First look: Niner launch two eMTBs – the Niner RIP e9 and WFO e9
American brand Niner have just released their first eMTBs! Delivering two models with different wheel sizes and suspension travel, Niner claim to have all bases covered with their brand-new RIP e9 and WFO e9. We take a closer look at the new models and tell you everything you need to know about these new bikes without the marketing jargon.
Five things you need to know about the new Niner RIP e9 and WFO e9
- Two new e9 eMTBs: the 150 mm Niner RIP e9 and the 180 mm Niner WFO e9
- Powered by Bosch: the new RIP e9 and WFO e9 are powered by the latest (4th generation) Bosch Performance Line CX motor
- Niner motor mounts: The bikes feature one-piece, cast and post-machined alloy motor mounts
- Integrated 625 Wh Power Tube batteries
- Lifetime warranty for the alloy frame
The Niner RIP e9 and WFO e9 both feature aluminium frames, are powered by the 4th-gen Bosch Performance Line CX motors (click here to see how it compares to its competition) and are covered by Niner’s lifetime warranty. In order for the frame warranty to be valid, the bike has to be registered with Niner after purchase. While their specs may look similar on paper, it’s their intentions that set them apart. Read on for an overview of each bike.
The Niner RIP e9 in detail
Niner claim their new RIP e9 to be an all-round eMTB, capable of long days as well as short blasts on technical trails. The aluminium frame gets 150 mm of travel, which is taken care of by a RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. Niner have paid attention to detail and specced the RIP e9 with Enduro MAX bearings throughout its frame pivots. The frame features two shock mounts, allowing you to tweak the RIP e9’s geometry. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor is powered by a 625 Wh integrated Power Tube battery and controlled by a Purion display. We are surprised to see quite short dropper posts specced here. This is probably due to the kinked seat tube which limits dropper insertion.
The spec of the Niner RIP e9
Fork RockShox Yari RC 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RE (US model), Magura MT5 (EU model)
Drivetrain SRAM SX Eagle
Seatpost KS LEV Si 100/125/150 mm
Stem Race Face Aeffect
Bars Race Face Aeffect 780 mm
Wheels Stans Flow rims, Formula hubs 29″
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 3C/EXO/TR 2.5″, MAXXIS Aggressor 3C/EXO/TR 2.5″
Weight 25.20 kg (claimed)
Price € 5,999
The geometry of the Niner RIP e9 at a glance
| Size | SM | MD | LG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 419 mm | 445 mm | 483 mm |
| Top tube | 582 mm | 604 mm | 626 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| Seat angle | 76° | 76° | 76° |
| Chainstay | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm |
| BB Drop | 34 mm | 34 mm | 34 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1208 mm | 1231 mm | 1253 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 445 mm | 465 mm |
| Stack | 632 mm | 637 mm | 641 mm |
The Niner WFO e9 in detail
The Niner WFO e9 is firmly aimed at those who dream of their own private shuttle for lapping the most demanding tracks. With 180 mm travel front and back and 29/27.5″ MX wheels, the WFO e9 is a monster truck. However, we question whether the relatively basic RockShox Yari fork is the best choice here – we would prefer a Lyrik or similar. Apart from its suspension travel and burly intentions, the WFO e9 shares a lot of features with the RIP e9 such as the 2-position shock mount for adjusting its geometry, Enduro MAX bearings and Bosch Performance Line CX motor and 625 Wh Power Tube battery. As with the RIP e9, the Niner WFO e9 gets specced with a relatively short dropper.
The spec of the Niner WFO e9
Fork RockShox Yari RC 180 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select R 180 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RE (US model), Magura MT5 (EU model)
Drivetrain SRAM SX Eagle
Seatpost KS LEV Si 100/125/150 mm
Stem Race Face Aeffect
Bars Race Face Aeffect 780 mm
Wheels Stans Flow rims, Formula hubs 29/27.5″ MX
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 3C/EXO/TR 2.5″, MAXXIS Aggressor 3C/EXO/TR 2.5″
Weight 25.20 kg (claimed)
Price € 6,499
The geometry of the Niner RIP e9 at a glance
| Size | SM | MD | LG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 419 mm | 445 mm | 483 mm |
| Top tube | 581 mm | 603 mm | 623 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
| Seat angle | 76° | 76° | 76° |
| Chainstay | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm |
| BB Drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1229 mm | 1251 mm | 1271 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 445 mm | 465 mm |
| Stack | 630 mm | 635 mm | 635 mm |
Our thoughts on the new Niner RIP e9 and WFO e9
The Niner RIP e9 and WFO e9 look very similar in terms of their spec and geometry. In fact, the only major difference is the longer travel and MX wheel size of the WFO e9, which slightly slackens its head angle and lengthens the wheelbase. While the geometry and spec mainly look suited to the bikes’ intentions, we can’t help but notice the relatively long, kinked seat tubes, and in turn, the short droppers specced on both models. For the price, we would also have expected a higher spec fork and drivetrain. While the aesthetics may not be for everyone, we expect fans of the American brand to welcome these eMTBs and Niner’s confident lifetime frame warranty.
For more information visit ninerbikes.com
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Words: Photos: Darren Mahuron
