NS Bikes' New Downhill and Enduro Rigs - Eurobike 2013

Aug 29, 2013
by Mike Kazimer  
NS Bikes

NS Bikes Fuzz
Prototypes of NS Bikes' new downhill bike were spotted earlier in the summer underneath the company's team riders, and now, after a season of testing, the bike is ready for production. The new bike, called the Fuzz, sports an aluminum frame with either 201 or 207mm of travel depending on the rear wheel position. The effective chainstay length alters depending on rear wheel position as well, coming in at either 420 or 438mm. The bike's true four bar linkage design has the rear shock passing through the rear seat tube before mounting on the rear swing arm, for a design that is intended to minimize brake jack and pedal feedback. With its roomy cockpit and relatively short chainstays, the Fuzz's geometry is meant to create a stable yet quick handling bike, one that we could see being able to do double duty in the bike park and on the race course. Internal cable routing is in place for riders who wish to use it, but there is also the option of running the housing externally, which can come in handy for emergency equipment swaps on race day.

Two different complete versions of the Fuzz will be available, the Fuzz 1 and the Fuzz 2, as well as a frame only option. The Fuzz 1's parts package comes equipped with a RockShox Boxxer RC fork and Vivid RC2C coil shock for €3699 (US pricing TBD). The Fuzz 2 is the more budget oriented option, with a kit that includes a RockShox Domain coil fork and a Kage rear shock for €2899. The frame only will run €2139 with a Vivid R2C.

Fuzz details
• Intended use: DH/freeride
• Rear wheel travel: 201 or 207mm
• Wheel size: 26"
• Aluminum frame
• 157x12mm rear hub
• Internal or external cable routing
• Frame weight: 3.5kg without shock
• Head angle: 63.5 degrees, adjustable

NS Bikes

The Fuzz has two rear wheel positions, which will change the chainstay length along with the amount of travel. Small details worth mentioning include the bike's internal routing with wide ports for easy access, and an integrated seatpost clamp.


NS Bikes

NS Bikes Snabb
NS also had a new all-mountain bike at the show as well. Called the Snabb (Swedish for fast), the complete bike comes set up with 27.5" wheels, but has interchangeable dropouts for those who wish to run 26" wheels, a useful feature for the "You can pry 26" wheels from my cold, dead hands" crowd. With 163mm of travel, a 66 degree head angle and a true four bar linkage design, the bike looks like it could be a capable bike, one that's designed to shine on the downhills. Plus, with a frame only option available, riders have the ability to build the bike up as burly or light as they want.


Snabb details
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• 163mm travel
• Head tube angle: 66 degrees
• Chainstay length: 433mm
• Frame only w/ Rock Shox
Monarch RC3: €2,139.00
• Complete: €3799.00

NS Bikes

The Snabb uses a true four bar suspension design, and features a tapered headtube and interchangeable dropouts.



www.ns-bikes.com

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201 Comments
  • 293 42
 I feel pretty insulted by the "pry them from my cold dead hands" part. I rode a variety of 27.5, 29 and 26" bikes at crankworx and the big wheels were a lot less fun and made you have to ride worse (just power over stuff rather than picking the right line through an obstacle because you can't manoeuvre properly but you can go over bigger rocks etc.)

26" wheels are better for me and the riding I do, my overall time around a course is not in any way interesting to me, the amount of fun I have on that course is much more important and 26" wheels allow that.

I wish the mtb industry would stop treating me like a retro grouch for finding one thing more fun than another.
  • 102 19
 I've managed to get a few test rides on bigger wheeled bikes, and I was never happier to be back on a 26er afterwards. I think a lot of the companies forgot why we got itno this sport. BECAUSE IT IS FUN and we love it. I haven't yet met anyone who got into is because they saw the races and decided they want some of that and want to be the best because they would make a lot of money. Keep it simple, Keep it fun, Keep it 26. This isn't running.
  • 33 9
 I agree with you both, and I'll be 26" as long as they are around. But if something can be faster, theres always a place for it, this is a time based competitive sport. Does not mean your average riders who does not race wants 650b though.
  • 36 6
 It is a time-based competitive sport, but increasing the wheel sizes at a world cup level only really have an advantage as long as there is a variation in wheel sizes between competitors. Once every one is on 650Bs or god forbid, 29ers, then there is not really any point in it. Every one has the same time advantage and a lot less fun riding their bike. Ideal thing to do right now I'd think would be to make it like Formula 1 and make it only one wheel size everyone is allowed to ride.
  • 19 3
 That probably would be the best thing.. but then the UCI isnt going to tread on the toes of manufactures making money are they.
  • 61 16
 This is great. The amount of vitriole coming out of 'the 26 camp" (not my distinction) towards anyone who advocates a different wheelsize has been frankly astonishing, not to mention at times bizarrely homophobic (as if riding on 29" wheels changes your sexual preferences - I'm talking about constant references to lycra-clad "f*ggotry" - again not my words). Especially when most 29 and 27.5 riders don't give a hoot about what size wheels their friends are riding. I hear often that these riders are going around telling 26ers to change their ways but I don't see it nearly as often as the over defensiveness and rudeness of 26" riders especially on this site. But I take in on the chin. And get over it.

