The Nitrous returns for 2006, after setting the XC world on fire in 2005. With over 3” in travel, the Nitrous weighs in at a paltry 4.5 lbs. Over the past year, the Nitrous has been raced and tested under the likes of Team Maxxis’ Geoff Kabush, who rode his prototype Nitrous in 2004 to NORBA championships in both the Elite Men’s XC and the Short Track. Kabush was quoted in a late 2004 issue of Mountain Bike magazine raving about the handling of the Nitrous on touchy, high-speed descents -- the exact sort of terrain where skilled cross-country racers open up huge gaps over their rivals. Impressive praise indeed.
Strengths: laterally stiff, extremely well balanced, 73.5 degree seat tube angle is perfect, and best rear suspension i have ever used.
Weaknesses: sure, i would like to try a 3.5 lb frame, but there are no practical weaknesses for this frame.
Bottom Line:
It really is a personal preference, so take what i say with a grain of salt. I only want this bike to go fast. I am 5 ft 10 and 160 and i just feel 100x more confident in the Turner than the Yeti (bobbed too much, didn't like the suspension) or the Epic (felt way too heavy). I think it's the seat tube angle that does it, so maybe your flexibility and body dimensions are different. I almost never feel the bob, which is very nice, and the short chain stay compared to the Yeti makes this thing turn like a champ instead of a bus. I'm plain faster on this bike, but obviously if the course isn't technical and short (2.5 hours or under) I might actually want to use a HT. The top tube is 23.5 but i do run a 120 mm stem for the medium frame. I actually have on the reba world cup, 100mm, so that changes things slightly. If i was 5 ft 11 I think this bike might be too small. Anyhow, rides or races over 2.5 hours and I think this bike has to be tested.
Strengths: super tight chassis (climbs like a hardtail), incredibly balanced suspension, descends with amazing confidence, machined parts have incredibly tight tolerances (read: attention to detail), feels pretty burly despite being a sub-23lb race rocket!
Weaknesses: i wish chicks dug guys with shiny gold bikes and shaved legs...
Bottom Line:
I raced a 24lb Sugar Race during the past season and was stoked... but no. my maiden ride on the Turner quickly sorted out which bike slept in my bedroom and which one was in the garage.
I can say nothing but great things about this sled. It climbs. It descends. Its light. Its gold. Enough said!
Bottom line: this is the hottest XC dualie on the market - no question about it. i just wish my engine was big enough to be truly worthy (just like Geoff...)
Similar Products Used: Klein hardtail, Fisher Sugar Race, SC Blur XC
Bike Setup: full SRAM XO, Juicy Carbon, R-7 Platinum, Egg Beater 4Ti, Am Classic 350's w/ Sapim, Kenda rubber, Ritchey WCS goodies - 23lbs (large)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
Strengths: Light, incredibly fast. Almost perfect XC race bike.
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. It's very light, stiff, and just plain feels faster than any other bike I've ever ridden. Despite the light weight (23 lbs) for a full suspension rig, it is very stable and easy to ride at high speed. It's a neutral handling bike that is easy to push to the edge in tight, fast turns and fast, technical sections.
This is definitely a race bike, and it serves that purpose incredibly well.
This is a follow-up to my last review. This bike is just ridiculous. For all of you out there who weigh over 165 lbs, I feel sorry for you cuz you can't get a Nitrous, but get a Flux instead! This bike is perfection, and I think David Turner has outdone himself. If anyone gets another rig to race on, they're not right in the head. The bottom line is that this thing climbs better than my old hardtail, descends so well, and is PERFECT. I cannot stress that enough. Pictures of this bike will come very soon, be on the look-out!!
Bottom line is this thing is fast. It has one purpose: speed. Efficient climbing out of the saddle, tracks very well considering the amount of travel, and is very easy to build under 22 lbs. If you want to win races, get this bike. If not, go with something else. Turner is the best, no ifs, ands or buts. Simply put, this bike will make you win. If you can't win on this thing, don't blame the bike.
