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Submitted by
BILL DOOLEY
a Weekend Warrior
from OKLAHOMA CITY
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY DIRT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | WHEELER DEALER | | Strengths: | REAR SUSPENSION, BIG WHEELS , GREAT TRAIL BIKE | | Weaknesses: | HAD TO WAIT AND WAIT | | Similar Products Used: | OTHER 29RS LOTS OF FULL SUSPENSION | | Bike Setup: | SHOP PUT GREAT PACKAGE TOGETHER FOR ME | | Bottom Line: | REAR SUSPENSION IS BAR NONE THE BEST OUT THERE , I HAVE HAD 7 OR 8 FULL SUSPENSION TRAIL BIKES FROM THE BLUR TO SPECIALIZED . THIS ONE FEELS SO PLUSH AND PEDELS GREAT .. HOW DID THEY DO THAT. BIKE SHOP WAS GREAT. 29RS SEEM TO BE THE FUTURE. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
splice35mm
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Hummingbird | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Niner frame and sho | | Strengths: | Comfort, stability, handling, climbing, descending, | | Weaknesses: | Still searching | | Similar Products Used: | 2007 RIP 9, Gary Fisher 293, Gary FIsher Supercaliber 29er, Intense 5.5, Santa Cruz Blur, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT and XTR mix, Avid Juicys, Maverick DUC 32, Chris King | | Bottom Line: | I rode the original RIP 9 for a few years and really loved it. I wasn't sure if upgrading to the 2009 would be worthwhile, but it definitely is. I love the new RIP! Am I able to notice the stiffer BB and head tube?... YES. Do I notice the subtle geometry changes?... well.... I think so. Immediately when I threw a leg over this bike it felt like home. Maybe I'm just "new bike happy", but everything seems better. It feels more solid to me, probably because it is. I just can't say enough good things about this bike. Highly recommend it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dsnow23
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeggs Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Cycles | | Strengths: | Climbs great, Descends great, handles better than i thought possible. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | My only 29er, but I've had numerous other double boingers. Turner Burner, Specialized Pitch Pro, Yeti 575, Ibis Szazbo. | | Bike Setup: | Niner RIP9 2008 - Large
Manitou Minute 120TA
WTB laser disc super duty/Stan's Flow Wheels
Sram X9 trigger shifters
Shimano xt front derailleur
Sram X0 rear derailleur
Truvative Stylos
Eggbeaters
Niner flat Bar
Juicy 7s
WTB Pure V Niner saddle
Raceface Post
Cane Creek headset
RaceFace stem
Panaracer Rampage 2.35s front and rear | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for about 2 months now and I absolutely love it. With every other mountain bike I've ever owned, there has always been SOMETHING that I felt was a shortcoming. I thought climbing with the same gearing as a 26er would be a problem, but it isn't. And, I thought switchbacks would be a problem, but they aren't. I'm 6'2 and 200 pounds and I haven't noticed any of the flex others have mentioned. It rolls over small to medium sized rocks like they aren't even there. The CVA suspension design is awesome. There is very little bobbing. The Fox RP23 and the Manitou Minute 120 work like Champs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hogprint
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Mounds SP | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | brand new frame only | | Strengths: | Nimble handling, sublime suspension, the momentum of the 29er wheel | | Weaknesses: | Does not pedal itself | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur Classic | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Final version RIP 9, I9 enduro wheels, Fox F29 120, XO/XTR drive, Hope Tech M4 disc brakes, Chris King BB and HS, Race Face Deus XC crank. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has transformed my riding. Total confidence in all situations. I am a father of two young boys thus I do not get to ride as much as the good old days and the RIP allows me to ride as I remembered I could. It really is a beautifully designed full suspension bike. I could not detect any rear suspension feedback from either pedaling or braking. Truly unreal. At 220 lbs and 6"1" I am no lightweight and I could not detect any of the "flex" you read about. I tend to remain within a foot or two of the ground, far from an all mountain type rider. This bike is a perfect replacement for my trusty old Blur. Completely satisfied by this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bicycle convert
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | www.wrenchscience.co | | Strengths: | 2009 RIP 9, Frame build quality is extremely high. Excellent for large riders. Ride quality. | | Weaknesses: | None Yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS XTC for the past 7 years | | Bike Setup: | Fox, King, Thomson, XT, Magura, Noir, Syntace | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding seriously for the past 17 years. At 6'6" and 220lb, I have never really found a bike that fits me right, until now. This bike is the best I've ever owned. The geometry is excellent. This is the first bike that I can say really has made me a better rider. People say 29ers are slow and non-responsive with handling and acceleration. That is simply not the case with the new RIP. If your looking for an all day, go anywhere bike this is it. I can't imagine anything better for multi-hour events.
Also want to give a shout out to the guys at www.wrenchscience.com if you are looking for a custom build these guys will get the job done for a very fair price. Their passion for bikes is very clear with the quality of their work. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
IcemanSS454
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, FL
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Bavington Pittsburgh, PA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Great quality frame that looks awesome | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | XO/X9 build. WTB wheels. Manitou Minute Fork. Elixir CR. | | Bottom Line: | Just plain awesome bike. Took a ride or two to get the rear shock right. I have a RP23 on my Santa Cruz Heckler so for my first ride I tried to ride the RIP at the same shock pressure which was way to much. However, with a quick adjustment the bike transformed into something amazing.
The bike disappears beneath you. I've never gone through a ride before and thought so little about the bike underneath me and thats a good thing. It inspires so much confidence that I have no complaints. On my most recent ride I was on a trail I'd never ridden with a group of fast guys. I was working as hard as I could to keep up on the technical parts of the trail. The RIP's predictable handling saved me from a few spills. I wouldn't have wanted to be on any other bike.
Some people mention flex in the rear end which I haven't noticed but I am only 5'10" and weigh 150 so I am not putting much load on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pinkheadedbug
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | 3-Stage, Kolapore, Thunder Mountain, Porc. Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike 29 | | Strengths: | Do-everything bike. Fast uphill and downhill, excels on tech chunk, drops etc, can be ridden all day, the bike that everybody loves when they ride it. Best I've ever ridden. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major. | | Similar Products Used: | Niner SIR9, Misfit diSSent, Commencal Meta 5.2, bunch of other stuff. | | Bike Setup: | X9 drivertrain with XT crankset and AmClassic wheels. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier review (posted under 'John Brownlow' below). I've now ridden this bike for 2 years and several thousand KM. It's been to Moab and BC and tackled Slickrock, Porcupine Rim, Mount 7 and pretty much every kind of trail from hub-deep mud to snow to desert sand. It's been abused in pretty much every way you can imagine and rebuilt from the bearings up twice.
It still rocks.
This bike made me a better rider. I rode stuff I could never have imagined and it never let me down. If you have the confidence to ride it, this bike will get you over/through it. You will not regret buying it.
