REVIEW: NS Bikes Synonym TR 9

Nowadays, most mountain bikers own a trail or enduro bike that satisfies their daily need to get out and tackle trails efficiently and confidently. The problem is that once your ride-everything bike is dialed in, you tend to search for that second bike to supplement your desire for multiple riding experiences. The classic yet dangerous N+1 equation, the question is, what do you get? Downhill bike? Road bike? E-Bike? Cross Country bike? 

Welcome to NS Bikes Synonym TR, an absolutely ripping cross-country bike that boasts capabilities well beyond the typical expectations of a 120mm travel bike. Combining the quick-moving pedaling habits of a true cross-country weapon with enough travel and progressive geometry to handle rowdy trails, the Synonym is a short-travel bike created for those wanting a light, snappy bike that won't feel limiting on descents.

Highlights

• Lightweight full carbon frame
• 29-inch wheels
• 120mm (4.7 inches) of rear wheel travel // 120mm (4.7 inches) fork 
• One-piece flex stay rear triangle 
• 66 degree head angle
• 76 degree effective seat tube angle
• 2-position remote suspension lockout 
• Internal cable routing
• 148 x 12mm boost rear hub spacing
• Tapered head tube
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Two build kit options
• Measured weight (size medium, no pedals): 26.24lbs (11.9kg)
• MSRP: ~$7,685 USD / € 7,199 

Synonym Overview

NS Bikes has deep roots in the freeride and dirt jump segment and have long-developed burly bikes to the beat of their own drum. Representing a clear departure from their bread and butter, NS ensured that its first cross-country-esque bike would stand out against the rest, featuring a progressive geometry package and aggressive on-trail mentality. Since its release over three years ago, multiple brands have launched similar models, ushering in a new wave of short travel bikes that are light, fly uphill, and rip descents.

NS offers the Synonym in two versions: the RC with 100mm of rear travel and the TR (tested) with 120mm of travel. Both iterations share the same frame and swingarm molds, but the RC uses a premium carbon layup to reduce weight. The TR naming signifies the 'trail' version, and besides boasting 20mm more travel thanks to a longer shock stork, it has a FOX 34 fork (instead of a 32), wider handlebars, a longer 150mm dropper post, a shorter 60mm stem, and wider tires. 

Both the RC and TR models are available in two build kits. We tested the more expensive TR1 build that retails for € 6,199 and is highlighted by a FOX Factory 34 Step Cast fork, FOX Factory Float DPS shock, SRAM XO1 drivetrain, SRAM Level TL brakes with 180mm front rotor and 160mm rear rotor, and Maxxis EXO Rekon tires. 

The Synonym's geometry package separates it from a dedicated cross-country bike. The standout tweaks come in the form of longer reaches across all sizes, a steep 76-degree effective seat tube, and a slack 66-degree head tube angle. The chain stay length remains 438mm across all sizes. 

By opening up the front center of the bike and moving the front axle further out front, the Synonym allows riders to descend with their weight more rearward than what's usually possible on a 120mm travel bike. At the same time, the steep seat angle combined with the low weight allows the Synonym to maintain a responsive, fast pedaling demeanor unmatched by a typical trail bike. At 5' 10", we typically fall between medium and large frames, but the size medium with a 466mm reach felt comfortably spacious on trail.  

Both Synonym models feature a push-to-unlock lever that simultaneously closes the fork and shock. While the lever does function the opposite of typical push-to-lock levers, we found that having the ability to fully lockout the suspension was great for maximizing efficiency on smooth climbs. The only downside is the additional cables, which could be minimized with some electronic components.  

With a lot of focus put on elevating the descending prowess of the Synonym, make no mistake; it's still a lightweight bike designed to smash climbs. To help save weight and create a fast, lively platform, NS chose to use a one-piece flex-stay rear triangle that does away with the seatstay pivot. A short rocker link drives a vertically mounted trunnion shock, leaving ample space inside the front triangle to mount a large water bottle.

Other frame details include internal cable routing, molded chain stay protection, a tapered head tube, and Boost hub spacing.

On The Trail

We tested the Synonym TR around San Diego and Orange County on a wide variety of trails. From downhill tracks to epic, 5k+ climbs, the terrain was mostly dry and rocky decomposed granite over hardpack, making for slick conditions. 

Setting up the bike was straightforward, requiring minimal adjustments beyond setting sag and saddle height to feel comfortable. Unfortunately, less than ten rides into testing, we managed to break the stock NS carbon handlebars without even crashing. In the middle of a punchy, rocky climb, we went to bunny-hop up a foot-tall ledge. Next thing we knew, we were holding two handlebars.

