PLUS

NINER JET 9 RDO 3-STAR $5,300

A 27.5+ bike that holds onto its grape-smuggling XC roots.

LET’S START WITH THE OBVIOUS: THIS NINER JET 9 RDO IS A 27.5-wheeled bike, which means everyone and their mother’s aunt’s best friend will insert a joke about Niner making bikes that are not, in fact,29ers.Nomenclature matters less than whether the ride is worth it, and if you’re into a quick-footed plus bike that’s the dirt-laden lovechild of XC and Trail, then this Niner may be the 27.5+ bike you’ve been waiting for.

The Jet 9 has a long history as being a straight-up cross-country 29er, but like the scrawny kid who grew into a broad-shouldered beefcake over summer, the Jet 9 went through its own transformation this year with increased front and rear travel