The Niner MCR 9 RDO. This bike lands in the “Full Suspension Gravel Bike” category, which became a thing the minute the “Magic Carpet Ride” debuted. I expect that as other bike manufacturers invent their own versions with more/less travel, different types of shock absorption, and varying frame geometry, this latest new category will be touted as the next bike you need in your stable.
I have one in my stable and after putting in a bunch of hours on this one of a kind ride, on pavement, gravel, and singletrack, here’s some feedback.
Let’s get the weight thing out of the way. At 25 or so pounds, it’s certainly not considered light when compared to other high quality gravel bikes. However, just like most higher quality full suspension mountain bikes, the heft is offset by the smooth ride and control qualities.
Where does it shine? On rutted out dirt/gravel roads and fairly smooth and flowy mountain bike trails. Roots, 2-3 inch rocks, and a foot or less of air? Super fast with predictable handling. Any bigger hits than that and the limits of this bike were felt. I did feel the need to experiment with fork/shock pressure and damping. With the small amount of travel, it’s not a “set it and forget it” system if one is to ride a gravel road one day and then slam some singletrack the next. Of course, the Magic Carpet Ride is not marketed as a single track slayer.
Climbing. Keep your butt in the saddle and experience excellent traction, power delivery and shock absorption. Lock out the fork and shock when standing though, or things get squishy. Niner does specify though, that the short-travel system is designed for seated climbing.
To the point. If most of your riding is either on smooth pavement or challenging trails, then this is probably not the bike for you. But if most of your routes include questionable “roads” and non-technical dirt trails, or an unsupported off road tour is in the works (11 mounting points for bags/ bottles etc.) then just maybe you do need this steed in your stable.