First ride on Niner's new gravel e-bike (Niner RTL e9 RDO)

[@sydandmacky]

Niner's YAWYD bottle cap stem cap: bit.ly/3ijhB2c

[@wayoutofbounds]

Hey, guys…Great video! Because of this review, I just placed my order for my own Niner RLT E9 RDO! I’m a former cycling enthusiast who is getting back into riding. Plus, aside from my lack of fitness, I’m turning 50 in a few months. As you’ve said, e-bikes offer a way to get back into riding and enjoy it again…despite the physical limitations age and time away from riding have put on me. I’ve been enjoying watching your experiences with e-bikes and you’ve definitely helped get me excited for riding again…I can’t wait for my Niner E9 to arrive! Thanks again, keep up the great work with the videos and good luck with your racing careers. You’ve definitely got a new subscriber in me!

[@sydandmacky]

Great to hear! You're gonna love the RLT e9!

[@vilavg3657]

How’s the bike been for you?

[@Smithmatthew9]

You guys do so much for New Mexico Pride. Always love that you represent the state so well. Northern New Mexico is simply amazing and so are you guys!

[@jonathandefoy6376]

I do not how much of New Mexico I actually need to know for me to say I love the state... considering I am an Eagle Scout, I have to say that Philmont Scout Ranch is one of my favorite places in the world.

[@JasonPNeal-gw7bn]

I’m glad you two are so open about the stigmas about ebikes. Thanks for letting more know about how it can be a training tool and such. Thanks for the content, you guys are great inspirations for young (and us older now) riders.

[@JClark2600]

Im a min into the video and can't believe you guys could score ANY e-bike on a sponsorship (for free). It took 1 month to get my Shimano part replaced, only to find out they sent the wrong one and another week for that. EVERTHING is on back order especially anything that has to do with e-bikes or sub-systems that support them because people in cities can't take the subway or bus to work anymore, and parking is nonexistent in places like SF or NYC. You two are truly blessed by the bike gods.

[@sydandmacky]

Niner has been very cool to work with!

[@profesam8457]

You have become marvelous ambassadors for e-bikes. It’s great to see Syd riding and smiling. Great video, guys!

[@dougwedel9484]

Sounds like a good winter bike.

[@Combat556]

I’ve been riding a Specialized Turbo Levo mountain bike for 2 years, and with a limit of 20 mph, not nearly as desirable for any street use. Saw one of these gravel bikes at a shop in San Diego yesterday, and now, after watching you both ride the Niner, I gotta get one. Thanks 😊

[@derekalbertson1311]

Another great video. Wishing you all the best! Keep 'em coming. Such nice folks.

[@yetigrande]

I love that you guys have embraced ebikes! I wish more people [the "purists"] would as well and see the practicality, usefulness, and pure fun they bring into cycling. One of the big points you made (and I had made on a previous ebike vid of yours) is a recovery ride. It's nice to be able to do that when your legs are cooked or you've had a long day at work and you still want to get out. Also for commuting! I know I would commute via bike more if I had an e-gravel/road bike. Thanks for letting us know how you attach you bottle caps too! You guys are awesome ambassadors for ebikes, can you talk to my state legislature lol.

[@boostenmkiv]

Nice to see Syd riding in a video again, hope you're healing up well!

[@scottconner9580]

Super psyched to see Syd on a long ride! Super cool video.. You guys have me longing for an e-bike...🤯

[@sydandmacky]

They're ridiculously fun! And anyone who says they're too easy and you can't get a workout isn't trying hard enough -- you can go just as hard and you get to go FASTER!

[@chestontang3616]

YAWYD = You are what you drink. Love that stem cap I save caps from various trips and switch it out on my bike to commemorate a trip. Also love the idea of an ebike for gravel/commuting. Maybe someday when I have a commute again I'll have to snag one.

[@sydandmacky]

Ah, THAT'S what it stands for!

[@TheSimong69]

what a cool vlog, love the paintwork on the bikes. take care guys xxx

[@brentstark578]

Big fan of gravel bikes myself. Pretty much all my riding is in NE/SD/IA though, and gravel bikes just rule here. When I really want to get people riled up, I put on the 650b wheelset with 2.1 inch tires and just go wherever I darn well please :)

[@wasabisdaddy]

Sandy Descent sounds like Dusty Betty's cousin

[@sydandmacky]

😂

[@tl2913]

Nice ride... digging the Gravel-X!

