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2020 NS

Synonym RC 2

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Weight25.1 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 100 / 100mm
ForkFox Performance Float 32
ShockFox Float DPS Performance Elite
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetGX Eagle, Truvativ Stylo
BrakesSRAM Level TL Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Synonym RC 2
Other Crosscountry bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

27 mph

Synonym RC 2

27 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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

Key Quotes
NS has pushed the current trend of more radical ‘trail’ geometry right to the edge of the Enduro envelope with the Synonym.
Bike Perfect logoBike Perfect
This bike is as radical as they come in the cross-country world
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
It’s all mouth and no trousers.
MBR logoMBR
It looks like an XC race bike but it is so much more!
Singletrack World logoSingletrack World

Feedback?

View all reviews

BikeRadar
NS Synonym RC 1 review

Jan 2021 · Tom Marvin

Best suited to the steepest tracks, both up and down, the Synonym is unique among XC bikes

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • Dropper post ended up more of a frustration than an asset

  • Needs a grippier front tyre to make the most of its descending abilities

Read Review

MBR
NS Synonym TR 2 review - MBR

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.

Highs
  • Redefines XC geometry

Lows
  • Suspension stuck in the past

Read Review

Bike Perfect
NS Synonym TR 1 review

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?

Highs
  • 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

Lows
  • 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

Read Review

Pinkbike
Review: NS Bikes Synonym TR1 - Not Your Typical XC Bike

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.

Highs
  • Geometry

  • Feels like a short travel trail bike

Lows
  • Remote lockout

  • Not the lightest in this category

  • Seat tube could be shorter for longer droppers/shorter legged riders

Read Review

Singletrack World
NS Synonym TR1 First Ride Impressions

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?

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon Fiber

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Fork

FOX 32 FLOAT Step-Cast Performance, GRIP damper, 2-position remote lockout with Open Mode Adjust, push-to-unlock, 44mm offset, 110x15mm Boost thru-axle

Travel100mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

FOX FLOAT DPS Performance Elite, 2-position remote lockout, push-to-unlock, EVOL LV, trunnion mount, 165mm x 37.5mm

Travel100mm

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 Flat Lite, 31.8mm bore, 750mm width

Saddle

Octane One Crit, Ti-Alloy rails

Seatpost

X-Fusion Manic internal dropper, 100mm drop (125mm on XL)

TypeDropper

Pedals

N/A

Grips

NS Silicone Lite

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed, Type 3

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

Truvativ Stylo 7k DUB, 170mm length (175mm on XL)

Shifters

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed

Cassette

SRAM PG-1210, 12-speed, 11-50 tooth

Chain

SRAM, 12-speed

Chain Guide

N/A

Brakes

SRAM Level TL, 180mm front rotor, 160mm rear rotor

TypeSRAM Level TL Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM Level TL

Wheels
Rims

WTB ST Light i25 TCS 2.0, 28 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"

Rider Notes
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First added May 14

Last updated May 14

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