Niner

RLT 9 2-Star 105 11 Speed Complete Bike - 2015

Defying strict categorization, the Niner RLT 9 2-Star 105 11-Speed Complete Bike is an eager accomplice for exploring dusty backroads, gravel trails, and even a bit of light singletrack. Aptly named for the "Road Less Traveled," the RLT caters to riders looking to leave the city behind for wild stretches of countryside. It's also a great choice for the dedicated 'cross racer, giving you the strength, stability, and snappy handling needed to excel in off-road racing scenarios.

Representing Niner's first entry into the emerging gravel market, the RLT borrows its hydroformed aluminum tubing and construction details from Niner's podium-crushing Air 9 hardtail mountain bike. These flat hydroformed top and down tubes not only provide a sleek, eye-catching aesthetic, but more importantly, they dissipate vibration coming through the front fork when you're crushing gravel trails, bumpy backroads, and jarring stretches of cobblestone. Tested to strict EN mountain bike standards, the RLT easily handles all the use and abuse you can dish out.

Niner dialed the RLT's geometry for backroad and gravel dominance with its Fire Road Geometry. You'll appreciate the slightly slacker, taller head tube, which instills confident handling when you're negotiating rough sections of road and trail. Its lower bottom bracket provides Niner's fabled "in the bike feel," for snappy handling through tight turns. Additionally, slightly longer chainstays deliver better tracking through the rough stuff.

On this particular 2-star build, you'll find quality components built to keep you going for the long haul. Shimano's workhorse 105 11-speed drivetrain is spec'd for longer tours and daily commutes, without sacrificing the punchy performance needed for 'cross racing. Integrated into the frame for extra versatility, you'll find fender mounts especially useful for around-town errands and longer tours. The ultra-stiff Niner Carbon Fork provides precise steering when you're rallying over rough ground. Moreover, you'll appreciate the SRAM BB5R mechanical disc brakes with 160/140mm rotors for enhanced stopping power, especially in wet conditions.