NINER RLT 9 I was given the opportunity to test ride an incredibly good-looking and a not-so-common bike - the RLT 9, from the Colorado-based mountain bike company NINER, which has been making well-known and quality 29ner mountain bike frames. Niner has now entered the realm of the gravel-grinder bicycle - a kind of bike used for long-distance races on dirt and fire roads. The acronym RLT stands for “road less travelled” - implying that this particular bike likes going off the beaten path. THE BIKE. I got the light-blue with white combination frame which the company call “Industry Gray” color scheme. According to NINER, the frame is made from HYDROFORMED ALUMINUM ALLOY for lightness and efficiency. The frame size was 50, top tube size was 52.5cm and the cables are routed cleanly inside the frame. The fork, also from Niner, is made from carbon fiber and rated for mountain bike use. The handlebar (42cm), stem (85mm), seatpost (zero-offset), saddle and wheelset (23mm depth with 28 spokes front and rear) are all made by Niner. Tires were Schwalbe Sammy Slicks in a 28x1.35 or 700x35C width. Brake/shift levers were 10-speed Shimano 105, Avid cabled brake calipers with 160mm Avid disc rotors, Shimano 105 rear derailleur, Shimano Tiagra front derailleur, Shimano 105 10-speed cogset, 12-30 combinations and a SRAM Chainwheel with 170mm crank arms and 46/36 dual chainwheel. THE RIDE. The size 50 frame fits nicely for my size but with a zero-offset seatpost and a stem with 85mm length, it made the over-all dimension a little too small for my size, with the zero-offset seatpost, I would have preferred a 100mm stem. By moving the saddle backwards almost all the way, I, more or less got my riding preference position. I took the RLT 9 from my home to Clark, rode it for more than 50 kilometers in various intensities and road conditions. On the dreaded “pader”, the RLT 9 breezes easily despite the thicker tire size as compared to a 700x23c tire of a road bike, credit goes to the 46/36 chainwheel combinations, which is like the compact gearing (50/34) of a road bike, only smaller. Downhills and cornering are smooth and unwavering. On a dirt road, the RLT 9 was also well-behaved, of course, provided that I avoid the sharp rocks and deep crevices. The saddle was surprisingly comfortable even on bumpy roads and although I prefer a wider (44cm) handlebar, the drop bars provided a variety of hand positions which are essentials for comfort during a long ride. Shifting from one gear to another, whether from the front or rear derailleur was flawless. On the slightly negative side, braking was somewhat rubbery with the Avid mechanical disc brakes although efficiency was not compromised. THE VERDICT. Being the roadie as I am, I am always on the look-out, so to speak, or more accurately, always alert to anything, mostly to road conditions when riding my road bike. With the RLT 9, I can let my guard down! Road cracks and even small potholes are irrelevant because the RLT can easily cross them without having to worry for a nasty spill or a rim scratch. If you are a mountain biker and want to experience and feel some qualities of a road bike minus the overly “aggressive personalities” of most racer-bred road bikes, then the RLT 9 will suite you just fine. Or if you are a roadie and wants to experience and feel some qualities of a mountain bike without radically altering your riding posture and not seriously considering riding on a more technical trail, this one’s for you. Bottom line: There is the Mountain Bike for off-road riding, and there’s the Road Bike for road riders. The Niner RLT 9 is an ALL-ROAD bike, whether pavement, forest trail or a single track, the RLT 9 can handle all of these terrains. I just don’t know if I have the will power to get this gorgeous-looking bike that dirty. soz - Thanks so much Bikeworx Angeles, Sozon Michael and Jake Baluyut.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:52:21 +0000
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