NINER MCR 9 RDO - Feedback

16 replies · 1,278 views

TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#1Apr 3, 2020, 8:04 AM
Has anyone one on this page test ridden one of these bikes? My knees are toast and I'm waiting for this COVID-19 crap to blow over to start the process for replacements. In the meantime, I'm looking at purchasing one of these OVERPRICED bikes. Yes, I feel it's overpriced for the stuff that comes with it, but I want to continue riding gravel. I like the idea of having the bike take the larger bumps vs. my knees. Please don't go on about set-up... my set-up is perfect for me, I've had my fit done, saddle fit, pedal fit, fit, fit, fit and fit. I can write a book too. LoL It's the shock I'm absorbing that is killing my knees when I have to stand. Pedal strokes cause me zero pain.
Anyways, if you've ridden one, give me some feedback. I'd like to know how much power the shocks rob, if any? Do they really take on the large bumps in gravel?
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Shawnriffhard
6 posts
#2Apr 3, 2020, 4:39 PM
Have you looked into the Shockstop seatpost and stem? Much cheaper option.
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TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#3Apr 4, 2020, 7:37 AM
Unfortunately the Revolt has the D-post and well you know the answer there. The stem I don't need. It's all about shot and bad knees. I did find two very helpful reviews on YT. Now it's time to sell my current bikes to buy one. LoL
https://youtu.be/gHDA7Lg2CS0

https://youtu.be/Mlfe5t7HSNI

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Volsung
878 posts
#4Apr 4, 2020, 8:05 AM
Shawnriffhard wrote:Have you looked into the Shockstop seatpost and stem? Much cheaper option.

Those suspend the rider and may help some, but mainly above the waist.

Rooster I haven't ridden one but I have had 5 knee surgeries. If you get one let me know how it works out.

Also, if you haven't given up gluten give that a shot. It's helped me and my constant pain more than anything else I've done. I was considering amputation before just to stop the pain but now I can stand up for almost half an hour.
1
TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#5Apr 6, 2020, 8:55 AM
I don't have sitting pain, I only have standing and walking pain. I had PRP injection and they helped a load with sitting and sleeping pain. I have thought about Gluten for my arthritis, but none of my other joint hurt. So, I deduced this isn't a cause of my knees. Last visit the doc said "Time to replace that knee." I opted for PRP to see if I can make it through the year. I don't foresee me making it through the year with out a replacement.
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ljsmith
762 posts
#6Apr 6, 2020, 5:45 PMedited
Jom of the Gravel Cyclist is testing one out now. He’s hasn’t posted a review yet. You might want to send him a message and ask him about it.

https://gravelcyclist.com/videos/niner-mcr-9-rdo-unboxing-features-of-niners-full-suspension-gravel-bike/
1
TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#7Apr 21, 2020, 7:28 AM
I broke down and ordered one. I will have it hopefully by Friday and be out on it Saturday if it's not raining all day.
2
Gasman
53 posts
#8Apr 21, 2020, 10:16 AM
Which one did you order? I'm coming from mountain biking and am fortunate enough, if I sell a few, to consider one of these. I'm a big fan of Niner and the geometry fits me well. I'm not a weight weenie but am learning to appreciate a few pounds on a bike so I am curious which version you ordered and why? Also, what is the terrain you typically ride? I have a Gorilla Monsoon frame with 2.25 Thunderburts on Spank rims. They can easily handle much of the singletrack I typically ride my FS bike on, albeit slower, but the punishment wears me down on a long day (I'm 56 and reasonably fit for a regular person, not a casual racer fit).
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Volsung
878 posts
#9Apr 24, 2020, 8:56 PM
When you get it please put an eesilk seatpost and shock stop stem on it. Not that I think it will be necessary, I just think it'll really bother people.
1
JWB475
154 posts
#10Apr 29, 2020, 11:23 AM
Cycling Tips reviewed one for their gravel bike test, they just posted the video:
Pro's: The suspension works
Con's: Weight, Geometry, 40mm tire size limit at the fork (it is 50mm at the rear)
https://youtu.be/end398A0n0Q
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TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#11May 1, 2020, 8:15 PM
Well, I have to say they must have misread something about the fork. I have Byway 44s on there now and well there is 3/8" on each side and probably 5/16" between the top of the tire and below the fork crown. Definitely a TANK in the weight department, but I'm not a slim racer, I need comfort for my knees to enjoy gravel.
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TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#12May 1, 2020, 8:17 PM
Gasman wrote:Which one did you order? I'm coming from mountain biking and am fortunate enough, if I sell a few, to consider one of these. I'm a big fan of Niner and the geometry fits me well. I'm not a weight weenie but am learning to appreciate a few pounds on a bike so I am curious which version you ordered and why? Also, what is the terrain you typically ride? I have a Gorilla Monsoon frame with 2.25 Thunderburts on Spank rims. They can easily handle much of the singletrack I typically ride my FS bike on, albeit slower, but the punishment wears me down on a long day (I'm 56 and reasonably fit for a regular person, not a casual racer fit).
I bought a 4 Star 2x. Coming of Di2 on my last gravel bike, I was pleasantly surprised during my ride today. GRX shifts flawlessly, the levers are super comfy and have the perfect amount of reach from the top of the hoods.
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Gasman
53 posts
#13May 9, 2020, 9:02 PM

