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Looking at NS Bikes
6th September 2004 - Dud
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NorthShore bikes have been getting a bit of press action recently so we thought we'd check in to see what they've got to offer. Firstly before all you ladder freaks go nuts, the name does not suggest these are bikes built specifically for freeride and alike.
NorthShore Bikes are a polish company but an international brand. The riders that have the largest input in shaping their product line come from Poland, Slovakia and the riding heaven that is Canada. The NS bikes headquarters is of course in Poland and in the 'Tri-City' (sweet name for a city) on the coast. Apparently the area is famous for its mountainous coast which obviously helps with the whole bike thing. The riders of NS Bikes have been riding for over 12 years which gives them more than enough experience to know what works and what doesn't. As NS Bikes are not a huge company their reaction can be much faster than that of the major players and NS Bikes have acted on this and produced a couple of frames which go against a few traditions and 'should' take the beating that today's riders are putting frames through. They also ensure that every product that leaves the company has been analysed, calculated, thrashed, and certified, but you can be sure it'll be spangly and clean when it gets to you...
Check out the pierced headtube..
In the frame line up is a StreetLegal and a SubUrban. The Suburban is a trail bike and from the looks of it designed
to perform well all round but with a big emphasis on strength. Crafted from butted heat treated 4130 Cro-moly steel it should take the knocks, but just to make double sure the Polish nut jobs have pierced the headtube with the down tube. The front also has a unique wrap around gusset to ensure the front stays true. Of course it has the now pretty much standard 24 or 26 inch brake bosses and a touch I really appreciate it has the ability to run fat tyres, 2.7" to be precise. This looks to be an awesome jump frame and should stand up to pretty much anything you can throw at it.
The StreetLegal with the BMX style pegs..
Out of the woods and into the cities and the StreetLegal comes into its own. The StreetLegal will no doubt upset MTB traditionalists everywhere who think pegs have no right on anything other than a 20incher. As well as the pegs it has the option of running either a 14mm or 10mm axle to keep the rear from flexing and a solid rear's always better... It also comes with a down tube that has a gauge only previously used on BMX bikes and sticking with that the BB is also BMX size. The front end is much the same as the Suburban and there's nowt wrong with that. Even better than the SubUrban however is that this bike can handle 3" of tyre. If you're looking for a street bike to upset all your 'standard' mates this is it. Whether you love it or hate it this is the StreetLegal and it's bound to be big over here.
Wear protection kids!
Everything NS do is hardcore, just check out the pins on these pedals, not for the faint hearted (Shin pads not included). If you want something a little different and want to support a company who obviously put a lot of thought into every one of their products check NS out on www.NS-Bikes.com
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