While it would seem that Norco is exclusively focused on mountain biking for their marketing efforts, the company has quietly introduced some new gravel options as well. Specifically, they seem to be one of the first companies to offer a complete build with the new SR Suntour GVX gravel suspension forks.
When we first reported on the GVX, it was mentioned that it’s available in three different travel lengths, 40, 50, and 60mm. Norco has opted for the middle setting at 50mm of travel. The fork offers clearance for up to 700c x 45mm tires, but the Search frame lists rear tire clearance at 700c x 42mm, and the bike ships with 700c x 40mm tires.
It’s important to note that this is a completely different frame geometry than other aluminum Norco Search models. The shorter head tube is needed to accommodate the suspension fork, and it runs a different head tube angle of 69.5-70° as well.
The build kit includes a Shimano RX600 1×11 drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and wheels with Shimano hubs and WTB ST tubeless rims for $1,899.
Search XR Flat Bar
Also completely new for 2021 is the Norco XR Flat Bar. As the name would suggest, this one gets a flat bar set up with a Shimano Deore 1×11 drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and a rigid carbon fork.
Like the XR A, the Flat Bar bike also gets unique geometry with a much longer top tube and reach to make the bike fit properly with a flat handlebar. This bike has the same 700c x 42mm max tire size with 700c x 38mm tires stock. The XR Flat Bar is priced at $1,149.
