

With Jag cables, try a light chain lube like Pro Gold or just run them dry....... I also learned the hard way that grease is a no-go, but with Pro Gold the inner cables are ice slick.

[@robwasnj]

As always a great review, Niners have always intrigued me but I just missed the last demo here. Looks like a bike for a very specific person and I have to wonder if a bike like that would even suit a heavier rider since it's so minimalistic. Once in awhile I trade bikes with my buddy who has a very light carbon fiber Anthem 29er and WOW does that thing go with less effort but at the same time I feel like it's sketchy and I could easily crash compared to my bike which feels so much plusher (and heavier). I do have one question, I noticed you speaking about locking out or changing the suspension setting depending on if you're going downhill or pedaling. I simply cant' remember to change mine nor do i have a handlebar switch so I always leave it in full open and just adjust my air pressure according to the terrain. How much effort would you estimate is wasted by just setting it and forgetting it? One of my bikes uses DW Link the other is Maestro, they both seem quite efficient pedaling but when I jump on a hardtail it's the feeling of instant power. Not sure if it's an illusion of power or suspension actually eats up your power. I once did the same trail on a hardtail and then on my full suspension and while I felt like I was going slower on the full suspension the time said otherwise and I was actually quite a bit faster on a full suss 29er. Thanks again for the video, I look forward to them and seeing some of that trail footage has me exciting to be riding down there in a couple weeks. Yesterday we hit 60 degrees here so I did a long ride and it was a blast!

[@Hawlkeye-e9p]

you know, i have ridden quite a few bikes. from slacked out dh rigs to ultralight racing road bikes. i can say with confidence that there is a sweet spot right around 67.5 on a 29er on a low laying frame with just enough bb height, wheel base and you're cockpit position that puts you in a place that just says. ahhhhh

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Clint, Have you thought of starting and monthly ride with Subs at either Gainsville or Ocala? I am out of Green Cove Springs and have always thought that riding with people above your skill level will bring you out of your shell and want to push more. Just a thought, great video!

[@Cruzanracer]

I own one of these and race it and absolutely love it but I'm curious how different (better?) the new Jet is.

[@jimpanzer07]

solid review!

[@daves.5359]

Clint,I also have a new bike with the 110mm front hub spacing and 29" Valors. Love them and purchased on your rec. However, I've never been quite sure that I'm benefitting as the Valor's, ordered specifically for said bike, use those end caps which may add the additional 10mm without dishing out the valor spokes any more than a regular 100mm axle width. Can you confirm this to be / not to be the case?

[@jonienglish3231]

Hi Clint @3.75 , bolted to the lower Shock what is that Red Anodized Bracket Bracing the Frame between the Crankset and shock ??? I picked up a 2019 Orange RKT does not have this Red Brace ??

[@zylkaj82]

Hey clint, not really bike related, but what rack was that, that you had on your car. Was it a hitch style rack? P.S. Always love your videos!!

[@ClintGibbs]

+jon zylka Yakima Two Timer kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKK0c5Kkeb-noJY

[@jongill2120]

Hey Clint, Love your videos! I am looking at buying a Rkt9 rdo and was just curious how you think it would hold up to a few seasons of use? Do carbon full suspension niners hold up well long term? This would be my first niner. Thanks, Jon

[@ClintGibbs]

+Jon Gill I would have no concern about long-term durability assuming you're not using it beyond its intended use, like hucks and big drops.

[@jongill2120]

Clint Gibbs thanks for the reply. I am on the Michigan/Indiana border, so not too much crazy terrain. I was never one for hucking and big drops anyways.

[@55shf125]

Could you post a link to bars, please?

[@jimjigga]

Great vid Clint, Do you still own your trail bike? Is this xc bike the reason to sell the RLT 9 steel? I was looking into getting cc but decided to modify my trek road bike for dirt and gravel. it's fine, and fun but Up here in Long Island, I enjoy trailing and try to do as much of it in my leisure time. What is your opinion of cannondale's dyad rt2 shock? I have Trigger 3 and am very happy with it and it's versatility. It has 85/140 travel on the fly, kind of like a lockout but not fully. Take care

[@ClintGibbs]

+Jim Jigga I currently do not have my trail bike since I saw that when I was building a house the last year. Yes, I will be purchasing a new one with the funds from selling the rlt. I have not tried the Cannondale DYAD shock but I know others who have. It works really well. My only concern is the proprietary design and maintenance. Highly doubt it something you could ever work on yourself so that's something to consider.

