Niner RIP e9 Review | 2021 eMTB Shootout

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Күн бұрын

We first got our Niner RIP e9 eMTB last year and spent a decent amount of time riding it side by side with its bigger hitting sibling, the Niner WFO e9 for a Dissected Feature we filmed several months back. The WFO and RIP e9 both share some similarities in terms of battery size, frame aesthetics, a powerful Bosch CX motor and plush suspension that make them great for plowing rough trails. Both bikes made the trip down to St. George, Utah for our 2021 eMTB Shootout and got put through the paces with the rest of the pack.
The beefy battery cover shed rock strikes, truck shuttles, and general beatings for months, which is more than we can say for some of the other bikes. We would like it to be a little easier to remove for battery charges out of the bike, but it is still way better than some bikes on the market. While we are confident the current suspension spec will make it ride even better, it still rode very well and really offers a magic carpet feel over rough and bumpy terrain. Overall, the RIP e9 is a solidly built bike with a great motor and suspension that will serve riders well. With a few changes and some money spent to lighten up the bike, we think it could be a real solid contender for more performance seeking eMTBers, but as it sits right now, it’s ready to ride and will make lots of people happy as they cover miles and miles of trail.
The RIP e9 is a 150mm travel frame built around a Horst link 4-bar suspension system, which is a departure from their CVA suspension platform found on their analog bikes. The all-aluminum frame wraps around the rear shock to provide a longer stroke and more progressive travel path. A Bosch CX motor delivers the power with 85Nm of torque with a large and luxurious 625Wh battery for long missions. We have to mention the elephant in the room… that big hump on the top tube was designed to incorporate Fox Live Valve technology, which can be integrated into the Bosch system. We cannot imagine a very high percentage of Niner RIP e9 owners are actually using Live Wire so the large detraction from the frame’s aesthetic for such a small accessory wasn’t worth the visual cost in our opinion.
The balanced geometry and impressively good tune on the rear shock give the rider a very neutral feeling descents ranging from rolling singletrack to rough, off camber rocks. Even with the beastly weight, the RIP e9 is a fun bike to move around. If you are regularly bunny hopping downed trees, looking to jib and jump off the smallest features on the side of the trail, it will require a bit more effort than some bikes in the Shootout, but it can be done. We would say this bike and its bigger brother, the WFO, excel on the ground and when riding over rough, bumpy terrain. If you are a longer distance rider who wants to sit down and grind miles comfortably and explore the wilderness, this is a great option.
Check out the full review here:
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Пікірлер: 15

@scottwhite3016 Жыл бұрын

I love my Rip E9. I did change out the damper to a Charger 3 and added Debonair + both with Buttercups as well as a little longer stem and carbon Fatbars. The bike crushes. Super planted and stable but still flies well and is super smooth. I am a big guy at 245 and have never had issues with the Guide RE breaks either and at 6'2" the dropper is plenty long for me. Most of the guys I ride with have Levo's and in riding them I just dont feel the same stability which I think is due to the Fox 36 compared to the Zeb. Just my $.02. Oh, and as I am sitting here with 4 broken ribs from a crash I still have not scratched the top tube.

@jap7856 3 жыл бұрын

I like the fact that Niner used the RS Zeb, but don't understand why they went with the FOX rear shock. I think it's always best to match the fork & shock brand.

@TheLoamWolf 3 жыл бұрын

It is interesting, althought they're not the only brand to mix things up.

@mleukus 3 жыл бұрын

i am 5'11" and can only get my hands on a medium - but the specs look ok compared to my specialized. large - will the medium be too small for me? ANy thoughts

@TheLoamWolf 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the medium is probably ok as long as you don't need to have a super long bike. it would probably make it more fun and playful and much better on the tight stuff. If your reach numbers on the Spec are similar, then you may be ok.

@NickyNicest 3 жыл бұрын

Idk I’d wait for a large probably. I am a smidge under 6 ft and test road a a large today and it was perfect. I also test road a medium turbo levo and definitely felt small on me.

@rideon777 3 жыл бұрын

I wish you had at least one short guy in your crew. Your always saying things like 475 reach or large frame or you might want to size up or 150 dropper is too short. I'm 5' 7" and its hard to relate sometimes.

@TheLoamWolf 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Brad, Thanks and we understand. Sadly if we did have a shorter rider it would be tough for a guy who prefers a medium to feel uncomfortable or not ride to his fullest because of the bike being the wrong size... And most brands don't want to send us 2 bikes. BUT, maybe what we can do better is mention the size/height of our testers to establish where we're at as a baseline. Thanks for the input.