Mountain Bikes, Northrock bicycles

Northrock XC27 Detailed Review: Is it Worth the Price?

May 3, 2023
By Dami Adebayo

If you’re looking for a reliable and budget-friendly mountain bike, then the Northrock XC27 might be a good option. It’s a hardtail mountain bike that comes with a reasonable price tag. However, is it worth the money? In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth Northrock XC27 review and answer this question for you.

Introduction

Northrock is a lesser-known brand in the cycling industry, but it’s gaining popularity due to its budget-friendly bikes. The XC27 is one of their most popular models. It’s a hardtail mountain bike that’s suitable for entry-level riders. It comes with some impressive features that make it a good choice for those on a tight budget.

In this Northrock XC27 review, we’ll dive into its specifications, design, features, performance, comfort, brakes, gears, wheels, tires, frame, fork, suspension, assembly, maintenance, pros, and cons. After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of whether the Northrock XC27 is worth the price or not.

Northrock XC27 Specifications

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at the specifications of the Northrock XC27:

Specification	Details
Frame	Lightweight aluminum
Fork	Suntour XCT with 100mm travel
Brakes	Tektro mechanical disc
Shifters	Shimano Tourney 21-speed
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Tourney
Rear derailleur	Shimano Tourney
Crankset	Prowheel alloy triple 42/34/24T
Cassette	Shimano Tourney 7-speed 14-28T
Chain	KMC Z7
Wheel size	27.5 inches
Tires	MTB knobby tires
Saddle	WTB Volt Sport
Handlebar	Aluminum alloy
Stem	Aluminum alloy
Seatpost	Aluminum alloy
Pedals	Platform pedals

Design and Features

The Northrock XC27 has a simple yet attractive design. It comes in a black and green color scheme that gives it a sporty look. The bike has a lightweight aluminum alloy frame that’s durable and sturdy. The frame is designed with a sloping top tube, which makes it easy for riders to get on and off the bike.

The bike features a Suntour XCT fork that provides 100mm of travel. This means that it can handle moderate to rough terrains with ease. The fork has a preload adjuster, which allows riders to adjust the suspension according to their weight and riding style.

The Northrock XC27 comes with Tektro mechanical disc brakes that offer reliable stopping power. The brakes are easy to use and require minimal maintenance.

Performance

The Northrock-XC27 offers decent performance on the trails. It has a Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain that provides a wide range of gear for different riding situations. The Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters make it easy to shift gears on the fly. The bike has a smooth and responsive shifting system that ensures a comfortable ride.

The Kenda Small Block 8 tires provide good traction and grip on most surfaces. The bike’s 27.5-inch double-walled alloy rims are lightweight and durable, which helps to reduce rolling resistance and increase speed.

Comfort

The Northrock-XC27 offers a comfortable riding experience. The bike’s saddle is well-padded and provides enough cushioning for long rides. The handlebars are also comfortable and provide a good grip. The bike’s geometry is designed to provide a comfortable riding position, which reduces strain on the back and shoulders.

Brakes

The Tektro mechanical disc brakes on the Northrock-XC27 provide reliable stopping power, even in wet conditions. The brakes are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. They’re also adjustable so that riders can fine-tune the brake pads for optimal performance.

Gears

The Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain on the Northrock-XC27 provides a wide range of gears for different riding situations. The Shimano EZ-Fire trigger shifters make it easy to shift gears on the fly. The bike has a smooth and responsive shifting system that ensures a comfortable ride.

Wheels and Tires

The Northrock XC27 comes with 27.5-inch double-walled alloy rims that are lightweight and durable. They help to reduce rolling resistance and increase speed. The Kenda Small Block 8 tires provide good traction and grip on most surfaces, making the bike suitable for off-road adventures.

Frame and Fork

The Northrock XC27 has a lightweight aluminum alloy frame that’s durable and sturdy. The frame is designed with a sloping top tube, which makes it easy for riders to get on and off the bike. The bike features a Suntour XCT fork that provides 100mm of travel. The fork has a preload adjuster, which allows riders to adjust the suspension according to their weight and riding style.

Suspension

The Northrock-XC27 has a front suspension system that provides 100mm of travel. The Suntour XCT fork has a preload adjuster, which allows riders to fine-tune the suspension according to their weight and riding style. The front suspension system helps to absorb shocks and vibrations, providing a smoother ride on rough terrains.

Assembly and Maintenance

The Northrock XC27 comes partially assembled, and riders will need to complete the assembly process themselves. However, the assembly process is straightforward and can be completed in less than an hour. The bike requires minimal maintenance and is easy to clean.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Northrock-XC27:

Pros	Cons
Affordable price	Basic components
Lightweight aluminum frame	Knobby tires not suitable for smooth roads
Suntour XCT fork with 100mm of travel	Limited color options
Tektro mechanical disc brakes	Not suitable for advanced riders
Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain	No suspension lockout feature

Conclusion

Overall, the Northrock-XC27 is a solid mountain-bike that offers great value for its price. It’s a great option for entry-level riders who want to explore off-road trails and get some exercise. The bike has some impressive features, including a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, a Suntour XCT fork with 100mm of travel, Tektro mechanical disc brakes, and a Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain. While the bike is not suitable for advanced riders, it provides a comfortable and enjoyable ride for beginners. It’s also easy to assemble and maintain, making it a great choice for those who are new to cycling.

The Northrock XC27 is a great mountain-bike that offers excellent value for its price. It’s designed for entry-level riders who want to explore off-road trails and get some exercise. The bike has some impressive features, including a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, a Suntour XCT fork with 100mm of travel, Tektro mechanical disc brakes, and a Shimano Tourney 21-speed drivetrain. While it’s not suitable for advanced riders, it provides a comfortable and enjoyable ride for beginners. It’s also easy to assemble and maintain, making it a great choice for those who are new to cycling.

FAQs

Is the Northrock XC27 a good mountain bike for beginners?

Yes, the Northrock XC27 is a good mountain-bike for beginners. It’s budget-friendly and has some impressive features that make it suitable for entry-level riders.

Can the Northrock XC27 handle rough terrains?

Yes, the Northrock XC27 can handle moderate to rough terrains. It has a Suntour XCT fork that provides 100mm of travel and Kenda Small Block 8 tires that offer good traction and grip.

Is the Northrock XC27 easy to assemble?

Yes, the Northrock XC27 is easy to assemble. The bike comes partially assembled, and riders will need to complete the assembly process themselves. However, the assembly process is straightforward and can be completed in less than an hour.

Can the Northrock XC27 be used for commuting?

While the Northrock XC27 is primarily designed for off-road adventures, it can be used for commuting as well. However, the bike’s knobby tires may not be suitable for smooth roads.