The other point; yes smaller wheels are ultimately more fun, but follow that logic and we'd all be BMX riders. Fun comes in many forms and for a lot people (those who have wide, open trails and don't have the luxury of a twisty trail centre nearby) the fun can come in the top speed you get when the bike is at its fastest on a fireroad. Also it can come from beating your last lap time around your local woods and improving each time. Admitedly, charting preformance in this way is not for everyone but for some it is what it's all about. Just look at the pros.
  • 7 1
 On the positive side of things, this shows how progressed frame and suspension designs have become.. they are looking to elsewhere on the bike for improvements.
  • 31 3
 I'm pretty sure the "pry them from my cold dead hands" reference is to people who won't even look at different wheel sizes/a joke, I dunno how it's insulting...
  • 13 6
 You don't have to buy a 27.5' if you don't want... Stop to complain, what's the problem with 29 or 27.5 wheels..... They have different porpuses, I have one 26 and a 29 cross crountry bike
  • 18 2
 @Jackclark. I don't care that much what size of wheels you ride, but I have the most fun on 26, and I am going to keep voting for 26 so that the bike industry doesn't phase it out entirely.
  • 14 3
 It's a marketing thing. Especially 27.5".

For a start its not actually a 27.5" wheel, manufacturers just call it that instead of 650b because it makes customers think theres more of a difference than there actually is.

And most importantly, as long as I can go ride the wheels could be f*cking square for all I care.
  • 12 5
 @jackclark89, the reason people take the piss out of 29ers and are just generally hating on them because of the fear that the manufacturers of bicycles will completely rule out 26ers. I mean, already riders are feeling "forced" to sell their bike and buy a 650B or 29er. And this is not good if you ride more than just fire roads. 26inch riders just want a shit load of fun out of their bike. What's so hard about that that the mtb industry doesn't get?
  • 17 1
 Honestly, "fuzz", and "snabb" are the grossest sounding bike names ever.
  • 18 4
 don't feel insulted. just ignore it. people who get insulted are wimps.
  • 49 4
 Yeah, feelings are gay.
  • 5 3
 Id just like to say well don NS bikes and keep up the good work, there is no reason in the world why a 27.5" frame cannot support 26" wheels with the use of dropouts and adjustable geo Now if all the other manufacturers could get there head around this concept we'd be all good. You can still sell the people that want "the latest and greatest bleeding edge tech" 27.5" builds but for those of us with wallets that arent deep enough to justify a new full bike we can still get our hands on a sweet frame.
  • 9 3
 Why are we talking about wheel size? This new bike is sick!! NS have done a great job.
  • 3 0
 probably because theyre one of the only companies that seems to want to cater for its shallower pocketed customers and get them on board with its new designs. Had i not built my old orange back up this and the nukeproof megas would be top of the trail bike list as i can move my existing parts straight on to this without wonky geo
  • 5 7
 27.5 wheels are the death of good lines. Just man up and work the best with what you got.
  • 2 1
 dude how is it insulting? atleast they give u an option... but if u run a wide 26tire ur probably closer to 650b than u think so dont be so stallwart on it... each size has a place... the 29er for example is a great in a hardtail thats dialled for all mtn, 650 b is suited for longer travel enduro and 26 is for dh...
  • 5 2
 @ the-mountainbart-experience I'm still not hearing a valid excuse for belittling other riders. I own an XC 29er and a DJ 26er and would quite like a tweener for trail/enduro (in the future when I can afford) but I'm not feeling pressure from "THE INDUSTRY" to sell off anything. Equally I don't feel agrieved that there are new things coming out that I can't afford right away. Everything in its time.

@slipnjloc 26 for DH you say? www.pinkbike.com/news/Steve-Smith-devinci-prototype-world-champs.html Wink
  • 6 7
 @jackclark89, I personally hate on the bikes/wheel size. The whole f*ggotry issue, I'm not sure about, maybe you've misunderstood the whole "29ers are gay" thing. Unless you've been hanging around super hip and trendy 14-year-olds. Not sure for how long you've been following this whole thing, but I recall earlier in the year during interviews with bike manufacturers, they were all pretty confident about 26 eventually dying out to be replaced by larger wheels. You'd also have to be pretty blind to not notice how the ranges of bikes manufacturers provide each year is changing with more big wheel'd bikes being added or replacing some of the bikes already in range becuase "ZOMG BIGGAR WHEELS!!" "BETTER ROLLING OVER BIG ROCKS AND SHIT, AND YOU GO FASTER LOL" . Same in bike shops, a lot more of them are getting into the whole 29er business as they believe its the next best thing, within some, the 29ers and 650b dominate the shop floor and less and less 26ers are to be seen. I have worked in bike shops, and have only really seen 29ers being sold to "newbies" or people who don't even take them offroad. I have seen little 650b or even high spec 29ers being sold to anyone with any creditable skill, but rather people with money.
  • 17 1
 Those are awesome looking bikes... WHY THE F*** ARE WE STILL TALKING WHEELSIZE
  • 3 1
 @ MonsterSheep I'm still not hearing a valid excuse for belittling other riders.

