Niner RIP 9 RDO 27.5 Full Review

I've had the Niner RIP 9 RDO 27.5 in my possession for about 4 months now. This is my full review of the bike.
Here are some other videos I've made on this bike:
First Look
• Niner RIP9 27.5 First ...
Time Trial between JET 9 RDO and RIP 9 27.5
• 27.5 vs 29 Trail Bike ...
JET 9 RDO vs RIP 9 27.5 RDO on rocky trails
• Niner Jet 9 vs RIP 9 2...
Follow me on Instagram: @clintg37
To support the channel: / clintg

[@aaronhuff8013]

This is the best looking bike I have ever seen. I just ordered the 29 version and can't wait!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Was riding an XC bike (Trek XCal 9) that I kept trailing out to do more with until I finally reached its limits. So in my search for my next bike probably demoed 25 bikes over a year- 29er and 27.5. Kept coming back to the approximately 150 mm 27.5. It is just such a great all rounder. Settled on a Santa Cruz Bronson. There is simply nowhere I cannot go with it. I ride DJ parks, skateparks, gnarly singletrack, mellow singletrack, flow trails, jump lines, lift access downhill parks, urban street, XC trails- everything with it. There seems to be a push for shorter travel 29ers as the best all rounder, and while they are a good candidate, I like the extra reserve on the high end stuff that a 150 mm 27.5 gives me. I’d rather have a cushion when I’m doing stuff that, that, if I crash, it’s gonna be bad, rather than a bike that might be a little better on the tamer stuff but on the edge when it gets sketchy. And for playing on there is no comparison how much easier it is on a 27.5. A couple things you can do to make a 27.5 have a bit more of the advantages of a 29er but still have the playfulness of a 27.5. One is size up. You can now with many bikes because the seattubes and standover heights are short so you can buy based on reach. Doing this gives you a longer front center and reach and wheelbase. My XL Bronson has a 1252 mm wheelbase. So you get that added stability at speed that is one of the main pros of a 29er. So mong as the chainstays are short, the bike will still be way maneuverable. Another is going 2.6 in tires. That makes it only a 1/2 inch diameter difference (see my vid where I actually measured) from a 29er. Meaning the rollover is really close to a 29er. A 2.6 will also give better grip in loose over hard kinda like a 2.8 but is still good in the bermed corners unlike a 2.8. And, in terrain that is pretty much all rock gardens, the width of the wheels prevents them from falling in the cracks. Next time you go to Pisgah try a 2.6 DHF and 2.6 DHR. So good in the chunk. Re pedal strikes, my Bronson came with 175s. I wouldn’t say I was getting pedal strikes, but there were times I wanted to put the power down and couldn’t and they were always on my mind. I put on 170s and they make all the difference- can pedal when I want more now and am not always thinking about them. Glad to see you moving into more all mountain riding. Good luck starting Enduro. Looking forward to the vids. Personally, I’m done racing- there’s a joy now of just being in the woods and just pushing it just to push it for myself and to increase the fun and adrenaline factor. Leaving the stopwatch at home is quite liberating.

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

These 2.6 tyres or bigger no way they slooooow you down big time I had no problems with.2.2 tyres where I ride went t ol 2.4 b 2.5f like moving through.treacle no.discerenable advantage from Australia ok

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Jkjjjn

[@evanoc12345678]

would love to see you an aggressive hardtail 29 vs 27.5 test Clint , love your stuff keep it up

[@joecycle7534]

Went from 27.5 to 29ers and now back to 27.5. I just feel it's better for my riding style and I use 27.5 for XC riding as well. Lighter wheels and better acceleration.

[@loamtrailer805]

Great review Clint! I love my Niner 27.5 Rip 9! Perfect bike for my riding here in SoCal. My only gripe would be the pivot bearings need adjustment but myself weigh 200lbs and you need to check them more often then not. Just installed my Shimano Saint brakes also! Sram brakes for me are not the greatest but I learned to live with them. Glad I bought this bike in the 27.5 version after demoing both wheel sizes!

[@enriquemaya7624]

I had a Stump Jumper 29er 2 years ago then demo a 27.5 and I have not going back; pretty happy with the way the bike feels.