[@todde7560]

Clint, Have you had any clearance issues with this frame set? Not necessarily in Florida but more in the mountains riding rocky sections. I'm asking because of how the chain stays link up below the main triangle. Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

BNone with This bike but I have had pedal strikes on the trance.

[@YYZprez]

Hi Clint. Loooooong time follower. I just bought the 2021 RKT 9. Seems the geometry has not changed at all since 2018 with the introduction of the 120 fork. Do you still find this bike modern / relevant?

[@ClintGibbs]

I do. And your timing is impeccable because this weekend I'm making a video titled "Are cross country bike still relevant?" Spoiler, I love riding XC and I love riding this bike still. I do think we're going to see a change in that bike next year. For my local trails it's still my bike of choice.

[@snookymae9713]

Hi Clint. I built my Niner RKT medium from the frame up. I would say it is a five star build. I am having one problem that I am hoping you can help me with. I spec'd in Maxxis Ardent Race 2.35's in the front and Ikon 2.2's in the rear. They are not working well for me, especially cornering. I noticed in your video, you talk about Schwalbe Rocket Ron's. Are you running 2.35 in the front and 2.25 in the rear? For myself, I think the 2.35 is too much for me. Your input is appreciated. Btw, Florida too....

[@ClintGibbs]

I’m now running Vitoria Mezcal tires and they work really well. I think I had 2.25 Rocket Ron’s both front and rear.

[@ruaimneaz1278]

octopus cycle is good?

[@ryanrives3900]

I have a Trek Fuel EX 5 2017 that I am going to use for XC and down hill. I got 2 pieces of velcro and put it on the chainstay so that the chain wouldn't scratch the frame( it was to late and I noticed scratches on it today from the chain)do you think that I should wrap the whole chainstay like you did or put velcro where it hits. Also what do you recommend for + size tires, should I get Maxxis or some other brand tires, I might convert to tubeless next month.(I am going to do races on my bike)

[@ClintGibbs]

+Ryan Rives 2.2 is a good tire size. I would recommend wrapping the whole chainstay like I did with an inner tube. If you think it's too ugly then get a Lizard Skin brand chainstay protector. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2ixpoB_r7KnjpY

[@maciejg.8653]

Hey a bit too late - but do you recall if: if you ride in a medium-locked setting at the back - and you do a significant drop - is there a chance of damaging the locking system?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, I would not do any significant bumps or drops with a bike locked out. I have heard that that can damage the system.

[@ronaldgouwenberg7901]

Hi Clint, i bought myself a niner rkt rdo frame . What is the right fork fore my Frame? You have the 120 mm 44 offset making a 70 degrees headangle and 91mm trail. I’m concidering a 130 mm fox 51 Offset 84mm trail becouse It mach closeley to my cannondale scalpel si geometry witch i like a lot. (69.5 degrees headangle.) What do you recomend? Ronald. .

[@ClintGibbs]

Honestly I would call Niner and get the recommendation. I'm sure their employees have tried all different offsets and travel. I think they could give you a pretty good recommendation.

[@angeldustfather]

Hi, Clint. Do you think it's okay to have an overkill bike? I now have a 120mm travel XC HT and I have main techniques nailed - I can do pretty high American bunnyhops, wheelie well over 100m, do endo turns and etc. I'm planning on getting a YT Capra next month. I'm not very good at jumps, but I will start doing them once I get the bike. Do you think it's okay to have an overkill bike and grow into it as time passes? Thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

+Henris Ivaskevicius I do think people can buy too much bike and it actually hinders their skills and Agility. But you don't have to have jumping skills to have a good solid trail bike with longer travel. As long as you're spending time on your cross-country bike too I think that having a bike that you can grow into and find out where the limits are can be a really good thing.

[@angeldustfather]

Clint Gibbs Thanks for your response. I actually tried my friend's enduro bike and, in my opinion, everything was much more fun than on my XC HT. Jumping was much easier, even the commute to the trails was more fun. It's crazy how easy modern long travel bikes are to pedal.

[@tyrich88]

Hey Clint, been following your channel specifically because of your reviews of this bike. Have you ridden any of the Specialized Epics? If so how do you feel they compare to this one? I have an Epic Expert World Cup and am looking to sell it and get a new bike this season. This Niner is on my list so i thought i would ask your opinion on the RKT vs the epic.

