Niner Bikes is introducing a new version of its R.I.P. 9 frame using an "air-formed" aluminum frame that brings its weight down to nearly the same as the company's comparable carbon fiber bike.
The R.I.P. 9 is a full suspension 29er trail bike with 125mm of travel. The frame will ship early next month with a MSRP of $1,849 with shock, maxle and seat collar. It also will be available with the brand's 3-Star Shimano Deore XT build for $4,199 MSRP or a SRAM X7 build for MSRP $2,999.
Niner said the new frame weighs 6.85 pounds in medium with shock and hanger, within .65 pounds (295 grams) of its carbon R.I.P. 9 RDO frame. The frame tubes are shaped with compressed air in a heated mold. The company said the process allows the creation of tubes up to 25 percent lighter than hydroformed aluminum tubes at the same strength.