I built this with AmClassic wheels, which I really like, but the bike leads you to tackle harsher and harsher trails and the wheels are starting to feel like the weak link. I've watched them bend a couple of times and thought they were going to taco but they never did. To their credit, they've never even needed so much as a spoke tightening, but one of these days I'm going to destroy them on this frame.
All the strengths are outlined in other reviews and in my original report. I'll go into the minor quibbles I have here.
First, the bearings are not the greatest. Mine lasted 18 months until one hub-deep mud ride when they seized and I had to replace them. No biggie, but the linkage has a lot of pieces and is fiddly to rebuild. This is solved in the 09 version.
Second, flex. Others have mentioned this. I didn't feel it until I went to Moab. On those superchunk trails, or on spines or hard switchbacks, you can kind of feel the bike winding up. The AmClassics amplify this. As a result at slow speeds you can find tech sections harder than they seem at high speed. I believe this has also been solved in the 09 version. It is NOT a big deal in the 07 unless you are riding Porcupine Rim or similar trails frequently.
The chain slap that others have mentioned is completely cured by an inner tube wrapped around the drive side chainstay and secured with zip ties.
I have been running a 100mm fork but I think the bike really needs 120mm.
I will be retiring my 07 this year and investing in an 09, mostly for the flex and simpler linkage (and better bearings I believe). Probably a stiffer wheelset too, although I love the way the AmClassics ride.
I literally haven't considered another bike. This is The One.
5 chilis overall, and 5 for value because despite the price, you'll keep this a long time.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BWG
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Suspension design,anodized finish,geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Some rear-end flex from linkage - NOT significant to ride quality/handling. | | Similar Products Used: | Current bikes: RIP9,Voodoo Canzo 29er,Titus Racer-X 29er.
Previous bikes: Niner EMD9,Niner MCR9,Jamis XLT. | | Bike Setup: | Clydsdale-specific: WB Fluid 135 TA,large air canister on rear Fox RP3 shock,X9/X0 drivetrain,Formula The One brakes,36-spoke Rhyno-lite rims on Hope Pro II TA front and 10mm bolt-on rear hubs. | | Bottom Line: | The best bike I have owned so far. I own a medium version 1 frame and have had absolutely no issues with strength and design. I have had great customer service from the folks at Niner and this is my third Niner frame.
The only reason I would sell this frame would be to get the new '09 RIP9 - but I'm going to stick with my '07 for now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gonsorellie
a Cross Country Rider
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Blackstar/Silverado | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | The Path | | Strengths: | Balanced ride with a high speed rolling feel that is confidence inspiring. Incredible climbing capabilities and down hill screamer. | | Weaknesses: | n/a at this time. | | Similar Products Used: | Salsa Mamasita | | Bike Setup: | Avid Juicy 7, Kenda Nevegal front & Small Block 8 rear, SRAM X9, Thompson stem/seatpost, Salsa Pro Moto bar, WTB Rocket, Crane Creek hadset and Ergo Control II bar ends | | Bottom Line: | It exceeded my expectations and makes me ride like I'm better than I am. It climbs marvelously, especially on long fire road climbs and I was surprised how well it handled on technical rocky sections. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Klein
a Cross Country Rider
from Bella Vista, Arkansas
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Slaughter Pen | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | MOJO Sports | | Strengths: | Nice Design, Great Customer Service, Attention to detail, & well built | | Weaknesses: | Juicy 7 Brakes SUCK!!!!They were removed after 1st ride. Flat Bars(jury is still out), X9 Shifters...might as well run all X0 for what you pay for the bike. 120mm Fork - it need more travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Caff 29er, Trek, Redline Mono | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 4 Piston, X0 X9 drive train, Stans Rims, WTB Hubs, Race Face Stem and Seat Post, WTB Seat, Panaracer Tires and Shimano SPD platform pedal | | Bottom Line: | I really like the bike. I am tall 6'2" and weigh 250 on a light day. Pedals well and eats up the trail - a little tricky to corner in the beginning but I am learning. This is my 1st 29er and I am very pleased so far. I would like to see more travel in the front but I am probably trying to push to much as my other bike has 7"+ travel with a 888 on the front. The customer service at niner has been great and I can not tell you how much they have impressed me. I am very critical of consumer customer no service and that is why I chose to buy from companies like Niner rather than Specialized or Trek. The guys at Niner answered all of my questions and even called me back to make sure that I got a complete answer. I would give a 5 out of 5 but I have only got to ride a few times so I am still settl'n in. I am a cheap ass by heart and think all bikes are overpriced so I can not give 5 out 5 for that. I know that we all pay for quality but there is a tipping point. I RIDE ALMOST EVERYDAY so it will not take long before I love or hate this bike. Right now we love each other very much. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Renin
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Smooth and stiff. The CVA Suspension is perfect for someone coming from a hardtail. Pedals very well both in and out of the saddle. Great glow in the dark Atomic Blue color. 4.5 inches of travel feels like more with the 29 inch wheels | | Weaknesses: | Lots of pieces in suspension links. The 09 RIP has one piece forged links which should make maintenance and durability much higher. None that I have found as far as the ride is concerned. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR 29er, Cannondale 29er, Ventana El Rey | | Bike Setup: | All XT drive train, King Headset, King Hubs with Halo FreedomDisc Rims, Reba Team U-Turn 120mm with Maxle, Thomsom post and stem, Panaracer Rampage 2.35 | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. Only a few miles on it so far. I took out the demo bike from Veloce Velo in Issaquah WA a few times (down Preston, St Eds, etc.) to see how the bike handled. All the test rides had me grinning ear to ear, and my own build makes it ride even better. Will post an update in a few month when the miles have piled up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
schril
a Cross Country Rider
from clio
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | free beer in truckee, ca | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | Very balanced ride, wants to climb like a much lighter bike short travel or hartail bike? Gets rolling very fast and cruises!!! | | Weaknesses: | WTB Laser Disc wheelset is flexy. | | Similar Products Used: | First 29er and took a gamble based on reviews. The whole concept makes too much sense. | | Bike Setup: | Fox RL 29 100mm fork/RP23 shock, Sram xo shifters and rear, XT front and hydrolic brakes, race face stem, bar, post and cranks,wtb laser disc wheelset with dt swiss hubs, maxxis tires, wtb saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Whatever Niner has done to tweak the geometry and suspension, they nailed it. This bike is very responsive in tight singletrack and climbs extremely well. It seams to get to speed very quickly on descents, so be ready. I have not had a chance to ride on very technical, rocky terrain yet, but will re-post once doing so.