@guigui333 Soooo right...!
  • 13 0
 For all you guys saying things like ''THEY DON'T SAY YOU HAVE TO GET A 29/650B OMG GUIZE :@@@@''

The companies and you say they aren't trying to make us ride those wheels but let this part sink in to your thick f*cking unintelligible mind, WE CAN'T RIDE 26 IF THEY EVENTUALLY RULE OUT 26 FRAMES/FORKS/WHEELS/TYRES/EVERYTHING CAN WE? f*ck no, of course. Companies will eventually stop making 26 and that's not a joke, Giant are no longer making 26'' trail/AM bikes, now it's just a matter of time before everybody stops making 26'' components, such as how 24'' has been near enough phased out. Soon enough the only 26's still in production will be Slopestyle bikes and Jump bikes....Holy shit when can I actually open my eyes and wake up from this nightmare!
  • 5 0
 Well said, Kieran! Seems like a mass of people do not notice this simple fact. WAKE UP people and demand 26 from your shops and manufacturers or we will all finish on grandad's clunker size wheels..
  • 6 0
 as a rapidly aging rider, haha, my personal take is i still want to progress as a rider and by that i mean i still want to be able to scare the sh*t out of myself. Watching elite dhers, djers as well as seeing so many local shredders when I travel getting it done all day long on 26s, for me, is enough to tell me that a bump in wheel size will gain me nothing over my 26.

Anyone who is a talented rider, local or pro, and anyone who raves in a review about how great 650b or 29, has clearly benefitted first AND only from years or decades on 26s and more likely even on 20s building their skills. it would be a shame to lose 26 as an option in mtb. growin up and still on bmx, i really feel a "smaller" wheel is key to developing real riding skills and style at any age. It's like removing an essential and specific tool in your toolbox. oh well ... crazy 'ol man rant over. have a good ride..
  • 5 0
 There are enough 26" rims and frames in circulation, and in NOS to keep me riding till I die. whats even better is, when 26" will be totally out of fashion we can get frames and bikes for cheap (because they are inefficient and bad !!!┌∩┐(◣_◢)┌∩┐ ).
  • 3 1
 It's hard to believe that any of you guys that complain about big wheels are intelligent. If you want 26" wheels to stay, go buy a new one! After working in a shop, I realize that 26" bikes do not sell. I know of multiple 2010 26" bikes collecting dust in local shops. There is not a group of brand managers trying to make 26" wheels disappear. Speak with your wallet, or shut up.
  • 2 0
 please point me to a 2014 full sus 26" single pivot 140mm travel frame please dave
  • 4 0
 Aibek, nice emoticon.
  • 4 2
 I love this argument. People so dead set on that the death of 26" wheels is upon us. I like how people throw around, "26 inch is just so much more fun." So what equates fun? Is it being able to pop off all the tiny nuances of the trail, having to really choose your lines , and having to navigate through the rough so wheels get hung up? So be it. Stick to your 26" trail bike. Or is it barreling through the chunder, being able to float through the small hits to gain speed for the big hits and jumps. To each their own. Just like a bike, pick one that suits you and does what you want.

Honestly the whole 27.5" deal is ultimately pushed by racing. They serve a purpose as they help elites and pros gain those milliseconds and as consumers, we reap the benefits. These bikes are made to go fast. If you say the wheel size is not fun, your not riding fast enough. Say they are sluggish though corners or don't change lines quickly. Put some meat on your bones and learn to muscle it around.

WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS! And, we are highly adaptable. To reject change is to reject growth. When we look at pros, they don't really don't complain about the different wheel sizes as they easily adapt to them. Especially when we see someone like CG throwing whips with a 9er. Why don't except the opportunity and ride that sh!t until it explodes, then move on to the next best thing.

Anyways, you don't have to buy it if you don't like. No use complaining about it.
  • 3 1
 you can send me your bank details then when there's f*ck all 26" tyres to choose from and you can pay for my wheel, fork and frame upgrade so that i can get some decent rubber to roll on. Your obviously ok with pissing perfectly good kit and money down the drain to follow what the marketing dept says you must have.

