NS Eccentric Alu 29 Review
- Price: $2,328
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 29 inches
- Gear: 1 × 12
What we like about it: Excellent geometry coupled with the right kit, makes the bike smoother when descending.
What we don’t like about it: The external alignment tends to hide dirt from view, and thus cause some trouble to daily cleaning.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The NS Eccentric Alu 29 has an aggressive, modern geometry with a long reach and super slack head angle. The large wheel diameter combined with ample fork travel and dropper seatpost travel will help you experience the steepest descents. If you fancy hardtail mountain bikes, this is the bike for you.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of the NS Eccentric Alu 29. And at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
The NS Eccentric Alu 29 is a 100% original rugged mountain bike. With 29-inch wheels and 2.5-inch big-grain outer tires, the bike looks like a tank. I can’t wait to get on it and conquer those challenging roads.
So I immediately booked a trip on Skyscanner to Arkansas High Country Route. The route is about 50% gravel and 50% pavement, and the climbs/descents are 17-21%. This test could directly represent the NS Eccentric Alu 29’s performance.
Climbing
The climbing ability of the NS Eccentric Alu 29 was excellent, in my opinion. The Shimano Deore FCMT5101 170mm 32t crankset with the Sunrace CSMZ800, 12spd 11-51T flywheel had an abundance of gear ratios, so I could easily ride to the top by adjusting to the flywheel with larger gears when climbing.
On gravel, the Maxxis DHF EXO/TR 29×2.5″ WT / Maxxis Aggressor EXO/TR 29×2.5″ WT front and rear large-grain outer tires gripped the ground firmly, improving pedaling drive efficiency.
What I liked about it was the design of the dropper, which allowed me to raise the length as I climbed and gave me a more forward center of gravity. It also allowed for more powerful pedaling while climbing.
Descending
The NS Eccentric Alu 29’s aggressive, modern geometry with a long reach and super-loose head angle gave me more stable control when descending.
The 140mm-travel RockShox Recon fork had excellent initial sensitivity. It could absorb most of the vibration on such gravel descents. However, the hardtail attribute made the vehicle’s rear end still bounce too actively.
In addition, the NS Eccentric Alu 29 still performed well on trails. The NS Bar 31.8, 780mm 20mm rise handlebar cross gave me nimble handling so that I could descend nimbly on trails.
Finally, this hardtail trail bike used Shimano M410 brakes with 180mm discs, which had a fast braking response. The excellent braking power also reduced the distance I had to brake.
Overall, I was delighted with the NS Eccentric Alu 29’s performance on the descent. It is a hardtail trail bike with great descending ability.
Specification
The NS Eccentric Alu 29 is available in three aluminum frame sizes from S to L, and features an external cable routing design. Although it is less neat than internal alignment, it is easier to maintain and kit maintenance.
Next, It has an aggressive, modern geometry with a long reach and super-slack head angle. A sizeable 29-inch wheel diameter with ample fork travel and dropper post will handle the steepest drops. The long NS Bar 31.8, 780mm 20mm rise handlebar cross with a short Octane One Tone 31.8, 45mm stem improves handling Flexibility.
The design of the dropper seatpost allows you to quickly adjust your center of gravity of riding between the climbing and descending transitions of the ride. But this bike does not have a water bottle mounting location, which is something worth improving.
Video
Other versions
The NS Eccentric Alu 29 is a hardtail trail bike with great all-around capability and an aluminum frame with excellent geometry and the right components. For this reason, we also offer a similarly priced trail bike with a top-of-the-line steel frame using the same kit.
NS ECCENTRIC CROMO
Comparing NS ECCENTRIC CROMO to NS Eccentric Alu 29, They both use the same components. They also have excellent performance and good adaptability.
But the former uses a steel frame that weighs about 2.4 kg. It has reinforcement at the downtube and seat tube to make it strong enough to withstand many impacts. This is where all the experience NS has gained in building steel hardtail trail bikes has been brought together in this frame, making this steel frame better than an aluminum frame at absorbing shock through subtle deformation on bumpy sections.
And the frame has a hole for the kettle at the lower tube, supporting the carry and installation of full-size kettles.
Finally, while these two hardtail mountain bikes are similar in price, the former is a bit heavier but will be better at filtering vibrations.
Below, we will list the specific parameters of the NS Eccentric Alu 29 in detail and some other brands of hardtail trail bikes with similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
-The dropper is designed to switch the center of gravity of the ride at any time when climbing and descending.
-Excellent outer tire that provides great grip to improve riding efficiency.
-The large 29-inch wheels and 140 mm of front travel have excellent passing power.
-Excellent components and the solid price for everyone.
-Relaxed head tube angle and greater reach. This makes the bike smoother when descending.
-There is a reinforcement treatment at the top tube and seat tube to make the frame more substantial and durable.
What don’t we like about it?
–The external alignment tends to hide dirt from view, and thus cause some trouble to daily cleaning.
FAQs
- What kind of wheelset does NS Eccentric Alu 29 use?
Nukeproof Digger Comp front wheelset: NS Rotary 15 Boost 15×110 disc (sealed bearings). Rear wheelset: NS Rotary Cassette 148x12mm Boost (sealed bearings).
- What kind of rider is the NS Eccentric Alu 29 for?
The Nukeproof Digger Comp is an all-around hardtail trail bike that is suitable for all riders and has a broad market audience at the right price.
- How to choose the right size for NS Eccentric Alu 29?
