Steel is truly real
It’s not about where you’re at, it’s about where you’re headed.
The RLT 9 Steel is for the purist, the rider who’s after the classic aesthetics of smooth, supple steel. Whether it’s on pavement or gravel road, this bike craves long adventures. With plenty of room for all your gear, the only thing stopping you from your next ride is your imagination. Go ahead, take the ride of your dreams with the RLT 9 Steel.
Reynolds 853 steel
Our love affair with air-hardened Reynolds 853 steel started early. From early flirting with the ROS 9, to the first SIR 9, to our current RLT 9 steel, we’ve crushed on ferrous frames for over 15 years.
Why does Niner steel still feel so real?
In practical terms, Reynolds 853 is a nearly perfect material for creating bike frames. Rather than being weakened by heat, the frame tube junctions actually strengthen after TIG welding. This allows the use of thinner, lighter frame tubes without any sacrifice in durability or strength.
Additionally, steel-framed bicycles have a well-earned reputation for rugged, dependable reliability. Steel has a way of brushing off the inevitable scratches, dings, and rough treatment that accompanies the best adventures. No matter if you have a cross-continent excursion or a county line commute, the RLT 9 steel loves to be loaded up and rolled out.
Steel frame, RDO carbon fork
The RLT 9 Steel features our all-new RDO carbon fiber fork. The combination of steel frame and carbon fork is sure to offer a supple ride, regardless of duration. This beautifully designed fork is composed of famous Race Day Optimized carbon fiber, which is built with a unique process that optimizes complete compaction of the carbon layers under heat and pressure. By maximizing the carbon-to-resin ratio in the finished product, we keep this fork light and stiff while improving compliance over rough surfaces.
We paid mind to aesthetics and functionality in this fork. The brake hose is routed internally through a fully sleeved guide tube. Multiple rack, fender, and cargo mounts make light work of heavy loads, so go ahead, add another day of bikepacking on to your trip. The 12x100mm thru-axle and flat mount disc brake attachments are compatible with contemporary components. If you find yourself wanting to push the limits on a long haul self-supported ride, we’ve got you covered. The new fork features internal wire routing and fitment for a hub dynamo powered light, so the only thing keeping you from riding into the night is your bedtime.
Tire size compatibility for any adventure
Get ready to swoon. With more tire clearance than ever before, the RLT 9 Steel can accommodate tires as wide as 700x50c. Does your next ride require more rubber on the road? Not to worry, swapping out wheels is easy. This bike can accommodate 650b wheels and fit tires as wide as 2.0. Go wild with wheel and tire combinations, just keep it rubber side down out there.
Frame features fit for going farther
Are you a steel connoisseur, an adventure addict, weekend bikepacker, gear hoarder, over packer, grocery-getter or commuter extraordinaire? If you answered yes to any of these, the RLT 9 Steel was made for you. This dream build has 26 mounting points that give you the option to outfit your bike with as many bags, bottles, and racks as you need. You can haul anything from a love letter to your hockey team’s uniforms...
Moving on- We’ve also designed custom bags for each frame size that mount directly to the frame. No more straps or buckles flying around. Just a cleanly designed frame ready for the next journey.
Cleanliness is next to godliness. Our internal cable routing keeps the frame looking tidy. Want an even sleeker bike? Single-speed calling your name? With our PF30 bottom bracket shell, it’s easy to fit a geared or single-speed drivetrain. More gears your thing? This bike is compatible with either mechanical or electronic shifting. Plan on getting rowdy on your ride? Throw a dropper post on, for safety.
Room to roam
Niner RLT gravel bikes have room to fit 700x50c tires (or 650b x 2.0).
Fireroad Geometry
Whether you’re riding across town or across the country, the RLT 9 Steel has a longer chainstay, a lower bottom bracket height and a slacker headtube angle to keep you comfortable.
Interchangeable wheel size
Don’t let the terrain stop you from riding. The Niner RLT 9 Steel can fit both 700c and 650b wheels, for ultimate versatility and adaptability to suit any off road pursuit.
Biocentric Bottom Bracket
Fit any drivetrain, geared or singlespeed. No bolt-on hubs, no chain tensioners cluttering your ride, no brake adjustments with gear changes. Read More
Lifetime warranty
We have you covered with warranty service, small parts, and a support team that actually answers the phone. So go ahead, search out a gravel road you’ve always wanted to explore. Read More
Niner RDO carbon fork
Internal cable routing, so no more fishing for wires. Custom 12x100mm gravel-tuned RDO carbon fork with rack, fender and bottle mounts, plus internal cable and dynamo routing, perfect for those long hauls.
