Niner RLT e9 RDO review: Powerful fun machine with travel suitability

Test: With plenty of power and good downhill performance, the Niner RLT e9 RDO is a lot of fun to ride. If you turn one or the other screw, you can get even more out of the bike. We have tested it thoroughly for you.

The US bike manufacturer Niner Bikes should, if at all, be known from the mountain bike sector. You rarely see a Niner with a classic road bike or gravel handlebar. All the more amazing that an e-gravel bike was added to the Niner lineup in October 2020 as one of the first bikes with e-assistance. On the other hand, if you look at the large number of completely different gravel bikes in the Niner range, it quickly becomes clear how seriously gravel is taken and the step to an e-gravel bike doesn't seem far off. The Niner RLT e9 RDO is an e-gravel bike designed for versatility and driving pleasure, which the manufacturer himself describes as an "SUV with pedals". And an SUV is a good travel companion, as was the tested RLT e9.

Niner RLT e9 RDO with powerful Bosch support

In terms of appearance, the SUV comparison is quite good and the massive and powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor with 500 Wh battery power and a maximum of 85 Nm torque has a lot of steam. On the other hand, the Niner RLT e9 RDO also weighs over 17,5 kilos - no wonder, given the powerful motor and the large battery. Of course, you have to change the handling a bit when you come from a non-motorized gravel bike. On the flat, however, the bike rolls quite well even without support. Anyway: As a touring bike, the RLT e9 RDO is more about stoic composure than agile light-footedness. After a short period of getting used to, the drive with dynamic performance is also pleasing, which can also be adapted quite well to the route and individual driving style thanks to the various modes. The control takes place via the display on the handlebars, which was not kept particularly minimalist and optically definitely has room for improvement.

With the strong support, you really want to step on the gas with the Niner e-gravel bike and look forward to every climb that may come. Sometimes the uphill ride is so easy that you forget that the downhill ride is also a lot of fun. This is precisely where the Niner e-gravel bike has a lot to offer. Due to its impressive weight and the low center of gravity, it sits firmly and securely on the road and convinces with its smooth running. But the handling and comfort are also impressive despite the weight and thanks to the high-quality and well-flexing carbon frame. In our opinion, the choice of tires is a bit questionable, because tires with good tread are a good choice for a bike with so much off-road potential. Of course, the 50mm wide Schwalbe G-One Speed ​​Performance brings with it a high level of comfort and strong rolling properties. However, anyone who regularly takes the Niner e-gravel bike off-road, perhaps taking a small trail with them, should think about changing their tyres. A great touring bike with these tires, not really a trail robber, a shame because the bike can actually do both!

Niner RLT e9 RDO – suitable for bikepacking and robust

If you are in the mood for adventure, you can of course also go exploring with the Niner RLT e9 RDO, because there are all kinds of mounting options for luggage racks, bottle holders and accessories on the frame and fork. A fun overall concept is rounded off with a Shimano GRX gear group suitable for gravel and robust aluminum wheels.

Incidentally, Niner doesn't stop at equipping the bike with all sorts of mounting options. The Americans offer luggage racks for the front as well as for the rear and a selection of their own bags, which fit snugly against the bike and can therefore score points visually. We assembled and tested everything. The luggage racks in particular are impressive because they fit the bike perfectly, are relatively light and make a very solid impression. The bags are particularly appealing because of their excellent fit and from our point of view they are a clear recommendation.

Niner RLT e9 RDO Specifications