Jan 2008 Update

2008 R.I.P. 9’s in stock early Feb 08

“It could well be the smoothest bike I’ve ever ridden.”

“The combination of a great suspension design and a big wheel makes for a ride that borders on, and we’re as surprised as anyone that we’re saying this, mind-blowing. Climbing traction, descending traction and stability are off the charts.”

Best 29er of 2007 “Niner’s full suspension bike works so well it could turn even the most old school rider on to the big-wheel program.”

“This is the bike that made us converts to 29-inch wheels. Niner could not have done a better job creating this beauty. It literally climbs like a cross country bike and descends like a 7-inch travel downhill bike.”

“The R.I.P. 9 ….is setting the standard of long travel, big-wheeled bicycles.”

People Choice Award 29er Full Suspension 5 stars out of 5 star rating.

With reviews like these you would think we would be insane to change anything on the R.I.P. 9. Well we are Niner Bikes and we are bike nut perfectionists.

While we do not have traditional model years we felt enough changes were done to this new batch of frames that we should designate it somehow from the previous models.

Changes from the previous R.I.P. 9

1. Updated linkage plate, now with an added I-beam structure. This will aid in rear end stiffness with a minimal weight penalty. These will fit on all previous models and can be purchased from your local Niner Dealer or from us at $120 for a set. We will have these in stock around Feb 15th to retro fit all older frames.

2. Seat tube gusset has been removed. We have done more testing and modeling and found that removing the gusset and thickening the wall of the seat tube yielded a stronger structure overall without a weight penalty. The new 2008 R.I.P. 9’s will require a 30.9mm post verses the 31.6mm for the older models.

3. Updated cable routing. The cable routing is now down the top of the downtube. This design keeps the cables bending WITH the cycle of the suspension and is a little bit cleaner.

4. All bolts including the headbadge are now lock tightened direct from our factory.

5. Large and XL frames have updated rear triangles. These have been stiffened up even more. Please note we design each size frame with an average rider size in mind (it’s not just about rider weight, but also rider leverage. Taller riders, regardless of weight have great leverage on a bicycle frame). The butting and tubing used for a small frame is different from that used on an XL frame. These are some of the smaller hidden details we do to optimize the riding experience for you.

6. Available in Hi Ho Silver and Atomic Blue

7. The new 2008 R.I.P. 9 will carry a slight price increase to $1,649.00. We still have some “older” R.I..P. 9’s. at the “old” price of $1,549.00

Jet 9 Product Update:

We are still in the throes of production but are delayed slightly due a delay of the final forging molds used on the production frame. This delay will mean we are not going to be able to ship in February, but rather around March (23rd- 29th) 08 is our best estimate.

Final production is much more difficult than prototype production. There are a lot of custom parts that were designed for this frame including new forgings. These are the final touches that will make this frame spectacular and we think that it will be worth the wait. We will be honest with you and keep you up to date as we move along in the production cycle.

If the delay is an issue please contact Ryan ryan@ninerbikes.com.

We have had a lot of calls about the compatibility of the FOX F29 and the Jet 9. We did extensive testing of early prototypes of the FOX F29 in both the 80mm and 100mm versions while we were in development. (Thanks FOX!!) We can happily say the F29 will work brilliantly with the Jet 9. We do recommend you use the consumer version with the 44mm offset verses the Gary Fisher OEM version at 51mm.

Rock Shox Reba and all other current 80mm-100mm travel 29er forks will work as well.

2008 Dealers Catalog Available:

If you would like a 2008 Niner catalog, please go here to get one Niner Catalog.
This is a full color spread of all of our models.

source: Niner Bikes