Thats the gripe, not everyones arguing that there shouldnt be 27.5" and 29" just that the manufacturer are blatantly making an effort to push 26" out for profit. This is why i applaud people like NS for giving us OPTIONS! if all the frame manufacturers did this you would here no grumbling as youd have people on all 3 formats.
  • 3 1
 Chill with the hyperbole - e.g. Wake me from this nightmare. I take my riding seriously, but I still have a life and perspective. While Giant, Trek, and Scott are going all in with 27.5, the majority have not yet. There are tons of 26 inch frames and parts available and will remain as such in the foreseeable future. The original 29 ers weren't all that great but have become fantastic since designers have put in time and effort to design around the wheel size for riding style. For folks ove 6'2, the latest long travel 29ers have brought new life into their rides, since they can now ride bikes that fit them. As for 27.5 as a monster truck, I call bullshit on the OP. I've ridden both a Mach6 and Bronson and they were just as fun as my 5.7c . Flickable, big air, fast as hell, great in the tight single track, and actually handle turns better. They didn't just plow through crap, I still had to make good line choices. There are plenty of crap riding 26 inch bikes out there, do you blame the wheel size for their deficiencies? Same is true with 27.5, if the bike road poorly, then it's probably more to do with the bike design vs the wheel, especially if it's a 26 inch bike that just had a dropout change to handle 27.5. Like I said the Mach 6 and Bronson were freaking great bikes and fun as hell, and they were so because they are both designed from the ground up of 27.5.
  • 1 0
 suspensiondave has a point but by the same logic giant would then seem to know 29s don't sell either. how do you buy something that isn't being created? nobody is trying to make anything disappear they just need to stay in business. viability and profitability. shops need less skus so the customer doesn't have to choose which wheel size but rather just which model.
  • 5 0
 I failed to pull a wheelie on a 29er. I hate them.
  • 2 0
 Hell, I'm still riding my '03 Spesh Enduro. Can't seem to kill it, therefore no need to to get a new frame. Still love to ride it and just replace parts as they break. I did spend some time demoing a Tracer 275. It did everything my Enduro does, but way better. It was burly tough, climbed amazingly, and was comfortable right from the start. These new bike designs are off the charts, and I don't need marketing hype to tell me that. By the way, they are businesses. A business that does market hype is not doing it right.
  • 3 0
 I feel that the manufactures are pushing people towards dropping the 26" with the help of the press. IT seems like every issue of the mtb press is reviews on 29 & 27.5. debates on said wheel size and benifts. It seem like most bike coming onto the market are 29-27.5 with the poss of a 26 opion. Im sure a few years down the line some brand will turn round and tell us we are missing out on the benifts of the 26 wheel and we all need to go 26", Not that there pushing us !. If i was a owner of a bike brand thats what id do to keep my workers employed and money pouring in. Its all about the money.
  • 4 0
 two six
  • 2 0
 I completely agree that manufactures should not impose the bigger wheels as "the answer", they should give wheels size options so that people find what best suits their riding. What really takes the piss is that you constantly feel that what you just bought and cost a bunch of money gets old in a couple months.Nevertheless I do think that bigger wheels offer better rolling over obsticales, which is very handy for rough burly trails where I live. What might be less fun for certain styles of riding is better for others. Ultimately, 27,5 ers cool if theyre not imposed, aswell as 29 ers, brands give options, riders find what best suits ur style and what ur comfortable with and stick to it no matter what the industry says be authentic, and of course always has to be FUN. My opinion anyway.
  • 2 0
 LOL for the "You can pry 26" wheels from my cold, dead hands" crowd. as someone of this crowd, i think that statement is pretty damn funny. learn to laugh at yourself once in a while - it's healthy. and it helps with the whole not-looking-like-a-douchebag thing. I never thought any human being would even be the slightest bit upset because someone on the internet made a light hearted joke about the mountain bike wheel size you prefer.

