Norco 2010 Products

We just spent the last couple of days up in Vancouver B.C. riding, photographing, and getting time on the 2010 Norco products.

On the whole it appears that over the past year Norco has sat down, put their heads together, pulled in new team mates, engineers, and has busted out with a very strong bike line up for 2010. Even the smallest details have been paid attention to, slight changes have been made to fit rider's needs, another new and 'real' bike for women has emerged, colors and art design have matured, frames have lost weight, price points have come down to match the economy, and technology has advanced with custom carbon bikes, belt drives and new frame engineering. And more than that, the bikes are great to ride. This coming from me, with a lukewarm opinion of four-bar designed bikes.

Use the report list below to quickly jump to a section. If you want specifics on a certain model along with price and photos, please just ask in the comments.

Bike Reports:
Team DH and Dh
Team Carbon XC
Judan 29er Belt Drive
Phena (woman's all mtn)
Shore One
Empire 5 SE and Empire 5
Random Bikes Photos

What caught our eye this year?

Team DH and DH

MSRP: $4,750 and $2,700
Size: S M L
Weight: ~ 40lbs



Whoa, a legit DH Team bike for sub $5000. That is great to hear, ride, and look at. This bike got some key changes to meet the needs of riders without destroying their pocket books. Good brakes, suspension, cranks, derailleurs,bars and stem (pretty much the key parts of a bike that are a pain to buy after market).

For 2010, the frame is a whole new design with a more angular, oversized down tube and straighter top tube. The rumor mill has it that Norco caught a bit of flack on some of the forums for having such a curvy top tube last year. So they changed it. Not only to meet riders needs, but a straighter top tube actually weights less anyways, so win/win all around. To shed a bit more weight, the shock mount for the frame no longer comes with a flip link. Last year there was a link to adjust BB height, this year the frame is set to the lower BB height, period. The new down tube has increased frame strength and torsional stiffness as well.

The Rockshox Boxxer Team fork and Rockshox Vivid Coil rear shock are both smooth and balanced. The spring rate for the rear shock will increase as the frame goes up the size scale. The Elixir CR brakes are very powerful and should make the majority of riders very happy. And actually, as a side note, the reach adjust on the Elixir is very well designed, easy to use, and totally works.

Norco is moving with the times and gives the Team DH Sunline V1 bars and stem. 711mm or 737mm wide bars depending on size of frame. Again, showing that in today's market frame size isn't the only thing that has to change between a L and S bike. I'm very glad that Norco has come to understand that a Large rider and Small rider should start out with different variations on equipment lengths, though the 737mm wide bars could add some issue in tight riding.

I got to spend a whole afternoon on a Team DH riding the shore. For some of the classic tight and skinny trails the bike was a bit big, but when sections opened up to steep and fast, the bike was incredibly smooth and a joy to ride. With the 64 degree head angle the bike loved to just point and shoot as fast as it could down the trail. Rock gardens be damned, the suspension would just soak it up.

Frame color this year got a great make over. The race inspired design and the anodized red highlights on the derailleur, brakes, hubs and more really make the bike visually awesome.

The Norco DH bike for $2,700, almost jaw dropping inexpensive, uses the same frame as the Team DH but with more affordable components. I didn't get any time on the less expensive DH, but talking to others it appears to be just fine.







Team DH specs:

color Black/Red
sizes available S//M//L
frame 2010 Team DH frame
fork Rockshox Boxxer Team
rearshock Rockshox Vivid Coil
headset FSA Orbit DL integrated 1.5" to 1-1/8"
grips Sunline "S" lock on grip
handlebar Sunline V1 19 mm bar grey 711 or 737 mm
stem Sunline Boxxer direct mount stem , grey
seat post Double bolt white Norco 2014 Alloy
saddle WTB Silverado with nicro tubular rail
front brake Elixir CR 8" rotor
rear brake Elixir CR 8" rotor ( with match maker lever)
brake levers Elixir CR (with match maker lever , rear only)
shifter Sram X-7 with match maker lever
guide E-13 LG | Guide
rear derailleur Sram X-0 Short cage
cassette Sram DH cassette 11-26 T
chain KMC EX 9 SL chrome super light chain
crank set Shimano Saint 170 mm
bottom bracket with crank
pedals DMR V-12 Mag pedal black
front hub Sun Jumping Flea 20 mm 32H disc
rear hub Sun Jumping Flea 150 x 12 32H disc
spokes DT Super comp triple butted spokes
rims Alex Supra D welded alloy double wall
tires Kenda Nevagal 26 x 2.35 Stick E , Cap Casing


