It turns out that landing Greg Minnaar isn’t the only big news for Norco this year. A little more than a month after adding the World Champion to their roster, Norco is adding two new models to their lineup. The names Sight and Optic may be familiar, but the bikes look completely different and harness Norco’s new VPSHP suspension system bringing idler pulleys to shorter travel bikes.
Both the Sight and Optic have been given a ground-up redesign that includes what Norco is calling their Virtual Pivot Suspension | High Pivot (VPSHP) platform. Like many high pivot systems we’ve seen introduced lately, the VPSHP claims to increase the rearward axle path to improve suspension performance over technical terrain. Using what they call an i-track configured idler location, the idler pully helps to manage chain growth and pedal kickback. Combined with a revised anti-squat curve to improve pedaling efficiency, the Sight sees 150mm of rear travel while the Optic gets the same system with only 125mm of travel.
Notably, both models will be offered in both carbon and aluminum frames which have identical geometry, kinematics, and frame features. Add in the fact that all models can run a 27.5 or 29″ rear wheel with the Missing Link Kit, and you have two frame platforms that can be built to your budget and preference.
As proof of that, Norco is offering multiple frame kits in aluminum and carbon for both models. At a time when many brands are moving away from offering frame-only options, this is impressive – and pretty smart by Norco. With frame specs that make it easy to bolt on your existing parts, the availability of affordable frame kits may give more riders an excuse to try something new this season.
Wheel Sizes & Geometry
Depending on the model, some bikes will ship with a 27.5″ wheel while others will ship with a 29″ wheel. But all bikes can run either with the Missing Link Kit which consists of a linkarm and lower shock mount. Following Specialized and other brands who have moved to numbered sizing rather than the usual S, M, L…, both new bikes will come in five frame sizes labeled as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The thought is that riders can pick the size that best fits their needs and riding preferences rather than just going by the standard size name.
With a size 5 that supposedly fits riders up to 6’5″, the different sites have truly size-specific seat tube angles and rear center numbers with different figures for each size. While the aluminum and carbon models have the same geometry, the 27.5 or 29″ rear wheel makes for a slight difference, so there are two geometry charts for each model.
Frame Details
Additional details include threaded bottom brackets, internal cable routing with guided tubes, an accessory mount under the top tube, molded chainstay & seatstay protection, bottom bracket protection, and a shuttle guard, and Boost 148 spacing. You’ll also find shorter seat tubes to allow up to 240mm travel dropper posts. The Sight and Optic also both include a two-bolt lower bash guide which seems like something more bikes should include. Frame weights are claimed at 6.9lbs / 3.2kg for the carbon Sight, and 9.3lbs / 4.2kg for the aluminum Sight. The Optic is only slightly lighter at 6.7lbs / 3.1kg for the carbon, and the same 9.3lbs / 4.2kg for the aluminum Optic.
Ride Aligned
Like the bikes before them, the new Sight and Optic are included in Norco’s Ride Aligned setup app, so you can get your new bike completely dialed. Along with the launch of the bikes, there are some new features for the Ride Aligned app including simplified bike setup suggestions, a garage portal to save multiple setups for various trail types, and a setup assistant to make it easier than ever.
Norco Sight
After 12 years in the Norco lineup, the Sight is still the do-it-all-mountain beast with 150mm rear travel and 160mm front. Offered in C1, C2 MX, C3 MX, and a C SE carbon build at the high end, the Sight A1 MX and A2 MX are the more affordable aluminum options with hydroformed tubes and smooth welds. The lightest you’ll find the Sight is the C SE with RockShox Ultimate Flight Attendant and XO Eagle Transmission at 33.3 lbs / 15.1kg for an S3.
Norco Optic
A big departure from the previous Optic, the new may be short in travel at 125mm rear and 140mm front, but it clearly is designed to prove that suspension travel numbers are just that – numbers. The Optic will be offered in C1 and C2 carbon models both with 29″ wheels, or the C2 MX with 29 / 27.5″. There are complete aluminum A1 and A2 builds listed in the press kit, but not on the price sheet so it’s possible those won’t be offered in the U.S. However, you should be able to get your hands on the Optic A frame kit at $2,099. On the carbon side, the lighted model is the C1 at 32.4 lbs / 14.3kg for an S3.
Pricing
