Niner releases updated RLT 9 and AIR 9 models, new builds and color options

After some time out of their line, Niner has updated their AIR9 and RLT9 models with some design tweaks to improve the ride.

The classic hydroformed aluminum AIR 9 gets Niner’s [R]evolution geometry, a 120mm fork up front and Boost 148 spacing giving riders a variety of tire and wheel options, while the RLT 9 gets flat mount disc brakes and a slightly lowered down tube for better stand over clearance.

AIR 9:

Niner describes the AIR 9 as the perfect love child of an XC bike and a trail bike, offering the perfect blend of cross country quickness and the ability to handle the steeps and deeps as well.

A new BB junction built around a PF30 BB shell not only allows for geared or singlespeed options, but also opens up the rear end of the bike to accommodate either 29 x 2.4 or 27.5 x 3.0 tires to offer the choice of maximum roll over or ultra traction and stability.

The frame also gets a tapered head tube, internal routing for a dropper post and Boost 148 rear spacing.

KEY FEATURES:

• Niner’s hydroformed aluminum provides a lightweight, snappy, peppy ride.
• Compatible with 29×2.4 Or 27.5X3.0 tires to offer the choice of maximum roll over or ultra traction and stability.
• Revised geometry is optimized for modern trail riding, long days in the saddle and all around good times.
• 73mm PF 30 BB shell is geared or singlespeed compatible with the Niner Biocentric 30
• 148 X 12 Boost rear spacing
• Compatible with 1x (max ring 34t) drivetrain systems
• Compatible with 2x (26/36 or bigger) drivetrain systems, 34.9 Sideswing front pull front derailleur

TECH SPECS:

• 73MM PF30 BB shell (adaptors required for BSA type BBs)
• PF 30 BB shell is geared or singlespeed compatible with the niner Biocentric 30 (not included)
• 30.9 Seat post
• Internal dropper post compatible
• 34.9 Seat collar
• 34.9 Clamp side swing/front pull front derailleur
• 1.125” X 1.5” Tapered integrated (Campy style) head tube, headset included, Cane Creek description: IS42/28.6 IS52/40
• Boost 148 x 12mm rear spacing

RLT 9:

While a less radical redesign than the AIR 9, the RLT 9 gravel bike gets a number of tweaks as well:

• Hydroformed aluminum frame
• Revised geometry to improve stand over.
• Up to 1.75″ tire compatibility
• Flat mount disc brake compatible
• Singlespeed compatible with Biocentric 30 (Sold separately.)
• Frame and fork mounts for racks and packs

Available as a frameset at $1050, the RLT 9 can also be purchased in one of four build kits ranging from $1950 for a Tiagra-based build to $3950 for one with Ultegra.

New Color and Build Options:

In addition to the return of these two bikes, Niner offers new colors to a handful of its current line of bikes.  The RIP 9 RDO entices in Mint with a hint of red. The JET 9 RDO turns heads with some neon Green and blue highlights and the AIR 9 RDO blazes the trail in bright Orange.

The minty fresh Mint/Red RIP 9 RDO, The “Be Seen” neon Green/Blue JET 9 RDO and the “Aren’t you glad you raced it” bright Orange AIR 9 RDO.

Along with the RLT 9, the AIR 9 and some dashing new colors, Niner also introduces new component specs on its Star Builds.

Highlights include:

• Star Builds for every mountain bike features SRAM’s reliable 1x systems – NX1, GX Eagle and XO1 Eagle.
• Suspension duties  for each mountain bike are handled by either Fox Shox or RockShox with the SIR 9, AIR 9 and RKT 9 now running 120 mm forks.