DH specs:

color White/Red
sizes available S//M//L
frame Norco 2010 DH frame
fork Rockshox Boxxer Race
rear shock Marzocchi Roco Coil with piggy back
head set FSA Orbit E 1.5 R for fit with 1-1/8" steer tube
grips Norco design MTB grip
handlebar Funn Fat Boy 30 mm rise triple butted
stem Funn RSX direct mount
seat post White norco 2014 alloy
saddle WTB Silverado Comp
front brake Avid Elixir 5 8" rotor
rear brake Avid Elixir 5 8" rotor
brake levers Avid Elixir 5
shifter Sram X-7 9 sp trigger
front derailleur E-13 LG/Guide
rear derailleur Sram X-7 med cage
cassette Sram PG-950 11-28T 9 sp
chain KMC Z-9000
crankset FSA Gravity Moto X Mega Exo 36T
bottom bracket with crank
pedals Norco alloy with replaceable pins
front hub KT TW-1 F 32 x 20 mm alloy sealed bearing
rear hub KT Y-15R rear 150 x 12 mm alloy sealed 9 sp
spokes Black stainless spokes
rims Sun Equalizer 31 32 H
tires Maxxis Ardent 26 x 2.4 2 ply / 3C 885 G



Team Carbon XC

MSRP: $6,265
Size: 15.5 17 18.5 20
Weight: ~ 21lbs


Norco has put a lot of work into the new Team Carbon XC bike and it appears to be a contender in regards to weight, frame technology and components. I'm not an XC rider so I can't opine on the bike, but I can go over what was presented to me, and one sweet little trick piece I liked.

The Carbon frame, on both the road and XC bike, use a plethora of technologies that are aimed at making the carbon strong, light, long lasting and nice looking. The Team bikes use EPS (Ethyl Poly Styrene) molds to wrap the carbon around in key areas of the frame, BB, head tube, etc. The mold allows for custom design and complex designs with internal ribbing and eliminates internal carbon wrinkles. Also there is a ThermoPlastic Mesh used in conjunction with the EPS at key stress points (HT and BB). The mesh increases the strength of the carbon, and 'anti-fracture toughness' and will interrupt a crack progression. On top of the carbon fiber is a High Toughness Resin that acts as an extra thick protective coat that reduces the negative impact a scratch will have on the frame.

A key feature of the frame is the internal cable routing for the derailleur lines through the top tube. This helps to keep the derailleur lines as clean as possible over the season. Another nice feature is a stainless steel insert in the chain stay to protect the frame in case of chain gets off track.

The integrated seat post does allow for some micro adjustments but you'll have to cut the carbon to get the exact height for rider preference.

Another key feature of the Team Carbon bikes is the use of the BB30 standard which is lighter, stiffer, narrower and longer lasting than the normal BB system. The head tube has been over sized as well for better drive efficiency.



Team Carbon XC specs

color White/Red
sizes available 15.5//17.0//18.5//20.0
frame High Modulus Carbon w/integrated seatmast
fork RockShox SID XX WC 100mm w/Pushloc
rear shock N/A
headset FSA No.9 w/12mm conical spacer
grips Ultralight foam grip w/Norco logo
handlebar Ritchey WCS Carbon Flat Bar UD
stem Ritchey WCS 4-Axis wet white
seat post Ritchey WCS Stubby 1-Bolt
saddle WTB Silverado Team - custom white/red
front brake Avid XX w/160mmrotors
rear brake Avid XX w/160mmrotors
brake levers Avid XX
shifter Sram XX w/MatchMakers
front derailleur Sram XX
rear derailleur Sram XX
cassette Sram XX 11-39T 10speed
chain KMC X9SL red/black
crankset Sram XX BB30 2.2 28/42T
bottom backet Sram XX BB30
pedals N/A
front hub Easton F-XC1 24hole
rear hub Easton R-XC1 24hole
spokes Easton XC-1 straight pull double butted
rims Easton XC-1
tires Continental Speed King 2.1" Folding



Judan

MSRP: $1,775
Size: 17.5 | 19 | 20.5 | 22
Weight: ~ ?lbs


I've never ridden a 29er before. At least nothing more than a parking lot test. But this bike was calling my name the moment I saw it. Our final day of the press camp we were treated to a 'Canadian' style XC ride at Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. I didn't have my clipless shoes, or my XC helmet, but I had to get on this bike and see what the 29er was all about. More than that, it is a single speed, belt drive, chromoly frame, how awesome is that? I think I surprised everyone there with my decision to go with this bike. Heck, I only brought up one helmet for the trip so I got to rock out with my full face helmet on a SS 29er. There is some comical value in that, right? But it was the right choice and after getting about an hour of saddle time I was smiling ear to ear for the rest of our three hour ride.

