The 2021 Niner Jet 9 RDO Is One of the Best Trail Bikes Right Now | TESTED | Bicycling

In a space with a lot of tough competition, the new Jet 9 RDO holds its own. This is a bike that climbs well, rails downhills better than you’d suspect, and has the balanced handling and ride matters that are well suited for its purpose as an all-purpose mid-travel trail bike. Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips has all the details on Niner's long-running trail bike.
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0:00 - Intro
0:35 - 29er Roots
1:11 - New Styling
1:42 - Suspension
2:36 - Easy Cable Routing
2:55 - Simple Standards for Parts
3:23 - Geometry
4:08 - Builds & Price
5:14 - Climbing Performance
6:01 - Suspension Performance
7:48 - Overall Balance
8:25 - Recap
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#NinerJet9RDO #Tested #BicyclingMag

[@andrewwilcox4340]

Been riding a 4 star for over two months. It's the most fun I've ever had on a bike. It's unreal

[@chriswaggett163]

Just bought a 5* X01 build as my 3rd JET9 in the series & I luv it! Great review Matt, as always, as you describe this bike & its evolution from further iterations perfectly. Thanks/Ride On!

[@cassandrastrawser467]

great review!

[@davepcb22]

I have a 2019 Jet 9 RDO and agree with everything said here. relatively light and lively, playful even. It jumps better than an XC bike without the weight of an Enduro. I added the Grip2 damper and highly recommend it. Really takes the bite out of those small stutter bumps going into a downhill corner. Really an improvement over the FIT4. I upgraded to SRAM AXS and like that too. For the price of the Niner Jet 9 RDO it is hard to beat. After riding 26, 27.5 and 29 wheels, would not go back to anything else. Precise and great roll over obstacles. 29 is the way to go.

[@chuckfernald1986]

Excellent review. Trying to get my hands on an XL frame for a custom build :)

[@nathanmitchell9588]

Thank you for the review. I am currently riding a 2017 Niner Jet Nine RDO 3-Star XT Build and starting to look at other bikes as I am looking for more of a trail style bike with a little more travel (140mm/130mm). One thing I have noticed about my bike is when I am going down descents is when I feel like I am on top of the bike. Very interesting that you talk about the new shock placement and how much lower the bike feels. I am just wondering if the geometry has changed that significantly over the few short years since I have owned my 2017 Niner. Very intrigued and will have to talk with and maybe travel to a Niner dealer and look at the new 2021 Niner Jet 9 RDO.

[@xcmtnbikerco]

I recognize that trail. Twin Butes trail in Durango CO. Love it 😍

[@snglspd13]

still riding my 2016 JET9RDO and loving it, waiting for color options to pull the trigger on a new JET9RDO

[@tylerfinses4762]

Any idea when shops are getting them in?

[@jimburdette4368]

I am getting the five star with the electronic dropper and I can't wait!!!

[@superjose1979ify]

Did you like it Jim? I would like to buy one 5 start with carbon wheels.

[@chriskelley2075]

Nice thorough review. What a nice bike! Do you like the I9 Wheels?

[@jasonw3287]

I have the new trail 429 with Reynolds + i9 hub and it’s magnificent for engagement.

[@samblaine1]

Any where I can find a comparison of this new(er) Jet 9 RDO to the Ibis Ripley V4 or the Pivot Trail 429? I had a Ripley on order and it's looking like I'm going to have to eject due to wait time and price increases coming from supply chain issues. I really like the DW Link (hence the Ripley and 429) but can get my hands on a Jet tomorrow if I get a comfort level with the performance of the Jet. The geometry on all three is super close (76 Seat Tube, 66.5 Head Tube, 430'ish chain stay, 500'ish reach). Help me O'bicycle Kenobi . . . you're my only hope!

[@massimilianogentile8103]

La ho si nota la differenza è veramente un prodotto fatto bene

[@peggyortiz5655]

Niner JET9RDO team!!

[@wpmccray1]

How would you compare this with a Santa Cruz Blur?

[@ojaisherpa]

whap pants are those? 3/4?

[@Accu53Mation]

Nope. It's not even on the Top Ten list of best trail bikes. Why every great trail bike has to be carbon fiber & full suspension and low weight is vexing. I'd place Obed, ahead of Niner. And recently I had a Niner RDO carbon frame, pancake on me during a mild XC ride. Hmm? Maybe a warning for people weighing over 250 pounds on carbon.