Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS Review
- Price: $6,599
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Carbon
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What we like about it: The NINER RDO CARBON FIBER frame brings riders a more comfortable ride.
What we don’t like about it: The color scheme is rather monotonous.
Rating: (4.8/5)
As technology has advanced, gravel bikes have evolved further, with carbon fiber wheelsets and other applications. So are these more expensive gravel road bikes really more comfortable and faster to ride? I purchased a well-received Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS and decided to give it a try.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS. And 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
For a commuter like me who occasionally wants to get out and have fun on vacation, gravel road bike is a great choice. It not only serves as a commuting tool but also can take me away from the hustle and bustle of the city and feel the beauty of nature.
I had had a good experience on one of the gravel trails in Alabama before, so I decided to go again while on vacation. I booked my hotel on Skyscanner as usual and headed out with my bag and Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS.
Gravel Ride
Since it had just rained a few days before, the road was more slippery this time. However, the SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND EVO SUPER TERRAIN 700 X 45 tires on the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS provided plenty of grip and stability, and the carbon fiber wheelset was light enough to free me from a dragging feeling when going uphill.
Speaking of uphill, the muddy roads still gave me a lot of resistance, but the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS with the SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR ETAP AXS 12-speed electronic drivetrain allowed me to quickly and accurately change into the right gear so I could continue to move forward with ease.
I also like the car’s internal cable setting, which not only makes the whole car look better but also alleviates the reliance on the cable housing, thus reducing weight and not producing the rattling sound of the cables colliding with the frame when going over bumpy roads.
Honestly, I thought I was familiar enough with the road. However, the sudden appearance of large rocks and sharp turns caught me off guard. Fortunately, the SRAM FORCE HRD FM hydraulic brakes provided excellent braking performance and allowed me to reach the finish line safely.
Road Riding
The Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS also performs well on the road, and I often ride it to and from work. The curved handlebar construction allows me to change my riding position by adjusting my grip point at any time, which brings fun to boring city rides and relieves my fatigue effectively.
In addition, the EASTON EC70 AX handlebars and NINER RDO FULL CARBON fork provide good support and are also very responsive, which helps me to avoid cars and people in time.
Although the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is not as fast as an aero bike when cruising on flat roads, it is lighter, and very friendly to me to get on and off the bike frequently on my commute. With an excellent drivetrain, I feel easy to get it started.
The Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is indeed a very good gravel road bike, whether off-road or commuting.
Specification
First, I was impressed with the Niner RDO CARBON FIBER frame of the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS. Niner is committed to using the natural damping of carbon to extend the expectancy of the product and reduce the vibration transmitted to the rider.
This can also be reflected in their production process, where the Niner RDO carbon fiber construction process uses rigid internal molds in addition to external molds during the curing process. This results in a tighter, more consistent carbon layer and correspondingly higher precision.
Secondly, the ZIPP 303 S wheels 303 S carbon wheelset delivers better road performance, allowing riders to ride faster as well as more comfortably on more challenging or longer rides.
Finally, the SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR ETAP AXS kit is tried and tested and fully capable of handling all kinds of gravel surfaces.
What do we like about it?
- The 1×12 Electronic drivetrain provides a more responsive and accurate gear-shifting experience.
- NINER RDO CARBON FIBER frame is lightweight and durable.
- NINER BAR TAPE grip is more comfortable.
- The SRAM FORCE HRD FM brakes have outstanding braking performance.
- NINER RDO FULL CARBON fork has good support.
What don’t we like about it?
- There are fewer colorways to choose from.
FAQs
- What kind of tires does the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS use and what is the tire size?
The tires are SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND EVO SUPER TERRAIN 700 X 45, which have good grip.
- What about the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS components?
The SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR ETAP AXS components have good performance and provide excellent boost even in bad weather or difficult terrain.
- How do I choose the size of this car?
The Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is rider-friendly for all heights, with 6 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 |
| 4’11” – 5’3″ | 47cm |
| 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 50cm |
| 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 53cm |
| 5’8″ – 6′ | 56cm |
| 5’11” – 6’3″ | 59cm |
| 6’2″ – 6’6″ | 62cm |
Video
Specs
Build
| Frame | NINER RDO CARBON FIBER: INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE BB Standard: PF30, Press Fit Colors: Avalanche Grey / Slate; Blood Red / Silver |
| Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB PF30 |
| Headset | NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION IS42/28.6|IS52/40 |
| Stem | NINER RDO STEM, NINER GRAPHIC (47/50- 80MM, 53/56- 90MM, 59/62- 100MM) |
| Handlebar | EASTON EC70 AX (47/50- 420MM, 53/56- 440MM, 59/62- 460MM) |
| Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CRN-TI RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER RDO SEAT POST, 400MM, NINER GRAPHIC |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE |
Wheels
| Rims | ZIPP 303 S wheels 303 S |
| Spokes | CX-Sprint |
| Front Hub | DBCL Hubs (XDR) |
| Rear Hub | DBCL Hubs (XDR) |
| Tires | SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND EVO SUPER TERRAIN, TLE, ADDIX SPEEDGRIP, 700 X 45 |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM PACELINE 160/160MM CENTERLOCK ROTORS |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR ETAP AXS |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | SRAM FORCE 1 DUB 40T (47/50 – 170MM, 53/56 – 172.5MM, 59/62 – 175MM) |
| Shifters | SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR ETAP AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM XG 1271 12SP 10-44T |
| Chain | SRAM FORCE 12SP |
| Brakes | SRAM FORCE HRD FM |
| Brake Levers | SRAM FORCE 1 ETAP AXS |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click to view | Frame material | Kits | Driveline | Tires |
| Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon | Click View | Carbon | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, Rival eTap | 1 × 12 Electronic | Pathfinder Pro 2BR, Tan sidewall, 700x42c |
| Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS | Click View | Carbon | SRAM Rival XPLR eTap, Rival eTap | 1 × 12 Electronic | Bontrager GR1 Team Issue 700x40c |
| Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2 | Click View | Carbon | SRAM Rival | 1 × 11 | Giant CrossCut Grip 1, 700x45c |
| Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap | Click View | Carbon | SRAM RED XPLR eTap, RED eTap | 1 × 12 Electronic | Schwalbe G-One R,700x 40c |
Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS VS Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon
The Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon’s SWAT™ Door technology allows you to simply push and pull the water bottle cage on the downtube for plenty of storage space. This is a convenient design for riders who have storage needs but don’t want to backpack. However, I think the solid downtube of the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is a bit more robust and better cushions the impact from bumpy terrain.
In addition, the Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon has a certain damping effect. The 20mm travel Future Shock suspension located above the head tube relieves the bumps from the road and does not affect the fork and wheels, so there is no loss of speed. The lightweight design also does not add too much weight to the bike.
However, this comes with some maintenance costs. So for some people who usually ride on flat gravel, or for experienced cyclists who want to receive better feedback from the road through the front wheel, the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is a better choice.
Learn More: Is Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Worth Buying? [Specialized Diverge Comp E5 Review]
Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS VS Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS
I’ve heard about IsoSpeed technology for a long time, and that’s why I’m excited about the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS. Trek engineers have separated the seat tube from the frame and connected them using the IsoSpeed Read Decoupler, which allows the seat tube to move backward as opposed to the traditional physical connection. This helps to absorb vibrations when riding on rough roads, thus making your hips more comfortable with your back.
However, more and more gravel riders are now pursuing carbon wheelsets. I have to say that this material does provide better road performance, allowing riders to ride faster as well as more comfortably on more challenging or longer rides. If you want to be part of this trend, you may want to choose the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS with the ZIPP 303 S wheels 303 S carbon fiber wheelset.
Learn More: Is Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 A Good Bike? [Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review]
Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS VS Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2
The Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2’s internal cable routing alleviates the reliance on cable enclosures, reduces weight, and makes the entire vehicle look cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing.
In addition, the 40mm travel RockShox Rudy XPLR fork can effectively reduce the feeling of bumps from complicated road surfaces, bringing more comfort to your arms even for long rides.
However, the Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2’s SRAM Rival 1 kit is not as good as the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS kit. The latter’s 1 × 12 Electronic drivetrain provides a more responsive and accurate gear-shifting experience.
So if you are on a budget, the Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2 is a good choice. But if you fancy a better riding experience, Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is more suitable.
Learn More: Is Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Worth Buying? – [Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Review]
Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS VS Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap
The first thing that the Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap attracts me is its two-layer cockpit design. It not only brings a visually unique look and feels but also provides an abundance of grip points. The Flex Area carbon fiber also offers good comfort.
What surprises me at the same time is that the Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap comes with the Red AXS Power Meter, which is accurate within +/-1.5% of power readings and unaffected by weather conditions during the ride. You can use the Power Meter to see if your workout is paying off or to keep you up to date on your training if you’re gearing up for a particular race.
All in all, for professional riders, the Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap will give you better performance. As for average gravel bike enthusiasts, the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is enough for you to handle all kinds of terrain, and $400 cheaper is also wallet-friendly!
Learn More: Is Canyon Grail 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Grail 7 Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS, which has a great carbon frame and excellent performance. In our opinion, the Niner RLT 9 RDO 5-STAR SRAM FORCE 1 XPLR AXS is a bike worth buying. All together why we give it a high score of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other high end gravel 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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