As a mountain bike enthusiast, some of the qualities you’ll look for in a new MTB include affordability, durability, high quality, among others. That brings us to this Northrock XC29 review.
Northrock XC29 is an excellent mountain bike because it combines low cost, high quality, and resilience to serve you for a long time. The brand blends function, aesthetics, exceptional frame designs, cutting-edge technology, and branded accessories to deliver maximum value.
The bike sports a responsive and lightweight 6061 aluminum frame that allows you to cycle off-roads effortlessly. It also includes Tektro disc brakes to manage the bike in all weather situations and improve stopping power.
As this Northrock XC29 review will illustrate, the bike has fast-rolling wheels that enable you to tackle different terrains and obstacles while maintaining excellent trail control.
Since you have a general idea of what the Northrock XC29 bike is all about, let’s dive into the specifications.
Northrock XC29 Review: Specifications
| Bike Part | Type |
| Frame | 29 inches (73.6cm) Aluminum 6061 |
| Frame Size | 17.5 inches (44.45cm) medium, suitable for cyclists between 5ft 8in to 6ft 3in (1.7m to 1.9m) |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Altus M310 |
| Shifter | 21 speeds Shimano Altus EF-500 rapid fire |
| Fork | 29 inches (73.6cm) SR Suntour XCT |
| Brakes | Mechanical Tektro dual discs |
| Bottom Bracket | Sealed cartridge |
| Tires | 29 inches x 2.2 inches (73.6 cm x 5.6 cm) Maxxis Mountain |
| Spokes | Stainless steel |
| Crank | 42/34/24T Shimano FC-TY501 |
| Brake Levers | Shifter integrated Shimano Altus EF-500 |
Northrock XC29 Mountain Bike’s Key Features
1. 17.5 Inch Hand-crafted 6061 Aluminum Frame
The frame of the Northrock XC29 is handmade from 6061 aluminum, which provides sensational rewards to mountain riders. It is lightweight, dependable, sturdy, stiff, and corrosion resistant, making it perfect for navigating rough terrain.
Since it is lightweight, you will have no trouble carrying it. Furthermore, it is manufactured meticulously by hand to make it robust enough to withstand the rigors of mountain riding.
The frame rusting should be the least of your worries, thanks to the 6061 aluminum being corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, washing it is less stressful because aluminum is easy to clean.
Another aluminum-framed mountain bike worth considering is the Mongoose Impasse Mens Mountain Bike (View on Amazon). It features 29-inch wheels, front suspension, 21 speeds, threadless headset, and fits 5’4” to 6’2” riders.
2. Shimano Components
Northrock XC29 features Shimano’s cranksets, cogset, shifters, derailleurs, and brakelevers. Every Shimano element is developed, engineered, and manufactured following the brand’s concept in mind: to work in perfect harmony.
They’re user-friendly and meet the needs of cyclists.
This MTB incorporates Shimano FC-TY501 42-34-24T cranks which promise an excellent transmission ratio coupled with robustness, qualities ideal for a bike of such caliber.
In addition, the bike also boasts a high-performing Shimano Altus M310 rear derailleur with twin servo-pantograph technology.
3. Fast-rolling 29-inch-by-2.2-inch Wheels
The make-up of Northrock XC29’s wheels enables it to handle diverse riding situations and comfortably transition. These include rocky downhills to steep inclines and other demanding terrains.
These wheels allow you to maneuver your bike properly over uneven terrains, avoid colliding with obstacles, hence wielding you total control when you hit the road. Moreover, the rapid acceleration of the wheels guarantees that you ride over a variety of surfaces with ease.
4. Mechanical Tektro Disc Brakes
This MTB features strong mechanical brakes that guarantee reliability and give adequate stopping force, thus helping you handle your bike in rugged terrains. They provide an outstanding braking response, and the easily adjustable brake levers provide optimal bicycle control.
Other Important Features of Northrock XC29
5. Front Suspension
The Northrock XC29 MTB offers you unmatched comfort by neutralizing the jarring shocks of rocky terrains owing to the front suspension. Asides from that, the front suspension provides you better control of your bike, especially on rugged routes.
6. Stainless Steel Spokes
Stainless steel spokes are popular nowadays because of their unique strength, resistance, and durability. They make Northrock XC29 strong enough to handle the massive weight.
These spokes will serve your cycling needs for a considerable time before you can think of replacing them.
7. Double Wall Rims
These rims are ideal for a variety of terrains because of their durability and small weight. The double walls give the optimum strength-to-weight ratio to meet the demands of the many riders.
8. Contoured Velo Seat
If you plan to ride your mountain bike for a long time, you’ll need a high-quality, comfy saddle. The curved pad on the Velo mountain seat increases comfort and power output while enjoying your surroundings.