TheRo0sTer wrote:
I bought a 4 Star 2x. Coming of Di2 on my last gravel bike, I was pleasantly surprised during my ride today. GRX shifts flawlessly, the levers are super comfy and have the perfect amount of reach from the top of the hoods.

How heavy does it feel? It’s listed at about 25 lbs, my gravel bike is all of that so I’m not to worried about weight, I’m all about comfort. I’d like electronic shifting but prefer the range of a 2X. Yes I know all about 1X and 11-50 (I have a 9-46 eThirteen) but you can get a wider range of gear inches with a 2x. I want 20-120 gear inches so the 4 Start 2X is on my radar. Will you do a full review?
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TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#14May 9, 2020, 11:34 PM
I have put down 200 miles on it since I purchased it. Asphalt, smooth gravel and the chunky stuff. You cannot get any smooth than this beast. My friend was riding next to me down a chunky gravel road. He said "Can feel the gravel beating me and I look over at you and your are moving along smooth as can be." Later in the road we hit some really chunky gravel. I put the bike in full float and it was smooth as butter. Not as smooth as asphalt, but a decent ride while everyone was getting beaten down.
The number one reason I bought this bike was because my knees were taking a beating. I haven't felt more comfortable on a bike since I owned a 5" all mountain.

As far as weight, it's a tank! 30 lbs on the dot! Mine is a 56 CM 4-Star 2x build with the exception of the following changes:
Easton EA70 carbon bars
Reynolds ATR wheelset
Byway 44s - tubeless
1
Gasman
53 posts
#15May 10, 2020, 7:54 AM
TheRo0sTer wrote:
As far as weight, it's a tank! 30 lbs on the dot! Mine is a 56 CM 4-Star 2x build with the exception of the following changes:

Interesting, those are all upgrades yet they claim 25.5 lbs. Regardless my Gorilla is 30lbs out the door with 1 water bottle so not to bad IMO. Txs for the updates and input, sounds like it does just what is says, comfort first and not just a drop bar mountain bike.
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TheRo0sTer
75 posts
#16May 10, 2020, 8:16 AM
Gasman wrote:comfort first and not just a drop bar mountain bike.

It's definitely NOT a drop bar MTB and yes it is comfortable!
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Gasman
53 posts
#17May 10, 2020, 9:01 AM
Any other thoughts? How is the drive train? Why did you swoop the tires? I’m very interested and am collecting my soda cans to save up! I just picked up a Vaya for the road (road + light gravel) and I love the Gorilla as its fit to me so I cant imagine a stock 56 (5’ 8” w 31” inseam) would be as good a fit but the suspension and geometry looks great. I tried some hard tails on my trails and it didnt do anything for me. I’d rather either run my FS or the Gorilla but thats a big gap. I cant ride the FS to my trails and when I ride the Gorilla I have a blast but my back is sore (no not from fit from bouncing)! It’s a hearty price tag at $5,900 but I’m older and can swing it when the time is right. I hate to pay full price but these dont appear to be on sale anywhere.
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