Anyone looking to buy a new bike should look into these otherwise you may be asleep at the wheel-this is fun technology that realy works. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | BICYCLE HEAVEN | | Strengths: | Do everything bike. Rolls over stumps and rocks effortlessly. Climbs like a goat. Great downhill. Absolutely flies over rolling, open trails. | | Weaknesses: | A little more work in the very tight trees and twisties. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper 29, G Fischer 29's, Trek 29 full suspension and rigid rear triangles | | Bike Setup: | Full XT including brakes. Specialized tires (both 29s)
Crossmax 29 | | Bottom Line: | Riding faster through everything from day one. A little learning curve to really rail the corners and find the sweet spot for climbing. So far this bike has held up great, I am a big heavy guy and pretty tough on bikes. Everyone who has tried this bike rides faster and easier from the start. The wheelset is exceptional, there is no problem accelerating, and they track great. Have to go hard on the brakes because I find myself hitting obstacles and technical stuff much faster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smiff48
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Route, Knysna forrest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3600.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympic Cycles | | Strengths: | Devours the downhills. Rolls over obstacles, both down & uphill, noticeably better than a 26 incher. | | Weaknesses: | Not as tight on the sharp cornering as the 26ers. Rock Shox went back twice for warranty repair but now works well. | | Similar Products Used: | This bike is unique here. | | Bike Setup: | Suspension: Fox RP23 & Rock Shox Reba SL, Juicy 7 brakes, SRAM X9 rear derailleur & X7 levers, XT crank, Maxi Crossmark tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Olympic did a great job of putting together this bike without over-capitalising on a weekend warrior or compromising on key components. It was a big step up from a non-descript hard tail. After getting the feel of it what I enjoy most about this Niner is bombing downhill with confidence & speed never experienced on any other bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RUNDCM
a Cross Country Rider
from OLNEY MARYLAND USA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | THE ONE IM ON | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4600.00 | | Purchased At: | NINER | | Strengths: | design, geometry, rolls fast , climbs well | | Weaknesses: | not sure, maybe a bit slower to snap back on a line.. however I rode a SIR nine recently. | | Similar Products Used: | GT i drive | | Bike Setup: | stans ZTR 355's maxxis crossmax rubber
fox,shox-allrouund, magura martas, c.king, hope, sram, | | Bottom Line: | As other have stated this is a FS bike worth consideration. comming off an 26 " i-drive i'll have to say plush but i'm used to that. This ride has 29" advantage feels tighter. I can climb faster, roll faster. been on it only a month - Am taking the corners a bit slower. Not sure what to make of that-still getting used to it, the build is first rate and i think it is on par with nearly anything else out there for the money. Good bike indeed!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Pisgah NF, Dupont state forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Comfy, reasonably light and competitive in price. LOTS of standover room - more than comparable 26ers, way more than the 29ers I checked out. | | Weaknesses: | Not a zippy race bike, back end a little flexy at low speeds on technical terrain. The small frame has great standover,but cannot use a water bottle. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus and Intense 29er, but only demos | | Bike Setup: | XTish, paid extra for light wheels - worth the cost IMHO.Fox 100 (waiting for a 120 talus) | | Bottom Line: | Every bike is a compromise. The mtbr shootout described this bike well: a barcalounger for experience riders (i.e, pre-geezers). Well, that's me. Demo'd the titus and Intense 29ers, which are fun and fast, but harsher. Not all day bikes. This is an all day bike. Never feel beat up. If you want comfort and control more than a fast race bike, this bike delivers. If you want lots of standover, this bike delivers again! Only reservations: rear end is a bid flexy at very low speeds, notice this only if it's technical. They could beef it up, but it would weigh more. Like I wrote at the beginning, every bike is a compromise! The small frame doesn't fit a water bottle well enough for practical use. The Medium does, and still has lots of standover. 5 stars for folks like me - experienced former racer, now more interested in exploring and long rides. XC racers, look elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kNohBody
a Downhiller
from Issaquah
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Grand Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1659.00 | | Purchased At: | outsideoutfitters.co | | Strengths: | 29er..Strong..more travel than other 29ers..Sexy..
This bike loves to go fast and still HOOKS UP on corners. | | Weaknesses: | Requires 1 or 3 Shimano front derailuers | | Similar Products Used: | Niner S.I.R., StumpJumper, Enduro, VP-Free, Super8 | | Bike Setup: | American Classic Wheelset, Kenda Nevegal Tires, Chris King headseat, Thompson stem and seatpost, Race Face carbon bar, Time Pedals, Fox F29 32 120mm | | Bottom Line: | OutsideOutfitters.com beat everyones price and even threw in a pair of Nevegals.
I'm short, 5'8" and the Small R.I.P. fits me perfect.
I rode a Stumpjumper for 6 years, then jumped on the 29er band-wagon with the S.I.R...I've got to say that the singlespeed / steel was fun, but I'm a full suspension type of guy...I ride twice as fast with suspension.
The R.I.P. is the best Full Suspension 29er. Hands-down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | South Trails, MQT, MI | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Down Wind Sports | | Strengths: | handles great, strong climber and very stable at speed
looks great! | | Weaknesses: | no major
the rear triangle has a spot just behind the front derailler that loves to hold leaves, annoying to ride down the trail w/ your bike sounding like you have baseball cards in your spokes, kind of hard to reach and pull them out unless riding on really smooth trail | | Similar Products Used: | first 29er, last bike Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | blue; fox front fork, XO shifter, XTR derailleur in front, x-9 in back, monkey lite riser bars, race face cranks and bottom bracket, crossmax wheels, hayes stoker brakes | | Bottom Line: | this bikes loves to run; on long downhills the hands get sore from gripping brakes to keep the speed down; very stable at speed and plenty nimble thru tight spots. great traction for climbing and I find it easier to stand up for climbing than any other bike I've had
get LOTS of positive compliments on the looks and the friends I've let ride it rave as well.
I loved my Heckler for 3 years, but after riding the RIP9 for a month I can't bear to be on the old one- it doesn't feel right
I strongly recommend for anyone who likes long cross country rides on variable terrain | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington DC
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Richmond Xterra Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1560.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Lane Burke VA | | Strengths: | Size is great for someone 6'4" or taller.
The suspension can not be beat | | Weaknesses: | After one ride I can not find one | | Bike Setup: | XT Cranks
X-9 Shifter and Rear Derailleur
Thompson Stem and Seatpost
Rock Shock Reba SL fork
Avid Jucy-5’s
XT Hubs
Stans Arch Rims
Specialized Captain Tires
| | Bottom Line: | The Build
I built the bike with components that seemed to be the best Value before stepping up to stuff that cost twice as much with little performance gain.
XT Cranks
X-9 Shifter and Rear Derailleur
Thompson Stem and Seatpost
Rock Shock Reba SL fork
Avid Jucy-5’s
XT Hubs
Stans Arch Rims
Specialized Captain
The bike was delayed a bit, so Brian and I built it up of Friday Feb 15th. The build went well except for the front derailleur not fitting properly, so we had to buy a different one last minute from Revolution.
