Niner MCR 9 RDO

60/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
24.6, 25.24, 25.73 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Niner MCR 9 RDO. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

16 reasons to buy

  • The MCR 9 RDO is a gravel bike with excellent small bump compliance. It has a full suspension setup.
  • The cables are internally routed. This gives the bike a clean and polished appearance.
  • The long-wheelbase offers riders stability.
  • The rear suspension is outside of the frame's interior triangle. It doesn't interfere with space for a frame bag.
  • There is a remote lockout for the rear shock.
  • The bike minimizes fatigue on the lower back, wrists and hands, during long days in the saddle.
  • The dampening effect from the CVA linkage suspension allows riders to maintain their speed and cadence over washboard roads.
  • There is an integrated fender that protects the rear shock from getting dirty.
  • Testers were pleased that the seat post can easily be upgraded to a dropper post. This addition makes the bike an extremely capable descender.
  • Hydraulic disc brakes are very responsive.
  • Niner embellishes the frame with many mounting points for bags and gear.
  • The frame has room for three water bottles.
  • The aggressive geometry places riders in a position that makes steering quick and predictable.
  • The MCR 9 RDO can be used with 700c or 650b tires.
  • Wide tires allow riders greater comfort over gravel roads. The frame has clearance for 700 x 50cm or 650 x 54cm tires.
  • Testers found the bike handles extra weight from gear well.

4 reasons not to buy

  • Niner only offers the MCR 9 RDO in three sizes.
  • It’s easy to bottom out the suspension on trails.
  • Testers agree the bike is heavy.
  • The Fox fork limits the tire clearance to 40mm.

Bottom line

The Niner MCR 9 RDO is a full-suspension gravel bike. It floats over washboards and rough roads with 40mm of travel in the front and 50mm in the back. The CVA linkage of the rear shock is placed strategically so that it doesn’t interfere with a frame bag. The bike is capable of housing three water bottles in the frame. The bike is only available in three sizes. It’s heavier than other gravel bikes.

Expert Reviews

60/100 based on 1 rated expert review
60

Niner MCR 9 RDO Full Suspension Gravel Bike Review

For starters the MCR (which stands for Magic Carpet Ride) has only half the suspension travel of even the raciest full-sus XC mountain bikes, but more importantly its geometry is that of a dedicated gravel slayer, which is nowhere near that of a modern MTB either.

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Clint Gibbs

Niner MCR 9 RDO Complete Review

I think this bike really opens a new segment of gravel. Taking a standard gravel bike and making it a lot more capable.

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The Bicycle Rider

2020 Niner MCR 9 RDO 5-STAR SHIMANO GRX 800 2x

This bike is totally cool.

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Road Bike Action Magazine

Bike Test: Niner MCR

Niner’s CVA (Constantly Varying Arc) linkage design has been a main ingredient in their full-suspension mountain bikes for years, and for the MCR, they’ve tweaked the linkage to better respond to the high-frequency bumps of gravel riding versus the big hits of mountain biking.

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SYD and MACKY

Full Suspension Gravel Bike?! Testing the Niner MCR on Pavement, Gravel and Trail

This ride was the perfect ride for the MCR. We road paved roads, dirt roads, bike paths, gravel paths and mountain bike trails. It was capable and fun on all of them.

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Niner MCR 9 RDO Bike Review: Does Full Suspension Make Sense For Gravel?

The Niner MCR 9 RDO is a distinct outlier in the world of gravel bikes, a full-suspension heavyweight bruiser in a field of pared-down welterweights.

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Gravel Cyclist

Niner MCR 9 RDO Full-Suspension Gravel Bike: Long-Term Review

Weighing about 24.6lbs with ENVE’s G23 wheels, this is not a light bike, but it was never designed to be a bike you can throw about the place.

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Review: Niner MCR 9 RDO Full Suspension Gravel Bike Shreds Rocks and Roads

Arguably the first mass-produced full suspension gravel bike from a major brand, the MCR 9 is a bike that makes you want to do more.

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Slowtwitch

Niner MCR 9 RDO Gravel Bike Review

I think if you’re going to buy the bike, you are totally going to be happy, assuming you’re a longer-haul gravel rider that wants to go on big, long adventures and be comfortable.

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Niner MCR 9 RDO: A Bold First Step Into Gravel Suspension

This is by no means the final version of what a suspension gravel bike can be, but it represents a promising start. Gravel suspension has arrived, now we eagerly wait to see just how far the technology can go.

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User Ratings

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Bike Comparison

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