The new Niner ROS 9 Plus is like the ROS 9, only bigger, making room for 29×3.0 (aka 29+) tires.
The frame is 4130 chromoly steel, just like the original ROS9, and all of the key features carry over. They wanted the same all-mountain “fun” geometry of the standard ROS, just with bigger tires.
One key difference is the non-suspension corrected steel fork. It’s the same 4130 material as the frame and gets tapered legs to provide that classic, comfortable steel feel. It uses the Maxle thru-axle at the bottom and a tapered steerer tube, the latter a rare feature on steel forks. Axle to crown is 470mm, same as their carbon and RDO forks. Niner’s product manager Barrett James said they kept the fork legs shorter (as in, non-suspension corrected) for a couple reasons. First, longer steel legs would have meant a much heavier fork to keep them strong enough to pass testing. Second, the geometry of the bike is actually built with suspension in mind, so the ROS9 Plus is ready for the Rockshox Bluto (or any other fat bike suspension fork that may be coming out). Head angle will slacken by about a degree with the taller front end. Out of the box, though, you’ll get a snappy handling, terrain crushing rigid bike.
Read on for tons of close up pics plus images of the very special IMBA edition paint job on the bike you can win!
Other frame details carried over include the stealth dropper routing, EBB system to make single speed conversions easy and removable front derailleur mount.
That latter feature was left on there mainly to allow direct mount chain guides rather than putting a double on. Barrett says chain and derailleur cage clearance with the fatter 3.0 tires is not ideal, and complete bikes will only get single chainring builds. It also has mounts for a custom MRP XCG Bash Guard to protect your precious chainrings from rocks, logs and other trail impacts.
The bike pictured here was preproduction, so a few things will change. It’ll come spec’d with Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes instead of Avid Trail’s, for one. The rest of the spec is a Niner alloy cockpit and SRAM X1 drivetrain with Stan’s new Hugo fat bike rims/wheels. The Niner BioCentric II bottom bracket is included stock, filled with a SRAM GXP BB.
It’ll fit up to 29×3.0 tires. Chainstay length is 437mm (with BB clocked at 9 o’clock position), which is shorter than anything they could find on the market.
Front brake hose routing is cleaned up on production bikes, too.
It’s only offer it as a single complete build for $2,999.
2014 NINER ROS9 PLUS IMBA EDITION
FROM NINER: For the fifth year, Niner has created a special IMBA themed bike in support of the non-profit’s mountain bike advocacy efforts. This year’s version is a custom painted ROS 9 Plus complete singlespeed bike with special detailing and exclusive components throughout.
“IMBA is stoked that Niner is continuing its support for mountain bike trails and access through such a creative, visible campaign. The money raised will help fund our national advocacy work, which serves to protect and expand access to local trail systems. We handle D.C. dirt so you can play in the dirt,” says Mark Eller, IMBA Director of Communications “To all the bidders, thank you! And to the winners, enjoy your new rides!”
The global auction for the 9 available bikes is now live, with auction management courtesy of The Pro’s Closet. “The Pro’s Closet helps us with this auction every year – their international auction expertise makes it possible for riders to support IMBA from almost anywhere in the world.” said Niner co-founder Chris Sugai.
Riders interested in bidding on the Special Edition IMBA bikes can visit www.ninerbikes.com/imba for complete details, links and more images.