We finished the bike around 10pm and it weighed in at 30.5 lbs with pedals
The Ride
The first ride was around Brian’s Apt complex. There are some steep grassy hills and curbs to hop around the Apt. The bike immediately felt great. At 6’4” the XL RIP9 seemed like it was built for me.
My first real ride was the following day down in Richmond on the Buttermilk and North Bank Trails. The bike absolutely shined on these trails. There are plenty of climbs and technical descents, both of which the Niner handled perfectly.
I really found the bike to be very stable and I had plenty of confidence to lean the bike into turns harder than I ever did on my 26 inch bike.
Before Riding the RIP 9, I would have told you that the best full suspension design was the DW-Link offered on the IBIS and BMC Four Stroke. It does such a great job at soaking up little rocks and roots without any pedal bob. The RIP9 seems so be as good if not better than the BMC’s suspension. I never felt any drawbacks of having rear suspension, yet I could continue to stay seated and spin my legs through bumpy rock gardens.
One of my biggest concerns with getting a 29er was that I was afraid I would climb slower. This is definitely not the case as I seemed to make up climbs I could not previously make. Part of this is definitely because I am not slowed by rocks and other obstacles with the big wheels.
Conclusion
- The Niner RIP 9 is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.
- If you are considering a 29er, take it for more than one long test ride. I have heard from more than one person that the 29er was not love at first ride.
- The Bike Lane is a great shop if you live near there. Everyone there rides and they have a nice selection of XL MTBikes to demo.
- City Bikes is also a great shop with mechanics who are very helpful and straight shooting. They also have a great line up of demo bikes. It was also helpful working with Mike so that I had a clear understanding on how much everything was going to cost.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a
from Oak Hill, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail that puts dirt under my tires | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | -Very plush
-Efficient pedaling
-Reasonable price
-The atomic blue glow in the dark color! | | Weaknesses: | -A bit more chainslap than I would like, but I guess the CVA that gives you the strengths can have a slight weakness | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR bikes(various), Giant Reign, Kona Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Built up just under 32lbs. with White Brothers Fluid 135, Juicy 7s, Hope Pro 2 SS disc hubs on Rhyno Lites with SRAM X9 1x5 gearing set up, XT cranks, Thomson, all the good stuff! | | Bottom Line: | This bike has exceeded every expectation I had of it, right from the first ride. The first and every ride since has been ear to ear smiles all around. I have ridden many FS bikes, but never actually owned one(didn't think they would pedal well enough). Out of everything I've ridden, this surpasses the others in every way. This frame could be built as a XC race bike, but also as an AM trail rig, truly a jack of all trades IMHO. It is a great pedaler out of the saddle, very efficient, yet amazingly plush on the way down. I've only been riding some XC so far on it, but I am confident that it will handle all the downhill that I can throw at it this summer, and more.
Everything about it is quality, from the paint, the included front derailleur, touch up paint, and cable holders/guides, all of it was what I would hope to see from other high end manufacturers as well. The level of service and the fact you can talk to the guys who run the show at Niner is unbeatable.
Lastly, once I saw the glow in the dark paint, I flipped. Just amazing, everyone at the shop thought it was the coolest thing they'd seen. I'll be riding the RIP for years to come, that's all I need to say. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from phx,az,usa
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | the pig | | Strengths: | The color! Atomic blue was pretty cool. Plush susp. | | Weaknesses: | cable routing, chainline eats paint/alum behind BB, bolts backed out of frame during first ride | | Similar Products Used: | Titus, ventana, fisher, Turner | | Bike Setup: | I9, avids, raceface crank, reba, yada yada | | Bottom Line: | The handling of this bike was spot on. I loved the geo and the shortish stays for a FS 29er.
Coming from a hardtail it felt WAY mushy but hey, its got almost 5" out back. The suspension was great on rough trails, ate up some of the worst terrain out there and I'm close to some of the rockiest trails around. A little flex is noticeable out back, understanably so with the linkage setup.
problems: 1 was that this thing left me stranded 8 miles out on a trail during a night ride due to the linkage bolts backing out and grinding into my granny gear. 3 of them backed out. It wouldn't have been so bad except that it occurred behind the crank! I don't usually carry my BB tools with me on a ride (sarcasm there) and did what I could and walked some way back.
Cable routing. I had ghost shifting quite a bit that I could not get ironed out. I took it to my LBS where I bought it, he "fixxed it" but I took it out again and it continued. I heard there is a little plastic cable holder available from specialized that helps - huh???
chainstay: I had read from another reader that the chain hits the CS on this frame so before I rode it took preventative measures by wrapping protective material around the beautifully painted stay. This wore through on two rides.
So after 4-5 rides total, this bike that I wanted to fall in love with so bad, I feel let me down. Cudos to Niner for making a beautiful bike that handles well and it sounds like two of the problems have been addressed. And, I realize its a first year product. However, I paid 3K+ for this thing and personally, I expected more. That being said, ustomer service is good and I think problems are likely ironed out now. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Bautista
a Cross Country Rider
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Muntinlupa | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Grantrail Cycles Philippines | | Strengths: | FAst,light, Agile, Nimble and Very Responsive. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing compares | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Minute fork, XTR Drivetrain, XTR brakes, Thomson stem, Monkeylite Carbon Bars, Prologo Seat, Maxxis ignitor tires | | Bottom Line: | Niner has a winner with the RIP9. The bike is fast on and off road. Climbs are tamed by simply spinning the cranks. Bumps are not a factor as the fork and rear suspension give you a very silky smooth ride. Riding the niner for hours is a joy. Standover height is fantastic and your crown jewels will be uber safe.
Who should buy this? Everyone should. This is the most comfortable mountainbike that i've ridden and the most fun.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plush, active suspension that you set up and then forget about. Great handling. | | Weaknesses: | Wasn't available at an LBS in San Diego when I was looking, but it is available from some of the larger online retailers. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous MTBs were 26" hardtails. Had the RIP just under a month and been riding it 3 times/week. | | Bike Setup: | Size Large, Silver, White Bros Fluid 135 fork, SRAM shifters/mech, Shimano cranks/BB, Thomson post/stem, Avid hydraulic brakes, Mavic Crossmax 29 wheels, Kenda Nevegal Tires, Flite saddle | | Bottom Line: | Climbing: Active rear suspension provides great traction in technical and steep ascents. Climbing out-of-saddle induces almost no suspension bob. Have been able to clean technical ascents with multiple water bars and rock obstacles and heavily off-camber rutted trails - just rolls up and over obstacles.
Descending: with WB F135 fork it tracks confidently - just point and shoot. As with climbing it's easier to roll over most obstacles than to try and avoid them. I have experienced minor skidding on a couple descents that was likely more technique related than a function of brake-jack or anything related to the bike design. In general, I find myself taking descents more smoothly and faster than I did before on my hardtail.
