For 2015, the geometry was adapted to 27.5 mm wheels and the reach was made longer. Unfortunately, the equipment is not suitable for touring. With a ten-speed drivetrain (11-36 sprocket set) and 34 gears up front, even moderate climbs are a pain. It's a shame, because the riding position is good and the rear suspension remains stable when pedalling with the platform activated. Cranking is not recommended because the X-Fusion "Metric" pumps heavily. Without a dropper post, but with thin-walled touring tyres, the overall package leaves an inconsistent impression.
On descents, it quickly becomes clear which terrain the "Soda" favours: fast, winding trails with lots of jumps are its territory - the kind of trails you mainly find in bike parks. When changing direction quickly, the bike can be thrown into berms from left to right with ease. The high front end with the heavily cranked handlebars and the enormous pop of the bike also turn every root into a launch pad. However, the bike doesn't feel like 180 millimetres, more like a taut 160.
The fork presents a weak picture: It noticeably lacks compression damping. While it is still okay and comfortable at moderate speeds, it loses contact with the ground on rough terrain and also sinks deep into the stroke when braking. This exacerbates the unsafe riding feeling on steep terrain. With a little sag, it rides insensitively, but then at least it matches the progressive rear suspension a little better.
Conclusion: It's not entirely clear to us why NS Bikes pumped up the "Soda Evo Air" to 650B. As a 26-inch bike, we think it would be more suitable as a park bike with a clear focus on jumpy trails and tricks. Hardly suitable for touring due to the spec. The fork is under-damped in the compression stage. AM tyres!
PLUS - Park handling
MINUS - Fork - Translation
Manufacturer information
Distribution Trail Toys www.trailtoys.de
Material / Sizes Aluminium /M, L
Price/weight without pedals 2699 Euro / 15.2 kg
Measurement data
Front / rear suspension travel 180 mm / 160-180 mm
Rear suspension system Multi-link
Equipment
Fork / damper X-Fusion Metric Air HLR 180 / RockShox Monarch Plus R
Cranks / gears Truvativ Ruktion / SRAM X7
Brake system SRAM DB 5
Impellers NS Rotary hubs, Fundamental rims, Maxxis Ardent 2.4 tyres
