Who kicks the most ass, a Pirate or a Samurai? This question has been tormenting me for a while now, and I have discovered the clear winner. A 17th century rouge Samurai, sporting an eye patch, kicks the most ass. His name is Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi. Most legends are known by a single name and this fella is no different; he is known only as Jubei. Norco honors Jubei by naming a bike after his rogue, ass-kicking nature.  The Norco Jubei 1 is my new test bike; I will give you a little insight into its mysteries, but all will be revealed in the full test, coming soon to Dirt Rag Mag.

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The Jubei 1 rolls on blinged out 29” wheels that look like they were stolen off a hipster’s fixie.  The wide WTB rims and burly 2.35” tire thrash the roughest terrain, leaving it whimpering in defeat.  The husky aluminum frame features a Hydroformed downtube and is held up by a Reba SL fork. The 20mm Maxlelite on the 100mm / 3.9″ travel RockShox increases steering stiffness for a crisp feel.  For stopping power, Avid Juicy 5 hydraulics are used with 160mm rotors front and back. For forward motion, the Jubei uses a Sram 27 speed drivetrain with X9 rear derailleur and Shimano PD-M520 clipless pedals.  According to Norco’s scales, a medium bike is 29 lbs., not bad too for strong and reliable 29er.

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That’s all I am allowed to reveal right now. If I told you anymore, you might feel a light breeze on the back of your neck. And when you turn around, you will be chopped in half by a 400 year-old Katana.

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The Jubei 1 will set you back $1950.00, and the Jubei 2 is $1275.00.

For more Information on the Jubei  click here.