Start with the HT-13 hardtail reference when your range needs a simpler service plan and a clearly defined 29-inch alloy platform. Start with the FS-02 full-suspension reference when rear suspension is central to the intended rider offer and your channel can support shock and pivot service. Neither photograph proves fit, terrain rating, test results or final component compatibility. Ask for a build-specific sample record before choosing a production specification.
This comparison is for importers, distributors and private-label product teams choosing which of these two actual NARVEK references to sample first. It is a range and support decision, not a claim that one bicycle is universally better. The two approved configuration sheets list different starting builds; the exact ordered parts and commercial terms belong in the written quotation.
Decide which question your first sample must answer
| Buyer decision | HT-13: 29-inch hardtail | FS-02: 27.5-inch full suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Range role | Use as a candidate when a hardtail is the intended range entry or core offer. | Use as a candidate when rear suspension is a meaningful part of the intended offer. |
| Sheet-listed starting point | Aluminium frame, air fork with lockout, Shimano 12-speed reference and MT200 brake reference. | Aluminium frame with bearing pivots, air fork, rear shock and Shimano 12-speed reference. |
| Service questions | Confirm fork service route, derailleur hanger, brake wear parts and wheel standards. | Add shock mounting hardware, pivot bearings and replacement instructions to those checks. |
| Sample evidence to request | Geometry by frame size, fork travel and axle dimensions, final brake/rotor and tyre clearance. | Geometry and frame size, front/rear travel, shock dimensions, pivot service details and clearance through suspension movement. |
| Still unknown from sheets | Full geometry, assembled weight and packed carton dimensions. | Travel, shock mounting dimensions, full geometry, assembled weight and packed carton dimensions. |
The wheel labels are not a controlled ride test. Frame geometry, rider size, tyres, suspension settings and complete build affect the result. Do not infer that FS-02 is approved for a named riding discipline or that HT-13 fits a particular rider from photographs.
Make service capacity part of the selection
A distributor with limited rear-shock and pivot support may find a hardtail easier to launch and maintain. A channel already equipped to inspect and service suspension may have a reason to sample FS-02 first. These are buyer planning conditions, not verified service outcomes for either model. Ask your dealers which wear parts they can identify, stock and replace, then compare the proposed build's parts list with that capability.
Request the same basic approval pack for either bike
- A versioned build sheet showing the exact frame, fork, brakes, drivetrain, wheels and tyres proposed.
- A geometry chart covering each requested frame size, plus intended rider and use boundaries.
- Photographs of the assembled sample, component labels, finish and pack contents.
- Measured bike and sealed-carton dimensions and weights, with the measurement state recorded.
- Market-specific test, label, manual and document scope agreed for the final configuration; do not treat this page or a reference photo as proof of compliance.
For FS-02, add a shock and pivot hardware record, service instructions and sample movement/clearance inspection. For HT-13, pin down the fork travel and axle standard. Apply the broader pre-production approval checklist after the first-sample choice. The English MTB buyer pack carries the source-based reference configurations.
A focused first-sample request
We are choosing the first mountain-bike sample for [selling country] and [rider/use]. Please compare HT-13 and FS-02 against our dealer service capacity [description]. We want to sample [preferred model, or ask for your recommendation]. Please identify the proposed build revision, available frame-size geometry, suspension and brake details, replacement-part references, sample measurements and packing record. Please mark each item still to be confirmed before quotation or production approval.
Send one model preference, the destination country and the dealer support condition with the request. That gives the project team a decision to answer and prevents a generic bicycle quotation from hiding the missing sample evidence.
Read the HT-13 configuration and FS-02 configuration before sending the brief. For a different decision about wheel size within hardtails, use the 27.5 vs 29-inch hardtail guide.
