This article is part of the Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O. See all the stories in this special section here--https://reviews.mtbr.com/category/enduro-compare-o-2014

Suffice it to say our test crew was pumped to see the redesigned-for-2014 Niner WFO 29er among the new rides in our Enduro Compare-O lineup. Despite all the 27.5 hoopla, the boys from Fort Collins, Colo. continue to strengthen their big-wheels-for-big-travel argument by refining the magic formula on their proven gnar-eating beast-and for a relatively affordable sum to boot.

Rear travel's been bumped-up 10mm from last year to 150mm, while the head angle mellows to a slacker 66.5 degrees with a 160mm fork-in this case, the astonishing RockShox Pike RCT3. With the entire bike sitting lower, a drop in bottom bracket height-now 13.1-inches-and a shortened top tube the WFO looks like an amazingly compact and playful bike, wheel size be damned.



And the real geometric kicker? The chainstays measure only 17.4 inches-amazingly short for a dual-sus 29er. Making it work required some guts on Niner's part, however, as the WFO is only compatible with 1x chainring setups. A 2x crankset doesn't clear the swingarm, and you won't even find a mounting point for a front derailleur. You either ride SRAM XX1, XO1 or a custom 1x setup. The bike does include ISCG-05 tabs-with one of the mounting points cleverly integrated into pivot hardware-should you want to add a chainguide.



Niner is among the first companies to go with a dedicated 1x model-Specialized has done the same with its Epic World Cup Editions. We think the quicker, more nimble handling of a 29er with short stays is worth it. And with SRAM's ultra wide 1x11 systems, you still get acceptably low-gearing-which could be made lower on this bike by switching to a 30-tooth chainring. The only downside now is the relatively high cost of XX1 and XO1, the only 1x11 systems currently available.



Niner has the perfect cockpit to complement this long travel 29er, with a short, stubby stem and flat bars up to 800mm wide.



How can Niner offer a bike with a 1x11 drivetrain and a Pike RCT3 fork for under $5,000? Well it is aluminum, but even so it's an incredible value as these game-changer components normally cost a small fortune by themselves.



2014 Niner WFO Key Specs

  • Weight: 28.85 lbs.(size medium)
  • Wheel size: 29 inches
  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox Pike RCT3,160mm
  • Shock: RockShox Monarch Plus RC3
  • Drivetrain: SRAM XO1 1x 11spd, 10-42t
  • Brakes: SRAM Elixir 9 trail, 180/160mm
  • Seatpost: Niner carbon
  • Wheels: Stan's NoTubes 3.30/ZTR Flow EX
  • Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic Snakeskin TL, 2.35-inch
  • Bars/Stem: Niner Flat Top alloy 780mm, Niner Alloy stem
  • Bottom bracket type: SRAM GXP Threaded
  • Head tube angle: 66.5 degrees (with 160mm fork)
  • Seat tube angle: 74.5 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 17.4 inches
  • Bottom bracket height: 13.1 inches
  • Bike MRSP: $4999
  • Frame MSRP: $2099 with RockShox Monarch Plus RC3
For more information visit www.ninerbikes.com.

Read our Bottom Line Evaluation of the Niner WFO here.

This story is part of Mtbr's 2014 Enduro Compare-O. Check out our intro story here for all the ground rules and goings ons.