Niner AIR 9 RDO - 2014 Review

Niner AIR 9 RDO - 2014 for Sale

Backcountry : Niner AIR 9 RDO - 2014 Features & Description

While this frame shares the AIR 9 name with Niner’s versatile carbon hardtail, that’s about all they share. The AIR 9 RDO is an entirely different animal, and the RDO designation, an acronym for ‘Race Day Optimized,' clearly states this 29er’s purpose -- to place you on the podium. Niner eliminated all excess on this frame and focused solely on making it as light as possible. For example, the rear brake mounts are now cleanly located inside the stays, which reduces the amount of hydraulic line needed, while making the AIR 9 RDO look lean and mean. Also, this frame does not use Niner’s CYA bottom bracket system. While the CYA is renowned for its versatility, it added complexity and heft to this purpose built race machine, so Niner went with the lighter PressFit30 interface instead. The RDO retains the clean internal cable routing and titanium chain-slap protectors found on the AIR 9 Carbon.

The AIR 9 RDO isn’t just cosmetically and physically different; it’s structurally different, too. At the core of every Niner frame is extensive computer-based finite element analysis, and here it’s used to develop a high modulus carbon fiber structure with optimized weaves, lay ups, and tube shapes to produce the lightest Niner to date. The RDO’s fluid form is no accident, and is designed to dampen chatter and guide impact forces to the stronger parts of the frame. Chain torque goes directly to the rear wheel via the large bottom bracket shell and shapely chainstays, yet trail vibrations are quelled by the swooping seatstays. Niner ties the bottom bracket to the strength- and precision-enhancing tapered headtube via a large down tube to ensure the frame tracks true and responds to every input.

Niner recommends an 80 to 100mm suspension fork, or a rigid unit with a 470mm axle to crown length and 45mm offset. Perhaps not coincidentally, their award-winning carbon fork shares those exact dimensions. The tapered headtube comes equipped with a Cane Creek IS42/28.6|IS52/40 integrated (Campy style) headset. You’ll need a 31.6mm seatpost and a high-mount, bottom-swing, bottom-pull front derailleur with a 34.9mm clamp. The rear triangle offers clearance for tires up to 2.4in. The AIR 9 RDO stays true to its XC nature in the brake department—160mm rotors are the only option, and the caliper attaches via a post mount. Niner recommends a maximum chainring size of 39/26for SRAM or 40/28 for Shimano for two-by applications to avoid interference issues. Niner does not recommend running Shimano XTR 2x cranksets to avoid the same interference issue. Any traditional triple setup will work fine.

Niner dresses the AIR 9 Carbon in two finishes: Licorice Black or Niner Green. Size options are Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large.