[@reneh.6551]

Recent renowned bike launches have been in 27.5 size only making emphasis in having max fun over top speed... 😎👍

[@lindonandlisa8114]

I think that frame is one of the most beautiful frames I've ever seen the paint job is fantastic if I was in the market for a big travel bike that'll be it

[@superawesomefuntimego]

I have been running a 29er FS for a while now and also have a 27.5 hardtail (2020 Whyte 905 with some choice upgrades) which is where I feel the more snappy nature of the smaller wheels is a bonus and is a great fit. Actually I just sold my previous 29er full suspension bike to get a 2020 Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 4 star build. So I am looking forward to getting some time on it.

[@lanceetter3999]

Hi Clint, I totally agree with everything you said about this bike...I rode it at Sedona Mountain bike festival in March and it was by far my favorite ride of the weekend. I'm a big guy at 6ft and 220 lbs so I loved that stiff frame especially those braces around the shock. No flex at all. I rode the previous version of the Sentinel at Outerbike Crested Butte in 2018 and it was my favorite there too...really can't wait to ride the new version. I have a 2018 Yeti SB5.5 29er and really would like to add a 27.5 to the steed if I could. It would be nice to have a wheel choice for wherever I'm riding 👍

[@Mr_RichardH]

Such a sweet bike. I found the rattling pads in my 4-pot XT brakes so annoying, I swapped them out for some third party pads after 3 rides.

[@jcsrst]

Love the paint!

[@FATBIKEMIKE]

27.5 just makes me smile every-time I try one!!!! All my bikes are 29er!!! Hmmmm

[@TheTennisCompany]

I own two bikes, an Intense Spider 29er and and Ibis Mojo HD3 27.5 plus. The Ibis is my go to bike for most trails and especially new trails. The bike is so fun to ride compared to a 29er . The plus tires provided added roller feature, simply the perfect bike for my needs. When we ride in Bend Oregon or in Sedona I prefer the Ibis. While it many not have the same roller ride as a 29er (but very close with plus tires) the added maneuverability is something I find so valuable in small to large rock gardens.

[@reneh.6551]

Yep... DT Swiss 1900 are awsome and extremely affordable... Love them!!! 😍🚲🌲

[@AQUPAS]

That thing looks beautiful wow

[@chriscolejr2028]

I own the 2star Rip 27.5... totally dig it for just having fun. My other bike is a Hardtail Epic (29er XC), I am mainly an XC rider. I demoed 3 full sus 29ers last year before buying the RIP. I live in E PA and my local trails have so much variety of terrain. The RIP 275 feels alive and I am having a hard time putting it away for the short XC season that might happen here. 27.5 vs 29er, the 29ers just cover ground easier/faster and the 275 just has something about it. I demoed a Spesh Camber (29er 120 travel trail bike) and that bike was a blast, maybe more fun than the RIP 275. GEO, fit and wheel size all play critical roles in fun factor. I don’t intend to sell my RIP 275, its a keeper in my book... not perfect but a keeper.

[@pepeanza6187]

I have specialized enduro 2016 both 29 and 27.5, I prefer the 29 all the time sometimes I change just for not get boring of one bike but after a couple of rides I want the 29 back

[@derektaylor2845]

After having a Scott Genius 27.5+ bike then a Yeti 5.5 because I needed a bit more suspension, then yeti sb150. I rode a buddies yeti sb140 and realized I have been fighting my two 29ers to try to get them to ride like a 27.5. I dont like 29ers and miss my old Scott. Can't wait for my sb140 to come in.

[@JJaguar333]

Clint Gibbs on a completely unrelated topic I’d like to see you do reviews on an MRP ribbon air fork, garbaruk 11-50 cassette and dvo topaz shock out of interest.

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Good review. I like shimano brakes and shifters way better than SRAM.

[@07BLUESTI]

I use to be like you until I switched Magura OMG INSANE!!!

[@jamese8508]

27.5 is great for the do-it-yourself kind of local trails here in New Jersey. The trails are just routes that local riders have made on public land, sometimes where bikes are not technically allowed. They have rocks, roots, sharp turns, and not much flow. You need quick handling to stay on the trail and stay upright. 27.5/27.5+ is the way to go.

