DISTANCE: 1,950 km | 66,000 altitude metres
There are bikes that are simply at the top of the must-have list: a Yeti SB6C, for example, because of its cult image paired with excellent suspension. Or the top model of Scott's new Ransom, because it remains super light despite its potent 170 mm suspension travel. The Snabb from NS Bikes hasn't been on my wish list so far. My reaction was correspondingly sober when I was asked to take over the black carbon enduro bike from outgoing BIKE mechanic Dan as a long-term test bike.
But the very first ride lifted the corners of our mouths. The Snabb is a real full-throttle machine downhill. Even more surprising: thanks to the very stable and drive-neutral rear triangle, it can also be cranked uphill efficiently - even if the high wheel weight curbs the urge to set best times. For my purposes, the bike with its 160 millimetres of travel turned out to be a real all-purpose machine. On demanding trail tours in the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountains, it provided the necessary confidence on the descents and climbed well. The 27.5 enduro bike can really blossom on fast, rough terrain. From Finale Ligure to the Vinschgau Valley to the fast trails in Sintra, Portugal, the bike took a beating on enduro excursions - and shone.
After being chased from one enduro highlight to the next over the course of a season, the Snabb proved unimpressed by the stresses and strains. The robust wheels in particular defied every stone field. Hats off! It was the little things that caused trouble: After a short time, some screws on the brake levers and callipers showed some rust. A little later, a broken plastic spacer ring paralysed the headset, then a brake lever refused to move smoothly. Towards the end of the test period, the Reverb seatpost sagged by about a centimetre - a known problem that can only be rectified by a service at Sram. It's a shame, because otherwise the Reverb performs brilliantly.
CONCLUSION on the NS Bikes Snabb E2 Carbon
A powerful enduro bike that is equipped for wild trails - also in terms of durability. Small problems with the add-on parts were more of a pain.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
DEFECTS
- 710 km - tax rate: paralysed
A plastic spacer ring was broken and hindered the smooth running of the FSA headset. A replacement provided a remedy.
- 900 km - brake lever runs tough:
It started with a rough, creaky feeling when braking and developed into a tough-running brake lever. Sometimes the lever of Sram's Guide got stuck completely in the tightened position. A fun killer.
- 1700 km - drop of the Reverb seatpost:
Unfortunately, it's a well-known problem: the Reverb dropper post sagged about a centimetre under load. Only a service at Rockshox can solve the problem: send it in, wait, annoyed! It's a shame, because otherwise the Reverb works really well.
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
THE BIKE: NS Bikes Snabb E2 Carbon
Material Carbon
Price / weight 4999 Euro / 13.6 kg without ped.
Suspension travel (front / rear) 160 mm / 165 mm
Wheel size 27.5 inch
Fork Rockshox Pike RC
Damper Rockshox Deluxe RT3
THE TESTER: Florentin Vesenbeckh, BIKE test editor
Age / Height / Weight 34 years / 1.93 m / 85 kg
Driver profile Trails, trails, trails, from flowing to rough and challenging. Occasionally with a lift or shuttle.
Favourite areas Finale Ligure, Tuscany, Bavarian Prealps
You can find this article in BIKE 11/2018. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
