For a long time, the Polish label Northshore (NS) Bikes was primarily known to dirt bikers and freeriders. However, the brand now covers the entire spectrum of mountain biking: from dirt bikes and cross-country bikes to e-enduro bikes. But as much as the Poles specialise, there is still some gravity DNA slumbering in all models - even in the Define 130 AL trail bike.
The facts about the NS Bikes Define AL
- Price: 3399 Euro
- Range of use: Trail/All Mountain
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 140 mm front / 130 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L
- Weight: 15.75 kg in size L (BIKE measurement)
- Weight of wheels: 5300 g
- Acceleration wheels: 3792 kg x cm² (BIKE measured value)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Special features: external cable routing under the down tube
The freerider among the trail bikes
The first descent on our test track in Finale Ligure reveals just how much gravity it packs. "If I had to ride one of the bikes in the bike park, it would definitely be the NS," says tester Laurin, convinced of the downhill potential of the NS Define AL. The geometry data proves him right. The NS has by far the longest reach, the most generous wheelbase, the lowest bottom bracket and a high front end. This extremely long and flat geometry creates the smoothest ride in the test, conveys the most confidence and encourages you to go full throttle downhill. In short: the NS is the fastest way to shoot downhill. The suspension does a great job - even though the NS Define has the cheapest suspension fork. The rear and front harmonise well, respond reliably and absorb even hard impacts without grumbling. Bravo! We only liked the Fox suspension on the Canyon better. There is criticism for the meagre braking power of the simple Shimano stoppers and the Nobby Nic tyres in the cheap performance version. Both are limiting factors downhill.
The test group: 4 trail bikes in comparison
- Canyon Neuron CF 7
- GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro
- NS Bikes Define 130 AL (in this article here)
- YT Industries Izzo Core 2
- An overview of our test can be found here
The equipment of the NS Bikes Define 130 AL
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox 35 Gold RL / Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Gears / range: Shimano Deore 1x12 / 463 %
- Brakes: Shimano M4100/MT410 / 203/180 mm
- Wheels: Octane-One-Solar rims/NS-Rotary hubs
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic; Addix Performance 29 x 2.40
- Seatpost: KS Rage i / 170 mm
- max. system weight: 120 kg
The Moby Dick of trail bikes
If you take the bike on winding trails or even serve it undulating terrain with intermediate climbs, the comfort zone of the NS Define ends abruptly. The long wheelbase feels too bulky in tight bends. A lot of physical effort is required from the rider here. Playful riding fun? Not at all. The weight of the Define 130 makes matters worse - literally. As the only bike with a complete aluminium frame, it weighs in at 15.8 (!) kilos without pedals. Compared to the competition, this means an average of 1.74 kilos overweight. The excess pounds leave you starving on crisp climbs and turn every manoeuvre, however tentative, into a feat of strength.
However, anyone who can bring themselves to go on a long tour with the NS will be pleasantly surprised. Apart from the high weight, the bike turns out to be a capable climber. The steep seat angle gives the rider plenty of control over the front wheel even on steep climbs, while the sensitive rear triangle generates sufficient traction even when the chain is pulled. This means that the NS at least leaves the competition from YT behind you. Annoying detail: To operate the remote lever of the telesupport, which is located above the handlebars, you have to remove your hand from the handlebars.
NS Bikes Define 130 AL: Lab results & BIKE review
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
NS Bikes has managed to create a downhill trail bike with favourable means. However, the high weight and long geometry limit the range of use too much. This means that the bike is not really competitive in this versatile category. The price is also high compared to the inexpensive equipment and the simple aluminium frame.
Max Fuchs
Editor