[@ClintGibbs]

+Tyler Richardson the geometry on the Epic World Cup is almost identical to the Niner rkt 9. I owned an aluminum epic several years ago and really liked it. I think the main difference is going to come down to the deal you can get and your relationship with the bike shop. Also the shock on the Epic will be a bit different. In fact the brain shock may be the deciding factor. Some people like it some don't. I don't mind it but I don't like proprietary equipment.

[@tyrich88]

I race for the shop, so the deal is pretty much the same and pretty good on the niner or the epic. I hadn't paid that close of attention to the geo numbers for the most part. Sounds like my decision will come down to what the new Epic they release is like this year. I don't mind the brain shock, but think i might like something a little different as i've been on various Epic's for the last 4-5 years.

[@ClintGibbs]

You won't be disappointed with the rkt. Both Niner and specialized are pretty pricey compared to a few others but they are definitely good bikes! If you get one let me know how you like it.

[@tyrich88]

Will do! The RKT is looking like the better option currently, as the frame is $3k vs the Epic at $4k. And the new epic redesign will probably be that much or maybe more. So I may be saving a thousand dollars to get the Niner depending on how I like it if I get to demo it.

[@ClintGibbs]

$4k... That's crazy. My aluminum Epic I bought as a frame only. It's too bad specialized doesn't offer lower priced frame options.

[@puhgeh]

Hi Clint, I wish you could take a moment to answer my question. What size of the frame you're using in your RKT 9 RDO? I'm not good at numbers and geometry of bikes. I'm just relying on the size as to small, medium, large, and so on - indicated on the Niner website. Given that, what size are you using? I'm interested because we're pretty much the same height. Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

+Axel Trajano it's a medium and I'm just under 5 feet 9 inches tall.

[@puhgeh]

Clint Gibbs Thank you!

[@andrewnicholas7410]

Axel Trajano its good to think about body proportions and personal preference too. I'm only 3 inches taller than him, and I ride a bike 2 sizes larger than him. Don't take other people's sizing advice as gospel. He seems to prefer bikes on the smaller size for his height. Just an observation. If at all possible, it would be good for you to try a couple sizes. Not necessarily of the same bike, but just to understand what sizes fit you better.

[@antti-kallelansman8826]

Still haven't got oval chainring! Have you tried it at a bike you're familiar with?

[@ClintGibbs]

+Antti-Kalle Länsman still haven't tried one unless you count Biopace back in the late 80s.

[@antti-kallelansman8826]

Please give it a shot! You seem be as analytical as me, so I'd like to hear your opinion. For me it seemed to help in many ways. Much more comfy riding for me at least

[@jessarellanes6648]

That's really nice

[@kylefeldhaus]

how many years should you keep a bike so it doesn't lose much value?

[@ClintGibbs]

+turbowolf I would say about 2-3 years. But bikes drop in value even faster than cars when you buy them new so keep that in mind.

[@EJSANIRAF]

what is the size of the frame?

[@ClintGibbs]

Medium

[@kodiward7730]

If that's was 27.5 would you bought new rims or not?

[@ClintGibbs]

+killboy 633 if you're asking if I would have used Stan's Valor wheels on a 27.5 the answer is absolutely yes. It's what I had on my anthem.

[@scottwilson1895]

brilliant thanks

[@hfedrums123]

how do you like this compared to your giant anthem. was the anthem 29??

[@ClintGibbs]

+Al domin The Anthem was 27.5. It was a tad more playful and agile but I feel like one most courses the 29er will be a tad faster. But it's close!

[@hfedrums123]

Clint Gibbs thanks.I'm looking at buying a different xc bike I have a 2014 scalpel 3.it's fast for sure.the pivot mach 4 27.5 felt just as fast just debating if buying the 2015 almunim anthem 3 will be worth the money to buy and upgrade as I want something fast and nimble any thoughts great looking rkt by the way

[@ClintGibbs]

Actually really like the way the Giants is making the newer Anthems for a little bit more versatility with a longer fork.

[@ericcontreras8863]

how long is the stem?

[@ClintGibbs]

+eric contreras 90

[@jonienglish3231]

Again @5.15 the Red Anodized Brace

[@yaronmtb8848]

👍📹 beutiful bike