My Review of Northrock SC7 Men’s Comfort Bike
Specifications of the Northrock SC7
- Lightweight Aluminum Frame
- RST Sofi T Fork – High Impact Absorption
- Shimano M191 Crank & Altus Drivetrain (21-speed)
- TEKTRO Linear Brakes
- SRAM MRX 3.0 Twist Shifters with PROMAX Levers
- VELO Plush Comfort Saddle & Ergonomic Grips
- Kenda 700C Tires
- Alloy Rims with 14G Stainless Steel Spokes
- Quick Release Wheels & Adjustable Seat Post
Pros
Lightweight, solid bike with a comfortable, smooth ride. I am 6’3″ 200lbs and the Northrock SC7 fits me nicely.
Seat height adjusts with ease using quick-release lever on seat post. The brakes work like a dream. Shimano Crank, Drivetrain and Tektro Brakes are some of the best components around. I wasn’t familiar with the Northrock brand, but the frame has a lifetime warranty. The Northrock SC7 was $259.99 at our local Costco, so the price is definitely a pro. A hybrid bike with similar components is several hundred more at local shops. Costco’s generous return policy is also a pro.
Cons
The pedals
The seat moves slightly from side to side when biking. The SRAM MRX twist shifters are listed as a feature, but I worry they won’t last as long as a convention shifting mechanism. Many experts say any bike purchased from a retail outlet should have a tune-up from a bike shop right away. This could could easily add $50-$75 to the cost of the bike. I’m no expert, but the Northrock SC7 rides and shifts smoothly, so I think I’ll skip the tune-up. Be sure to physically inspect the bike for damage from customer mishandling prior to purchase.
Must have accessories for your new bike
- A durable lock. The Abus U-Lock is my favorite.
- Choose from a large assortment of helmets.
- Rear and front lights.
- My favorite bike headlight is the Cygolite Metro 600 lumens. It’s very bright and good for seeing and being seen.
- My favorite tail light is the Cygolite Hotshot.
I also have the Northrock SC7, the bike is great. I go on long rides maybe about 20 – 25 miles a piece. I just have one downfall about the bike. It shifts gears by it self without me adjusting them while riding. Does that mean I need to go for the tune up?
My Northrock SC7 bike doesn’t shift randomly. Though, the shifting mechanism rubs against the chain slightly when in second gear. I usually keep the gear selection on the right handle in the middle, though changing it doesn’t have an affect on this. I’d guess a tune-up might help with the random shifting. It sounds like the chain isn’t quite in the right place. I haven’t done a tune-up yet either.
I just bought an Northrock SC7 at COSTCO for $259.00. I wasnt sure if that was a good deal. But the research and reviews are minimal. Its a very comfortable ride! The seat and front fork are very cushioned. It shifts & brakes great. I do notice that the 2nd gear does jump to 1st every now & then. It does need a tune-up to make it crisp. I’m still undecided if I’m going to keep it. I’ve been looking on Craigslist and there are lots of deals there too…
Great bike! Look at the parts, all aluminum frame and compare in the maket – a bike with this set-up retails for around $450.00. I was so impressed I bought the ladies model as well (CL5). Currently have over 300 miles, rides very smooth and shifting is easy. Can’t go wrong with this bike.
you liked it so much you bought the ladies model? is that to satisfy your feminine side? Jk…. I bought it for me and my gf as well… it is a really good bike
Great bike. I bought mine at Costco almost a year ago and ride it daily and with no problems. If you buy it at Costco check the assembly very carefully. I rode every bike they had and cycles thru all the gears until I found one that functioned flawlessly. Costco does their own assembly and some are assembled sloppily enough to be dangerous.
Northrock is junk!! Christmas 2010 – a then 14 / now 15 year old boy got one as a present. This is not a kid who is out jumping stumps. Computer gaming, texting and Xbox – thats what he wants 24/7. Seeing a girl is the only reason for riding a bicycle. No bike, no Melissa. So I know he didn’t trash the bike on purpose. Heck, the bike is clean except for all the grease and metal shavings coming out of, I think it is called the crankset. (The pedals hook to the crank arms (?) that go through the frame and hang out with bearings – that spot). By the time school starts again, it will be at the dump.
Panda, just return the bike. I don’t know many people who have had problems with these bikes aside from initial adjustments. They are something that REI would charge $500 for easily and the same goes for the MTB since they fixed the backwards fork that costco was selling on them. The other people who hate them are the LBS snobs who talk about buying at a LBS but turn around and go to REI anyway.
You got a bike that was assembled improperly or something got into the bearings.
Panda, I’m surprised to hear that. I ride my Northrock SC7 regularly in group rides and have just over 1,000 miles on it. I’ve had one tune-up on the bike, but no other problems. Costco has pretty good return policy, if you’re really having that much trouble with your Northrock, take it back and get a replacement or a refund.
I have at least two thousand miles on my Northrock SC7, no problems, an excellent buy! I bought my wife the female version a few years back called the CL5, she loves her bike, so much she rides a few days a week. We are retired in Florida, I ride everyday and feel more fit than ever. Northrock bikes support is equally impressive, I had a few questions about general maintenance, they were very knowledgeable and courtesy, they certainly believe and back their bikes. In my view we had nothing to lose; we are faithful Costco Members and now followers of Northrock. If you join their website they send out periodic bike tips and general maintenance information, all very helpful.
I bought a Northrock SC7 from Costco well over a year ago and ride it 5 to 6 miles almost daily as weather permits. It has performed flawlessly — never any shifting problems at all. I couldn’t ask for a better deal.
