built up an '03 NRS for the missus last week, but it got it's maiden ride over at Afan this weekend by my brother.
I haven't really ridden it yet, so can't comment too much, but have a couple of Q's.
Firstly, should there be any side to side play at the bushing points? This one has a little bit of side to side at the chainstay/seatstay pivot. I know they can wear here so am a little concerned. I'm consdering going with the BETD bearings kits to replace the bushes, thought about turning up my own adaptors, but for £30 it doesn't seem worth the bother!
Secondly, is it supposed to be so difficult to get full travel out of them? We rode the whites (black run included), and in fairness my brother hasn't ridden for ages so was lagging back fairly, but the rear shock had only used about 1/3 of it's travel. Also had a bit of oil seepage after the second day. Are these shocks (Giant NRS one) prone to losing a bit of oil from damper circuit? Hydualic lock?
I set it on the longer travel setting for him, with a couple of mm of sag, so I'd have expected it to use it's travel. Slowed the rebound right down as well.
Seems like a nice frame though, looking forward to sticking some wider bars on it and getting a new fork (the 120mm MX comp was OK on the downs, but a little lifty on the ups, but nowhere near as bad as I expected) for her - then I might get some use out of it as well!
I've got an '04? team model and have a small amount of play in the bushings which i ain't to worried about. Mine is now Singlespeed.
Move the upper part of the shock to the other bolt hole and you'll get more travel.
No you shouldn't have any play of any sort-very common for them to wear on the pivots close to the dropouts & back of the rocker links.
Almost impossible to get full travel out of them, but should be able to get most of it at least!