Publication-Mountain Bicycling

Date-March 2002

Title-GIANT XTC NRS 2:MOUNTAIN BIKING 2002 BEST BIKE $800 TO $1500

Findings:

• XTC NRS 2 Frame: "..the NRS design remains the most extraordinarily efficient cross-country suspension system on the market"
• XTC NRS 2 Components:
  "Manitou's sleek and sexy Black Comp gives you the option of 80mm or 100mm of travel with a twist of a knob. The new Manitou platform with the reverse arch is super rigid. For drivetrain, the NRS 2 combines Shimano Deore and XT front and rear derailleurs, Deore 9-speed shifters, and Race Face Prodigy cranks and chainrings for a package thats big on performance. Everything sings in harmony throughout the range. For Brakes, the NRS 2 features Avid mechanical disc-brakes-quite possibly the best performing cable driven disc on the market"
• XTC NRS 2 Ride: "We love the efficiency and power delivery that hardtail frames offer. But who would have ever guessed that this kind of performance would one day be available from a rear suspension frame? That wish became reality two years ago when we got our first ride on a Giant NRS. In the dirt the NRS 2 accelerates like no other dual suspension bike. Rigid and responsive would best sum up the NRS pedal performance. On the climbs, no bob, in or out of the saddle. Yet, at the same time, compliance over the bumps. The NRS 2 delivers precise and predictable handling and steering in nearly every situation. Steering precision can be thanked in part from the Manitou Black Comp fork. Both super plush and superbly damped, the Black's reverse arch technology is indeed extremely stiff. We were also impressed with the performance of the Avid mechanical disc brakes. For cable actuated discs, stopping performance is par to far more expensive hydraulic systems.
• The NRS 2 delivers high end performance, light weight, and the best dollar-for dollar value in its class. Once again, Giant proves that they're no longer knocking on the door. They're now answering it"

Publication-Bicycling

Date-April 2002

Title-GIANT XTC NRS 2: An aggressively priced version of the best suspension bike available

Findings:

• NRS: "The No Resonance System is active over bumps at all times, without pedal bob. The linkage uses zero suspension sag to balance pedal effort with bump force-it's close to perfect."
• NO UPGRADES: "RaceFace's strong, light ISIS crank and bottom bracket, Avid's potent mechanical discs and Titec controls are solid spec."

Note the Hutchinson Python tires on this bike were reviewed in May 2002 Bicycling as follows: "No mountain tire is perfect for all conditions, but this one comes close. Amazingly good, or at least very good, for everything this side of aggressive downhilling or ultra-muddy conditions, they excel on hardpack and hold their own over loose, rocky or wet terrain. The staggered, shallow tread design doesn't look aggressive, but it's tenacious in a multitude of conditions. And with multiple versions, including UST tubeless, you can have the benefit of all-conditions traction without the fear of pinch-flatting. Light, long-lasting and with low rolling resistance, the Python is as close to a sure thing as you can get."

Note the suspension system on this bike is four-bar linkage. In May 2002 Bicycling chose four-bar linkage as the editor's choice suspension system: "The design's independence from pedal input, bump sensitivity and efficient wheelpath makes it a standout. The near-vertical wheelpath makes it almost pedaling-neutral, and the Horst link prevents brake-jacking...True four-bar has the Horst Link, which locates the chainstay/seatstay pivot between the dropout and bottom bracket (knock-offs put the pivot on the seatstay, which throws braking forces into the suspension)..no design can top four-bar linkage for all-around superior off-road suspension."