The Niner RLT bikes have some good midrange and enthusiast road bikes with some good quality componentry and some rather high prices to go with them. These cyclocross and race-oriented road bikes are a decent option, with perhaps only a few annoyances to deal with.
Niner specializes in 29ers, hence the name. They focus on getting in some speed while also tackling some varying terrain. The RLT bikes, or Road Less Travelled bikes, are built with both on and off road cycling in mind. We took out a couple of RLTs and test rode them on the streets, gravel paths, and a couple of trails.
These bikes certainly have some great equipment, with Shimano Tiagra groupsets on their midrangers and Ultegra groupsets on their top models. Certainly for midrange and enthusiast level bikes, these bikes have what you need, and they look incredible whizzing by.
When it comes to performance, however, it’s hard to say we were fully satisfied. For the most part, these versatile cyclocross bikes do pack a punch, picking up some good speeds even with low max gearing. But, on the other hand, we didn’t dig the lack of vibration damping on gravel. If you don’t mind dealing with the buzz, this shouldn’t be a problem.
+Pros:
Great componentry
Look great
Light weight
Value for money
-Cons:
A bit rigid for off road riding
Lacks damping
The Verdict
An overall good range of road and off-road bikes, well suited for enthusiasts who ride often and don’t mind a bit of buzz.
The Niner RLT range is not for everyone. If you’re looking to compete, these aren’t the bikes for you, but if you just want to cruise or ride around with the kids every weekend, the mid-range models will do just fine. Serious riders may like the Ultegra models best.
