Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK Review
- Price: $11,199
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29″ Carbon
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: Progressive and adjustable geometry provides a more comfortable riding position.
What we don’t like about it: The high price may make it unaffordable for some people.
Rating: (4.9/5)
I was surprised when my buddy Petter won an off-road race a while back.
Although he told me that it was the result of his efforts, I prefer to credit the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK has been upgraded from its excellent predecessor, thus bringing even better condition. I couldn’t wait to ride it for a cross-country trip.
So I immediately booked a flight to Utah on Skyscanner, where I had been very impressed with the route.
Climbing
Although I’ve never been much of an uphill climber, I was more than satisfied with the climbing ability of the this bike.
The dropper design allowed me to adjust my seating position in time for the terrain, thus giving me good control of my center of gravity.
Some of the smaller ups and downs didn’t bother me at all, and on steeper inclines the SRAM X1 EAGLE CARBON DUB, 32T Crank transferred my leg power to every part of the bike.
SRAM’s X01 AXS EAGLE 12SP drivetrain, designed for off-road and enduro racing, was very responsive and accurate, shifting into the gear I wanted in a timely manner.
The aluminum cover rear derailleur was also very strong and durable. Even if the road was bumpy, there was no skipping of gears.
However, there still has been room to upgrade the drivetrain, and a full SRAM X01 Eagle AXS package could further reduce weight for a more comfortable climbing experience.
Downhill
After a climbing section, I came to the top of a small hill, followed by a winding descent.
I had to say, as a full-suspension mountain bike, it had excellent descending performance.
First I rode over a fairly gentle section of road. Then there was a big drop-off ramp, and the bike went up in the air and I subconsciously left the saddle.
The moment I hit the ground, I could feel most of my weight on my hands thanks to the 150mm travel FOX 36 FLOAT FACTORY GRIP 2 EVOL fork, which provided a good cushioning effect and allowed me to continue riding without any problems.
The road after that was not too steep, but narrow and twisty.
Fortunately, the SRAM G2 ULTIMATE brakes were very sensitive and comfortable, and I was able to use the right amount of force to achieve the desired braking effect, without losing the brakes or driving speed.
In addition, the SCHWALBE HANS DAMPF EVO SUPER TRAIL TLE ADDIX SOFT 2.6 tires provided reliable grip without slipping, even when crossing some wet dirt roads.
Specification
The Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK uses a lightweight and sturdy Niner RDO carbon fiber frame.
It also boasts a 150mm FOX 36 FLOAT FACTORY GRIP 2 EVOL fork, which not only has excellent damping effect, but avoids producing abnormal sound even if it hits the bottom and affecting the riding experience.
Speaking of damping, the wide, flat surface of the Niner’s top- and down-tube helps absorb shock and vibration from the front.
What’s more user-friendly is that the RIP 9 also has a built-in larger standing clearance and shorter seat tube, so it can accommodate a 170mm lift seat post, thus allowing you to make adjustments that better suit you.
In addition, the CVA suspension provides stable and supple traction to overcome friction better.
The SRAM X01 Eagle AXS, X1 combo kit also has excellent and reliable performance, both in shifting and braking.
Video
Other versions
The Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK is a powerful full-suspension trail bike.
However, if you’re new to riding and want a comparable product for a lower budget, we’ve made recommendations for other models as well.
Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 EAGLE LTD – X2 SHOCK
The Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 EAGLE LTD – X2 SHOCK and Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK use the same carbon fiber frame and fork, identical in terms of body strength and durability as well as damping.
The only difference between the two is the drivetrain.
If you want to experience the charm of electronic drivetrain, then choose the latter. To get the fun of a traditional bike, the former is a bit more appropriate and wallet-friendly.
What do we like about it?
- 150mm travel FOX 36 FLOAT FACTORY GRIP 2 EVOL fork provides excellent damping.
- SRAM X01 AXS EAGLE 12SP drive system is very convenient.
- SRAM EAGLE XG 1299 Cassette is strong, durable and beautiful.
- The design of the dropper allows you to adjust the sitting position in time.
- NINER GRRRIPS L/O provides a comfortable grip.
What don’t we like about it?
- The color scheme may be a bit monotonous.
FAQs
- What kind of tires does it use and what size are they?
The tires used are SCHWALBE HANS DAMPF EVO SUPER TRAIL TLE ADDIX SOFT 29×2.6” tires, which have good grip performance.
- What about the drivetrain?
As SRAM’s pro-level product, the SRAM X01 AXS EAGLE 12SP drivetrain is rugged and durable, with accurate and responsive gear ranges.
- How do I choose the size of this car?
The Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK is rider friendly for all heights, with 4 sizes to choose from. Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not necessarily have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 158cm – 171cm | SM |
| 168cm – 180cm | MD |
| 178cm – 189cm | LG |
| 186cm – 199cm | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | NINER RDO CARBON FIBER, 140MM TRAVEL, GEO FLIP CHIP, RIB CAGE CONSTRUCTION, FULL SLEEVE CABLE ROUTING, ENDURO MAX BLACK OXIDE PIVOT BEARINGSBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColors: Satin Carbon; Sante Fe Sand; Baja Blue / Silver |
| Fork | FOX 36 FLOAT FACTORY GRIP 2 EVOL, HSC, LSC, HSR, LSR, KASHIMA COAT, 150MM, 110X15MM, 44MM OFFSET |
| Rear Shock | FOX FLOAT X2 FACTORY EVOL 2 POSITION, KASHIMA COAT |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA THREADED |
| Headset | NINER INTERNAL ZS SHIS DESCRIPTION ZS44/28.6|ZS56/40 |
| Stem | RACE FACE TURBINE R 40MM, 35MM CLAMP |
| Handlebar | RACE FACE NEXT R 800MM WIDE, 35MM RISE, 35MM CLAMP |
| Saddle | NINER CUSTOM TR with CRN-TI RAILS, PRINTED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | KS LEV SI (S-125MM, M-150MM, L/XL-175MM) |
| Grips | NINER GRRRIPS L/O FLANGED SOFT COMPOUND |
Wheels
| Rims | DT Swiss XMC 1200 SPLINE, carbon clincher, 30mm internal, 110x15mm, centerlock |
| Tires | SCHWALBE HANS DAMPF EVO SUPER TRAIL TLE ADDIX SOFT 2.6 |
| Disk Rotors | 180/180 HS2 ROTORS |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 AXS EAGLE 12SP WITH BATTERY COVER |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | SRAM X1 EAGLE CARBON DUB, 32T, 170MM |
| Shifters | SRAM AXS EAGLE 12SP |
| Cassette | SRAM EAGLE XG 1299, 10-52T RAINBOW |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 EAGLE 12SP RAINBOW |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 ULTIMATE |
| Brake Levers | SRAM G2 ULTIMATE |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click to view | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Kits |
| 2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS | Click View | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 29×2.40” | 1 × 12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS, X01 Eagle AXS |
| 2023 Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission | Click View | Maxxis DHR2 29″ x 2.4″ Exo TR (front), Maxxis Dissector 29″ x 2.4″ Exo TR (rear) | 1 × 12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM XX Eagle Transmission |
| 2023 Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper | Click View | Front: Butcher 29×2.3″ Rear: Purgatory 29×2.3″ | 1 × 12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS, X01 Eagle AXS |
| 2023 Pivot Trail 429 Team XX Eagle Transmission | Click View | Maxxis Dissector 29″ x 2.4″ | 1 × 12 Electronic | Carbon | SRAM XX Eagle Transmission, X01 Eagle AXS |
Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK VS Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS
The Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS comes with a full carbon frame and a 130mm RockShox Pike Ultimate fork as well as a Charger 3 RC2 shock that protects your hands well.
It also enjoys a 120mm rear travel Deluxe Ultimate shock, allowing you to sit comfortably in the saddle when facing some steep terrain.
In addition, the XX1 EAGLE AXS shifter, tested to IP69K water- and dust-resistance standards, allows the Trek Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS to provide a responsive and accurate shifting experience in all types of inclement weather.
I was also surprised to see that the Top Fuel 9.9 XX1 AXS uses the same SRAM Eagle XG-1299 Cassette as the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK, a 12-speed rainbow flywheel that is tried-and-true and very beautiful.
Finally, you can choose according to your riding style.
For riders who like to challenge big drop terrain, I think the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK with longer front fork and rear shock travel is a bit more suitable.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Worth Buying ? [2023 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review]
Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK VS Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission
The Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission combines modern geometry with its longer front end, wider head tube angle for a more confident ride, and a steeper seat tube angle and shorter offset fork that allows you to travel technical surfaces with ease.
Speaking of forks, the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK and Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission both feature a 44mm offset, a shorter design that provides better stability compared to the traditional 55mm.
The Ibis Ripley V4S XX Transmission boasts a Shimano XTR M9120 4 Piston braking system. This maintains its usual hard feel while giving you a good braking sensation in the initial stages.
However, I prefer the SRAM G2 ULTIMATE with better modulation, which is one of the reasons I have chosen the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripley GX Worth Buying? [Ibis Ripley GX Review]
Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK VS Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper
The Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK and the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper are two mountain bikes that are not quite the same in style.
Although they both have FOX FLOAT Factory forks and Kashima Coat for better lubrication, the former’s 36 series has longer shock travel and is better suited for heavy-duty trails and all-mountain terrain.
While the latter’s 34 series is more suitable for all-around trails.
Also, in terms of kits, the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK uses a combination of SRAM X01 Eagle AXS and X1, slightly inferior to the SRAM X01 Eagle AXS and XX1 of the Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper.
Moreover, the former’s X1 aluminum crank is slightly heavier than the latter’s X01 carbon fiber crank.
In short, both cars are excellent and you can choose according to the type of road to be challenged.
Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK VS Pivot Trail 429 Team XX Eagle Transmission
What surprises me most about the Pivot Trail 429 Team XX Eagle Transmission is its Hollow Core carbon frame construction.
Through continuous improvement, Pivot has shed over 300 grams from the chassis to achieve the weight of an XC race frame level.
This hasn’t reduced the durability of the bike though, and the Trail 429 still has incredible all-mountain strength and stiffness that rivals dedicated lightweight race bikes.
In addition, the Pivot Trail 429 Team XX Eagle Transmission combines the progressive geometry and handling of a long-distance all-mountain sled, allowing you to tackle a variety of backcountry terrain with greater ease.
Also, the Trail 429 is better suited for speed-seeking riders, with a lower Stack than the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK at the same size, providing a more aggressive riding position.
Of course, if you are more in pursuit of comfort like me, you may fancy the latter with a higher Stack.
Learn more : Is Pivot Trail 429 RIDE LIKE A PRO Splendid – [Pivot Trail 429 RIDE LIKE A PRO Review]
Summary
These are our tests of the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK, which has a lightweight and durable body and significant shock absorption.
In our opinion, the Niner RIP 9 RDO 29 5-STAR SRAM X01 AXS LTD – X2 SHOCK is a bike worth buying. That’s why we give it a high score of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other high end trail bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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