Chasing the Record Known Time
Designing the RKT 9 RDO, our product team deliberately focused first on race features. The frame is light and stiff, thanks to Niner’s RDO carbon fiber construction. The frame is made with a no-frills focus for fast flights into orbit. The geometry is aggressive and agile, for quick course corrections at escape velocity speeds. And the suspension travel is short and efficient, with handlebar remote lockout for instant, extra rocket booster power if needed.
Yet, we all know that not all space missions are made in the name of science. For those riders who focus instead on fun laps into low-earth orbit, the updated RKT 9 RDO is built for versatility and a playful, trail-friendly attitude.
Responding to many riders’ requests for capability in the face of any feature, and also accommodating the technical demands of modern cross-country racecourses, a geometry flip chip allows for more relaxed frame angles. Clearance to fit wide, 2.5” tires and a 120mm suspension fork expands the universe of possibilities. The seat tube fits a dropper post, and the long, low-slung frame is made for stability at atmospheric reentry speed.
Racing to the edge of the universe
The RKT 9 RDO is a race bike, first and foremost. Blasting off from the start line, 100mm CVA suspension is made to send every ounce of thrust directly to the rear wheel. And remote front and rear suspension lockouts can be deployed for even more efficiency as needed. Achieving escape velocity has never been easier.
In-flight vector adjustments are easy, thanks to the aggressive, agile frame geometry. A 68-degree head tube angle keeps the sharp end tracking accurately and the 75-degree seat tube angle keeps the pilot positioned optimally for maximum power.
Of course, the RKT 9 RDO is built from Niner’s own Race Day Optimized (RDO) carbon fiber. With careful application of the fiber layers and internal molds to maximize compaction of the carbon and resin matrix, Niner RDO frames are light, stiff and strong. They also exhibit comfortable ride characteristics in the face of burning, lactic acid race efforts and supersonic reentry turbulence alike.
A launch vehicle is only as good as the payload it can carry. With that in mind, we included two full size water bottle mounts in the main triangle. There are also threaded accessory mounts on the top tube for extra fuel, mission-critical cargo, supplemental oxygen, or a repair kit.
“Trail Country” Capability
Not everyone is afflicted by uncontrollable lust for lofty podium landings. Some of us just want to blast up to the mesosphere then point it earthward and let gravity take over. When you’re partying the whole way down, a fun fuselage makes all the difference. Most of us Ninerds are nothing if not FUN.
The RKT 9 RDO was designed with features to keep jorts-wearing thrill seekers equally as happy as our slender, spandex-wrapped racers. This bike sports “trail-country” features like clearance for 2.5-inch tires, a flip chip to slack out the geometry by a half degree, and a short, straight seat tube that’s well-suited for a dropper post.
CVA suspension tuning is made for efficient pedaling, but not at the cost of downhill performance. The trunnion mount shock aids lateral stiffness and keeps the suspension articulation smooth and supple off the top. The frame is even made to accept a 120mm suspension fork for riders wanting high-speed hijinks during planetary reentry.
If flannel and denim is your uniform, and your racing goals are focused on fun first rather than finishing first, this RKT 9 RDO is a launch vehicle you can love.