Definitely a freak failure; we are just thankful it didn't occur while descending. We replaced the broken handlebars, and NS stem with a 25mm rise PNW handlebar and 50mm stem, which turned out to be an adjustment for the better. The higher rise and more familiar stem length pushed the Synonym TR further towards descending like a trail bike without diminishing its climbing abilities. An unfortunate situation turned into a performance improvement- we'll take it!

Throughout the last three months of testing, time and time again, we were drawn to pulling the Synonym TR out of the garage versus our longer travel bikes. It climbs way faster, carries better speed on rolling terrain, and is still enjoyable to ride down the same descents, albeit at a slightly slower and more conservative approach than our 160mm bike. 

We initially anticipated the Synonym to shy away from steep or rough trails. However, it has consistently impressed us with its ability to manage fast, aggressive riding with more grace than we thought possible on a 120mm bike. We did have to check ourselves periodically to avoid getting in over our heads, but being able to ride our favorite descents on a bike that motivated us to pedal back up for more was an exciting and refreshing experience. 

Fast is one word that constantly comes to mind reflecting on the performance of the Synonym. At a manageable 26 pounds, rider input was always met with immediate response. The rear suspension was also quite firm and progressive, keeping us riding high in the travel for maximum rolling efficiency. Combined, tossing in a few pedal strokes to carry speed on rolling terrain or squeeze momentum out of berms or rollers was easy. We also found the Synonym was a hoot to ride down jump lines as the geometry kept us balanced over the bike.

For all it could handle going downhill, we have to applaud NS for maintaining the Synonym's pedaling abilities. Pedal bob was minimal, and the bike easily handled steep, rocky, or technical climbs. The pedaling position was more forward than we are used to, but not so much that it became uncomfortable hours into a ride. The suspension was very firm, and we never had to rely on the lockout to achieve an efficient pedaling platform. However, we often ride on paved roads to and from the trails, and having the suspension locked out was convenient. Once on dirt, we only locked the suspension out on smooth climbs when traction and comfort came second to rolling speed. 

Overall, the Synonym was incredibly fun, offering confidence and composure descending matched with pedaling efficiency that has redefined what we thought was possible on a shorter travel bike. 

TR1 Build Kit

The TR1 build kit matched the abilities of the Synonym well, blending weight with durability for great all-around performance. However, riders could opt for burlier or lighter components to change the bikes' strong suits to match specific terrain or rider style. Our test bike weighed just over 26 pounds, which isn't the lightest for a 120mm bike, but it provided some extra stability and handling during chattery sections. 

We were quite surprised by the performance of the Maxxis EXO casing Rekon and Ikon tire combo. The shallow kobs rolled incredibly fast yet offered enough bite to maintain control down steeper trails. And most importantly, the tires were predictable through corners offering a consistent point at which traction would fade. We also didn't experience any issues with the EXO casing holding up to aggressive riding.

The only poor component spec in our eyes is the SRAM Level TL brakes. For a bike that punches above its weight descending, we'd have expected a 4-piston option with more adjustability. On longer descents, the Level TL simply ran out of power and limited how hard we could push the Synonym. 

Things That Could Be Improved

The Synonym TR leaves little to complain about. The only thing we wish was different was that the suspension lockout functioned as a push-to-LOCK. NS spent a lot of time making the Synonym descend like a trail bike, and we think the default setting should be open. We even bumped the lever a few times descending, and the quick change to a near-rigid setup made for some unwanted excitement. 

Long Term Durability

Besides the handlebar failure, the Synonym has held together well over the last few months. No unusual creaks or noises have formed, the suspension still feels smooth, and no cables are rubbing where they enter or exit the frame. We did notice that the frame tends to collect dirt and water under the lower shock mount, requiring extra cleaning after muddy rides. While not a problem yet, we could see riders living in very wet areas needing to periodically service the lower shock eyelet. 

What's The Bottom Line?

The Synonym TR satisfies an on-trail experience that most riders don't realize they desire. Is it the ultimate second bike after your beloved trail or enduro bike? We think so, and it makes a pretty strong bid for being the only bike you need. If you want a bike that'll broaden how far you are willing to ride without losing the ability to shred descents, the Synonym offers capabilities beyond what most 120mm bikes can provide. It's light, efficient, responsive, stable, and downright fun.

For more information, please visit nsbikes.com

About The Reviewer

Josh Nevelson - Age: 30 // Years Riding MTB: 20 // Height: 5'10 (1.78m) // Weight: 165-pounds (74.84kg)

Josh is a jack of all trades in the adventure world. An ex-pro downhill racer, he'll now be found lost in the mountains, partaking in all his favorite hobbies any time he can escape his weekday office job. Rock climbing, snowboarding, dirt biking, and paragliding are a few that come to mind - however, bikes have been and always will be his first love. The longer the ride and rougher the terrain, the happier Josh will be. Catch him around San Diego, the Eastern Sierra, or up in Whistler for his yearly Crankwrox pilgrimage.