First look at the new Niner Jet 9 RDO Carbon

Niner introduces new Jet 9 RDO, Carbon 100mm travel 29er.

Carbon has allowed bike companies to make so many improvements to similar aluminum models. The biggest advantage seems to be weight. Niner has dropped the weight of their full suspension 29er with this new carbon version.

Resembling something from the future or maybe the past, Niner’s new Jet 9 RDO brings Niner in to the carbon full suspension market with a bang. From its aluminum counterpart the RDO offers a step up in rear travel from 80mm to 100mm, but the geometry has remained the same. Though the feel of carbon feels positive, stiffness has not actually changed over the aluminum version, but weight has decreased by about one and a half pounds.

 If the looks don’t suck you in to the RDO, don’t worry, one ride on this carbon rocket and you will be sold. Thanks to Niner’s patented CVA suspension design the bike is an efficient climber while still being surprisingly supple on downhills. Paired with a new Fox’s new Kashima coated RP23 the bike floats through its travel like butter.

Look for a full review of the bike soon, once we have one in our hands. Frames will be shipping in late July 2011, so get to your local shop and put down a deposit. Retail is $2,599.99 for the frame and Fox RP23 w/ Kashima shock and will be available in the new Black Licorice matte/gloss black carbon, Tang and White.