Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 Review
- Price: $3,149
- Frame: Steel
- Wheels: 700c Aluminum
- Drivetrain: 1 × 11
What we like about it: The NINER RDO FULL CARBON fork provides good support.
What we don’t like about it: The steel frame adds weight to the body.
Rating: (4.8/5)
Niner’s gravel bikes have always been popular with riders, and the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 is one of the brand’s iconic products. Why is a steel-framed gravel bike so hot today in pursuing lightweight bikes? To answer the question in my mind, I started to test it.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike. 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
Colorado Springs is a long-established gravel track in Colorado. I’ve wanted to try it for a long time, and just in time to test the performance of the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1, I booked a local hotel on Skyscanner and headed out.
Gravel Ride
The Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a trail in Colorado Springs, is a bit steep initially, but the undulating road always had me up in the air briefly and then down to the ground. Although the steel frame adds weight to the bike, it is solid and durable enough that I wouldn’t worry about damaging the bike with such frequent impacts.
In addition, the EASTON EA50 AX handlebars provided good support, and the flexible head tube allowed me to adjust my direction in time to avoid the huge rocks on the road. However, as it was my first time on this trail, I nearly ran off the road and hit the mountain when I went through a continuous curve. The SRAM APEX 1 HRD FM Hydraulic Disc system on the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 is quite reliable and stopped the bike in time to keep me safe.
Then after a fork in the road came the uphill, dry trees closely lined up on both sides of the road. In order not to be scratched, I had to be more careful. Since I had just been on the downhill, my legs were almost simply swinging. Now I was suddenly faced with a relatively steep uphill and felt slightly overwhelmed. Luckily, the SRAM PC 1130 11-speed drivetrain could change to the gear I wanted in time, thus allowing me to keep going.
Road Riding
After a period of use, I have grown to like this bicycle and will use it as a daily commuter.
Thanks to the higher Stack, the Niner RLT 9 offers a more upright riding position, plus the curved handlebar construction gives me multiple grip points to choose from, allowing me to adjust my seating position. I have to say that these designs are very friendly to people like me who sit in front of the computer for a long time.
In addition, I like the SRAM brake feel, which is not overly stiff. The NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION saddle and NINER BAR TAPE grip are also soft, comforting my boring commute.
In conclusion, it is an excellent gravel road bike that can handle complex off-road terrain well and provides a good experience for everyday riding.
Specification
The Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 has a total of 6 frame sizes to choose from, and the external alignment is easy to maintain but tends to collect dirt. In addition, it has plenty of mounting points to carry a lot of stuff, which is very good for riders with long-distance riding needs.
And SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND PERFORMANCE RACEGUARD tires provide excellent grip, and the 700 X 40c size also gives the vehicle stable passing performance.
Secondly, it is equipped with the tried and tested SRAM entry-level APEX 1 kit, providing a good braking feel and shifting experience.
Finally, the curved handlebar design gives the rider a wider variety of grip points to choose from while riding, and the NINER BAR TAPE grip gives you a more comfortable riding experience.
What do we like about it?
- With abundant mounting points, you can carry more things.
- 700 × 40 SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND PERFORMANCE RACEGUARD tires have a good grip.
- The NINER RDO FULL CARBON fork provides good support.
- 6 sizes to choose from.
- NINER BAR TAPE grip is more comfortable.
What don’t we like about it?
- The steel frame increases the weight of the body.
FAQs
- How well does its brake?
The bike uses SRAM APEX 1 HRD FM brakes, which can stop the vehicle in time at high speeds, and the SRAM brakes have a good feel.
- Can it handle more complex terrain?