[@AOL0321]

Sweet machine!

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

27.5 is the sweet spot for a trail bike.

[@mellissanash7517]

I have a 29er gravel bike with 2.1 tires & a Surly Karate Monkey with 27.5x3.0 tires(previous owner put 2.5 xc tires on them) & both have their merit. Gearing is different on both, but the trails I ride are similar. For long climbs, think 45 minute ones, I prefer 29er, but downhill both have their merits. It's not a fair comparison despite both being about the same diameter round, but the plus tires are way more cushy & confidence inspiring.

[@drealraj]

I think I am in love with this bike the way you described it. Cost as is?

[@zxtenn]

My 1st FS bike was a 27.5, 2018 Spectral 6.0, replaced it with a 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct carbon 90 BC. 27.5 MIGHT have been a little easier to manage on TIGHT and sharp switch backs but i agree the pedal strikes on my 29 are basically non existent , also 29 seems to climb better

[@olivert.7192]

Just bought a 27.5 last week, leaving 29er. Im not a racer so I don't care for 10 seconds faster times. I wanted something more fun, and I'm having a blast. 160/150mm travel, exactly the middle ground you talked about.

[@ClintGibbs]

Nice. What bike did you get?

[@olivert.7192]

@@ClintGibbs I got the Trek Remedy 8 :D :D

[@robtodd4726]

Great review. I’m riding a 27.5. Two questions....do you feel the industry could abandon 27.5 at some point in certain bike segments? Lastly, where was the downhill footage? That was beautiful and ripping!

[@ClintGibbs]

No, I don't think the industry will abandon 27.5. Transition just spent a lot of money revamping the scout and Ibis just came out with the mojo 4. all the footage was in Georgia. I am actually posting two separate videos of all the downhill footage that I shot in Georgia. First one will be posted Sunday morning.

[@Bohvey]

I found a 29", would love to try the 27.5" but they're pretty hard to find. I'll probably keep the 29" in the high position since I'm terrible at pedaling up the trail. I can use all of the help I can get. I get plenty of pedal strikes on the 29" frame size small too. A bit annoying when in tech/rocky sections and you're trying to pedal through it. I would love to hear your thoughts comparing the RIP 9 27.5 to the Transition Scout.

[@dj_ath]

It was a hard decision between the rip and jet. I got a 2021 Jet 9 rdo. Just waiting on shipping. I cant wait

[@ClintGibbs]

You will absolutely love the Jet. It is such a fun bike ride. Enjoy!

[@SomeGuyOnHisDreamBike]

Would be curious about why did you choose the Niner above the Giant Trance Advanced 1 or 0 27.5. Super nice review.

[@ClintGibbs]

The Niner is just a little better quality bike. And the components are better. Finally, I like working with smaller companies like Niner. I feel more valued... I've been trying to contact Giant for a year with no success.

[@rascal1234]

My enduro is still 27.5. I have mixed feelings about it, since all my other mtbs are 29ers. In practical sense, I don’t think it makes a lot of difference, since I can run bigger tires. But there are times I think it would roll over rocks better if it was a 29er. It is probably all in my head.

[@binkzera2777]

You can get shimano brake pads without the cooling fins, if you want to avoid the rattle. I don’t think the cooling pads do much for brake performance, (although I don’t have much experience) and as a small bonus, if you go finless, you save a couple of bucks.

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Cooling fins BS useless bling keep it real

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

27.5 Is more manageable how about 26inch the old fashion type

[@martinhong8670]

Nice video! Is the bike possible to use 46 offset fork? Thanks!!!

[@stewarthanna]

Clint, thanks for the reviews. I'm considering the Rip 9 29er against a Hightower 29 or Stumpjumper 29. Due to Covid and being forced to buy a bike (my old stumpy broke).....getting a demo is mission impossible for the Niner. So the question is, how low is low on the lower linkage. I accept the bash guard will do its job, but for rocky terrain, step ups etc....will it hang bad or just occasionally.