Flow: This bike cruises nicely on single-track. It's not hard to get it off the ground even for a gravity-challenged rider like myself. It does well in rock-gardens just churning and pedaling through them. I haven't had any problems getting the bike through tight corners and switchbacks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vallie Atkinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Arizona Cyclist | | Strengths: | Climbs well, lively under power, and climbs slow technical climbs well.
Good fit/ergonomics
Wheel size rolls over obstacles well | | Weaknesses: | Flex
Steering
Lack of choices for fork and shock.
Low BB
Brake jack | | Similar Products Used: | First 29er. Have owned many full sus. bikes. 96 Ground Control,98 FSR Elite, 01 and 04 Enduro, 02 and 04 Stumpy FSR, 04 NRS, 01 Jekyll, 05 Trance 1, 07 Moto Lite. | | Bike Setup: | 07 RIP-9, with REBA Race fork with Poplock. Standard Niner build kit with X9 drivetrain, WTB Wheelset etc. High volume air sleeve from PUSH. | | Bottom Line: | I know this bike gets rave reviews, but it is not perfect, or perfect for everyone. Hopefully some things in this review help others in the setup, I don't want this to be just a dissing review.
It does climb very well, getting good traction up climbs, and feels lively and efficient. Climbs up and over rock steps very well, with exception of low BB giving more pedal strikes. I like climbing steep and rocky stuff, and it does well at this. The big wheels help get up and over things.
Steering was a mixed bag for me. It felt like it resists initial turn in, then suddenly turns. Not as precise as my Moto Lite. As if the big wheels slow the steering at speed, and then when not rolling as fast it turns almost too quick. My Titus goes exactly where I want, but I found myself either under or oversteering on the RIP.
Now I will use the "F" word. "FLEX" I do not know if just the frame is to blame, or if it is a combo of the frame/fork/wheels, but I felt noticeable and unpleasant flex. If you take one hand off the bars and firmly shake the bike from side to side, it jiggles like a noodle. My Moto Lite does not do this at all, and I found that down rocky downhills with lots of baseball sized rocks the RIP seemed to dance all over and I constantly had to correct my line, and could not keep it on line. Felt like it had a mind of it's own. On faster less rocky trails it was not an issue.If you live in more open "flowy" terrain, you may not feel the flex to be an issue, but AZ rocks really bring it out if a bike has it.
There is a slight bit of brake jack as the rear end rises and loses a little traction under braking. Stay off the brakes and let the big wheels roll.
If you do a RIP-9 I would recommend a longer travel fork. The geometry would fit a 135-140mm well. Unfortunately your choices are limited and it would sure be nice to have a 140mm TALAS as an option to be able to change the height at will.
I would also get the stiffest wheels possible, as 29ers bring out the worst in wheels. You need a burly/stiff wheel to make up for the inherent increase in flex.
I would recommend the High Volume Air Sleeve. $60 from PUSH. I was barely getting over 3 inches of travel with 25% sag, but the bigger sleeve gave me almost full travel, and a better feel over the bumps. No option of fitting a coil on the RIP if it has a reservoir like most do.
Bottom line, is this is a good bike in many ways. It climbs well, and handles decently as long as lots of rocks are not telling it which way to go. I would recommend other buyers to get a longer fork, the air sleeve, and the stiffest wheels you can.
I would consider a 29er in the future but I will wait for a really stiff frame, better choice of forks, and would use the stiffest wheels possible. For now I will stay with my new Moto Lite with a really stiff chassis, and stiffer wheels, and longer travel with lots of fork and shock options. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Maine
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Ride and handling are the best I've ever experienced. | | Weaknesses: | Unconventional pivot below the bottom bracket causes problems with some repair stands and bike carriers. | | Similar Products Used: | I've owned over a dozen bikes, both full suspension and hardtail, singlespeed and geared, including a Racer-X, Maverick ML7, and a Cannondale Caffeine 29er. This bike was a noticeable improvement over any bike I've owned or ridden. | | Bike Setup: | Medium anodized silver frame. Reba 29er Race fork set at 4 inches of travel. XTR 960 crankset. Magura Marta SL brakes. Stans Olympic wheelset with WTB Laserdisc Lite hubs. XO twisters and rear derailleur.Thomson stem and seatpost. Easton carbon flat bar, 23 inches. WTB Pure saddle. WTB Nanoraptor tires, wire bead. 26.25 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | The first thing you notice when you ride this bike is how stiff it feels. But....the suspension soaks up everything in its path.
The handling is very precise. I initially rode it with a Easton carbon riser bar and the handling was very good. Then I changed to an Easton carbon flat bar that was 23 inches wide. Whoa! What a difference. This bike now handles better than ANY bike I've ever ridden. I can rail corners on this bike so fast that the G-forces actually drive me down on top of the steerer.
This is by far the best handling and riding bike I've ever been on and I've ridden over 150 different bikes.
The real test for this bike was when I rode it in an annual 50-mile race in Vermont. I've ridden in this race for 9 years in a row. The RIP9 at 26.25 pounds is the heaviest bike by 2 pounds that I've ever ridden in this race. I was 52 minutes faster this year than I ever was on any other bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rain Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Niner Bikes | | Strengths: | Very fast, great handling, rails corners. Glows in the dark. well made, paint is good, no drips or runs. I can't detect any rear end flex. This frame loves going fast down hills over some seriously gnarly terrain, and climbs like a mountain goat. | | Weaknesses: | Ummmm...........wait ........... let me think....... ahhh yeah, I had to pay for it.
Really, this frame has very little wrong with it ... it's hard to find fault. Maybe another inch of ground clearance under the EBB...it's hard to find a fault..it's so good. | | Similar Products Used: | Mostly 26'er FS bikes, this is my first FS 29'er. | | Bike Setup: | Lotsa goodies ... Avid Juicy 7 brakes on JJ Ti H-bars, 90mm Ritchey stem, Cane creek Solos Headset, Manitou Minute 29 120mm fork, Fox RP23 rear shock, Stans Flow rims with Panaracer Rampage front and Kenda Nevegal rear tires, XT crankset with Azonic A-Frame pedals, Rohloff chain and Rohloff chain tensioner, Hope QR skewers, Brooks [Selle-Modified] saddle, Maverick Speedball remote seatpost, Rohloff Speedhub with twistgrip shifter, ESI chunky grips. | | Bottom Line: |
This is a wonderful bike. The frame is very, very good. Everything works as it should, there are no bad surprises.
Frame flex? ... None for me, i'm around 165lb and ride it hard. Since I got this bike from the guys at Niner, I have ridden it almost every day.
That's a lot of hard off road miles, in all types of Australian weather. Not one single problem with the frame...none.
The bike rails corners, especially those fast sketchy ones at high speeds. It makes you feel that you can go harder all the time.
Downhills over rough terrain, this frame shines. It handles fast downhill stuff easily, the big wheels just hammer over everything, and they roll very fast.
