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First Look: Norco Launches New Fat Bikes, Kids Models, and Updates Mountain and Road Line

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Norco 2015 Vengeance Endurance Road Bike

For 2015, Norco has quietly launched several new bikes. While they’re most well known for their mountain bikes, they’re also well respected on the road front, and have been making inroads in the fat bike market. We stopped by their booth at Crankworx to get a closer look at the new product line.

Up first is their Endurance road bike, the Valance. Designed to be a comfortable for all day efforts and the occasional race, it has several neat features.

Norco 2015 Bikes_9

The cable routing is all internal, but different port covers provide compatability with a number of different technologies.

A small integrated chain catcher is useful for adventuring off the beaten path, yet you won’t find disc brakes on this model. Norco’s stance is that not every road bike needs discs, and they will only produce them for certain applications where it makes sense, until the UCI makes discs legal for racing.

Norco 2015 Bikes_7

Speaking of racing, the Tactic is Norco’s go fast model, and receives this fresh new paint scheme for 2015.

Norco 2015 Bikes_6

On the XC front, this top of the line Revolver now comes equipped with a Rockshox RS1 fork.

Norco 2015 Bikes_3

Norco releases the 140mm travel Sigh a few years ago, but the bike has received subtle updates for this year. The old frame utilized a super intensive process to produce the subtly swooping curves and high performance ride characteristics.

After revisiting the manufacturing design, Norco realized they could move away from hydra forming to mechanical forming to reduce cost and weight, without any difference in stiffness or performance.

These price savings has been transferred to the consumer in the form of better components. Complete models stay at roughly the same level as previous years, but they’ve moved from Revolution forks to the acclaimed Pike.

Norco 2015 Bikes_4

These frames have been been amongst my favorite 650B models since they were introduced, and the killer graphics don’t hurt.

Norco 2015 Bikes_5

Prices for the Sight begin at$2,140 for basic completes and go upto $6,600 for a top of the line build.

Norco 2015 Bikes_2

The Alloy version of the 160mm travel Range has also been updated. The frame is now half a degree slacker than the previous model, so now both the carbon and aluminum frames share the same geoemetry.

Norco 2015 Bikes_1

The Fluid line has always been Norco’s entry level full suspension bike, but the family has grown to include a children’s model.

Norco 2015 Bikes_0

The new 24″ bike utilizes quality parts and custom 152 mm crank arms. Retail for the little ripper is $1,720.

The company has also introduced an XS of their regular 120mm travel Fluid, which will come equipped with 26″ wheels, and is targeted towards smaller riders. 

Norco 2015 Bikes_13

Building on the success of the Big Foot, Norco will be selling these fat bikes at three different price points, from $945 to $1,785 – plus a Bionics electric version.

Norco 2015 Bikes_16

If you prefer your fatties with a little suspension, the new Sasquatch is designed around the new Rockshox Bluto Fat Bike Fork.

 

Norco 2015 Bikes_15

The bike comes equipped with 4.5″ tires front and rear, but was designed to fit 4.7″ tires comfortably. Retail is $2,475, with expected availability this September.

Learn more at Norco

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19 Comments
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ObligatedToSay
ObligatedToSay
9 years ago

This years colours are obnoxious 🙁

JBikes
JBikes
9 years ago

“Norco’s stance is that not every road bike needs discs, and they will only produce them for certain applications where it makes sense, until the UCI makes discs legal for racing.”

So do they make sense, and they are waiting for UCI approval (understandable)
or do they not make sense regardless of UCI approval?

I don’t know what the exact numbers are, and I realize that “racing sells”, but I wager the vast majority of bike buyers, even high end road bike buyers, will not be subject to any UCI rules on any of their bike uses for the entire bikes life. Nor will said majority of riders really need or realize a benefit to that small aero or 1/4 lb weight “disadvantage” on their bike. Given that, it seems Norco would fit all their bikes with discs and make racing models with rim brakes (I do realize this may not be financially feasible, but it does bring into the question of relative market sizes and whether OEM may be missing the mark – which wouldn’t be the first time)

Steve
Steve
9 years ago

Ok, I give up. What’s holding up the Valance and Revolver in those photos? I don’t see a prop, nor even the shadow of one. I don’t know why it matters to me, but I am perplexed. 😛

Luiggi
Luiggi
9 years ago

Just a small correction: The Sigh will replace the RS REVELATION for a Pike, not Revolution.

