Niner RKT 9 RDO Long Term Review

Here is my longterm review of the updated Niner RKT9 RDO. I opted for the one with a 120mm fork and explain why in this review.
First look video of the new RKT9:
• 2023 Niner RKT9 RDO F...
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[@jimmymoffitt5977]

You’re right about XC bikes being the best bike for most places. I resisted getting one for a long time thinking I was too heavy, finally got an ibis exie and I never grab my bigger bike anymore. The new geometry xc bikes are so much more capable and fun than I thought they would be. The speed is addicting

[@sadiejones7991]

I was the same way and I just got the DV9 which isn't pure XC but it's close, It's what I needed for my very rough XC trails. Make sure you check out the history of Ibis, it is interesting.

[@edlorenz1552]

Clint. So proud of you. Racing Ray in the front! That tire has never let me down. Best front tire ever made for XC.

[@richtoepper7102]

Thanks as always for your reviews. I also enjoyed the bike packing videos,. I am still on the old RKT frame but just added the 120 SC fork set up same as 100 fork, the ride seemed stiff as well . I will play with pressure and settings and maybe it will break in over time, this bike still puts a smile on my face. My other MTB bike is a fattie, fun too but vastly different. more pick up truck like for sure and you feel the weight on the climbs as well as the tire drag, but what a great tool in the snow! That is why i bought it.

[@shanefrechette613]

Thanks for the review, I own two niner bikes I did frame up builds on AIR9 and RLT9 love both these budget bikes, I have a Santa Cruz tallboy 1 that I have put over 5k miles on and never needed anything more for full suspension. I ride my hard tail AIR9 nine from home to trail setup 2x Shimano XT 28/38 with 11-42 this is perfect for my style riding in Southern California area Santiago Oaks, Whiting ranch, Crystal cove, Laguna and wood canyon.

[@BruceChastain]

I just got a Niner SIR 9 with the 4 star built, I'm loving it. I did cut the bar down from 800 to 750 which I'm happy with now.

[@mister_ray]

My Trek Supercaliber XC bike fits two water bottles. I run the Schwalbe Racing Ray and Ralph. Great tires. I like having one lever on the bars to lockout rear and front suspension.

[@frankstrobel4350]

I have the same tire setup on my xc bike . Really like them. I have them in 2.35

[@derekmattice3077]

Glad to see Niner checked with you about stem length to spec for a medium frame, we’ve seen how you deduct from a bike just because changing a stem seems to be difficult.

[@ClintGibbs]

I should’ve explained in more detail but it’s not as easy as slapping a shorter stem on an older bike. Newer bikes today are designed with a longer reach, a longertop tube. That allows for a shorter stem, which really improves the handling. Putting a short stem on an older bike with less reach is going to make the bike feel too compact.

[@derekmattice3077]

@@ClintGibbs I had no idea that is how modern geometry works, your ideas are intriguing to me and I’d like to subscribe to your newsletter.

[@jonzylka9474]

Great review as usual Clint… Always love watching your content. Wondering if you could give me a couple of pointers on a few things. I’m 42 years old and have been riding flat pedals on my cross-country bikes since I learned how to ride a bike… I recently tried clipless pedals and I don’t know if it’s just not being able to teach a dog new tricks or something I really just need to invest in. I have a nice set of XT SPD, pedals and good quality shoes. My first time out I barely enjoyed myself because I was so focused on riding cautiously so I didn’t kill myself. Came home put my flat pedals back on, went out the next day and I felt right back at home. I’ve heard from others that it can take a little while to get adjusted to, but I just don’t know at this point in my life if it’s worth the investment. Especially when I want to focus my time on training for different events. What are your thoughts? Also, is that a holder for a power meter you have on your bar?

[@ClintGibbs]

That is a Garmin out front mount for my edge 840. I wouldn’t give up on clipless pedals yet. I would try the Shimano multi release cleats. If you’ve not heard about them, I will link an old video that I made that is still relevant today. Using these cleats will help you not worry about falling over and help you do enjoy the ride and get the benefits of clipless pedals. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHuldp6BgJqfn7ssi=pVE4u4jhPdWbwXjK

[@jonzylka9474]

@@ClintGibbs O..M..G… just watched the video and you may have just changed my life.. lol 😅. In all seriousness, this is why I love watching your content. Your always so helpful and responsive to your viewers. Thanks Clint! Im assuming the multi release will work with the XT pedals I have?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, they will work perfectly with those pedals. Glad I could help!