Uphill traction is great, and whilst it is a product of the tires grip on loose surfaces that is the most important aspect here, the frame does everything it can to help you get up stuff that you would usually be walking. It tracks the ground well, and there is no bob from the rear end when standing up and grinding/hammering up hills.
Tight single track is handled with ease, some of the stuff I ride is so tight and techy that my pinky finger knuckles are always skinned from hitting trailside trees....that's tight !
This is a great frame, it could easily be the only bike you need to own. I have been super happy with mine so far, the only problem I have ever encountered was with some pedal strikes when I first started riding it, but it hardly ever happens once you dial in the bike and get used to the way it rides.
Oh yeah ...the frame, the Atomic Blue paint glows in the dark, which is quite a sensation for everyone you ride with at night, or when you ride through a dark patch of woods after being in the light...the frame glows with this eerie blue/green glow...incredible!
The Bottom Line...
Niner Bikes tested and worked on this frame for quite a while before releasing it to the general public, and it shows. They did their research and development correctly, got all the geometry right, and that is reflected in the way this frame behaves under you when you ride it.
A good bike will tend to disappear when you ride it, and this one does that very well. You don't have to think about it, you just look ahead to where you want it to go .... and it goes there.... no effort, no drama.
It's no surprise to me that this frame is so in demand, or that it won best award for 2007.
The after sales service from Niner is beyond reproach.
My RIP 9 ["TruBlu"] is outstandingly good. I love this blue frame, it lets me do crazy things and get away with it...
I give this frame my highest recommendation.
Rainman.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doo
a Cross Country Rider
from Alto, TN
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Perimeter Trail Sewanee | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Woody's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Suspension travel, high bottom bracket, great design | | Weaknesses: | still looking for one. Heavier than a ti hardtail (Obviously) | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Fisher Supercal | | Bike Setup: | SRAM x-9 rear der., XT Front, XTR hubs, Stan Flow rims (w/notubes), Kenda Nevagels, King Earl crank. WTB Rocket Race V, Thompson Elite Masterpiece, Juicy 7 brakes, White Brothers Magic 29 | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this thing for 6 months at least three times per week and still remark about how I love it for the types of trails I ride. The trails here in southern Middle TN are primarily rocky climbs. There is no shortage of fallen logs after every storm. The higher bottom bracket and King Earl crank greatly assist in getting over obstacles and limit pedal strikes. After getting everything adjusted on this thing the only thing bad that had happened is the head badge lost a screw. This bike is perfect for a person who wants a durable full suspension frame that can withstand a fair share of abuse. Oh yeah, I rode it with Rebas on it to begin with while waiting on my White Brothers. They were both great. Last but not least, no one following me on this bike has questioned the nimbleness and jumpability of a 29er. While I love the smooth old Genesis geometry (low bottom bracket)of a Fisher, this thing rails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Chesboro Cyn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Very stiff frame, plush, fox rp23 shock, constantly varying arc rear suspension, superb engineering, lightweight, work of art, XL size frame reviewed. | | Weaknesses: | hard to find | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Supercaliber29 | | Bike Setup: | Reba Race Air (spacer removed to get 100mm, 105psi+/105psi-), WTB 36 spoke 29er wheels (stiffer than Bontrager Race Disc 29), Bontrager Race OS 7deg stem, Bontrager Race Lite Big Sweep OS bar, Bontrager Race Lite grips, Bontrager Jones XR 2.25/2.2 tires, Avid Juicy 5 hydraulic disc w/6" avid rotors, Sram PG970 11-34 cassette, Shimano HG73 chain, Sram X.9 rear derailleur, Shimano LX front derailleur, Sram X.9 trigger shifters, Cane Creek S1 headset, Raceface Deus 180mm X-pipe crank/BB, weighs 30.5lbs with flatpedals. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'3"/190lbs, friends told me I need XL frame, suggested 29" wheels, so I bought an XL Gary Fisher Supercaliber29. Just riding down the street, I noticed the rear end wiggling back and forth with my cadance. The first downhill singletrack I noticed the bike did not go where the front wheel was pointing. Frame felt like it had a hinge in the middle. 80mm travel on both ends didn't do anything to help insire confidence. A 26" wheel Fisher Sugar 2+ disc frame I tried felt the same.
I parked the 29 for a while in search of a stiff frame, and have been riding a XL 26" Santa Cruz Heckler (with Maverick DUC32 fork) and a L 26" Maverick ML7 (both awesome bikes). As a last ditch effort to see if the 29 craze was worth it (I was about to put the Supercaliber29 up for sale), I was lucky to run across a near new Niner R.I.P. on ebay. I removed all components from the Supercaliber29 and installed them on the Niner (substituting a 180mm crank to get more leverage to counter the change in effective gear ratio from the larger 29" tires).
I can honestly say the Niner R.I.P 9 is 500% better than the fisher supercaliber29. The Niner frame is stiff and gives a perfect platform for the suspension to do what it is supposed to. I left the fox rp23 Propedal in the open (or not used) position, 125psi in the shock, 2 clicks from minimum of rebound, and the rear worked perfect. The Niner 'wheelies' less up hills vs. my Hecker & ML7, and due to that I was able to make it up a short steep hill I never have done with any other bike I've had. The Reba Race set at 100mm became a completely different fork, much better than at 80 mm.
The geometry of the niner is awesome, very comfortable in sitting or 'on the pegs', very stable on fast fireroad downhills and alson on technical/rocky singletrack, and handled the singletrack as well as my Heckler & ML7. With the R.I.P., I feel fresher after 2 hour ride than the other bikes. I've read where 29" wheels turn slower or feel lazy, but the R.I.P. turns and feels no different than my Heckler & ML7.
I highly recommend the R.I.P. 9. Riding one will put a big grin on your face and make you want to ride it again the next day. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Brownlow
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Kolapore, 3-Stage, Kingdom Trails, wherever | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike29.com | | Strengths: | Fast, plush, very cool, amazing all around bike, it's from Niner, uphill, downhill, does it all. | | Weaknesses: | You can get in over your head very quickly with this one. | | Similar Products Used: | Niner SIR9, Commencal Meta 5.20 | | Bike Setup: | X9 rd & shifters, XT fd, XT cranks, Reba SL @ 100mm, AmClassic wheels, Panaracer Rampages, Formula K18 brakes, RF Evolve stem & post, Dangerboy bars. | | Bottom Line: | Well, this is my first review after two long rides and a bit of dirt jumping and skinny riding. Will post updates after I have more time on the bike but I think first impressions are always good to record.
My first two reactions after I got on the bike for the first time were (1) it's big (2) it's fast. I managed to make it feel a little smaller by removing all the headset spacers but I was never able to make it feel slower!
It feels a lot like my Commencal Meta 5.20 on the trail in terms of suspension and travel... no bob and very plush indeed... dangerously fast downhill... definitely tempts you to ride risky lines at high speed. But it completely outshone the Commencal uphill, both in terms of adhesion and lack of a wandering front end, and was far more comfortable since I wasn't compressed the whole time to keep the front down.