Specifications
Our sturdy steel frame meets the finest 5-star AXS LTD parts kit available. There’s nothing not to like when you add carbon wheels to the mix. When you are rolling lighter and faster, you can go farther and stay out longer.
- SRAM Force AXS wireless electronic shifting
- Stan's NoTubes Grail CB7 carbon wheels
- Easton EC70 AX carbon handlebar
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Shock | N/A | Tubes / Sealant | STANS NO TUBES SEALANT (2 X 2oz BOTTLES) |
| Front wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL CB7, NEO ULTIMATE HUB CL 100X12MM FRONT | Rear wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL CB7, NEO ULTIMATE HUB CL 142X12MM REAR |
| Front Tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 | Rear tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 |
| Brakes | SRAM FORCE HRD FM | Brake levers | SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS |
| Brake rotors | SRAM CLX R 160/160MM CL ROTORS | Chain | SRAM FORCE 12SP |
| Front shifter | SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS | Rear shifter | SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS |
| Front derailleur | SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS | Rear derailleur | SRAM FORCE ETAP AXS |
| Cassette | SRAM XG 1270 12SP 10-33T | Crankset | SRAM FORCE DUB 48X35T |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB PF30 | Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CRN-TI RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER CARBON SEAT POST, 400MM, NINER GRAPHIC | Handlebar | EASTON EC70 AX |
| Stem | NINER RDO STEM, NINER GRAPHIC | Headset | NINER INTERNAL ZS SHIS DESCRIPTION ZS44/28.6|ZS56/40 |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE | Approximate weight | 20.0 lbs |
In our 5-star build, Shimano's flagship, gravel-specific GRX800 parts kit pairs with Stan's Grail CB7 carbon wheels, Schwalbe tires, and an Easton crankset and handlebar in one of the best gravel-grinding packages available.
- Shimano GRX800 gravel-specific mechanical shifting
- Stan's NoTubes Grail CB7 carbon wheels
- Niner carbon seatpost and RDO stem
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm,5 9cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Shock | N/A | Tubes / Sealant | STANS NO TUBES SEALANT (2 X 2oz BOTTLES) |
| Front wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL CB7, NEO ULTIMATE HUB CL 100X12MM FRONT | Rear wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL CB7, NEO ULTIMATE HUB CL 142X12MM REAR |
| Front Tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 | Rear tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 |
| Brakes | SHIMANO GRX800 | Brake levers | SHIMANO GRX800 |
| Brake rotors | SHIMANO RT800 160/160MM CL ROTORS | Chain | SHIMANO HG 601 11SP |
| Front shifter | SHIMANO GRX800 2SP | Rear shifter | SHIMANO GRX800 11SP |
| Front derailleur | SHIMANO ULTEGRA R8000 | Rear derailleur | SHIMANO GRX800 GS 11SP SHADOW PLUS |
| Cassette | SHIMANO ULTEGRA HG800 11SP 11-34T | Crankset | EASTON EA90 47X32T |
| Bottom bracket | EASTON PF30 | Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CRN-TI RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER CARBON SEAT POST, 400MM, NINER GRAPHIC | Handlebar | EASTON EA50 AX |
| Stem | NINER RDO STEM, NINER GRAPHIC | Headset | NINER INTERNAL ZS SHIS DESCRIPTION ZS44/28.6|ZS56/40 |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE | Approximate weight | 20.4 lbs |
Our 4-star Shimano GRX800 parts kit pairs with Stan's Grail S1 wheels, Schwalbe tires, and an Easton crankset and handlebar in one of the best gravel-grinding packages available.
- Shimano GRX800 gravel-specific mechanical shifting
- Stan's NoTubes Grail S1 wheels
- Niner carbon seatpost and alloy stem
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Shock | N/A | Tubes / Sealant | STANS NO TUBES SEALANT (2 X 2oz BOTTLES) |
| Front wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL S1, NEO HUB CL 100X12MM FRONT | Rear wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL S1, NEO HUB CL 142X12MM REAR |
| Front Tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 | Rear tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 |
| Brakes | SHIMANO GRX800 | Brake levers | SHIMANO GRX800 |
| Brake rotors | SHIMANO RT800 160/160MM CL ROTORS | Chain | SHIMANO HG 601 11SP |
| Front shifter | SHIMANO GRX800 2SP | Rear shifter | SHIMANO GRX800 11SP |
| Front derailleur | SHIMANO ULTEGRA R8000 | Rear derailleur | SHIMANO GRX800 GS 11SP SHADOW PLUS |
| Cassette | SHIMANO ULTEGRA HG800 11SP 11-34T | Crankset | EASTON EA90 47X32T |
| Bottom bracket | EASTON PF30 | Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CRN-TI RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER CARBON SEAT POST, 400MM, NINER GRAPHIC | Handlebar | EASTON EA50 AX |
| Stem | NINER RDO STEM, NINER GRAPHIC | Headset | NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION IS42/28.6|IS52/40 |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE | Approximate weight | 22.0 |
Prefer 4-star with smaller wheels? Add Stan's Crest S1 650b wheels to Shimano's flagship, gravel-specific GRX800 parts kit, Maxxis tires, and an Easton crankset and handlebar to get one of the best gravel-grinding packages available.