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not necessarily have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 158cm – 170cm | S |
| 168cm-179cm | M |
| 176cm-187cm | L |
NS Eccentric Alu 29 Specs
Build
| Frame | NS Bikes AL6061-T6 custom formed and butted tubes, Boost 148×12 dropouts BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
| Fork | RockShox Recon 140mm travel, 110x15mm Boost, 1.5T, 44mm offset |
| Rear Shock | / |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BSA 73mm |
| Headset | GW integrated tapered IS42/IS52, sealed bearings |
| Stem | Octane One Tone 31.8, 45mm |
| Handlebar | NS Bar 31.8, 780mm 20mm rise |
| Saddle | Octane One Rocket2, CrMo hollow rails |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic internal S,M: 125, L:150mm |
| Pedals | / |
| Grips | NS Hold Fast |
Groupset
| Crank | Shimano Deore FCMT5101 170mm 32t |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore M6100, 12spd |
| Cassette | Sunrace CSMZ800, 12spd 11-51T |
| Chain | Shimano, 12spd |
| Chain Guide | / |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Octane One Solar 29″, 32h, tubeless compatible |
| Spokes | Spokes w/14mm nipples |
| Front Hub | NS Rotary 15 Boost 15×110 disc (sealed bearings) |
| Rear Hub | NS Rotary Cassette 148x12mm Boost (sealed bearings) |
| Tires | Maxxis DHF EXO/TR 29×2.5″ WT / Maxxis Aggressor EXO/TR 29×2.5″ WT |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click to view | Damping stroke | Frame material | Brake Type | Driveline |
| Canyon Neuron 6 | Click View | 130mm rear, 140mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Trek Top Fuel 5 | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Kona Honzo DL | Click View | 140mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum | Click View | 130mm front | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
NS Eccentric Alu 29 vs Canyon Neuron 6
The NS Eccentric Alu 29 and the Canyon Neuron 6 use different suspension designs. The Neuron 6 has front and rear shocks that allow more shock absorption on the descent, reducing the impact of the drop on the rider. But the Eccentric Alu 29 hardtail design has better drivetrain efficiency and will be faster on the climbs.
In terms of the drivetrain, the latter has a higher-grade SLX M7100 kit. Its shifting has a silkier feel and more tension on the rear derailleur chainstays. The Shimano MT410 and SRAM Matchmaker Clamp braking systems on both bikes are also perfectly adequate for this level of bike.
So if you usually ride some big drop routes, then the Canyon Neuron 6 shock system would be more suitable. But if you want better climbing performance, the NS Eccentric Alu 29 is the way to go.
Learn More: Is Canyon Stoic 4 Worth Buying? [Canyon Stoic 4 Review]
NS Eccentric Alu 29 vs Trek Top Fuel 5
The NS Eccentric Alu 29 and Trek Top Fuel 5 are both iconic mountain bikes in their own right. The latter’s front and rear shock absorbers are designed to absorb shock at the rear of the bike when descending, resulting in a more stable ride. The corresponding pedaling efficiency will be less than the Eccentric Alu 29.
On top of that, the two bikes use the same drivetrain and have the same excellent rear derailleur tension. But the Eccentric Alu 29’s hardtail frame will pedal a little more efficiently. In terms of braking, the Shimano MT410 on the Eccentric Alu 29 has better braking than the Shimano MT200 used on the Trek Top Fuel 5.
In the end, I recommend the former of these two cross-country mountain bikes more, as the NS Eccentric Alu 29 is less expensive yet uses a better kit.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Worth Buying ? [Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review]
NS Eccentric Alu 29 vs Kona Honzo DL
Both the NS Eccentric Alu 29 and the Kona Honzo DL feature an aluminum outer alignment frame. They both are paired with a dropper design, which allows for quick adjustment of your riding weight position on both climbs and descents.
What’s more, the two mountain bikes also tacitly use the same drivetrain kit, brake kit, and shock travel in terms of kit. However, the Eccentric Alu has a more relaxed head tube angle and body length, which gives it better descending stability than the latter. Conversely, the Kona Honzo DL has better climbing performance and handling.
In short, whichever of these two cars will be a good choice. You can consider according to which frame shape you prefer and which brand you favor more.
Learn More: Is Kona Hula Worth Buying? – [Kona Hula Review]
NS Eccentric Alu 29 vs Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum
The NS Eccentric Alu 29 and the Santa Cruz CHAMELEON D MX / Aluminum share the same head tube angle regarding geometry. However, the former has a longer wheelbase, which dictates a more stable frame drop.
In terms of the drivetrain, the SRAM kit of the latter feels more crisp than the Shimano of the former, while the Shimano is more silky. As to braking, Santa Cruz’s SRAM Level brakes feel more violent, while the NS Eccentric Alu 29’s Shimano MT410 brakes are much softer and more linear.
The biggest difference between these two bikes would be in the damping. The Eccentric Alu 29 has a longer damping fork travel, so it can handle worse descending surfaces.
Finally, of these two, I prefer the NS Eccentric Alu 29 with more drop performance. Of course, the Santa Cruz is also an excellent hardtail dirt bike.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz CHAMELEON A Good Bike? [Santa Cruz CHAMELEON Review]
Summary
Here is my review of the NS Eccentric Alu 29. In my opinion, it’s a solid and reliable hardtail trail bike with the right price. That’s why we gave it a 4.8 rating.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other hardtail trail bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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