Has anyone put a front rack on the SC7? Any adive on what would work well?
I just bought the womens ct3 model of northrock bike. I’m wondering if anyone has tried attaching a rear rack/basket? What brand/size works best? Thanks!
go onto northrock’s website, http://www.northrockbikes.com they have a video on there all about attaching a rear basket, it should be helpful
Purchased the Northrock SC7 at our locate Costco for $299 and I couldn’t be more pleased. Pros are: light, sturdy, comfortable smooth ride, nice seat, nice shifting.
Cons are: you most likely will need to get the bike tuned up by a pro or do it yourself. I believe the bike was assembled by Costco employees. They put the front tire on backwards (tread facing wrong way) and the brakes and shifters were not adjusted (I expected the brake and shifter problem). Northrock has an excellent web site with easy to follow instructional videos. I did the adjustments myself in about an hour. I give the Bike a 10!
I’ve been waiting on this bike for months and it just arrived. I’m 6’2″ tall and have been comparing local cycle shops they’re telling me a 19″ bike is too small and I need a 21″ but I don see a Northrock in that size. The SC7 is ideal for my use, is there anyway to get one in a 20-22″???
If you raise the handlebars,move the seat back and move the goose neck forward it fits a big man pretty well. Mine does shift randomly at times .
How do I retrieve my registration info. My SC7 was stolen within a week of purchase. Hacksawed the cable from a locked bike room. I cant find my record, but I know I registered it. How do I get it?????
next time you get a bike, use the quick release to remove the tire and seat…without those 2 components, i bet it would be very hard to steal a bike….
I have a Northrock SC7 bicycle from Costco, think that is a great hybrid bike; road it 10 days as the seat with post was stolen. I have a hard time to get a replacement.
Does anyone know the seat post diameter? It must be about 30mm, cannot find a fitting seatpost in bicycle stores. Is there a way to connect with Northrock?
Thanks for any help in advance.
Hart,
Call Northrock, 1 866 967 2766 M-F 9-5, ET
Gene
Costco has a return policy that is unbeatable. That alone makes the bike a no-brainer as far as trying it out.
I can’t find or determine if Northrock makes a 21 or 22 inch frame on the SC-7 or the SCR-1. No info. on the Northrock site. Calling the Northrock number is only to leave a message….so far no call back. Anyone know if this size is available and where?
Thank you.
My biggest recommendation… get it tuned up as soon as you buy it… I took it to many bike shops near my house, because the bike was brand new the tune up was around 30$, which is a lot cheaper then paying 65$, right?
I almost bought one today. Wasn’t sure about which size to get though. They had 17″ and 19″. I assume that there is some way to calculate based on height or inseam or something? I’m 5’10” but have short legs for my height.
Here’s information on bike fit and sizing from the Northrock website.
Model
Frame Size Fits Most Riders
XC6
18″ 5’7″ – 5’11”
19.5″ 5’11” – 6’2″
SC7
17″ 5’5″ – 5’9″
19″ 5’9″ – 6’1″
CL5
14.9″ 5’1″ – 5’4″
16″ 5’4″ – 5’8″
URB
17″ 5’5″ – 5’9″
19″ 5’9″ – 6’1″
I have had my SC7 for about three years now. I ride it about four times a week for 40 minutes per ride on hard surfaced streets only. I just had a metal fatigue/structural failure of the rear tire quick release/shaft that has put me out of commision. Where can I find a replacement part?
Is it normal for this shaft to fail?
Thanks!
Sorry to hear that. You might try Northrock Bikes or 866-967-2766. If they can’t help, you could also talk to someone at Costco or your local bike shop.
Hey you seem to know a lot about bikes, and I got the sc7 from Costco, I guess I like it, but I don’t think it could handle anything more then riding on the roads. Should I get the xc6 instead? It has bigger tires and looks like it could handle more? .. also add I’ve been riding the sc7, the chain repeatedly skips and or gets caught/comes off when I switch to first? It’s quite annoying, and I don’t know if it’s me or the bike?
Any input would be helpful! Thanks!
-Elonna
the sc6 is more heavy duty better for riding trails.
the sc7 is set up for the street
Sorry to hear about Panda’ s child did get a lemon bike. We have had many bikes from Costco over the past 20 years and they have all been working great. If ther are any issues
Take it back for replacement or money back! I love buying what I can at Costco because their quality check and real money back guaranties.
really nice fast bike I like it.good seat road tires breaks and gears
im happy
I’ve had my Northrop SC7 for at least 5- years. I love it. And it still looks showroom. I did have it professional tuned, and changed the seat. We do mostly rail trails and 20+ miles per ride. Everything works smooth and quiet. Very comfortable. Several friend have nice Treks…and I’ve ridden them, but like getting my bike back.
The so-call suspension on the Northrock (Infinity) SC7 men’s models (with std and 19″ frame)–cause of the sideways wobble in the review–is neither a Northrock nor a recent (gimmick) innovation. The poor design idea first appeared, and first failed, some 50 or more years ago; and had a very short life on the market. The riding platform instability (wobble without commensurate addition of comfort) was the problem then as it is now with the SC7. Evidently the old failed patent was found and picked up by Northrock–without knowing its adverse history–in hopes it would prove a successful sales gimmick (so much like so many things that get introduced at Costco with its Kirkwood, WA area absence of general design expertise. When the springy SC7 seat post spring is dropped, a truly noteworthy bike will result–with (unlikely) or without Costco.