Mountain Biking - NEW Bike!!!

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/images/_upload_us/bikes/models/zooms/2003/NRS_1.jpg

http://www.bhawkins.com/giant/nrs_med.html <---- Video Review

Well, I'm pretty sure that this is the bike I'm going to purchase. B)
I've done some research for the past two weeks or so and have decided on the NRS 1 (NRS AIR was way out of my price range :( ) I'll find out next week if I'm going to fork up the cash or not. All of the reviews I've read have been rated either excellent or great... so that there tells me something.

Has any one had any experience with this bike?

-Joe

I think Singlespeeder has that bike! Do a search by his username and see what turns up!

L8R

I'm into my third year with an NRS2. Great bike. The NRS1 just has a few component upgrades. Same frame. You won't regret buying one.

Congrats on the new bike!
byron

Originally posted by Dirtgrinder
I'm into my third year with an NRS2. Great bike. The NRS1 just has a few component upgrades. Same frame. You won't regret buying one.

What kind of riding do you do.... do you go big with drops and ride real hard... What I'm trying to get at is; can I abuse this bike as long as I take care of it... I know that doesn't make good sense but you know what I'm talking about... Like an oxymoron or something. :D

Also, have you had any problems with maintaining the rear suspension?

I've seen ALOT of those on the trail... that can't be a bad thing :)

True, true.

I ride it really hard but don't do any big drops. Took it to New Mexico two years ago and then to Colorado last year and did some downhill with it. It'll take quite a bit of abuse. I have taken the rear suspension apart twice now, (just did it the second time yesterday), and cleaned it up and repacked the bearings. Probably didn't have to but I like working on them too. ;) Although some of the bearings did need some grease.

I've got a 2001 NRS-1.

FANTASTIC bike! I managed to crack the frame after 1.5 years of hard riding, including 3 trips to Moab. Giant warrantied it without question (just be sure to always use a 27.2 seat post and the shim or it'll void the warranty). So - now I've got a 2002 NRS-1 frame with 2001 components.

Here's a telling photo...me in my DH Helmet and Body Armor at the top of Amassa Back in Moab (a pretty harsh and technical climb...then DH all the way down)...this shot was before the frame replacement and WITH the frame cracked.
http://www.mtbrlz.com/images/AmassaBack640.jpg

Essentialy this is the BEST XC bike out there for the money...it is NOT a plush and active suspension though. It climbs like a hard tail...and still soaks up the bumps when called to do so...but with a bit of a harsh "edge" to it. It's a trade off - tremendously efficient though. And you CAN tweak it a bit by tuning the suspension (you can soften it up a bit). Pay carefull attention to the instructions for setting up the suspension...it is a ZERO sag suspension, meaning that when you sit on the bike it does not sag at all.

I upgraded to a 2002 AC Air Lite because I've started doing bigger drops and I really like the plushness of the active suspension when bombing through technical stuff. Of course even the Air Lite is nearly 5.5lbs heavier though. My daughter now rides my trusty "old" NRS-1.

When I bought the bike it was PERFECT for me...mainly interested in doing XC stuff. Shortly thereafter I became very interested in and starting doing much more technical trails with ledges, lifts, drops, etc. So...in hindsight - I should have bought a bigger hit/softer type suspension bike to begin with. As I started to work up to 3-4ft drops I started worrying about breaking/cracking the frame again. Now I launch 6fters with my Air Lite!

One more shot...rolling a pretty steep drop with the new frame shortly before I bought the AC Air Lite:
http://www.mtbrlz.com/images/2002-08-18PalmerPark/KeithDoingTheDrop.jpg

Cool pics! Nice bike! :D

Great write up man....

I'll probably be getting the bike in a few days to a week. :D
99% of what I have heard about this bike has been off the charts!

Wahoo! And now you've got it!

:D :D :D :D :D :D

I still haven't figured out how to adjust the suspension to my riding style or weight yet.

Did you get the suspension dialed yet? I'm interested in your feedback after all my tuning tips...

Yeah, I started tweaking the suspension to my liking. At first I really didn't think I noticed much of a difference from the IGUANA (hardtail) to the NRS. But after I rode about 18 technical trail miles on the IGUANA and a little over 60-70 miles since I have had the NRS, there is no comparison. I had to get used to my IGUANA again...

I know I'm going to enjoy many, many miles and hours on this new bike..

One issue I am having with the rear suspension is it sounds like it is leaking air when I jump... kind of like a rubber duck.. you know that blowing ::squeeeak:: sound.

-Joe