[@ClintGibbs]

It’s not any worse than other bikes I’ve ridden, to include my new Transition Sentinel. The benefit is a really stable bet yet still agile bike.

[@Nojo524]

I feel more connected with a 27.5. Like, me and the bike feels as one.

[@lukegrady5357]

Hi Clint, could you do another bike fleet video?

[@ClintGibbs]

In about 4 weeks. Got some changes coming up 🤫

[@andrewmorris7698]

So which color scheme is your favorite? Its worth mentioning because of just how beautiful both schemes are

[@ClintGibbs]

I really like them all. If I had to pick one I would pick this sand color. if I ever bought one I probably get the black one just to have something different now.

[@andrewmorris7698]

@@ClintGibbs I may be slightly bias because I own the blue/green. The different shades it transitions into in and out of the sun made up my mind, but the sand is more of a eye catcher/head turner to me. Great videos! Your reviews were the final deciding factor when I got my rkt9 and now my new bike, the rip9. Thanks for turning me onto Niner. 2 years in the sport and I already know these bikes will allow me to progress my skills without being hindered by the bike! 🚵‍♂️

[@justinwbohner]

I stick with 27.5 for most riding.

[@Grawbad]

Could you look at the components on the 2 star version of this bike and tell me whether you would feel the same about the bike and at the 4200 price tag?

[@ClintGibbs]

The two-star build is definitely a good build and would ride just fine and be durable. It just won't be quite as light.

[@lukegrady5357]

A like for me.

[@jamesmadden1477]

Any thought on comparing this to Evil the Calling 27.5?

[@ClintGibbs]

Have not had a chance to ride that bike. On paper they are similar, with the RIP having slightly more rear travel

[@73TCON]

Clint, is that a medium? I'm the same height as you and looking to pull the trigger. Thanks

[@ClintGibbs]

Yep, it's a medium... perfect fit for me

[@craigm5713]

29 . Wont ever go back to small wheels

[@drewgilker417]

27.5 forever

[@jeans8844]

What about RIP 27,5 vs RIP 29? What would be your pick?

[@ClintGibbs]

For trail riding I would pick the 27.5. for chunky Enduro style riding or racing I would pick the 29.

[@cujows1844]

Hey Clint, have you ridden any of the new giant trance 27.5 models? If so, how do they climb?

[@ClintGibbs]

It's been a few years since I've owned a Trance 27.5. Maestro makes for a good climber, but the geo is a bit dated now (unless they've updated it lately...which I haven't checked). I'm not longer working with Giant so I don't have a lot of experience w/ them lately.

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

@@ClintGibbs what does dated mean either maestro is good bad or ok giant are very good with warranty please cover your experience with tram re breakage from Australia

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Frame breakage damn that auto correct

[@cujows1844]

Clint Gibbs I think they revamped the geo on both models in 2019 when they released the 29er. Luckily I’m getting a 2019 model.

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

I don't know if you mentioned price I checked the whole range is very Expensive are they worth the money

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

U

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Niners are good value for money I was lookinging at transition MTBs they are v expensive correction added ok

[@07BLUESTI]

Is this bike better than INTENSE Bike? How much does this cost and is it full carbon?

[@ClintGibbs]

I don't have a lot of experience with Intense bikes so I can't give a direct comparison.

[@07BLUESTI]

@@ClintGibbs how much does this bike cost fully loaded?

[@07BLUESTI]

WHat is that thing on your handle bars?

[@ClintGibbs]

Garmin mount

[@williamvangorden44]

All ways 27.5.

[@JohnSmith-qv6hp]

Flip chip etc are BS always use a torque spanner give the frame a chance it works hard

[@davea.9875]

Just curious if you have any control over the ads that play at the beginning of your videos? I ask because I have recently seen several political ads that will probably offend your audience (it did me). I don’t mind ads, but i don’t think you should allow political ads on your channel.

[@ClintGibbs]

Someone else said the same thing. I have absolutely no control over them. None whatsoever.

[@RATBURL]

27.5 or nothing 🤘🏻😏

[@lawor8]

FIRST!!!!!!

[@ClintGibbs]

🏆