Insulted??? C'MON Man up and grow a pair! And i mean that in the nicest way Big Grin
  • 1 4
 BORING.
  • 2 0
 now Ns is going to have a world cup and enduro team
  • 2 0
 and people turn awesome looking bikes into another wheel size argument. do what u want, but if your message on pinkbike is more than this, its probs too long Wink
  • 2 0
 Wheel size does not make you ride any faster have any more fun. Downhill should stay as 26" but I have the same amount of fun on the 650ib trail bike as I do on the 26" hardtail... If your doing quick red roots then the 26" wheels are better in my opinion but if your doing all day trail riding 650ib is better! At the end of the day its down to what the rider prefers... But the UCI should keep it that downhill should just be 26"
  • 57 0
 So Pilgrim might have some chanches to survive Rampage this year huh? Big Grin
  • 8 0
 I can't wait! The competition is stacked this year!
  • 6 0
 Pilgrim is currently first in the rankings- Semenuk isn't even on the list- anyone know what's going on there? Soderstrom is second but is broken, Rheeder is third but also in recovery.... Doesn't that mean that Pilgrim practically has the title in the bag? Forgive me if I'm being a retard!
  • 3 0
 Semenuk isn't a fmb registered rider this year so he is not aloud to pick up points at any events. The title is virtually Pilgrim's barring a strange result at Rampage.
  • 1 0
 If Somebody likes Thomas Genon waltzes' in and just picks up the win, or anybody in the top 5 they have a chance at the FMB tour!
  • 3 0
 Yes, also depend on how many points Pilgrim picks up, Don't even know if he's going to compete though.
  • 3 0
 I hope he does even if only for the laughs
  • 1 0
 Well we all know he has a bike to ride at least, even it's the one in the photo above!
  • 4 0
 Just don't call him bro!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 wait why did Semenuk not register for FMB World Tour this year?
  • 3 0
 Semenuk didn't register because he only wanted to do a few events. and I think pilgrim will be going cuz he said "looks like im going to rampage again this year" under a picture of the invite. on his facebook page
  • 1 0
 yeah Sam is going, talked to him about it at the bearclaw and he said he was going to if he got invited. Semenuk should have still registered.. could have still won LOL.
  • 1 0
 haha ya probably. is he going to rampage??????
  • 1 0
 YES HE'S GOING TO RAMPAGE.
  • 24 4
 Its not about being one of the "You can pry 26" wheels from my cold, dead hands" crowd, it's about not having money to change over. I have one bike and have spent a lot of money on it and it happens to be a 26" wheel.
  • 6 7
 So why do you care if new frames aren't built for 26ers?
They're not going to come to your house and snap your bike in half and force you to buy a new one with big wheels.
  • 3 3
 So sell it like any one else that has any sense, then buy a new one when the time comes.
  • 4 1
 we care because parts will, at some point, become hard to find for our beloved 26" wheeled frames that work just fine and DO NOT require replacement.

Just out of interest how often do you lot change your cars ? as often as your bikes ? what if you had a nice classic car and everyone turned round and said "you know that fuel you need to drive that? yet thats not the best fuel, we're gonna use this other type" youd either be paying through the ass to get some of that fuel you need or your gonna have to dump the car.

The sell it and get a new one arguement is just total pish, not everyone can afford to do this every time a new "standard" appears. the amount of cash you lose on a bike is just silly these days. Not only that some of us are quite happy with the bike we've spent years getting dialled in just how we like.
  • 17 1
 Love the name of the AM bike Smile
  • 3 1
 hahaha, ohja! håller med dig ! Wink
  • 17 11
 But the Rest is a copy of commencal
  • 2 1
 Wow. Such a loud painjob!
  • 2 19
flag Yt-shredder (Aug 29, 2013 at 1:54) (Below Threshold)
 Ns Bikes should Be punished
  • 5 1
 I love how the NSBikes writing starts at the head tube and splits in two, running under the top tube and on top of the down tube. Looks sick!
  • 15 1
 Thanks NS, dual wheel sizes. I for one say thank you, thank you, thank you. This is choice.
  • 10 0
 Heeeey PINKBIKE don't forget to show us all the cool stuff for 2014, specially the hardtail frames and components!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Which, to be honest, is probably a huge fucking chunk of EVERYTHING they sell.
  • 1 0
 yes im intrigued by the Surge Evo and Eccentric up on that wall tbh Big Grin
  • 11 1
 Suppose that will be pilgrims rampage rig (fuzz)
  • 4 2
 I have a feeling that is why they made it! Wink
  • 2 1
 pretty sure they were thinking more about their dh'ers when they designed it. Look at the main test rider, Jaws not Pilgrim
  • 3 1
 Maybe but I'm just stoked the pilgrim won't try and kill himself at rampage this year and has a good chance of winning!
  • 8 0
 that downhill bike reminds me allot of the Commencal Supreme DH, but hell i still would want one!
  • 3 1
 Yeah,i think they Look pretty sick
  • 2 0
 A Supreme v3 and an Aurum mated, they named their offspring Fuzz.
  • 7 0
 Game Over... I'm getting one, keep up the great work NS. Your products are worth ordering from out of country and shipping to the U.S.A.
  • 4 0
 Hell yeah they are. Bought the Soda last year, totally worth the extra $200 or so in customs to get it from Canada. LOVE NS!
  • 5 0
 Guys, you just have to buy here: www.lamacycles.com

We will have all the price in CAD/USD, pictures and spec online next week.

