Robert's Niner RLT 9 Gravel Crusher.

Our story as a bicycle shop is really the story of our customers. Here is the story of Roberts and his Niner RLT 9.

Tell me a little about yourself. 

I started riding as an alternative to many years of running.  As a result, I now have several bikes, but don’t own a pair of running shoes.

Why did you decide to get a Niner RLT in the first place?

I road biked exclusively for a long time. Then I decided to get a mountain bike and did both. While riding the local parks on my MTB, I started seeing more gravel and cross bikes, and that got my curiosity going. I started shopping around, asking questions and decided on the RLT. Honestly, I wasn’t really sure how I would adjust to the gravel scene because I was so compartmentalized in my cycling. However, getting the RLT was the best bike purchase I’ve ever made. When I’m on my grinder, there’s no limit where I can go, and I like that!

Describe a typical ride on your bike?

I love to hammer the fire roads on my Niner. Pocahontas Park is practically in my backyard, so I’ll go out there several times week and ride the whole park or hit the single track. Rides to the coffee shop are not out of the question either.

What upgrades have you made to it?

So far, I’ve upgraded the wheels on my Niner. I opted for Orange RS4 Hope Hubs with i25 WTB KOM Light Rims. I also added bigger tires than stock choosing the WTB Resolute TCS Tire - Tubeless.

What is your favorite thing about how you customized your bike?

My overall favorite customization would be hubs and rims. There’s nothing better than a solid set of wheels underneath you while riding.

Niner makes the RLT 9 in a Carbon, Steel, And Aluminium Version.

We have a 56cm Steel RLT 9 Here.

And a 53cm Aluminium RLT 9 Here.