Northrock XC29 Review: Pros & Cons
Pros
- It smoothly traverses any terrain while offering excellent performance and dependability thanks to the SRAM X4 drivetrain’s 24 gears.
- WTB grips provide absorption, optimal control, and comfort in harsh situations.
- It has a sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame that is long-lasting.
- It features an SRAM Truvativ E400 crank that provides top-notch shifting and optimal durability.
- Quick shifts are guaranteed thanks to SRAM X4 shifters.
- AVID BB5 mechanical disc brakes offer superior all-weather control, reliability, and longevity
- Thanks to the robust WTB SX17 double-wall rims, it’s perfect for unpredictable terrains.
- It has WTB 29” x 2.2” fast-rolling tires designed to handle different trails easily.
- It has a robust KMC chain.
- It has long-lasting beauty.
- It is suited for many riders ranging from 5’ 8” to 6’2”.
Cons
- It may require assembly
- Unsuitable for riders under 5ft 8in
Is Northrock XC29 A Good Bike?
Northrock XC29 offers excellent value at an affordable price. Finding a better mountain bike at this price range is an uphill task; so, you should consider this beauty of a ride if you don’t want to break the bank.
The inclusion of a robust 6061 aluminum alloy on the bike proves that the manufacturers made the bike with off-road enthusiasts in mind. You can ride it for long distances and for a long time without worrying about it breaking down.
The Shimano accessories guarantee that this bike runs smoothly. On the other hand, the fast-rolling tires are suitable to make biking off-road enjoyable.
Furthermore, the front suspension provides comfort, ensuring that your body doesn’t sustain injuries when riding in off-road conditions.
If you have reservations with Northrock XC29, consider Schwinn Mountain-Bicycles High Timber. It is a perfect fit for trail and neighborhood rides.
The bike incorporates large knobby wheels suited for all terrains, a front suspension, a swift-release seat post, and an aluminum crank for minimal maintenance and stable gearing.
Northrock XC29 Vs. Northrock XC27
The XC29 and XC27 mountain bikes from Northrock are comparable in most ways but differ in a few characteristics. The companies recognize the importance of performance, and these bikes flourish on rough terrain.
a) Similarities
When comparing the Northrock XC27 and Northrock XC29, you’ll see that they’re both handcrafted with lightweight 6061 all-aluminum frames.
They also include Tektro mechanical disc brakes for quick stopping and proper bike control. Both bikes employ Shimano components such as Shimano Altus M310 rear derailleurs, Shimano cogsets, and 21-speed Shimano Altus drivetrains.
Moreover, both bikes have SR Suntour XCT forks and KMC-Z50 chains.
b) Differences
As previously stated, the two bikes exhibit some differences discussed below.
Even though both bikes feature 17.5-inch (44.45cm) frames, the XC29 accommodates cyclists who are 5 ft 8 in. to 6 ft 3 in. (1.7 m to 1.9 m), whereas XC27 suits riders who are 5 ft 7 in. to 6 ft 1 in. (1.7 m to 1.8 m).
Another disparity shows in the length of the forks. Northrock XC29’s fork is 29 inches (73.6 cm) long, whereas the Northrock XC27’s is 27.5 inches (69.9 cm) long.
Furthermore, the XC29 sports 29-inch wheels, while XC27 features 27-inch wheels.
Since Costco retails both bikes at the same price ($349), your height would determine your best fit. To avoid discomfort and unnecessary strains, select a version that matches your stature.
FAQs
1. How Much Is A Northrock XC29?
Costco retails Northrock XC29 at $349, but prices vary depending on where you purchase it.
2. Is Northrock A Good Bike Brand?
Northrock bikes are high-quality bikes built using cutting-edge engineering technologies to provide long-lasting, high-performance, and pleasant rides. The bikes are also trendy and pocket-friendly for casual riders.
Northrock also retails specialized bikes that compete with their counterparts from renowned companies.
3. Who Makes Northrock Mountain Bike?
Northrock manufactures Northrock mountain bikes and now offers the Northrock XC27 and Northrock XC29.
4. How Good Are Northrock Mountain Bikes?
Northrock MTBs are high-quality, lightweight, reliable, and long-lasting machines. They are designed with precision and attention to detail to provide you with an outstanding off-road riding experience.
They boast a sturdy all-aluminum frame, high-quality Shimano components, and mechanical Tektro disc brakes.
Conclusion
This Northrock XC29 review illustrates an economical mountain bike suited for cyclists who love to have exciting off-road experiences. You won’t go wrong with this bike because it offers you more control and agility on top of a long streak of excellent performances.
You won’t have to pay hundreds of bucks on a mountain bike because of its exceptional value.
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