News

NS Bikes RAG+: A Newcomer With Formidable Pedigree

17.02.2017
by Charles Nicholson
NS Bikes RAG 2017 3 2000x500


NS Bikes have momentarily ditched wide bars in favour of drops for the new RAG+. A newcomer to the world of CX and Gravel, but by no means new to the world of cycling. You definitely want to check this out!

NS Bikes have momentarily ditched wide bars in favour of drops for the new RAG+. A newcomer to the world of CX and Gravel, but by no means new to the world of cycling. You definitely want to check this out!

NS Bikes RAG 2017 5 1140x760

Taking their 14 years experience and adapting it for this new model isn’t such a bad idea considering CX and Gravel technologies such as through axles and disc brakes are bread and butter for the MTB Industry. The new RAG+ comes with sufficient clearance to accommodate a wide range of tyre and wheel combinations and the dropped chainstay should allow you to run bigger chainrings. With their heritage and off-roading knowledge, the NS Bikes RAG+ stands like a proud and devilishly smart black sheep in a flock of plain road inspired cross and gravel bikes… I mean just look at those pearlescent hubs!

NS Bikes RAG 2017 9 1140x760
True to it’s mountain biking roots, the NS Bikes RAG+ is suitable for all conditions.
NS Bikes RAG 2017 1 580x387 NS Bikes RAG 2017 8 580x387 NS Bikes RAG 2017 2 580x387

Priced at €1,799 the NS Bikes RAG+ is entering the gravel/cross market at a competitive level with an impressive list of components. Standout features include tubeless ready rims, hydraulic discs, a SRAM Apex 11 speed groupset and carbon through-axle forks which sum up to a very desirable package. It certainly sounds like NS Bikes are offering far better value for money than their big name rivals.

NS Bikes RAG 2017 12 580x387 NS Bikes RAG 2017 4 580x387 NS Bikes RAG 2017 10 580x387

Clean, bold branding, petroleum hubs, gumwalls and matte black… perfectly understated.

NS Bikes RAG 2017 6 580x387 NS Bikes RAG 2017 7 580x387 NS Bikes RAG 2017 11 580x387

Conclusion:

The NS Bikes RAG+ has been catered to mountainbikers first and foremost but the aggressive geometry, bold styling, and flexibility to accommodate a range of set ups suitable for different purposes will no doubt appeal to a much wider audience. Head over to the NS bikes website for a full understanding of what made them take the leap from drop offs to drop bars: nsbikes.com

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Charles Nicholson Photos: NS Bikes

You may also like

GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine

GRAN FONDO is the first independent premium magazine for road and gravel bikes with a holistic lifestyle approach. We write for visionaries and adventurers, for creative minds and tech enthusiasts who see cycling as part of their way of life. Instead of obsessing over watts and marginal gains, our editorial team looks at the bigger picture: high-end bikes, global trends and technological milestones, all evaluated with a firm grounding in real-world use.

Since 2016, GRAN FONDO has stood for journalistic depth and full transparency in the drop-bar segment. Our awards are recognized worldwide as a benchmark for riders, retailers, and the industry alike. In our in-depth reviews and comparison tests, years of testing expertise flow into practical, independent product analysis.

GRAN FONDO is published in both German and English, reaching an international audience.