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Compared the to the prior model, the 2023 Niner RKT RDO sits way lower and feels way more capable, despite a very modest 10mm bump in rear travel. The launch lineup is all 100mm travel front and rear, with builds aimed squarely at podium chasers.
Here’s how it changed, some key features, and my ride impressions before I start modifying the build… Niner RKT year-to-year comparison
Two generations of XL frames show the big differences in the Niner RKT RDO’s evolution. With the 2022/23 Niner RKT in front of the prior model, the differences are stark. A much lower top tube, much longer seatpost extension, slacker head angle, and lower linkage and rear shock placement.
The effect is dramatic, giving it an incredibly low center of gravity, even on the XL frame.
Regarding fit, the lower standover is the biggest change. Even with the seat tube extending upward a bit from the top tube, it’s still much lower than before and requires a lot more seatpost.
For every other Niner mountain bike model, I ride a Large frame (I’m 6’2″ with normal proportions), but I ride an XL RKT. And that became even more critical with this new version as I simply couldn’t get a long enough seatpost to make the Large frame fit (and I tried…Niner even sent me a really long 3rd party post to try and it wasn’t long enough).Compounding this is the effective […]
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