It has all the usual 29er virtues of heedlessly blasting over smaller trail obstacles.
I only really started to understand how fast it was when I rode with other people. A rider who normally rides the same speed as me, I dropped over and over again without really trying (I felt bad, to be honest). Uphill, downhill, I was waiting 20-30 seconds at every trail junction. I was keeping up with much, much faster riders, and at one point I dropped the two fastest guys I ride with (10 yrs younger, much more athletic) on a fast piece of doubletrack. However the bike feels very controlled and stable at speed.
Steering is precise and the bike is agile with the 100mm fork. I had a few pedal strikes but we compared BB heights and the RIP9 was exactly the same as the Commencal and my friend's Scott. I was using all of the travel on the Reba (set +100 -90) and I could see a bigger fork being fun, but the Reba works very well.
The main reason I bought this bike was to get the same riding position I get on my SIR9 but on a FS bike. The Commencal, while a lovely bike, was screwing my back up, something I couldn't risk with a long trip to the Rockies coming up. Well, it certainly achieved that, but a lot more as well. It's a great bike and all of the reviews seem to be accurate.
I feel like it deserves big tires, strong wheels and good brakes. Although it's fast, it's definitely an AM/Trail bike as opposed to XC and you are going to be looking for every little hit and drop when you are riding it. For the first time I started to wonder if the AmClassic rims were really up to the sh!t I was throwing at them. I expect it will also be a wonderful all-day/epic ride on more challenging trails.
More later when I have more miles, but so far it's the nicest bike I've ever ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Draschil
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, co
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | 401 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Rolled over EVERYTHING!!!!
Climbed like a Mountain Goat!! | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Stumpy, XT components | | Bottom Line: | Looking for a new ride and this will be it! Didn't have a bad thing to say about it. Demo'ed twice from the same place (withdrawls)! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Dippel
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, Nv. USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Peavine/Evans/Tahoe rim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1549.00 | | Strengths: | This bike is AMAZING. I was riding a Blur for the last two years and loved it however, I'm 6'4" and almost any bike seems tight. This is the first frame that I could really stretch out on and it is such a gorgeous frame that I was afraid to get it dirty. Now that it has mud stains on it I can say: If you are a tall rider this bike is a must own. Suspension is amazingly stable and consistent. Rarely use the lockout on the stock RP23, when I do it is for heavy climbing and more out of habit than because I need it. I love this bike. Climbs like a goat, handles like a Porsche. Now if I was just a better rider..... | | Weaknesses: | Hard to find. Niner was out of them and recommended that I call around to some shops to find one (they supplied me with suggestions). I really wanted the silver version as I need anodized for the rocks around here: I did not want to chip up the blue paint. Once I found one the race was on to build it. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Trek Fuel 90 (stolen) | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks, cassette, front and rear der. Formula Bianco brakes, Thompson stem/seat post. Chris King hubs attached to a custom built set of flow wheels from Dave Thomas at Speeddream.com (black spokes, red nipples, red Chris King hubs...SICK). 20mm pass through hub on White Brothers 130mm Magic 29 fork. Panaracer Rampage tires. | | Bottom Line: | What else can I say, If you want to build up one incredible bike for a tall rider, this is a sure bet. I also considered the Salsa, Ventana, and the Ellsworth. But after countless hours of research and talking to Brett at Niner (Ellsworth could not be troubled to answer their phone) as well as other riders this seemed like the way to go. The 29er shootout here at MTBR really helped as well. I write this review because I believe in the product and because MTBR helped me in so many ways on this bike that I felt I had to (finally) contribute. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tuker
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe AZ USA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | South Mountain any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Javelina Cycles 480-598-3373 | | Strengths: | Last year this was the best 29" dual-suspension bike and it still is. Lots of rear travel and lite weight. After riding 29ers it is hard to go back. Traction is what I find the best, it is great on the loose rock. Loose rock is what I ride on at South Mountain. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to find, I wanted the glowing blue paint. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus demo also nice bike. | | Bike Setup: | Monkey lite bars, FSA Carbon cranks Tompson seat post, WTB laser Rocket saddle, X9 shifters and for bling I used the industry nine red hubs and spokes. | | Bottom Line: | Wow what a bike, glad to see the big manufacture haven't taken over this market. If you are 6 ft and over you should be riding a 29er simple. See Scott at Javelina Cycles honest, and he can set you up 480-598-3373 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sourfunk
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Spring Gulch, Missoula, MT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1575.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path, Portland, OR | | Strengths: | Nimble for a big rig. Suspension soaks up little bumps and big hits without sucking up all the energy it takes to get to the bumps and hits. | | Weaknesses: | None so far, but would prefer a bike made closer to home. | | Similar Products Used: | No other experience with 29 inch full suspension. Most experience with 26 full suspension has been test rides and weekend rentals. The mountain bike I owned before the RIP9 was a hardtail Cannondale (circa 1993). | | Bike Setup: | Industry Nine hubs with Stans Flow Rims. Big ol' WTB wolf tires. Reba shock. SRAM triggers and rear derailer. King headset. Easton Monkey Lite bars. XT cranks. Overall, it's around 28 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | I have been nothing more than a casual mountain biker ever since moving away from Bozeman, MT ten years ago. Since then, I've been riding road bikes. A lot has changed in ten years. The RIP9 has single handedly made mountain biking my favorite discipline (again).
The bike just loves to go fast down hills. When I'm done riding, I want to make motorcycle noises and pretend like I'm reving a throttle. It makes me feel like a kid.
I test rode probably 20 different bikes when deciding what to buy. None of the bikes I tested (Santa Cruz, Specialized, Giant, Cannondale, Rocky Mountain, Ellsworth, etc.) felt as good as the RIP9. The bike just feels right.
Every ride I've had it out on has made me fall deeper in love. It's definitely worth considering if you are looking for a full suspension bike. The only riders I would coach away from buying this bike is somebody who's prime motivation is low weight (although it actually isn't too heavy), or a short rider (although I haven't seen the small size, which may work fine for a shorter rider).
I have zero regrets, and I am psyched I didn't settle on any of the other bikes I was considering (some of which were more expensive than my RIP9). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lothar of the Hill People
a Racer
from Ocomukowonowaukesha, WI
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Backyard Bikes-La Grange General Store | | Strengths: | Top notch fit & finish. Paint glows. Rides great. Great company support. | | Weaknesses: | None specific to this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Similar as in 29er full suspension...none, similar as in frame & 2 wheels...Santa Cruz Superlight, Proflex 857, Fisher Paragon, the rest are too old to name... | | Bike Setup: | M frame, Reba Race 100mm, lots of XTR, Race Face crankset/stem, Salsa carbon bar, Thomson Masterpiece post, Bontrager XLite TLR wheels...and just a tad over 26# | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fast.