And shipping is free for the USA, even on complete bikes!
  • 1 0
 Email / PM me details once the bike becomes available. Going to start getting my ducks in a row for building one.
  • 4 0
 Not trying to put you off Lama, but im sure there are plenty of US shops that will be happy to source it...I assume many will have access to the distributor NS works with. I got my soda last year from a small US shop, no problem and for a decent deal. I for one will not be getting a Snabb....because I still absolutely LOVE MY SODA!!! !!!!LONG LIVE NS BIKES!!!!
  • 1 0
 I tried to order my B*tch and my Surge from a few LBS in Colorado, lets just say it was a very bad set of experiences. I even had a shop's mechanic and owner chide me over buying a no name mail order bike. I have to admit, I am torn between a NS Soda and the new NS Fuzz. I am a real big fan of the reliability I have experienced with NS, and the geometry is spot on for what I like in a bicycle. What version of Soda do you have? Do you ever feel like it needs a little more travel, or would you be comfortable racing DH on it?
  • 1 0
 @Gnarly-Powder-Ratz, Spot on man.
  • 2 0
 @Gnarly-Powder-Ratz

Yes, you are right, as the Canadian and US distributor, we are growing our USA shops network slowly but surely. This is one of the main reasons why we do offer NS Bike products directly on our website. To offer products to customers who cant find NS in their LBS because they live in remote areas or just can't find a shop who wants to order.
  • 3 0
 What I don't get is how on the one hand 650b is so close to 26 inch that according to some people it doesn't make a difference, and then on the other hand the same people are saying that the bigger wheels aren't as fun, so which is it? A noticeable difference or not?
I need new wheels and my frame and forks are getting tired as well so for me going 650b seems like a good option even though I love my 26 inch bike.......I've ridden a 650b bike and it seemed to roll pretty fast and I couldn't quite get to grips with the cornering but I suspect that was as much down to having fast sketchy tyres and a longer stem on it than my 26 inch bike.....so setup is surely the key differentiator over wheel size in terms of 26inch and 650b
  • 5 5
 650B is not a huge difference. It's very marginally better at rolling things than 26ers, but not nearly as huge and boring as a 29er wheel.

Like you said, setup will make way more difference in terms of feel than the little difference between 26 and 650B.

Also, buying a 650B will give you much better resale value down the road to everyone who isn't a pinkbike-bred-26er-elitist.
(hint: most riders)
  • 1 0
 Yeah, there is a small difference in size between 650b and 26. I'm running a 2.5-2.35 combo on my 26er, which is only about 19mm (total height) smaller than a 650b x 2.2. It seems like the weight and geometry changes do affect it just that small bit. I just built up a Cotic BFe with new everything a little over a year ago, I don't want to spend $2000 (Frame, fork and rims/tires) to see if I like it more. Rode that new TREK 29er Stache hardtail trailbike and it was okay, but not peppy like my 26er. It was like a draft horse, hard to get moving, plows over everything, makes you want something easier to control at the end of the day. So 29er is out. I've seen alot of posts from people that bought 26/650b dropout frames started at 650b and are switching back to a 26 setup. I'm curious why they switched back, they said 26 is more fun, but what was the actual difference that made them switch. It seems like when my bike is ready to be replaced, I might only have 2 choices with companies seeming like they are going to 650b and 29 only.
  • 1 0
 It's true that you might only have those 2 choices when it's time for a new bike, but the point is that even if you've been on 26" wheels, the 650b is in no way a bad option to have.

As for your friends, they might have switched back for compatibility, who knows.

The Trek Stache felt like that because of the geometry, not just the wheels. The Wheelbase/chainstays on the Stache are enormous. If you'd ridden a Kona Honzo instead, you'd be telling a different story.
  • 5 1
 The suspension system is the right one. Better than that of Commençal in my opinion. 157 mm rear hub? What the hell is that, a new standard?
  • 4 0
 it's a 150mm hub with two 3.5mm spacers. The spacers help to put the wheel on the frame. Same as 135 & 142
  • 1 0
 Thought the same thing migkab
  • 2 1
 They are like candies! I'd eat them all! I owe Soda Air - what a sweet bike.. Not the lightest one, but you can do pretty much everything on it. Might consider getting Snabb next year. Just wondering.. Why NS don't want to enter carbon business?
  • 3 0
 Those bikes looks like....
.
.
.
.
.
...spotted salamander.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Salamander-olympus.jpg
  • 1 0
 Of all the 26" vs. 27.5" debating, I think this bike brought out the best, most passionately nuanced conversation so far. Is that because NS Bikes tag line is: Stay True! I think the first comment nailed it. I can't put my finger on why, but when I ride 26" wheeled bike vs. bigger wheeled bikes, I am more 'in the moment'. For me, the fun factor is highest on 26" wheels. I share the same sentiments as most 26” riders: frustration!. 27.5 doesn’t mean more choices; it means choices being dropped. Take a look at SC. I was interested in the SC blur LT c and TR c, but no way I would spend my hard earned savings on those bikes now because one is already discontinued and the other will likely be dropped next year. The comment from bike shop owners are the most concerning: “nine bikes out of ten we sell are big wheeled bikes”. This is kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy isn’t it? I know a bike shop owner who told me candidly that the bigger wheeled hype has allowed him to sell more bikes, but he has concerns about the long-term movement of the support. These bikes, especially in the less than $2000 range (which most people buy) are less fun and heavier, which equates to bikes being stored in a garage rather than ridden. In the long run it ,it may turn people off of the sport.
  • 1 0
 Fairly seamlessly melds design elements also found on bikes like NORCO and Commencal. That is good, because those are good bikes. I hope they roll out the same basic configuration across their whole MTB lineup, Commencal style, too. It is good to see designs emerging from the shadow cast by the FSR patent that are based entirely on non-proprietary technology - well I hope that is the case with the NS bike anyway. It is also good to see that NS is not prejudging the wheel size question either with different wheel sizes favoured for different categories of MTB, at this stage anyway.
  • 1 0
 Every time I pick up DECLINE magazine at the local Publix, Giant has a two-page spread on why "bigger is better"... reminds me of the old Pontiac commercials from the nineties. I didn't buy a Pontiac, and I'm not buying a 650B or 29'er either. Regardless of personal sentiment, there has been a dramatic push from marketing with many companies to unload next year's stock of bigger wheeled bikes because they chose to put all their eggs in one basket. I say let them suffer their loses - those working in the bike shops hold the keys to the life or death of 26" wheels.
  • 1 0
 front triangle is a norco aurum, rear triangle is a commencal V3(minus horst link). the lawyers are gonna have a threesome in court !