[@philipjohnson8444]

I am currently trying to save up the money for an ebike. Just wish they were a little more accessible for people on a shoestring budget.

[@sydandmacky]

Yeah, definitely pricey!

[@mikieson]

good stuff guys..nothing wrong with some Ebike fun!!

[@jonathandefoy6376]

Hey Syd and Macky I am very much new to mountain biking. I have been riding for a year with my new hardtail but have ridden normal bikes my entire life. What got me into mountain biking is the wilderness aspect of it. I love the outdoors. I wanted to know if you had other outdoor hobbies especially considering mountain biking is your profession? Have you summited Wheeler Peak in New Mexico?

[@sydandmacky]

At this point we primarily ride. But in highschool I (Macky) skied every weekend in the winter and Syd ran in highschool. I also whitewater kayaked for a bit. And we both ride dirt bikes...

[@KOSOVOisSERBIA222]

I found this bike now for 3200$ should I buy now it 2024?

[@razmtb5028]

Awesome guys!

[@jonathandefoy6376]

How are you Syd hope your recovering well!

[@watsonthedog264]

We carry these things at the shop I work at and good god they rip

[@freerangemtb]

I'm intrigued by gravel bikes. I like the idea of ebikes as well. I don't understand the animosity people have about them. I'd give them a try.

[@sydandmacky]

So much fun! Definitely recommend!

[@marysullivan1588]

That would be a great bike to have !

[@sydandmacky]

It's so much fun!

[@Mclovinthedank]

These would be really cool for bike packing. But the 50k battery range makes recharging seem like more of a hassle, than a luxury to me.

[@cgriggsiv]

And if you two want a challenge or something different how about taking the tires that you have on that road bike niner or something similar to that that matter put in some aero bars on your mountain bike full suspension and use your full suspension mountain bike as a road bike and on the dirt of course

[@GeekonaBike]

What's the Goathead situation up Taos way? In Nothern Arizona the severe drought has helped mitigate our goathead crop this year.

[@sydandmacky]

Almost none up here, but that's fairly normal for us...

[@suemajor2241]

I broke my leg about 6 weeks ago & I’m dying to get back to mtb BUT-because my injury was really bad, I’m thinking 3 wheel e bike or a regular e bike. Can’t afford a fall & catch myself with this leg. The 3 wheel e bikes are quite expensive. Any ideas?

[@rsville5481]

If it’s fun , I’m for it.

[@BoiseDiesel]

I thought Macky was going to plaid shift when he engaged the Turbo Mode. :)

[@arturod.1144]

Hi there, looks like a fun bike to ride. I know it will be difficult to gauge but would you be able to estimate the how long that battery will last in that terrain you rode?

[@sydandmacky]

Niner says 50k but I (Macky) did a 30 mile (50k) ride and still had 2 of 5 bars of battery left!

[@ryanjcampbell]

4:59 Yikes! Nice save!

[@LOLL1234567890123456]

What are those racks? They look very integrated, but I can't seem to find them on niner's website

[@sydandmacky]

They're special ones that will be available soon!

[@AGKRex]

So as a big guy who rides I'm 100% reluctant to even try a road bike. I think the riding position is just not made for dudes like me. Any ideas/thoughts?

[@sydandmacky]

It's worth trying just to see how fun it is on pavement and dirt/gravel roads. The efficiency compared to a MTB is pretty crazy! You can easily flip the stem over and put more spacers under it which will make the position a bit less aggressive as you get used to it. It's also fun having so many different hand positions compared to a MTB...

[@AGKRex]

@@sydandmacky I'll have to take one for a spin after the snow goes.

[@cgriggsiv]

I actually met the Father the son and I think it was either his daughter or it was his wife I'm not positive in that one I only seen the young lady for her split second as she was going into the trailer And where did I see them at I seen them and talk to them at East rim phase one at the Cuyahoga valley in Ohio Very nice people

[@brucemacneil]

On the website it says the motor is "28 MPH" - does that mean you get support to 28mph? 42KPH?? That is a lot of help.

[@sydandmacky]

Correct. The motor will provide pedal assist up to 28mph but any faster and it stops helping.

[@brucemacneil]

@@sydandmacky Interesting - I thought the limit for a class 1 e-pedal assist in North America was 32 KPH.

