![]() With the heavy damper tune on the DH-spec shock, servicing just 125mm of so-called well-managed rear wheel travel, generous reach and sector-leading geometry, the Norco Optic was immediately set to be one of the most interesting bikes of 2020. Norco’s marketing chat aside, it was hard to argue with the show put on by Bryn Atkinson in the slow-mo filled shreddit, “ Find Focus“. Schwalbe Racing Ralph EVO LiteSkin 29x2.Our interest was piqued with the launch of the Norco Optic 2020, with its geometry and suspension kinematic overhaul, said to distill into one of the most capable short travel trail bikes on the market. Schwalbe Nobby Nic EVO LiteSkin 29x2.35in Race Face Turbine, 36/26t (32t single ring included)įox 34 Float Performance Elite, 120mm (4.7in) travelĬarbon front triangle, aluminium rear triangle Fitting a small single ring would improve things a little. It’s most pronounced in the big ring, which makes the Norco feel a little lazy when sprinting and means you’ll be toggling the shock’s lockout pretty often if you want to go fast. This does mean that, with the shock left open, the Optic bobs more when pedalling out of the saddle than other similar bikes such as the Trek Fuel EX 9 29. Part of the reason for the Norco’s active suspension is a fairly low level of interference from the forces of the chain and brakes. Long stays make manuals harder and turning slower, but also mean it’s easier to weight the front wheel in turns and calm the handling in gnarly terrain. The Gravity Tune geometry meant my XL bike had 440mm chainstays. ![]() The bike has a 68-degree head angle and 1,210mm wheelbase, and it’s easy to ride at lower speeds without feeling twitchy when things get faster and rougher. It’s like there’s more than 110mm of travel Steve Behr / Immediate Media The Optic felt relatively smooth and surefooted over braking bumps. The Optic felt relatively smooth and surefooted over braking bumps and it seemed like the half-carbon frame was adding a little extra damping, and the compliant Race Face AR24 rims may contribute to this forgiving feel in the rough too. ![]() This results in a ‘stuck down’, calm and forgiving feel over rough ground. Together, they provide a sensitive start to the stroke for great traction over chatter, with plenty of support gradually building through the mid stroke onwards. Out back, Norco’s smoothly progressive ART layout builds on the suppleness provided by the EVOL-equipped Float DPS shock. It provides a good balance of sensitivity and support, and is noticeably more refined than the Performance fork. While the Fox 34 Performance Elite fork doesn’t have the slippery Kashima coating of the Factory version, it’s pretty similar in performance. The 760mm bar and 60mm stem inspire confidence to attack technical trails, and the suspension doesn’t let you down when you do just that. Norco Optic C9.2 ride impressionįor a bike with just 110mm of rear travel, the Norco’s fast, forgiving ride is seriously impressive. If you can live with the 11-40t range, fitting that would knock 450g off the Optic’s so-so 13.2kg mass and improve chain security. ![]() While the 2×11 gearing will suit some riders, it’s good to see a 30t single ring included. The solid spec includes mid-range Fox dampers, a 150mm Rockshox Reverb post (on the XL) and a relatively wide bar and short stem. ![]()
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