It can handle complex terrain. Its 700 X 40 SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND PERFORMANCE RACEGUARD tires provide excellent grip, and the 11-speed drivetrain offers plenty of gear changes.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
The bike is friendly for riders of all heights, with 6 sizes to choose from. The size chart below you can use as a reference, but it’s normal if it differs from your own idea, because the best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride it.
| 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 | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE BB Standard: PF30, Press Fit Colors: Emerald Green; Black / Bronze |
| 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 | PRESTINE PF30 THREAD TOGETHER |
| Headset | NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION IS42/28.6|IS52/40 |
| Stem | NINER ALLOY |
| Handlebar | EASTON EA50 AX |
| Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CHRO-MO RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER ALLOY, 400MM |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE |
Wheels
| Rims | NINER ALLOY, 22.5MM INNER WIDTH, CENTERLOCK, 100 X12MM |
| Tires | SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND PERFORMANCE RACEGUARD, TLE, 700 X 40 |
| Disk Rotors | SRAM CENTERLINE 160/160MM CL ROTORS |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM APEX 1 LONG CAGE |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | SRAM APEX 1 40T |
| Shifters | SRAM APEX 1 HRD 11SP |
| Cassette | SRAM PC 1130 11SP 11-42T |
| Chain | SRAM PG 1130 11SP |
| Brakes | SRAM APEX 1 HRD FM |
| Brake Levers | SRAM APEX 1 HRD |
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 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 VS Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon
Compared to the steel frame of the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1, the carbon fiber frame of the Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon is lighter. However, beginner riders’ ability to withstand impact is more important than weight.
The Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon has a 20mm travel Future Shock suspension above the head tube that relieves the bumps from the road and does not affect the fork and wheels, so there is no loss of speed.
Finally, for riders who often travel far, the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 is a bit more suitable, with more mounting points and the ability to carry more water, food, and other supplies.
Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 VS Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS
Suppose you usually only ride on relatively flat surfaces. In that case, the Stack’s taller Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 offers a more upright riding position for more comfort. However, if you’re constantly riding over bumpy terrain, the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS with IsoSpeed technology offers a better experience with a seat tube that is separated from the frame and then connected using the IsoSpeed Read Decoupler, which allows the seat tube to move backward compared to the traditional physical connection. This helps to absorb vibrations during the ride, making your hips and back more comfortable.
Alternatively, the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS is a great choice if you want to experience the appeal of an electronic drivetrain. It’s better than the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 conventional 1×11 drivetrain regarding shift accuracy and sensitivity. However, the Trek Checkpoint SL 6 AXS is also more expensive, so if you are on a budget, the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 is still more suitable.
Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 vs Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2
One of the most surprising things about the Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2 is the FLIP CHIP design on the rear fork, which allows you to adjust the length of the wheelbase depending on the terrain you will be riding on.
The Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2 also uses internal cable routing, which reduces the reliance on cable enclosures compared to the external routing of the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1, thus reducing weight and also making the entire vehicle look cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing.
Finally, I’ve ridden both bikes for a while. I think the Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 2 40mm travel RockShox Rudy XPLR fork is a little more comfortable and reduces some of the bumpiness. However, the Niner RDO FULL CARBON fork on the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 provides better support. It allows me to feel the feedback from the ground more visually.
Learn More: Is Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Worth Buying? – [Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0 Review]
Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 vs Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap
The Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1 and the Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap are two completely different styles of gravel road bikes. The former is more suitable for novice riders on a budget or just starting out, while the latter is more suitable for more professional riders.
First is the kit. Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap uses SRAM high-end RED XPLR eTap, RED eTap combination kit, better than the other bike’s entry-level APEX 1 kit, can provide better brake feel and shift experience.
Secondly, the Canyon Grail CF SLX 9 eTap also comes with the Red AXS Power Meter, which you can use to see if your workout is paying off, or if you’re preparing for a race, it will keep you up to date on your training.
Finally, these two cars are very good at their respective price points. You can make the right choice according to their actual situation.
Learn More: Is Canyon Grail 7 Worth Buying? [Canyon Grail 7 Review]
Summary
Above is our test of the Niner RLT 9 STEEL 2-STAR APEX 1, which provides a good riding experience. In our opinion, it is a bike worth buying. That’s why we give it a high score of 4.8. If you want to try a higher end gravel bike, feel free to take a look at our test about it.
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