[@sydandmacky]

These are class 3 (pedal assist only, no throttle, but up to 28mph, 45kph, instead of 32kph). I admit the classes don't make much sense to me because it seems like class 2 should be the higher limit and 3 should be throttle assist, but guess that's the way it is 🤷‍♂️

[@brucemacneil]

@@sydandmacky yes. Class 3 makes sense. Very nice bike and great video.

[@DaveGme]

Have you guys ridden the high desert trail system in Gallup?

[@sydandmacky]

We've heard there's great stuff in Gallup but haven't made it down there yet!

[@DaveGme]

@@sydandmacky great stuff might be a bit over-the-top for Gallup. I've been working here a few years and have ridden a bit of it. It's pretty popular, though.

[@slappdaddy8]

I now it's an option - but, I do not understand why gravel bikes do not have dropper posts out-of-the-box!

[@KevinMcAfee]

Put a dropper on it and I literally think I could replace my car with this

[@bastelwastel766]

for my Stressed Shoulder (Tossy) in mount a suspension Stem * on my Gravel *Great*

[@jrldude8719]

Macky- I got a flat. Syd- see ya later!! LOL.

[@jamesd7786]

Anyone else get nervous when Macky is riding downhill with his hands away from the brakes?!

[@sydandmacky]

😁

[@nissemeys4766]

So when's the full sus e gravel bike coming😂

[@Justmyopinionlol]

I notice 99% of people using drop bars 1. do not ride on paved roads 2. do not even use drop position as a result of not riding on paved roads.

[@dgreensotr]

What tire pressure do you run with those tires?

[@sydandmacky]

I was running 45 front, 50 rear but feel like I could have gone down at least 5psi -M

[@joshevans3452]

@@sydandmacky Seemed like you went down a whole lot more than 5 psi on the rear... Too soon?

[@Jylq_]

Do you run into rattle snakes on your rides?

[@sydandmacky]

For some reason we don't see many up here 🤷‍♂️

[@Onecogmike]

You are What You Drink

[@kiznile123]

YAWYD you are what you drink

[@sydandmacky]

Lol now I get it. Thanks!

[@kiznile123]

@@sydandmacky fellow niner rider so I had to look it up 🤣

[@paulw575]

It's odd that they'd ship gravel bikes to you with those tires. They look like they are designed for hard packed dirt, rather than loose gravel.

[@sydandmacky]

Yeah, I think they were trying to balance good rolling on pavement with a bit of traction. I'm not sure most people ride them on the stuff we do 😁

[@chipandpete]

Oh Niner! I'm sorry, but that frame is Fugly!!!

[@StevenPendleton]

I would never pay the kind of money that your talking about for an E Bike that can verily handle gravel! An E bike for the average person out has to be an all round bike. Not a bike that literally knock your kidneys out if end up off of gravel.

[@princesekyere9679]

I don't get it I thought it was suppose to be peddle free, why are they peddling when it's suppose to be an e bike it's suppose to do that for u

[@sydandmacky]

What you're talking about is a Class 2 (or throttle assist) e-bike. These are class 3 e-bikes (pedal assist up to 28mph).

[@tomerttb]

Looks like a terrible ride, shaky hard to control, would prefer an XC hardtail for this terrain.

[@leroygt1]

E-bikes are like cheating! Sorry folks, I'm old school ;-).

[@bojansaksida3625]

Love your videos..but for me gravel bikes are so stupid...it's better to put skinnier tyres on a xc bike...a gravel bike is faster than a xc bike only on tarmac...but for tarmac is a road bike...so nonsense...sorry guys

[@waynejanik9668]

Thank you for sharing. Great video as always. Enjoy the views of New Mexico. I agree with Bojan. Or at lease add a front shock to help keep Syd's eyeballs in her head. Keep up the great work and videos. Sorry not liking the gravel bike.

[@sydandmacky]

To each their own. Personally, I feel like gravel bikes are perfect for rides that are primarily dirt roads and pavement. While you *can* ride a road bike for those kind of rides, gravel bikes are much more stable on the dirt. And XC bikes work but aren't as fun on the pavement. Definitely not the right bike for some people, but we love them!

[@bojansaksida3625]

@@sydandmacky don't you think that the gravel bike on gravel "which it's supposed to be for" is unstable and almost dangerous ?

[@sydandmacky]

@Bojan Saksida I think they actually feel pretty good on gravel roads as long as they aren't the super steep, sketchy ones we were riding 😁

[@bojansaksida3625]

@@sydandmacky still worse than an xc bike and not faster...so no point