MSRP: $1799.99 now $1349.99 Frame Only
GBS Impression: The Rip 9 is one comfy ride for getting out all day with some definite all-mountain capability. This bike has some serious downhill prowess, and was a personal favorite of many on long technical descents. Finding yourself grinning ear to ear is a common side-effect the Rip 9 will have on your day in the mountains. The slightly more slack headtube angle, compared to many other brands’ bikes with similar travel, gives the bike a solid and aggressive feel. Climbing on the Rip 9 is steady and effective. The Pro-Pedal setting on the rear shock helps keep the bike’s travel under control and helps maintain a good cadence up the mountain.
Why would we mess with a frame that has garnered applause from all 5 of the major US mountain bike magazines, including Best 29er of 2007 and Consumer Choice Award? Because at Niner we believe we can always do better.
The all new, redesigned R.I.P. 9 for 2009: same travel, same weight, drastically increased stiffness. Our CVA™ suspension technology still gives the rear wheel 4.5” of smooth, efficient, active suspension travel while the geometry has been tweaked to utilize the latest 120mm travel forks – giving the R.I.P. 9 that perfect all-mountain balance.
Niner has redefined its award winning suspension frame from the ground up maximizing new design and production technologies. From the head tube to the rear drop out, Niner picked over every single detail and asked “can it be done better?” Taper steerer tube technology at the head tube, hydroformed top tube and down tube, and over 10 forged or extruded parts on the R.I.P. 9 all went through a painstaking process of FEA, mechanical stress tests and real world testing to be as light and as strong as possible. The result: increased stiffness everywhere without a weight penalty.
The R.I.P. 9 will re-awaken your passion for what all mountain is all about