Fit & Finish: Top notch. HT/BB are faced. Paint glows in the dark (very cool), though I usually prefer the durability of an anodized finish, I just couldn't pass up the Atomic Blue. Bottle cage mounts on the underside of the downtube are useless. I wish manufactureres would quit putting them there. Niner ships the frame with a front derailler. Well thought out cable routing for full length housing/hydraulic lines.
Build: Minor cable routing issues with the front derailler. Must be careful the linkage doesn't hit the cable housing. Got a few nicks in the paint due to careless wrenching..now I remember why I prefer an anodized finish. Chainstay yoke is hard to protect from chain slap. Ultimately I wrap it in an old piece of inner tube. (a custom Niner chainstay protector would be nice) It was a challenge to get the bars as low as I like with the high headtube that 29ers have in general. A -6 degree stem and flat bars did the trick. Otherwise, no real build issues.
The Ride: Sweeeeet. I don't use the propedal feature on the shock and have never really liked platform shocks anyway. I could never figure out why people buy full suspension bikes and then spend all this time making them ride like a hardtail. This is a good suspension design that really doesn't need a platform shock. Usually new bikes take a while to feel comfortable to me. This bike felt right almost instantly. Very glad I went with a M over a L. Luckily I was able to spend time on both at my dealer. I had no problems navigating tight singletrack or tight switchbacks. It climbs like an absolute mountain goat. Rough, loose technical climbs were a piece of cake. It rails the corners. Acceleration is a little slower than my Superlight. In a back to back test with my SL, I can hit a higher speed, quicker on the SL...however, over an entire lap on my favorite course, the RIP has lower lap times, so is faster overall. When I built this bike I thought I'd keep the Superlight...just in case. But, I've fallen in love with the RIP and the SL has been sitting in the garage ever since. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Carlos, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This baby can roll...it takes quite something to push it out of line. Very nice out of the saddle, not too much bob.
| | Weaknesses: | Slightly slow acceleration compared to my 29er hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Spider 29er (not 5" version), Van Dessel FS 9er, Ventana El Ray, Soulcraft Holy Roller 29" hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Dialed with SRAM parts, great stuff. | | Bottom Line: | Bike was a joy. First trail I rode on was Manzanita (rocky, rooted, rutted sandstone trail) at Skeggs (El Corte de Madera OSP)...there was simply no need to pick a line, the bike just held it's course and rolled on with authority. Then the climb back up and over to Blue Blossom for some tight singletrack. The climb was notably slower. On my bike, I always climb in the middle ring...with my legs on this day on this bike (which was it, bike or legs (I suspect the bike)), I needed the small ring. Blue blossom was great, but not quite as nimble as my Soulcraft....though, I don't think it was a problem, perhaps just an adjustment over time. Up and over to Resolution...climbing out of the saddle was satisfying, but again, small ring. Down Resolution was great, ripping, flowy singletrack with plenty of rocks and roots, all absorbed with no loss of momentum...just what I wanted from a FS 29er.
Next (night) ride in Woodside was unspeakable...involved extended climbs and an absolutely hairy, leafy, branchy, straight down descent. The bike was a dream at speed, just a little cumbersom at tight, low speed stuff.
I'd love to reexamine the Spider, try the Racer X, and throw a leg over the Sultan. Seems like, in reality, the trails in the area that I ride on day in day out may all be better suited to my 29er hardtail, but extended rides, and the more extreme may require a FS 29er, and the RIP 9 has made it's mark. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bubba
a Cross Country Rider
from fairfield
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | nimham | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | bike29.com | | Strengths: | Climbs and accelerates very well without any bob. Handles the East Coast rock gardens and tight singletrack well. Rear suspension is nice without being mushy or too plush. | | Weaknesses: | The bottom bracket height is lower than I'm used to but I'll learn to live with it. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellworth: Truth, Id, Epiphany, Moment. Yeti 575 and ASR-SL. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Reba Race w/100mm, King Disc hubs on Stan 355's with Kenda Nevegals, Race Face Deus Cranks, XTR Shifters and Derailleurs, Avid Disc Brakes | | Bottom Line: | This was my first experiment with 29'ers coming from an Ellsworth ID that I really love. This bike has surpassed my expecations and will be replacing the ID.
I have to say that I was skeptical about the whole 29 thing but that said, here are my impressions:
Definitely rolling thru the rock gardens is easier, as well as I’m not “catching” on the usual hazards that can cause me to stop or endo.
The front end is not washing out as much or is easier to recover from. I especially noticed it in the leaves that on recent rides have been giving me fits.
Way better traction on steep climbs (and I thought the Id was a pretty good climber). I really noticed this when climbing steeps where the other guy was spinning out and I just cruised by with a grin.
With regards to the RIP:
Great acceleration with little or no bob.
Nimble handling.
Plush but not too plush in the rear. It feels very similar to my Ellsworth Id, which is what I wanted.
Overall I almost feel like I have an unfair advantage, everything is just easier. Sure the steering is a little slower but I still feel the bike handles extremely well in the tight, technical stuff that we ride, as well as the rock gardens.
This bike is a real value considering that it was so highly rated at the Interbike Demo against many well known manufacturers who are at much higher price points.
I made my decision to purchase this frame based on those reviews as well as discussions with George at Bike29.com who is very knowledgeable about the handling traits of different bike designs and I am not at all disappointed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Demo'd only at Interbike. Rides great! 29ers for me from here on as I'm 6'2" and the fit and feel are the best I've had on a mountain bike since my first mountain bike in 1983. The rear suspension is close to my Blur without the kickback that the SC has. I felt it was very effecient with the Rox RP3 in full open position there was little pedaling induced movement at all. I bought the RIP after riding all the FS 29'ers at the Interbike Demo. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. I'm a little concerned about the variable arc linkage being low and the design. Seams it could be built with more mass. As I mentioned I own a Blur and have had a good bit of creaking from the VPP and I am sensitive to this so I'm a little concerned, but the ride quality was excellant! | | Similar Products Used: | I've owned several mountain bikes thought the years, my most recent being a Maverick and the Santa Cruz. I rode several of the FS 29'ers at the Dirt Demo and will rank them 1) Intense Spyder 2) Niner RIP, 3) Ellsworth 4) Turner Sultan. Realy like the Dos Niner but I liked the extra travel of the RIP for Utah and Colorado riding. I wish Lenz had been at the show to demo. The Intense had a 80mm fork which may have made it feel a little quicker as wel as it was a medium size frame. | | Bike Setup: | XO, Reba 100, nice build, can't recall the complete build. | | Bottom Line: | Feels stable and neutral handling. No surprizes. It was a lot of fun riding. The suspension was very smooth in taking out the small to intermediate bumps up to the bigger hits. It has the best rear suspension of all the 29'ers. My pick of the bikes at the Demo! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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