With Eurobike fast approaching, it’s the time of year for companies to announce new products and updates to their line. This time it’s Niner who have taken a fresh look at its RLT9 gravel bike.
As the name suggests, the US brand has been hot on 29 inch wheels for off-road since long before they became a mainstream choice. As with many mountain bike brands, it then saw the potential that gravel bikes have for those rides where fat tyres are overkill, but a road bike isn’t going to cut it. The RLT9 has been in the line up for a few years and Niner reckon it’s time for a refresh.
The New RLT9
So what’s new? It looks like a case of evolution, rather than revolution for the bike:
- Hydroformed aluminum frame
- Revised geometry to improve stand over.
- Accepts up to a 1.75″ tire
- Flat mount disc brake compatible
- Singlespeed compatible with Biocentric 30 (Sold separately.)
- Frame and fork mounts
In Niner’s own words, the RLT9 is:
The perfect tool for the gravel-curious. Comfortable geometry built on a snappy hydroformed aluminium foundation. Tested to mountain bike standards, this RLT will take you places you didn’t think a skinnier tyres bike could take you. Feel the itch. Now go scratch it.
Well, we’ve got an itch, but we’re not sure whether that’s not just down to the midge bites from last night’s ride. Either way, we loved the original RLT9 when we tested it way back when, and Jeff raved about the steel version last year, so we’re looking forward to this new aluminium incarnation.
The RLT9 will available as both a frameset and full builds. We’ve contacted Niner and UK importer Jungle to get the full lowdown of when they’ll be available in the UK. We are also checking whether the steel and carbon versions of the RLT9 will remain in the line up.
