First look: 2014 Norco mountain bikes
Originally posted on August 14, 2013 at 23:07 pmBy Adam Newman
Norco went big last fall with its 2013 line and the introduction of bigger, 27.5 wheels. Now for 2014, it’s expanding the new wheels to more models and refining the popular Range and Sight models.
The highlight is the carbon fiber version of the Sight, with its 140mm of travel and FSR-derived suspension. The frame retains the geometry of the alloy version, but beefs up the bottom bracket to the BB92 standard. In fact, there are actually two versions of the carbon frame—one with a front derailleur direct mount and one without.
The Sight LE model (pictured here) and the Sight 7.1 will come with SRAM XX1 and XO1, respectively, while the Sight 7 1.5 has a Shimano SLX build and the 7.2 uses an X7 2×10 setup. Both versions will be available as a frame-only. There are also two aluminum versions as well as an aluminum frame-only.
The Fluid and Faze models slot in under the Sight, both in terms of travel and price.
The Fluid is an aluminum, 120mm frame in both 29er and 27.5 options with two build kit in each wheel size and prices ranging from $1,675 to $2,245.
The Faze is a 100mm 29er with three spec levels and prices from $1,315 to $2,330. Worth noting is the 140mm Shinobi 29er goes away for 2014, as most trail and all mountain riders were opting for the Sight and Range instead.
Then there’s the Bigfoot, Norco’s Canadian-bred fat bike. Acknowledging that it is likely a second or third (or eighth) bike for many riders, it’s built to hit a price point that won’t make you feel guilty about hanging it up all summer: $1,415. Its aluminum frame actually shares some tubing with the hardtail mountain bikes and fits a 170mm rear hub. The aluminum fork is 135mm. The tires spec’d are Vee Rubber’s 26×4.0 Mission tread and the 9-speed Shimano drivetrain is built with durability in mind.