First Impression: Norco Aurum 2
Originally posted on July 26, 2012 at 15:08 pm
By Jon Pratt,
The Aurum 2 is Norco Bicycles’ entry level downhill bike offering. At a mere $1,000 more than an Aurum frame kit, this complete bike packs a lot of punch for the money. It’s also a significant upgrade from the Team DH model it replaced; with better square edge bump compliance, more efficient pedaling through increased chain growth, a reduction in brake jack, and a more easily tuned suspension.
One of the more interesting bits on the Aurum is what Norco is calling their Gravity Tune technology. Gravity Tune adjusts the bike’s geometry through the use of different bottom bracket assemblies in each of the frame’s three sizes. As the bike size increases the change in the assembly allows the rear end of the bike to lengthen and keep the rider’s center of gravity consistent.
I’m pretty impressed with what $3,550 can get you. Geometry is pretty much on par with today’s downhill bike offerings with a 14-inch bottom bracket height and 63.5-degree headtube angle, making it great at carving the turns and accelerating through the more technical steep sections. Component selection is decent with the RockShox Boxxer fork, X-Fusion Vector shock, SRAM X7 shifting, and Avid Elixr 5 brakes. I particularly dig the integrated fork bumpers and seat post clamp, both showing great attention to detail. Bikes that fit well and respond consistently instill confidence, and so far the Aurum has done just that.
I’m looking forward to many more runs on the Aurum this season; keep an eye out for the full review in Issue #167 of Dirt Rag.