- Shimano GRX800 gravel-specific mechanical shifting
- Stan's NoTubes Crest S1 650b wheels
- Niner carbon seatpost and alloy stem
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Shock | N/A | Tubes / Sealant | STANS NO TUBES SEALANT (2 X 2oz BOTTLES) |
| Front wheel | STANS NOTUBES CREST S1, NEO HUB CL 100X12MM FRONT | Rear wheel | STANS NOTUBES CREST S1, NEO HUB CL 142X12MM REAR |
| Front Tire | MAXXIS RAMBLER TLR EXO 650X47 | Rear tire | MAXXIS RAMBLER TLR EXO 650X47 |
| Brakes | SHIMANO GRX800 | Brake levers | SHIMANO GRX800 |
| Brake rotors | SHIMANO RT800 160/160MM CL ROTORS | Chain | SHIMANO HG 601 11SP |
| Front shifter | SHIMANO GRX800 2SP | Rear shifter | SHIMANO GRX800 11SP |
| Front derailleur | SHIMANO ULTEGRA R8000 | Rear derailleur | SHIMANO GRX800 GS 11SP SHADOW PLUS |
| Cassette | SHIMANO ULTEGRA HG800 11SP 11-34T | Crankset | EASTON EA90 47X32T |
| Bottom bracket | EASTON PF30 | Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CRN-TI RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER CARBON SEAT POST, 400MM, NINER GRAPHIC | Handlebar | EASTON EA50 AX |
| Stem | NINER RDO STEM, NINER GRAPHIC | Headset | NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION IS42/28.6|IS52/40 |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE | Approximate weight | 21.6 lbs |
SRAM's standout Rival parts kit mates with Stan's Grail S1 wheels and a gravel-specific Easton handlebar to complete a 3-star, outstanding value package.
- SRAM Rival shifting with Easton cranks.
- Stan's NoTubes Grail S1 wheels
- Niner carbon seatpost and alloy stem
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Shock | N/A | Tubes / Sealant | STANS NO TUBES SEALANT (2 X 2oz BOTTLES) |
| Front wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL S1, NEO HUB CL 100X12MM FRONT | Rear wheel | STANS NOTUBES GRAIL S1, NEO HUB CL 142X12MM REAR |
| Front Tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 | Rear tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE EVO SS, FOLDING, 700 X 40 |
| Brakes | SRAM RIVAL HRD FLAT MOUNT | Brake levers | SRAM RIVAL HRD |
| Brake rotors | SRAM CENTERLINE 160/160MM CL ROTORS | Chain | SHIMANO HG 601 11SP |
| Front shifter | SRAM RIVAL HRD 2SP | Rear shifter | SRAM RIVAL HRD 11SP |
| Front derailleur | SRAM RIVAL YAW WITH CHAIN SPOTTER | Rear derailleur | SRAM RIVAL 22SP |
| Cassette | SRAM - PG 1130 11-32T | Crankset | SRAM RIVAL 22SP YAW 50X34T |
| Bottom bracket | PRESTINE PF30 ALLOY THREAD TOGETHER | Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CHRO-MO RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER CARBON SEAT POST, 400MM, NINER GRAPHIC | Handlebar | EASTON EA50 AX |
| Stem | NINER ALLOY STEM, NINER GRAPHIC | Headset | NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION IS42/28.6|IS52/40 |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE | Approximate weight | 21.9 lbs |
Prefer 3-star with smaller wheels? Add Stan's Crest S1 to SRAM's Rival parts kit, Easton cranks, Maxxis tires, and an Easton handlebar to get one of the best gravel-grinding packages available.
- SRAM Rival shifting with Easton cranks.
