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Niner RLT 9 2015 or 2016

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JAKEtheDOG

· Jacob 34:19
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm planning to replace my seldom ridden road bike with a Niner RLT 9 in hopes that it will inspire me to ride more. I was looking at the 2016 models but my budget will only allow for the 2 star build. However, for not much more, I can pick up a 2015 4 star build on close out. As far as I can tell, the main differences between the 2015 and 2016 frames are the 142mm rear and 15mm thru axle drops. Are there other tweaks I've missed? And is it enough of an improvement to justify going with the lower spec for about the same money?

I have no aspirations to ride competitively, just want to have something I enjoy riding when the trails are too muddy. Also, I generally do my own builds but in this case I'm really only interested in a complete bike. I no longer have the time to search out the parts and do the build.

Thanks for you input!

Edit: I'm 6'2" and run about 230lbs so I'm thinking the stiffness of the thru axles might be advantageous for me. It also appears that the 2015 4 star CX1 build is a 1x11 which is a bit of a bummer.
 
#2 ·
I've recently read from more than one source, through axles don't really add anything meaningful, stiffness-wise, with rigid forks. Basically they're overkill. A really good skewer, like an XT, or maybe a DT RWS, is plenty.
 
#4 ·
Is 1x11 a deal breaker for you?

I would personally care more about general components and hydraulic over mechanical discs than thru axles.

DT RWS is a great product and worth the upgrade dollars though!
 
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#5 ·
Guessing maybe your shopping online. If so looks like the Niner BSB build is still available in a lot of sizes.

Seems value wise hard to beat, Force 22 with Rival Hydro brakes.
 
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#7 ·
I'm 6-1 about 195 lbs, haven't had any issues with the QR. I got the 2015 2 star built and am running 1x11. I did have the chain fall off once on a rocky downhill, so I put a chain guide on. This wouldn't be a issue with the sram force. The only thing I don't like are the brake..absolute garbage. I ordered a set of hydraulics RS685...I probably should have just ordered the CX1 instead
 
#8 ·
DG41F said:
Check out Cannondale if you are not set on Niner bikes. They have awesome markdowns on their 2016 CX bikes right now. I just ordered a SuperX 105 for under 2k with true hydraulic brakes.
Click to expand...
Different bikes.

The cannondale is a race bike and can't clear 40c tires. I owned one though and the ride quality is phenomenal.

The niner can truly clear a 40c and has gravel geo. The cdale is a race bike.
 
#9 ·
I understand the superx and rlt9 are different bikes. I would compare the superx more to the Niner bsb9 mentioned above. The CaadX is closer to the RLT9 and also on sale. Still racier, but should have more tire clearance than the superx and bsb9 (how much I don't know) Don't really know what the OP wants specifically. Just thought I would throw out that Cdale has their CX bikes on close out as well so it's another option.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Thanks for weighing in guys. I'm thinking that the upgraded wheels, brakes, and drivetrain on the 2015 model are probably more beneficial than the thru axles on the 2016. I'm also warming up to the idea of a 1x drivetrain. Again, I appreciate the input.
 
#11 ·
Don't be afraid to give 1x a shot, it sounds like it might be perfect for your purpose. I too wanted something to ride when the trails weren't accessible and built up an All City Macho Man disc recently. My two mountain bikes are both single speed and I wanted to try something with gears. I have a serious aversion to chain slap and I liked the potential simplicity of a 1x. Six months of ride time and I'm really happy with how it turned out. Drive train is really quiet and it's performed perfectly so far. The only down sides I see are that you sacrifice some top end, which rarely has been an issue, and gear jumps are a bit bigger, so minor cadence adjustments are not available. But again, I predominantly ride SS so I don't really consider that an issue. ;)
 
#12 ·
I am contemplating the same thing. I looked at a SUPERX with 1x on it today. I really want to get a look at an RLT9 but I can't find any shops in the area that have them. I am tempted to go with the Cannonade just because its cheaper and carbon.
 
#13 ·
DG41F said:
Check out Cannondale if you are not set on Niner bikes. They have awesome markdowns on their 2016 CX bikes right now. I just ordered a SuperX 105 for under 2k with true hydraulic brakes.
Click to expand...
yep, I got the SuperX CX-1 for $1750, full carbon, hydros, and 1x11. 17-5 lbs with XTR pedals and $850 roval control wheelset, total $2600 for a full carbon race bike with hydros, 1x11 and carbon wheelset.
 
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