VITAL MTB PUTS THE RIP 9 RDO THROUGH THE WRINGER!

The guys at VitalMTB aren't messing around. As far as test crews go, you be hard pressed to find one that knows more about long travel performance or one that is as willing as they are to test the limits of the bikes they ride. 

That said, we couldn't be more pleased about their review of the R.I.P. 9 RDO - not only did we get 4.5 stars out of 5, this was their summary:

"We've got to admit, we were pleasantly surprised by the R.I.P. 9 RDO. Niner succeeded in creating a very playful, very comfortable, and very capable bike. It pedaled well, sprinted well, climbed well, jumped well (rare for 29ers), and soaked up all types of hits well. Bottom line? It rides really nicely and we had a hard time finding things not to like about it.  

This bike is for someone who's not afraid to look different, but demands a spirited, high-end, compliant ride - someone who likes to climb up to blast their way back down. Niner advertises it as a "Quiver Killer," and for the most part, we've got to agree." 

We've always said - a well designed 29er is what makes big wheels come alive. We are stoked that the guys at Vital agree. Get the full review on VitalMTB, along with a great gallery of action pics. Get more info on the R.I.P. 9 RDO here. 

SALT CREEK CYCLES, BLOOMINGTON, IN

Cutters they are not, but breaking the mold of the "Little 500" they are. New to Bloomington Indiana, Salt Creek Cycles is forging their own dirt path in this Midwest hot bed for road cycling. In Salt Creek Cycles, owners Jerry Ramusack and Josh Thurston are looking to give local mountain bikers a shop to call home - a surprising first in a city so rich in cycling history. Now, with development of the Brown County trail system and Hoosier National forest, it was an easy choice to fill the void.

The doors to Salt Creek Cycles have been open for business since November and the buzz in the community is strong. Planning for an exciting season is underway, including a youth and junior development cycling program aimed at getting riders under the age of 17 out on the local trails. The shop staff are stoked to get kids excited about riding bikes, building their skills and confidence on the trails and for those interested, introducing them to some of the local mountain bike races. In addition to the youth program, they are planning a series of clinics for riders to develop basic trail side service skills with some sessions dedicated to women riders only.

With a solid foundation in place and a dedication to big wheels and Niner, the partnership with Salt Creek Cycles is bringing excitement to all. With bikes on the floor and more to come, the season is off and rolling for Salt Creek Cycles and Niner even before the official grand opening party (they have been too busy!). If you are in the area head over and say hello to Jerry and Josh, check out the new shop and get the low down on the local riding.

Find Salt Creek at: www.saltcreekcycles.com or like them on Facebook to stay connected for local rides and events. Salt Creek will have Niner demo bikes available in the spring - contact them to arrange a ride or visit Niner's Demo Event schedule to catch the traveling demo tour.

BIKE TECH, MIAMI & FT. LAUDERDALE, FL

Corn fields and baseball diamonds are traded for singletrack and man-made stunts in southern Florida's field of dreams. They built it, and Niner has come to play ball. Though few would expect Miami to have quality singletrack, the area plays host to four mountain bike parks and miles of trail. Niner has found a new home in this corner of the cycling world with shop owner Arnie Freire and Bike Tech USA.

With three locations, Florida-based Niner riders have several opportunities to view the latest and greatest offerings. The east Miami location has the largest selection of mountain bikes, due to its proximity to the Virginia Key mountain bike trails, but all locations carry a solid lineup of Niner gear and bikes on the floor to drool over.

Though new to Niner, Bike Tech USA came ready to play ball. Finding value in the big wheels for local riding, the strong grassroots presence and small company feel all hold a strong appeal. However, it is the focus on big wheels and the aplomb with which Niners handle the sandy, rock-strewn singletrack that make Niner a strong choice for Florida riders.

With the grand opening of the Fort Lauderdale location set for the first weekend of March, the season ahead looks good for Bike Tech USA and Niner Bikes. Head in and check out the new shop and have the crew at Bike Tech get you setup for the season ahead.

Find Backyard Bikes At: biketechusa.com or like them on Facebook to stay connected for community and events. Bike Tech will have Niner demo bikes available in the spring - contact them to arrange a ride or visit Niner's Demo Event schedule to catch the traveling demo tour.