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Today’s Deals2020 NS
Synonym RC 1
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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| Weight | 23.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 100 / 100mm |
| Fork | Fox Factory Float 32 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Factory |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle, GX Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TLM Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The NS Synonym trail bike redefines XC geometry with its aggressive, fun design, offering a mix of speed and stability on descents. While it excels in climbing efficiency and handling on rough terrain, some reviews note limitations in suspension sensitivity and frame flex. Its unique position between XC and enduro bikes makes it stand out, though not without some ergonomic and performance trade-offs.
Flat-out fun geometry
Great grip and poise on climbs
Efficient platform for quick climbing
Incredibly stable and easy to push over or around obstacles
Redefines XC geometry
Flexy frame has limits
Suspension lacks sensitivity and feels slow to respond to hits
Awkward dropper and lockout lever ergonomics
Cable mess at the front
Frame-creaking issues
NS has pushed the current trend of more radical ‘trail’ geometry right to the edge of the Enduro envelope with the Synonym.
Bike PerfectThis bike is as radical as they come in the cross-country world
BikeRadarIt’s all mouth and no trousers.
MBRIt looks like an XC race bike but it is so much more!
Singletrack WorldFeedback?
View all reviews
Jan 2021 · Tom Marvin
Best suited to the steepest tracks, both up and down, the Synonym is unique among XC bikes
Geometry bends the rules of what you’d expect a race bike to handle
Stable suspension is happy under pedalling, whether locked out or not
Dropper post ended up more of a frustration than an asset
Needs a grippier front tyre to make the most of its descending abilities
Sep 2020 · Alan Muldoon
NS Synonym TR is one of the most down-country bikes in attitude. And that’s because, at its heart, it is a hopped-up cross-country race bike.
Redefines XC geometry
Suspension stuck in the past
Sep 2020 · Guy Kesteven
The first full-suspension XC bike from Polish MTB brand, NS Bikes, is literally a long way from conventional. But can a lightweight frame and componentry live up to the frantic fun promise of enduro geometry?
Flat-out fun geometry
Great grip and poise on climbs
Twin lockout for power players
Naturally efficient pedalling
Excellent fork control
Fast-yet-flowing tires
Proper XC sized chainring
Generous tire room
Flexy frame has limits
Fat tires on thin rims
Awkward dropper and lockout lever ergonomics
Cable mess at the front
Downgraded shifter, cassette and dropper post
Very long seat tube on large
Feb 2020 · David Arthur
Did someone say downcountry? The Synonym is another worthy contender in the rapidly growing field of short travel bikes with modern geometry.
Geometry
Feels like a short travel trail bike
Remote lockout
Not the lightest in this category
Seat tube could be shorter for longer droppers/shorter legged riders
Oct 2019 · Andi Sykes
We take a ride on the NS Synonym, a cross-country bike with a wild side or is it a short travel enduro bike?
| Frame | Carbon Fiber BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | FOX 32 FLOAT Step-Cast Factory, FIT4 damper, 2-position remote lockout with Open Mode Adjust, push-to-unlock, 44mm offset, 110x15mm Boost thru-axle Travel: 100mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | FOX FLOAT DPS Factory, 2-position remote lockout, push-to-unlock, EVOL LV, trunnion mount, 165mm x 37.5mm Travel: 100mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB PressFit BB92 |
| Headset | FSA No.42/47/ACB |
| Stem | NS Synonym Race, 31.8mm clamp, -8° rise, Length: 60mm (SM), 70mm (MD), 80mm (LG/XL) |
| Handlebar | NS Licence Carbon Flat Lite, 31.8mm bore, 750mm width |
| Saddle | fi'zi:k Antares R3 |
| Seatpost | KS LEV Ci Carbon dropper, 100mm drop (125mm on XL) Type: Dropper |
| Pedals | N/A |
| Grips | NS Silicone Lite |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed, Type 3 |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | Truvativ X1 Carbon DUB, 170mm length (175mm on XL) |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1295, 12-speed, 10-50 tooth |
| Chain | SRAM, 12-speed |
| Chain Guide | N/A |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TLM, 180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor Type: SRAM Level TLM Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Level TLM |
| Rims | NS Enigma Lite, 32 hole, tubeless ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Straight pull |
| Front Hub | NS Rotary Straight Pull, sealed bearings, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear |
| Rear Hub | NS Rotary Straight Pull, sealed bearings, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Ikon, TR, 29" x 2.2", Rear: Maxxis Recon Race, EXO, TR, 29" x 2.25" |
First added May 14
Last updated May 14
Not listed for 2,206 days