Submitted by
Colin
a Cross Country Rider
from Williams Lake Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Northern cycle and s
Strengths:
Brakes, frame, forks, wheels...it's all good for the price.
Weaknesses:
Saddle is not very comfy....maybe I'm a different shape to the saddle :-)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stump Jumper 29er and Jamis Dakota 20er.
Bike Setup:
All stock
Bottom Line:
Fantastic value for money...good quality components for the money. You'd have to spend a lot more to get anything much better. For cross country riding it's fabulous. I've read reports that the WTB wheels aren't particularly strong but I'm guessing that only applies if you're trying to use this cross country machine for downhill racing or jumps etc.
I've done a few downhill runs (went round the jumps) in Williams Lake West syde with no problems. Nitro Niner is super stable, climbs well, has no obvious limitation to handling due to the bigger wheels....I'd say it's steering is just a quick as a good hardtail 26er. In fact I'd say it makes a mockery of most of the arguments against 29ers. All in all I'm very pleased indeed with my Nitro Niner.
The only thing I may change in the future is the saddle although I am finding that it feels very different with slight adjustments to position and angle. I may yet find a position/angle where it's comfy!
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Submitted by
Johnnie B
a Racer
from Winnipeg Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Maah daah Hey
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Body Driven Sports
Strengths:
This is my update on the bike since I've put 500 kms on it. I love it. For the same amount of effort, I am going faster.
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easily. It's a little light in the back,
Bike Setup:
Stock except for new grips and different pedals
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for a taller rider. Responsive and once you get it going, it's really going. I would definately buy another bike like this.
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Submitted by
Johnnie B
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, MB, Canada Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Maah Daah hey
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Body Driven Sports
Strengths:
Size, rolling ability
Weaknesses:
Color
Similar Products Used:
All my other bikes are 26ers
Bike Setup:
Stock except for pedals
Bottom Line:
I've only ridden this bike one time, along the hard pack cross country ski trails and up some gravel road hills for some early season (march) training. First thing I thought when I got on this bike was "finally a bike that fits" This bike felt great, I traded bikes with my buddy for a couple of miles (he's riding a 26er) and immediately I knew I had made the right decision going 29er. I'll write more when I have some more miles on it but so far, so good.
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Submitted by
wade wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Fredericton, NB, Canada Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
University of New Brunswick woodlot
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Savage's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Rolls over and thru things and places that my old bike would never handle...very smooth shifting...strong frame...22 inch frame and big wheels great for taller riders.
Weaknesses:
I broke a chain, but that may have been more my fault for bogging down on a rocky hill, getting off the seat and putting 200 pounds plus into the pedal! The shift indicator for the rear gears doesn't work
Similar Products Used:
I had a 1982 mtn bike that was like driving a farm tractor and weighed a ton.
Bike Setup:
During a visit to Quebec I had my bike adjusted to fit me better and it made a big difference. I had the seat too high before.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. Norco is Canadian and that is a big plus with me. The 29 inch wheels and large frame allows me to cruise at higher speeds on rail trails, the street and woods roads...and...on rougher terrain the big wheels are great because they roll over deadfall trees, ruts, rocks and other stuff easily. This bike also goes thru mud and water very nicely and it is a great hill climber. Trail loops that normally took me 2 hours are now taking about an hour and a half. The bike is smooth and the front shock is excellent, especially since you can reach down and disengage it during hill climbs. This bike is very efficient and seems to maximize the effort/energy you put to the pedal. Great components and tyres too. I ride more than ever because I really enjoy this bike...haven't been on my GIANT road bike since I purchased the NORCO Nitro Niner! This is a great bike for taller riders, it costs more than some bikes, but it is well worth the extra $. I would recommend this to people who are fairly serious riders....this bike has gotten me off the beaten path and exploring single-tracks and other more difficult terrain. I am in my 50's and this bike has given me a sense of freedom that I had forgotten about...its fun coming home covered in mud and dirt like i used to do 30 years ago!
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