why does pinkbike keep deleting my post? what im not entitled to my opinion here? are you guys communists ?!?!
  • 1 0
 I still don't like these NS paint schemes. It's like an annoying child is screaming in my face every time I look at that paint. Well, that Fuzz isn't too bad. But there's just something that doesn't agree with me about those graphics.
  • 1 0
 Maybe there won't be any lawyers having a threesome. Maybe norco have no claim on swoopy tubes and maybe NS pay a royalty to commencal?? Like intense used to do with specialized for use of the fsr platform. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors. I can't really imagine the boys at ns going 'let's just copy the supreme v3, nobody will notice', can you?
  • 1 0
 @jcerven
There is no travel option. Ns have just done what no other brand have bothered to do, which is to tell you that when you put the wheel further away from the pivot, it travels further. 6mm further to be precise. So the travel option is only really a chain stay option.
  • 3 0
 Heeey PINKBIKE don't forget to show us all the cool stuff for 2014, specially the hardtail frames and the components!!
  • 1 1
 They are like candies! I'd eat them all! I owe Soda Air - what a sweet bike! Not the lightest one, but you can do pretty much everything on it. Might consider gettin Snabb next year. Just wondering... Why NS don't want to enter carbon business?
  • 4 0
 domain and kage for almost 3k euros? seriously?
  • 5 2
 Finally a MTB company listening to the people that matter - not the reviewers but the riders!
  • 1 4
 How did this comment get - props? WTF!?!
  • 1 0
 I couldn't careless about the wheel size why has it turned in to a 650b 29er or 26" debate? The bike is lovely and has options to switch it to what size you want so who cares. I like the bikes well done NS.
  • 2 3
 i am more shocked at the price tbh.. i thought NS was always one of the good priced bike companies small company and affordable frames with good quality. Now price on that DH frame alone if im spending that much money on a frame, im getting a nukeproof instead. or transition etc..
  • 5 2
 That enduro beast looks like a bucket of fun.
  • 4 1
 Damn, i'd Snabb myself one of those in a heart beat...
  • 5 1
 is 12x157 a thing??
  • 3 0
 Yes, one that's becoming increasingly common on DH bikes.
  • 2 0
 Norco Aurum springs to mind
  • 1 0
 Norco, new v10, Session 88, and now the NS. Yeah It's common.
  • 1 0
 It is exactly the same as 12x142 as far as I am aware, same 150mm hubs just end caps that allow an easer installation of the rear wheel.
  • 1 0
 Sounds pretty smart then.
  • 2 0
 The new Operator has it aswell.
  • 2 1
 So does my Knolly Podium...
  • 2 0
 I actually wouldn't mind buying one of those, if I had the money that is... Love both of them though!
  • 4 2
 i'd say kill them with fire, but they aren't mandatory 27.5 or 29 so they can survive
  • 5 4
 At first glance I thought it was a Commencal. Almost identical with that suspension layout but the rear pivots are located in different areas as to where the axle is
  • 1 0
 So many brands are using FSR now that the patent has expired in North America
  • 3 0
 Good thing I can swim because I'm drowning in the flood of 650b!
  • 1 0
 front triangle is a norco aurum, rear triangle is a commencal V3(minus horst link). the lawyers are gonna have a threesome in court !
  • 1 0
 front triangle is a norco aurum, rear triangle is a commencal V3(minus horst link). the lawyers are gonna have a threesome in court !
  • 10 8
 Frames look good but paint design is horrible
  • 15 2
 nah you don't buy an NS if you don't like out-there paint schemes...
  • 4 4
 Totally agreed. Paint job is just horrible on the DH rig
  • 4 1
 NS Is literally owned by a former Polish rock star, so you get graphics that reflect that. NS stand out so you must ride accordingly.
  • 1 0
 Not all NS bikes have shouty paint schemes, my Surge is flat and gloss black, they offer both crazy and subdued in most of their line
  • 1 0
 I also have an NS Surge in matte black, and I'm okay with NS' outrageous colors and designs, this just isn't one of them. I like their more confined graffiti look than the big bold NSBIKES across the down and top tubes.
  • 4 3
 Where are the soda-s? Also hoped that NS would not be not interested in 27.5...
  • 3 0
 On the wall behind the Fuzz
  • 4 0
 Must be soda air.. still better graphic than on Fuzz..
  • 3 1
 Id you can't innovate. Imitate! Commencal FTW.
  • 1 0
 2,139 euros for the snabb frame and monarch....Hardly affordable anymore. I hope the price goes down Frown
  • 2 1
 They should recalculate them for polish consumer which they keep forgetting about all the time.
  • 1 0
 does anyone no if there going to be and different colours scheme like the prototype blue n green?
  • 1 0
 how thoughtful of them to give you the option to run 201 or 207 mm in the rear 0_o huge difference there..
  • 1 0
 Looks like they've tried to fob it off as a commencal look-alike with some sort of cross bred mondraker linkage.
  • 2 0
 Like em both - robust businesslike looking bikes with wild frame colours.
  • 4 2
 Still have feeling, that NS are overpriced :/
  • 2 0
 These two seemed to be, but I feel the current Soda is quite reasonable for what it is (bias: I have one).