[@TheRickysee]

Could you post the weight with those tires and pedals please?

[@netposerx]

What's odd is my Commencal ebike has had all sorts of issue during the past 2 years but nothing Commencal manufactured. My Fox fork, dropper and shock had to be warrantied and all were the high end Factory versions. And the Shimano EP8 battery and connector were warrantied also. So all the components... LOL

[@Viktor-mp9ne]

Clint, thanks a lot for another great review. Just love your reviews style. Where do you buy Niner these days? Its so hard to find it these days. Even in Colorado, they used to be in a few bikeshops but none now

[@ClintGibbs]

I have a relationship with Niner that I’ve had for years and purchase bikes directly from them. I may check in with them to see if I can work something out for people like you. That’s weird. I know they have a dealer locator on their website.

[@Viktor-mp9ne]

Thanks. Im not looking to purchase yet but highly appreciate you be open to help. I just love Niner and would for sure consider RKT 9 as my next bike so thats why I was wondering

[@spork1125]

Wonder what the change in ownership will mean for the quality of the brand going forward. I think they have fully moved operations out of Colorado which is not a great start.

[@marksandoval5361]

Now that most new XC bikes are coming with more modern geometry, I think that they can be good recreational trailbikes also. For the non-racer, I would only recommend XC bikes that have a 120mm fork. I ride a 110/120mm travel Epic Evo with Specialized 700x47 Pathfinder Pro Gravel tires and I'm really enjoying it. Use this bike for pavement, gravel, and green to blue trails. I often do rides that have a mix of all those surfaces. It's just as fast as a Gravelbike on pavement and gravel but still very capable on singletrack. Have you ever tried Gravel tires on your XC bike?

[@ClintGibbs]

Have not put gravel tires on a cross-country bike yet

[@marksandoval5361]

@@ClintGibbs Could be an interesting video. Compare your Gravelbike to your full-sus XC bike using the same Gravel tires. In my opinion, a full-sus XC bike with Gravel tires is more fun to ride than a Gravelbike.

[@scottwilliams2325]

Any thoughts to a future project comparing your Niner to a gravel bike.

[@ClintGibbs]

The closest thing I have is where I compare the gravel bike to a hard tail. It was a whole series I did a few years ago. If you search KZbin for “Hardtail vs gravel bike Clint Gibbs” you’ll see quite a few videos. Hope this helps.

[@harizavdic4893]

What about a hardtail for XC riding and even racing for flatland areas like Texas. Do you think 27mm wide rims is ok XC or 30mm. Seems like xc is moving towards wider rims.

[@ClintGibbs]

I’ve had several hardtails over the years and still faster on full suspension. I’ll link a video below that I did a few years ago. That being said I do have a project coming up where I’m building a soft tail. Should be interesting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWiXgWyvnqeKqbcsi=3NQUsR5y4n4_aR8i

[@JasonScottCarter]

New Cannondale Scalpel has two bottle cages. 120/120. In stock at Epic over in Tallahassee. I bought large a few weeks ago. It's awesome. Great for Florida trails. Hopefully Niner will survive. I always liked their bikes having previously owned a RLT when I first moved to Florida.

[@maciejg.8653]

Hey. you are repeating it's a potential for a XC - do you believe you could do a recreational 25-30 miles ride on it? By the way - do you recall what changed in this model since 2021?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, this bike is good for short hard rides or long easier rides and anything in between. It’s a great all-around bike for cross-country. I went over the changes in one of my first videos of the bike but mainly it’s slicker angles and longer travel and I believe this one is UDH compatible.

[@MrBig617]

By today's standards, a full suspension xc bike that only fits 1 bottle is rare. I think that Niner is only one that just holds a single

[@BruceChastain]

I only care about XC bikes, not interested in trail/DH or whatever.