Over the years, Niner has expanded their RLT9 gravel bike line to include all three main frame materials: Alloy, steel and carbon fiber. Now, they’ve updated all three at once, offering a completely revamped RLT9 family with more mounting points, fresh frames, and new paint all around. Oh, and clearance for 700×50 or 650Bx2.0 tires on all three.
“Niner was among the first to embrace the gravel bike scene,” said Chris Sugai, founder and president of Niner Bikes. “From ‘Day 1,’ our mission has been to make riding on dirt better, period. These new gravel bikes incorporate a level of versatility and comfort that will improve anyone’s experience on the Road Less Traveled.”
Here’s what’s shared on all three: More (26!!!) mounts for all manner of frame bags, fenders, cages and accessories; cable routing that’s ready for mechanical or electronic, 1x or 2x drivetrains; 27.2 stealth dropper post compatibility; and PFBB30 bottom brackets that’ll fit their Biocentric eccentric bottom bracket for singlespeed setups, too. They also get replaceable derailleur hangers, flat mount brakes, and thru axles all around.
All the bikes are available in build kits ranging from high end Shimano GRX 800 and SRAM Force AXS to more affordable options like Shimano GRX 400 and SRAM Rival. And all of them start shipping this month.
2020 Niner RLT9 RDO Carbon
The flagship RLT9 RDO gets a lighter, stiffer and sleeker frame that’s also more compliant. Meaning, it’s race-worthy, but also all-day ride comfortable, too. Look for custom frame bags to be available, too, with color-matched accents.
Other RLT 9 RDO details include:
- Race Day Optimized (RDO) carbon fiber frame and fork
- Full Sleeve internal routing for all cables and brake lines
- Revised geometry with longer wheelbase for better stability
2020 Niner RLT9 Steel
If steel is real, this is the real deal. The same overload of mounts in a Reynolds 853 frame gives you a lively, classic ride.
Other RLT9 steel features include:
- Stamped and welded seatstay yoke for added tire and chainring clearance.
- Easy to access external cable routing.
Oh, and all of the bikes ship with their new RDO carbon fork, which has three accessory mounts mid-leg, plus a fender/rack mounting point on the bottom and inside legs…12 total mounting points if you count the upper fender mounts. They’re also compatible with front-hub dynamos, which get internal wire routing to keep everything clean and safe.
2020 Niner RLT9 Alloy
The alloy RLT9 has been their workhorse gravel bike, offering the right blend of race-ready stiffness without beating you up, light weight, and affordability. All that carries over, just in a more capable, hydroformed 6061 aluminum frame.
RLT9 alloy frame details include:
- 6061 aluminum frame with RDO carbon fork
- Forged seatstay yoke for tire and chainring clearance
- Internal cable routing
Pricing varies by frame and build specification, check their website for all the options and colors.
