Building on the popularity of their current 27.5 offerings, Norco is practically doubling their mid sized wheel offerings with three new bikes. The three new models run the gamut with a carbon 140mm, and aluminum 120mm full suspension bike and a carbon hard tail.
Read on for the break down of the Carbon Sight, Alloy Fluid, and Revolver Carbon 27.5s.
While the bike at the show was still a prototype, this is what the finished product may look like. We want.
The carbon Sight 27.5 will be Norco’s flagship 650b offering, with a carbon frame that weighs 25% less than the alloy version. Carbon is found in the main frame and seat stays, with aluminum chain stays for improved durability. Rear axle sticks with the Syntace X-12 system, for a 142×12 rear spacing. While pricing and build options haven’t been finalized, there will be three builds that will range somewhere in the $4-7k with the highest end version weighing in around 25.5 lbs. Cable routing is mostly internal with Stealth dropper post compatible routing as well. Whether it says a lot about the bike or a little about the Sea Otter DH course, a prototype Carbon Sight will be the bike of choice for Jill Kintner for the Sea Otter DH race.
Notice anything missing? Norco mentioned there will be an XX1 (or single ring) specific frame available which means no bulky direct mount going unused on the frame. Just don’t decide you want a front derailleur later down the line…
While the Sight is probably the most exciting, the full suspension bread and butter for most shops falls around the $1700-2400 price range which is exactly where the new Fluid 27.5 fits in. Featuring an aluminum frame with 120mm of travel and 650b wheels of course, the Fluid looks like it will be a sweet bike for the price.
Rear axle on the Fluid is a standard QR, likely to keep the costs down. The version pictured will retail at $1900.
Up front there is a tapered head tube, with an X-Fusion Velvet with a remote lock out.
Finally, Norco had a new 27.5 carbon race hard tail on display, called the revolver. As their first 650b hard tail, the Revolver’s sub 1000g frame is the lightest mountain bike frame they’ve ever made. Norco mentioned the production version should tip the scales right at 18 pounds for the high end build.
One interesting bit on the revolver is the hybrid rear axle. A non-quick release rear wheel is no good while racing, so Norco replaced the axle portion of the X-12 with a Maxxle, but kept the Syntace derailleur hanger and break off bolt. Other bits include internal cable routing, post mount disc brakes, and like the Sight – a threaded bottom bracket.
