Our NS Bikes Eccentric has been recently tested by the guys from BikeRadar. Find out how this "old school hooligan in a sharp suit" did in their test below.
The NS Eccentric ticks all the hardcore hardtail-boxes. Steel frame? Yup, butted Tange 4130 steel. Big fork up front? 140mm of air sprung X-Fusion Sweep R. Dirt jump inspired roots? Very much so. NS is better known for bikes made for hardcore airtime, but it’s been branching out into more versatile fare.
Frame and equipment: more modern than meets the eye.
The smart two-tone paint job and clean, classic lines shouldn’t detract from the fact the Eccentric is bang up to date in every other regard. There’s a 142x12mm thru-axle rear end to keep things still at the back, chainguide mounts and a 44mm head tube up front capable of housing any fork steerer standard you like.
The steel frame offers plenty of natural damping when surfaces get rougher
In this complete build – the bike is also available as a frame-only for £450 – you get a reasonable spec, with a lot of own brand but decent quality NS finishing kit and SRAM X5/7 drivetrain with a bashguard-equipped double up front. It’s not going to trouble the likes of Canyon for value, but it’s all effective, hardworking equipment, right down the Maxxis Ardent 2.35in tyres on sturdy rims.
The Eccentric certainly prefers heading downhill than climbing.