Other than that, I must say you guys at BR got really busy in the last month or so. Been posting news and upcoming products at a faster-than-ever rate! And even more, I really appreciate the amount of writing you take the time to include in each post. I usually find better information about any given product here than in every other major MTB news portal. They just rely on eye-catching photograps or flashy videos, but are too lazy to write decent amount of information.

Thanks, and please keep up the wonderful work you have been doing!

Bikerumor Staff
Bikerumor Staff
9 years ago

Kind words, Luiggi – Thank you!

ccr
ccr
9 years ago

“1/4 lb weight disadvantage”? (for disc on road)

At the bike shop I own I have made it a point to weigh EVERY disc brake road bike I have worked on. Not only are they ugly(subjective), but not a single one of them have been under 20 lbs!

I have weighed everything from a $1200 Cannondale (23.2lbs) to a $5500 DA equipped carbon Orbea.(20.1lbs)

This is NOT a 1/4 pound penalty. This is a 4-5 lb penalty!

I don’t doubt I can build a 17lb disc brake road bike, But I KNOW I can build a 13lb rim brake bike. I also know I can stop plenty fine on caliper road brakes.

JBikes
JBikes
9 years ago

@ ccr

Yes, 1/4 lb was an exaggeration. But instead of talking about bike weights, let’s talk what the real weight difference is.
Shimano groupset: Hyd disc brake results in a 300 gram penalty.
Frameset: 0-whatever. Giant already produced one that is 40 grams lighter than the same non-disc frame (see 2015 Defy).

So in essence we are looking at 300-500 gram penalty (groupset/wheels). Let’s say 1 lb average then. Then I am sure I can build a sub 15 lb road disc bike. And yes, I stop fine with all good brakes mtb or road. I stopped well on my old Campy Centaur brakes. Guess what, my Chorus are better. And my Shimano hydro discs on my mtb bike are even better.

Eaglehawk
Eaglehawk
9 years ago

So … the Sasquatch will fit Bud and Lou? Awesome if true.

Fantomphish
Fantomphish
9 years ago

I agree with what’s said above, you guys have to be the best info site at the moment in regards to content and thought put into articles…

On the norcos they look good frame was but the colours… Hmmmmmmmmm I know I shouldn’t care what a bike is over performance, but I think there graphic guys have been reading to many troy lee design catalogs

ccr
ccr
9 years ago

The complete Shimano R785 system (shifters, hoses, oil, brake caliper, rotor, hardware) comes in at about 1,065 grams, approximately 340 grams heavier than an equivalent Ultegra Di2 6870 system.
–340g–

light road hubs = 256g
light disc hubs =355g
–99g–
rim brake spoke count 20/24
disc spoke count 28/32
16 more spokes that are about 8mm longer each (front crosses for disc brakes)= 96g
–96g–
lightest road frame (about 700g, scott addict sl — cannondale evo hi mod)
lightest disc frame (about 900g giant defy sl)
–200g–

Total weight added for disc brakes 735g or 1.62lbs

This number represents disc brakes BEST CASE senario! Not to mention disc brakes are still “unsafe” for tandems…Why?

Oh, And disc brakes result in a up to 10 watt aero drag. The benefit you gain going to a deep section aero wheel set = 10 watts. People spend thousands on aero wheels because they can feel the benefit.

Discs have a LONG way to go before they belong on any road bike who’s purpose is to go fast IMHO

Now if the purpose is to tell your buddies you got the next cool thing….

Slammed
Slammed
9 years ago

Just ordered my 2015 tactic Le frame (the red and black one), Hopefully it builds up nice.

Fartknocker
Fartknocker
9 years ago

HECK YEA! Why would anybody who works in a bike shop want anyone in the shop who wants the “next cool thing?” I hear CCR can build up a road bike with NO brakes and a superdupper light rear fixed hub that, is like 10lbs ligter than ANY disc brake.

Creedance Clearwater Revival!

ROCK!!!