- Stan's NoTubes Crest S1 650b wheels
- Niner carbon seatpost and alloy stem
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Shock | N/A | Tubes / Sealant | STANS NO TUBES SEALANT (2 X 2oz BOTTLES) |
| Front wheel | STANS NOTUBES CREST S1, NEO HUB CL 100X12MM FRONT | Rear wheel | STANS NOTUBES CREST S1, NEO HUB CL 142X12MM REAR |
| Front Tire | MAXXIS RAMBLER TLR EXO 650X47 | Rear tire | MAXXIS RAMBLER TLR EXO 650X47 |
| Brakes | SRAM RIVAL HRD FLAT MOUNT | Brake levers | SRAM RIVAL HRD |
| Brake rotors | SRAM CENTERLINE 160/160MM CL ROTORS | Chain | SRAM PC 1130 11SP |
| Front shifter | SRAM RIVAL HRD 2SP | Rear shifter | SRAM RIVAL HRD 11SP |
| Front derailleur | SRAM RIVAL YAW WITH CHAIN SPOTTER | Rear derailleur | SRAM RIVAL 22SP |
| Cassette | SRAM - PG 1130 11-32T | Crankset | SRAM RIVAL 22SP YAW 50X34T |
| Bottom bracket | PRESTINE PF30 ALLOY THREAD TOGETHER | Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CHRO-MO RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER CARBON SEAT POST, 400MM, NINER GRAPHIC | Handlebar | EASTON EA50 AX |
| Stem | NINER ALLOY STEM, NINER GRAPHIC | Headset | NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION IS42/28.6|IS52/40 |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE | Approximate weight | 21.5 lbs |
Shimano's budget-friendly, gravel-specific GRX400 parts kit pairs with Niner wheels, Schwalbe tires, Shimano Tiagra RS400 crankset, and Easton handlebar in a value-priced 2-star gravel-grinding package.
- Shimano GRX400 gravel-specific drivetrain
- Niner wheels
- Niner alloy seatpost and stem
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | Fork | NINER RDO FULL CARBON; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; FLAT MOUNT; 12X100 THRU AXLE |
| Shock | N/A | Tubes / Sealant | TUBES |
| Front wheel | NINER CX ALLOY, CL 100 X12MM FRONT, NINER GRAPHIC | Rear wheel | NINER CX ALLOY, CL 142X12MM REAR, NINER GRAPHIC |
| Front Tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE PERFORMANCE, FOLDING, 700 X 40 | Rear tire | SCHWALBE G-ONE PERFORMANCE, FOLDING, 700 X 40 |
| Brakes | SHIMANO GRX400 | Brake levers | SHIMANO GRX400 |
| Brake rotors | SHIMANO RT54 160/160MM CL ROTORS | Chain | SHIMANO HG54 10SPM PC 1130 11SP |
| Front shifter | SHIMANO GRX400 2SP | Rear shifter | SHIMANO GRX400 10SP |
| Front derailleur | SHIMANO TIAGRA 4700 | Rear derailleur | SHIMANO GRX400 10SP |
| Cassette | SHIMANO HG500 11-34 | Crankset | SHIMANO TIAGRA RS400 50X34T |
| Bottom bracket | PRESTINE PF30>24MM | Saddle | NINER CUSTOM WITH CHRO-MO RAILS, EMBOSSED NINER GRAPHIC |
| Seatpost | NINER ALLOY | Handlebar | EASTON EA50 AX |
| Stem | NINER ALLOY STEM | Headset | NINER INTEGRATED SHIS DESCRIPTION IS42/28.6|IS52/40 |
| Grips | NINER BAR TAPE | Approximate weight | 22.7 lbs |
| Available frame sizes | 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 59cm, 62cm | Available colors | FORGE GREY/BAJA BLUE |
| Frame | REYNOLDS 853 STEEL; EXTERNAL CABLE ROUTING; INTEGRATED BOTTLE, BAG, RACK AND FENDER MOUNTS; FLAT MOUNT; 12X142 THRU AXLE | E |
We make every effort to publish accurate build specs, however Niner Bikes reserves the right to make substitutions or changes to bike assembly specification at any time without notice or warning. Published approximate weights are for size medium (53cm) and may vary by +/- 5% due to manufacturing tolerances.
End of the Line: Blackburn Ranger rides the Creeper, arrives at the Atlantic
On April 22, Ivan Kilroe left the Port of Astoria in Oregon on his TransAmerica ride. The final destination? Yorktown, Virginia.
The RLT 9: From Race Ready to Adventure Machine
Whether you’re looking to win a gravel race or want to spend the whole day just riding around on back roads, the RLT 9 RDO is the perfect bike for all your adventures.
Which Gravel Bike is for You?
What do you mean Niner’s got three bikes called the RLT 9? How is each gravel bike model different than the other? How do I choose?