A previous-generation Niner RKT 9 RDO — the shorter, steeper, lighter-feeling old geometry — converted into a full-suspension drop-bar gravel bike. The same platform runs in two modes: flat bars for singletrack, drop bars for gravel. Swappable in about 20 minutes. Weighs 26 lbs 6 oz with pedals.
The Drivetrain
Started as a 3-Star GX mechanical build. As upgrade kits got cheap, it evolved: XX1 Eagle derailleur with AXS electronic shifting, GX cassette. The Force Wide road crank went in mainly for power meter compatibility — it fits with a minor spacer swap on the DUB bottom bracket. Tested with a 40T chainring shimmed to fit, then settled on 36T — better for singletrack and rowdier riding. 40T is good for pure gravel but less versatile.
The Swappable Cockpit
The entire bar setup — flat bars with AXS controllers, and drop bars with levers — each stays assembled with calipers attached. Swapping between the two takes about 20 minutes: disconnect at the steerer, bolt on the other setup, reconnect, set derailleur pairing, check limits. Because the old-gen RKT routes brake lines externally, the swap is clean and easy.
On a medium frame, the flat bar setup runs an 80mm stem. Drop bars with 70mm stem, though 60mm would probably be better for singletrack. The older RKT geometry is steeper than modern bikes — which actually helps this conversion feel right for gravel. It’s aggressive with a low position, fast on flat roads.
How It Rides in Each Mode
Flat bars: Quick, snappy, agile — feels like a lightweight XC bike. Brain goes into trail mode immediately.
Drop bars: Brain switches to gravel mode. Acceleration feels slower from a dead stop, but once rolling it’s smooth and incredibly comfortable over washboard and chattery gravel. The suspension takes all the harshness out.
The older RKT geometry plus full suspension plus drop bars lands somewhere between XC bike, monster cross bike, and adventure gravel. Not the same as the Niner MCR full-suspension gravel bike, but closer to that end of the spectrum than most.
A very fun project. It’s smooth on gravel, comfortable on rough roads, and still playful on singletrack. If you want something different — or want honest suspension comfort on gravel without a purpose-built gravel suspension frame — this kind of conversion is worth considering.
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