Also their aftermarket parts that aren't for DJ/Street are overpriced.
  • 2 0
 Wow, Kona has really knocked themselves out for 2011!
  • 2 1
 Snabb is Swedish for "Fast" I wonder if it is Canadian for "Kona Stab" I see a lot of similarities.
  • 1 0
 NS Fuzz = Norco Arrum + Commencal Supreme DH
Face it - its really the same!
tho the NS looks pretty cool....
  • 2 0
 How about a Fuzz 0 with a cane creek and a fox 40 float.
  • 1 0
 The frames have nice lines and numbers but the color scheme are ugly as hell
  • 1 0
 Great one more debat about wheels size... can we just move to something else please....
  • 1 0
 That new dh looks like a kona stab and the operator mixed together. I like it
  • 1 0
 Is that a gold majesty I see in the background!
  • 1 0
 Do i see Surge EVO? Any info on that?
  • 1 0
 I think it's Surge Evil, named after the colour just like 2012 Evidence in the same colour was Evidence Evil
  • 1 0
 Snabb translates fast in Swedish! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Hehe, it said that in the article...
  • 1 0
 Love that painting details.
  • 1 0
 Well, that escalated quickly.
  • 1 0
 Old Suzuki full floater suspension set up...
  • 1 0
 I've just came in my pants...
  • 2 1
 Wanna know the weigh of the Snabb...
  • 3 1
 NICE BIKE
  • 3 2
 DH bike looks like an norco
  • 2 1
 Ok whats better TR 250 or NS Fuzz ? Razz
  • 3 0
 i think the fuzz is more comparable to the TR 450, its a DH bike after all
  • 1 0
 if the snabb can take a coil rear shock ill take mine to go.
  • 1 0
 Gold Majesty in the backgroundSmile And proof bars looks widerSmile
  • 1 0
 looks like a commencal, i dig it
  • 1 0
 commencal, with different paint scheme
  • 1 0
 Commencal every where!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 looks all other dh bike these days, Comencal
  • 1 0
 They have the sexiest colors...............EVER!!!! I need to get me one!
  • 1 0
 Looks to much like commencal
  • 1 0
 26......27.5 the most.....29? There is always someone out there for it.
  • 1 0
 Neither are as pretty as the Soda
  • 1 0
 Commencal called, They wanted their bikes back
  • 1 0
 Bro, those are some ugly ass paintjobs from 1987, Dayglow...
  • 1 1
 The NS Majesty in the back ground looks god aweful. I am really disappointed with the NS colour schemes.
  • 1 0
 looks like aurum with cheap parts
  • 1 0
 wow thats a nice commencal v3
  • 1 0
 Fun fact: Snabb means fast in Swedish, and "Willy" in Norwegian.
  • 1 0
 this looks like a commencal v3 colours look cool though
  • 1 0
 NS GO HOME your Drunk. (In reference to 650b bike).
  • 1 0
 When do they come out to the public?
  • 2 1
 meta sx like
  • 1 0
 im digging the look
  • 1 0
 I think it looks sick
  • 1 0
 commençal.
  • 2 1
 Want. Now
  • 2 2
 157mm rear hub... say what?
  • 1 1
 Yellow bars..... YELLOW BARS!!!???
  • 1 1
 it's a Commencal V3 ! NS Bikes sucks !!!
  • 1 1
 cough its a commencal
  • 1 4
 Chinese draftsman looks through mags - badoof - Session has accident with Supreme. This is one crooked looking bike. Things going wrong bigtime in the industry.
  • 3 6
 They copy
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