Finding your ideal MTB is tricky with so many options in the market, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end models and brands. Today I cover the Northrock XC6 review examining its quality to help make your work much easier.
Northrock is known for making quality and affordable mountain bikes for casual mountain biking, and the Northrock XC6 is a good choice.
This bike has a shock absorber made by Giant and a comfortable seat to ensure you are comfortable while riding it. Moreover, You get to choose between the 19.5-inch and 18-inch frames depending on your height.
Ultimately, whether it’s cross-country, trail, park/downhill, or enduro/all-mountain, your dream mountain biking dreams begin by getting yourself an excellent mountain bike. For that reason, let’s look into whether Northrock XC6 is suitable for you.
Northrock XC6 Review- The Specs
Northrock XC6 is a solid mountain bike equipped with great features for thrilling, comfortable leisure trail riding. Below is a table highlighting its key specifications.
| Bike Part | Type |
| Frame type | Aluminum 6061 |
| Frame size | 19.5 and 18 inches |
| Drivetrain | 24 speeds Shimano Acera |
| Front Suspension | SR Suntour XCT |
| Brakes | Tektro disc |
| Crank | Shimano |
| Shifters | Shimano Altus |
| Saddle | Shock absorbing WTB with high-set padding |
| Spokes | Stainless Steel |
| Wheel size | 26 inches |
| Rims | Alloy |
| Chain | KMC |
Northrock XC6 Review: An In-depth Look At The Key Features
As mentioned above, the Northrock XC6 mountain bike is packed with impressive features. They include an aluminum frame, Tekro disc brakes, and SR Suntour XCT front suspension.
For a clear understanding of this bike, below is a comprehensive look at its key features. They are designed to function together, delivering a trail-worthy bicycle.
1. An Aluminum 6061 Frame
Aluminum is the go-to frame material for mountain bikes nowadays for a reason. This material is lightweight, robust, durable, and responsive, giving you a bike that can tackle the rugged terrains and come out intact.
Northrock XC6 is a stiff and durable MTB because of its aluminum 6061 frame. Moreover, it makes it off-road capable and ideal for freeride mountain cycling.
2. A Comfortable Seat
An uncomfortable bike seat makes your ride unpleasant and can cause saddle sores, chafing, pain on your pubic bones, and back pain. To avoid these problems, Northrock XC6 is designed to minimize the impact caused by the effects on the bicycle’s rear wheel, thus lowering road vibrations.
Additionally, it offers high-set padding because it’s well-cushioned. These translate to a comfortable ride on this MTB.
3. SR Suntour XCT Front Suspension
Besides a well-cushioned saddle, mountain bikes are usually fitted with a suspension system, aside from fat-tire bikes to absorb vibrations and shocks. Northrock XC6’s front suspension is SR Suntour XCT.
You can traverse unpredictable terrains more comfortably with 80mm travel at your disposal. In addition, this is a short-travel suspension, which means you receive an all-around performance that emphasizes smooth trails and uphill cycling.
4. Powerful Tektro Disc Brakes
Your mountain bike must have high-quality brakes that create a crisp stoppage for your safety. Luckily, that’s what you exactly get from Northrock XC6’s Tektro disc brakes as they give you excellent braking power and modulation.
They help you control the bike’s braking force properly. Thanks to these brakes, you can ride your Northrock XC6 mountain bike in bliss, knowing you can slow it down or completely stop it at a moment’s notice.
5. Reliable Shimano Altus Shifters
You need shifters to pick the gear ratio you require while riding because these components control a bike’s gearing mechanisms. The left-hand shifter controls the front derailleur, while the right-hand shifter guides the rear derailleur in most bicycles.
Northrock XC6 is fitted with the tested and proven Shimano Altus shifters that integrate with the bike’s brake levers to provide desirable performance and reliability.
6. A high-performing Shimano Acera Drivetrain
The crank, cogs (cassette), derailleur, chainrings, pedals, and chain make up a bike’s drivetrain. These parts are responsible for pushing and pulling the bike.
The Shimano Acera drivetrain on the Northrock XC6 mountain bike has 24 speeds, giving you many gears to choose from when negotiating different terrains. Therefore, you can pick the most suitable gears for specific scenarios.
This drivetrain performs exceptionally and will last you a long time if well-maintained.
7. Raptor Tires
Northrock XC6 comes with 2.1 wide treaded knobby tires paired with 26-inch wheels rustproof, lightweight alloy rims, and stainless steel spokes weighing 14 grams. These tires are mountain biking-specific, so expect them to perform excellently on rough terrains.
These cross-country tires are go-anywhere, do-anything, can adapt to different riding styles, diverse terrains, and have superb soil cleaning qualities.
Northrock XC6 Mountain Bike’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Nice geometry
- A lightweight, robust, and durable aluminum frame.
- The bike’s original owner gets a lifetime warranty for the frame and one year for the other parts.
- It’s a versatile mountain bike because of its robust frame, treaded knobby tires, front suspension, and potent disc brakes.
- It comes in an 18-inch frame suitable for 5’7” to 5’11” riders and a 19.5-inch frame ideal for 5’11” to 6’2” riders.
- The front suspension and shock-absorbing saddle make it a comfortable bike.
- It has a strong, lightweight, durable KMC chain.
- It dawns a long-lasting luster thanks to the rustproof, clear-coat finish.
- It’s a 24-speed MTB; hence, it can ride on various rough terrains.
- It’s equipped with exceptionally reliable disc brakes from Tektro.
- It has a durable Shimano crank that provides top-notch performance.
Weaknesses
- Prone to wrong assembling
- The paint comes off easily
Should You Get Northrock XC6 Mountain Bike?
Northrock XC6 is a solid, budget mountain bike built for a laid-back trail ride or rugged terrain exploration. It’s a worthy option if you are on a budget and looking for a reliable MTB at your local bike store or Costco.
It suits 5’7” to 6’2” tall mountain bikers of all genders.
If Northrock XC6 doesn’t appeal to you or suit your cycling style, Hiland Aluminum Mountain Bike (View on Amazon) is a great alternative. It has 26-inch wheels, knobby tires, an aluminum frame, disc brakes, a front suspension, and 24 speeds.
FAQs
1. Is Northrock A Good Bike Brand?
Northrock is a renowned brand in the casual cycling sector that makes high-performing, durable, comfortable, and reliable bikes. Its bikes are affordable and stylish.
Northrock mountain bikes are lightweight, robust, and built to be comfortable.
2. How Much Is A Northrock XC6?
A Northrock XC6 mountain bike will cost you just under $300 at Costco. Alternatively, you can check the local bike stores, second-hand options, or online sites like Amazon and eBay.
3. Who Builds Northrock?
Northrock bikes are built by Giant and sold at Costco.
Summary
I hope this Northrock XC6 review helps you decide if it’s the right MTB for you. While it’s not flawless, it’s nonetheless impressive, offering comfort, versatility, reliability, and durability at a lower price.
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