Detail
NINER Jet 9 RDO 4-Star XT 27.5+ As with most bikes in the current trail generation, the key element influencing the new Jet 9s versatile geometry is its Boost rear axle. Bumping the spacing up to 148mm lets Niner chop 21mm off of chainstays by slamming the rear wheel up into the seat tube. The extra clearance also allows for 3in tires on 27.5 rims, which equates to more traction across root-latticed trails and some extra cushion when the terrain gets chunky. The steeper seat tube keeps you centered over the pedals for more efficient climbing while the included dropper post allows you to clear out some cockpit space so you can throw the bike around on descents. The 27.5+ Jet 9 also includes a deeper fork, running 140mm instead of the 29er models 130. This keeps the geometry relatively in line across wheel sizes, though the 27.5+ version does shed an extra half degree in the head tube to move the 27.5+ Jet 9 that much closer to enduro rowdiness. It also pairs nicely with the new iterations longer reach and shorter stem, making for a bike that can ride roughshod across all manner of trail furniture without sacrificing responsive steering. Slack head tubes are fun, but were occasionally frustrated by their muddy responsiveness. The Jet 9 lives up to Niners reputation of nimble, big-wheeled machines by applying that ethos to the mid-wheel range and ensuring that enduro aggression doesnt come at the cost of control. We like rolling roughshod over terrain, but we also like the challenge of dicing rock gardens apart. The Jet 9 satisfies that craving. Despite the above changes, Niners Race Day Optimized (RDO) construction process remains relatively unchanged. This is a good thing, as Niners compaction method presses out any excess resin and compacts the carbon down to a uniform wall thickness. This gives Niner precise control over where material placement, letting the engineers reduce weight where its not needed while ensuring stiffness and durability at key areas of power transfer and abuse. The CVA suspension model is also virtually unchanged. CVA is designed specifically around 29in wheels to keep the big-rim platform balanced between taut and supple. Since theres little difference in the dimensions between 29 and 27.5+ platforms, it translates well to donut-tire models. CVAs low compression ratio means theres less need for suspension preload, so the mechanism can float more freely and react more readily to the terrain without being loose
