Less than a month ago we wrapped up our test with the Niner WFO, a big mountain brawler. In a move that is quite indicative of 2021, we literally handed over our WFO and took possession of the new Jet at the same time. While the WFO had us headed for big rocks and high-speeds, were were quite excited to get our mitts on this new JET 9. Short-travel 29ers with trail bike geometry are infiltrating more brand's lineups and many riders are finding they are a great intersection of rowdy and efficiency. Let's dig into how the new Jet stacks up. Strengths CVA suspension design has a planted feel...
Niner's WFO name has been notably absent from the line and riders have been asking for its return. Happy to oblige, Niner has revived the WFO in the form of a 170mm travel 29er built upon its current RDO carbon frame. Everything mountain bikers have come to expect from long-travel bikes is present - a 180mm FOX 38 fork, FOX X2 rear shock, 200mm rotors, and meaty tires are mounted on all five builds. Vital had two testers give the new Niner WFO a go. Let's get into our initial impressions. Strengths Excellent climber Mows down any obstacle Eats up square-edge hits No harsh bottom-out Weaknesses...
Itis time to lift the curtain on the new Niner RIP 9 RDO. This bike has 140mm of rear travel, 150mm up front, and it comes with a frame specifically designed around each wheel size. That means the 27.5 version isn't just small wheels slapped into the same frame, but a purpose-built frame to suit the wheel size. This is the part where we let Kirt Voreis take over to introduce the new rides: "Why didn’t we just make a 29er that also fits 27.5-inch wheels? Because compromises. If we’re going to do something so big (or should we say, small?) and so contrary to our brand history, dammit, we’re...