Niner Jet 9 RDO 2 Star SLX Complete Mountain Bike 2017

The similarities between the 2016 and 2017 Jet 9 RDOs lie mostly in the name, with this year's version seeing some drastic changes that usher this much loved trail machine into a whole new world of versatility. The 2017 Niner Jet 9 RDO 2 Star SLX Complete Mountain Bike is longer across the top, steeper out back, and slacker up front. Add in 20 more millimeters of Continuously Varying Arc CVA travel than its predecessor, and this Jet 9 is better at just about everything that made the original such a favorite. Whether you're grinding climbs, shredding descents, or powering through fast, flowy singletrack, the Jet 9 RDO lives up to its versatile reputation. This particular build gets kitted up in Shimano's workhorse SLX componentry, a dropper post, and Niner Alloy hoops. As with most bikes in the current trail generation, the key element underwriting the new Jet 9's versatile geometry is its Boost rear axle. Bumping the spacing up to 148mm lets Niner chop 21mm off of chainstays by slamming the rear wheel up into the seat tube. The seat tube contributes to that versatility, too. Despite the fact that the 2017 Jet 9 comes with 130mm of front travel, it's got the same seat tube angle as the 2016 Jet 9 with a 100mm fork. Adding 30mm up front would typically force you out of the bike's center however, the new Jet 9's geometry keeps you on top of the pedals while the included dropper post allows you to clear out some cockpit space so you can throw the bike around on descents. The bike's updates shine at the front end, too. In 2016, the Jet 9 was limited to a 71 or 70. 5 degree head tube, depending on whether you were running a 100 or 110mm fork. For 2017 as configured here, it drops to 67. 5 degrees. This puts the Jet 9 right on the cusp of moderate stability and enduro abandon. When paired with the new iteration's longer reach and shorter stem, that angle means the bike can ride roughshod across all manner of trail furniture without sacrificing responsive steering...