ObligatedToSay
ObligatedToSay
9 years ago

I find it hilarious to see bikes under the UCI weight limit get weights added just to make weight… but a disc brake is deplorable? It’d add almost the necessary weight, provide more challenge when considering the watt penalty, and be safer than the rim brake/carbon rim combination.

There’s been little to no innovation for the lightweight disc wheels since disc brakes became popular because there’s no demand. And there won’t be until discs are legal for UCI road. Cyclocross only legalized for 2010, and it took ~4 years before for most brands to offer discs up to and including the high end models.

@ccr: When you’re comparing bike weights, remember to look at what level of bike you’re dealing with. I wager that your anecdotal investigation is comparing models that are low to mid level, rather than the entire spectrum. Because I have a 17 1/4 lb disc brake cross bike, and it’s not carbon.

CCR
CCR
9 years ago

@obligatedtosay

The “bike” is inconsequential. The 1.62lb penalty is what discs cost you if you were building a “nice” road bike. Across the board.

@Fartnocker

I’m so sorry I don’t pinch my customers by making them buy unproven or unnecessary tech. I sell what works and what’s worth it. Where do you shop? Did you buy two Sram Red Hydro groups from them? Are you happy with your heavy cross bike? I can sell you one that’s 14.6lbs… oh wait… It’ll have canti’s on it. Not cool enough for you. Only works for the Belgians.

JBikes
JBikes
9 years ago

ccr: “I sell what works and what’s worth it….”

According to who exactly?

Honestly, i don’t care and I am about as likely to buy a new road bike purely for discs as I am to get a position on Sky’s team. But, you’re essentially stating that discs for all road bikes are pointless because they add, let’s say 2 lbs and have an aero penalty. Why is that bad on a road bike but something like endurance geometry (poor aero) and zertz/couplers (weight) are not? Not every road bike is a full on racing machine and not every road rider will benefit from said racing machine – which brings me back to my original comment.

Jon Palmer
Jon Palmer
9 years ago

All right all you roadies, if you are worried about weight so much then don’t use disc brakes. I don’t see any rim brakes in WC XCO races anymore. The reason to use hydraulic disc brakes is modulation and stopping power in adverse conditions. Sure your rim brake on carbon rim works great in nice dry conditions, what about when it’s raining? Is a little rain going to stop you from riding? Or will the rain stop you from stopping? It’s impossible for a mechanical setup to have as consistent modulation as a hydraulic setup do to cable drag. You could replace all cables and housing after every ride but even new cables and housing have more cable drag than a hydraulic setup. The biggest benefit I can see for road bikes is for tubular setups. Carbon or Aluminum those rim brakes heat up rims sometimes causing the glue to warm and BAM! Tire off rim, bronze hero legs sliding across the pavement, it’s a good thing you shaved because you’ve got some road rash to take care of.

Jon Palmer
Jon Palmer
9 years ago

@norco These new bikes look super good, I like your new color schemes and thank you for making a sweet 24″ wheeled kids full suspension. We’ve got tons of groms looking for good bikes in Tahoe and they are going to love that.

Henry R
Henry R
9 years ago

@Jon Palmer:
” Sure your rim brake on carbon rim works great in nice dry conditions, what about when it’s raining?”

Why do one have to use carbonrims when one can use aluminiumrims?
I use rim brakes with aluminim, often in heavy rain and it works fine, and the modulation is still fine with 622mm “disc”. I want hydralic rimbrakes who works with Campagnolo, it’ll give me less maintenancework, and still zero drag.

I think that people confuses modulation with “numbness”, so one don’t need to have good fingerspitzengefühl…

@CCR
I like your enthiuasm and idealism, but peoples are sheeps, and I have always been a black sheep who are too experienced. 🙂
Disc brakes seems to apply more to the newbies, they can feel more safe since they feel that the hand have a less impact on locking the wheel.
Maybe they think that the braking are more effective since it’s smaller?
(it’s wrong, the locking power has to be higher to compensate for the small diameter, which also are a advance in rainweather)

I think that I’d prefer to make people ride their bicycle more instead of seeing them use rimbrakes which can be unsafe in deep hills, very few know that’s safer to brake short and hard instead of dragging all the time.

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