On our way to PressCamp, we swung by Niner Bikes’ shiny new Fort Collins, CO, headquarters to see how they’ve grown up since the last time we visited. While there, we not only got the tour, but also a private screening of Rebecca Rusch’s new Red Bull film, Blood Road, and an exclusive look at their prototype full suspension gravel bike.
C0-founder Chris Sugai walked us through their office, which now houses their entire operation under one roof. From R&D, testing, warehousing and shipping, to marketing, sales and everything else. Video below, along with pics of the upcoming gravel bike…
Chris introduces us to several team members in the video, who share a bit about what they do, too. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work at a big bike brand, this’ll give you a taste. Oh, and we get to watch them break a carbon frame in a test jig…in slo mo!
First shown at Sea Otter Classic as a modified RKT9, Niner had enough fun on that model to progress to an alloy test mule. Where the first iteration simply threw drop bars and skinny tires on an existing model, this one’s purpose built to test an all new suspension layout for them.
The front end of the test mule started out as an RLT9 Alloy triangle.
This new model, as yet unnamed, still gets their CVA suspension design, but moves the shock location to make it look a little more like a road bike.
The shock will be driven by the chainstay yoke, and we’re guessing some sort of mud guard will come standard.
No word on how much travel it’ll get, geometry or any other details. They use this alloy test mule to test angles, pivot locations and more. While we wait for this one to be a big announcement, expect some minor product news from Niner in August.
