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Niner introduces Air 9 RDO

  • By Caley Fretz
  • Published Feb. 14, 2012
  • Updated Oct. 11, 2012 at 4:51 PM EDT
  • The new Niner Air 9 RDO. Courtesy photo.
  • The new Niner Air 9 RDO. Courtesy photo.
  • The new Niner Air 9 RDO. Courtesy photo.

Niner announced a new, even lighter version of their Air 9 on Tuesday, bringing the frame into the company’s RDO (Race Day Optimized) program. Thanks to new profiles and carbon layups, the new carbon hardtail shaves about half a pound off from the current Air 9 Carbon with a claimed weight of 1125g for a medium frame.

The Air 9 RDO sticks to Niner’s proven hardtail 29er geometry, and is optimized for 80-100mm forks. Ultra-low-profile disc posts help shed weight and an oversized, 1.125″-1.5″ tapered head tube and PF30 bottom bracket should stiffen the frame where it matters most.

Niner also added a new aluminum headbadge designed for full-length internal housing, extending cable life and simplifying maintenance.

Niner is releasing 50 limited edition builds in March, a month before the wider release. The limited edition bikes are available in Niner Green or Licorice Black with a matching RockShox SID XX World Cup, Shimano XTR, American Classic Race 29 wheelset, Race Face Next Carbon crankset and Niner RDO components.

Complete limited edition bikes will go for $6,199. Frames will be available for $2099.

FILED UNDER: 29er / Bikes and Tech / MTB TAGS: /

Caley Fretz

Caley Fretz

Tech Editor Caley Fretz came on board with VN in September 2010, and now splits his year between Boulder, Colorado and Annecy, France. Beyond his journalistic pursuits, he is a category 1 road, 'cross and track racer. He also holds a pro XC mountain bike license, though unlicensed racing is now more his style.