2021 eMTB SHOOTOUT

NINER RIP e9 REVIEW

Photos by Dusten Ryen
Video by Brian Niles/Treeline Cinematics

We first got our Niner RIP e9 eMTB last year and spent a decent amount of time riding it side by side with its bigger hitting sibling, the Niner WFO e9 for a Dissected Feature we filmed several months back. The WFO and RIP e9 both share some similarities in terms of battery size, frame aesthetics, a powerful Bosch CX motor and plush suspension that make them great for plowing rough trails. Both bikes made the trip down to St. George, Utah for our 2021 eMTB Shootout and got put through the paces with the rest of the pack.

THE LAB
Niner’s RIP e9 is a 150mm travel frame built around a Horst link 4-bar suspension system, which is a departure from the CVA suspension platform found on their analog bikes. The all-aluminum frame wraps around the rear shock to provide a longer stroke and more progressive travel path. A Bosch CX motor delivers the power with 85Nm of torque with a large and luxurious 625Wh battery for long missions. We have to mention the elephant in the room… that big hump on the top tube was designed to incorporate Fox Live Valve technology, which can be integrated into the Bosch system. We cannot imagine a very high percentage of Niner RIP e9 owners are actually using Live Wire so the large detraction from the frame’s aesthetic for such a small accessory wasn’t worth the visual cost in our opinion, but if you’re a tech-nerd and want that Fox Live Valve upgrade, rejoice.

Geometry is quickly adjustable with a flip chip, but we rode the bike exclusively in the Low mode, which gives the Niner RIP e9 a 64.5-degree head tube angle, 76-degree seat tube angle, 465mm reach, and a 1,253mm wheelbase. The stack is fairly high at 641mm but gives a riders a confident feel on the downhills. Helping get the power down and climb up steep pitches are 450mm chainstays which made the RIP e9 one of the best climbers.

Only one build spec is available, and features a Fox Float DPX2 Evol rear shock and a Zeb R 160mm fork. Stopping power is provided by SRAM Guide RE’s with 200mm rotors. The SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain works, but it lacks the reliability of more expensive drivetrains, which is a trade off Niner was willing to make to keep their price target. A KS LEV 150mm dropper is included on the large along with a Raceface Aefect R cockpit. Wheels and hubs are provided by Stan’s in the Flow flavor wrapped in Schwalbe Hans Dampf rear and an Eddy Current front tires.

THE DIRT
The universal feedback on the Niner RIP e9 was how balanced and plush it was, despite the higher weight of 56lbs. Whether it was uphill or down, both Niner eMTBs exhibit supply and plush suspension feel, which make it them great option for riders who like to stay seated and comfortable for long days in the saddle. Combined that with the large battery and impressive torque delivered by the Bosch system, the Niner RIP e9 is a more than capable climber and all around explorer. The moderately raked out front end handled turns well without being too long and slack in most switchbacks. It’s certainly longer than the Fezzari Wire Peak, which means it takes more effort to maneuver on slower, tech where you need to thread the needle. However the upside to that length is stability and confidence at higher speeds.

Clicking the motor to eMTB or Tour gives just the right amount of torque for the way down without shooting the rider through corners. We had a pre-production model with a RockShox Yari and found it to be under gunned for the bike’s weight and are happy to see current models coming with a RockShox Zeb. The SRAM Guide brake is fine for trail bikes, but the added weight of the motor and battery overwhelm these brakes on eMTB applications, causing early fade on steep and sustained descents.

The balanced geometry and impressively good tune on the rear shock give the rider a very neutral feel when descending. Whether it was rolling singletrack or rough, off camber rocks, the Niner RIP e9 smooths out the trail. Even with the beastly weight, the RIP e9 is a fun bike to ride, but it’s not the easiest to pop off the ground on small little features. If you are regularly bunny hopping downed trees, looking to jib and jump off the smallest features on the side of the trail, it will require a bit more effort than some bikes in the Shootout, but it can be done. We would say this bike and its bigger brother, the WFO, excel on the ground and when riding over rough, bumpy terrain. If you are a longer distance rider who wants to sit down and grind miles comfortably and explore the wilderness, this is a great option. Likewise, if you live in an area with tons of roots or boulders and rock, the supple and plush suspension will have you cruising over the top.

The Wolf’s Last Word

After beating on the Niner RIP e9 for several months, it was starting to show some wear with a cracked skid plate due to coming up short on a few gaps and deep scratching in what we are calling the “Whale back” top tube. Despite the cosmetic damage, the Niner performed flawlessly during our test time. We like that it comes with some proper rubber and the power delivery is some of our favorite thanks to the Bosch spec and tune.

The beefy battery cover shed rock strikes, truck shuttles, and general beatings for months, which is more than we can say for some of the other bikes. We would like it to be a little easier to remove for battery charges out of the bike, but it is still way better than some bikes on the market. While we are confident the current suspension spec will make it ride even better, it still rode very well and really offers a magic carpet feel over rough and bumpy terrain. Overall, the RIP e9 is a solidly built bike with a great motor and suspension that will serve riders well. With a few changes and some money spent to lighten up the bike, we think it could be a real solid contender for more performance seeking eMTBers, but as it sits right now, it’s ready to ride and will make lots of people happy as they cover miles and miles of trail.

Price: $6,295
Weight: 56.2 lbs
Website: Ninerbikes.com

SPECIFICATIONS

CHASSIS
Frame: Niner RIP E9 | 150mm
Fork: RockShox ZEB R | 160mm
Shock: Fox Float DPX2 Performance Evol

ELECTRONICS
Motor: Bosch Performance CX | 250 W, 85 Nm
Battery: Bosch PowerTube | 625Wh
Display: Bosch Purion

COCKPIT
Brakes: SRAM Guide RE | 200mm
Shifter: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-spd
Headset: Niner Internal ZS
Handlebar: Race Face Aeffect R | 780mm, 20mm rise
Stem: Race Face Aeffect R
Saddle: Niner Custom TR
Seatpost: KS Lev SI | 150mm

WHEELS
Wheels: Stan’s NoTubes Flow D
Front tire: Schwalbe Magic Mary 29 x 2.6″
Rear tire: Schwalbe Big Betty 29 x 2.6″

DRIVETRAIN
Cranks: Praxis Bosch G4 Isis, 36t | 165mm
Cassette: SRAM PG-1210 Eagle | 11-50, 12-spd
Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle
Chain: SRAM SX Eagle | 12-spd