As stated above, I've never ridden a 29er before, so keep that in mind. Also I'm 6'4", rode a size Large and it took me about an hour before I was really comfortable on the bike. Immediately I found this bike to accelerate very quickly. It reminded me of being on my fixie actually. Within a pedal stroke or two, I was already cruising. It was much better than the last time I rode a hardtail 26" XC bike. Body position was very neutral, and after a bit of saddle time I was able to quickly pop the front end up with a slight shift rear, or get comfortably over the front on turns and technical areas. The steering was very quick and precise. I rode a lot of ladders and 4-6" wide skinnies without much concern. If you've never ridden Burnaby, some of the trails are tight and woodwork pops up quickly around blind turns. Never once did I feel I couldn't get the bike on the path it needed to be on to ride the trail quickly and effectively.

The belt drive is very quiet and basically unnoticeable. Engagement was good, but the hub on the bike wasn't an I9 or anything super special, so it could still be better. The belt itself has to be installed to the correct tension. Putting down some power to get up a climb the belt popped off, twice, and I had some 'get to know you time' with the stem. Ryan Leech helped me retention the belt and the problem was solved. I'm sure there are + and - to having a belt drive, but this bike is what it is and I think it is awesome.

Some of the trick stuff on this bike are the new head badge design (the colors work perfectly), the stars at the water bottle cage mounts, and the rear disc brake adapter slides with the tensioner and dropouts, so it always lines up.

The only thing I would change about this bike would be the stock tires. The Continental Race King 2.1" just doesn't have the grip a tire should have if you are really riding anything more than a dirt road.





c o l o r Ninja Black
s i z e s a v a i l a b l e 17.5/19/20.5/22
f r a m e Reynolds 525 Chromoly frame
f o r k Manitou Minute 29er 100mm
r e a r s h o c k N/A
h e a d s e t VP sealed cartridge anodized w/Norco logo
g r i p s Black lock-on w/red ano rings
h a n d l e b a r Norco 29er Flat Bar 660mm w/8 deg sweep
s t e m Norco 3D forged stem black 7degree drop
s e a t p o s t Norco 3D forged Micro Adjust
s a d d l e WTB Silverado Comp w/custom graphics
f r o n t b r a k e Avid Elixir 5 Brakes w/ 160mm rotors
r e a r b r a k e Avid Elixir 5 Brakes w/ 160mm rotors
b r a k e l e v e r s Avid Elixir 5 hydraulic brake levers
s h i f t e r N/A
f r o n t
d e r a i l l e u r
N/A
r e a r
d e r a i l l e u r
N/A
c a s s e t t e Gates Carbon Drive Sprocket - 28T
c h a i n Gates Carbon Drive Betlt - 118T
c r a n k s e t FSA Comet MegaExo w/ 46T Belt Cog
b o t t o m b r a c k e t FSA MegaExo BB-7000
p e d a l s Shimano PD-M520 clipless pedals
f r o n t h u b Formula DC91 sealed bearing disc hub-red
r e a r h u b Formula DC32 Sealed bearing disc hub-red
s p o k e s Black Stainless w/red alloy nipples
r i m s WTB SpeedDisc AM 29er 32hole w/eyelets
t i r e s Continental Race King 29" x 2.1"

Phena

MSRP: $1,775
Size: XS S M L
Weight: ?lbs



One of the best things about spending time with Norco at a press camp, or at Sea Otter, Interbike, you name it, is that most likely Darcy will be around. And for Norco, one of their best assets, is having Darcy. Darcy is out going, friendly and pretty much all around amazing. Beyond Darcy's personality is her drive to bring biking to everyone, most importantly though, other woman. In that quest, last year she was able to present to the woman's riding community, the results of her efforts and team work with Norco's designers, a woman's specific freeride bike that kicked ass. The Vixa. Real frame, real parts, made to ride real hard. This year she was pleased to present a new bike to the woman's line up offered by Norco, the Phena. A genuine lady's All Mountain bike. A solid frame, good parts, at a competitive price point.

The bike comes with air front and air rear shocks, which is very smart. This allows for any lady to easily set up the suspension to her weight, and not get all frustrated that her stock spring rate that came with her bike is too stiff. Something I've heard complained about from several times.

The frame is adjustable to 112/131mm travel and has a shorter top tube than the average man's all mountain bike of similar sizes. The stock components have been chosen to be as light as possible while staying well under a 2k price point.

I didn't have a chance to ride one, I don't think they actually come in my size. I did get a chance to handle one and it felt like a good solid all mountain bike that could probably take some abuse. Heck, it is a Norco. I did make a comment to rider above in blue that it did feel kind of heavy, but she said it felt fair. After a day of riding around Burnaby park she had no negative comments about the bike. Nor did Darcy, seeing as the poor girl had to pedal for a couple hours.

Darcy's version of the bike, spec'd out with the high end parts, did feel very light and looked amazing. So I'm sure with a couple smart after market purchases this bike could drop some weight for the advanced or competitive rider.

One thing that stood out for me was the saddle. It did seem a bit wide, and might get in the way when trying to get the rear behind it for steep rollers.





c o l o r Dark Grey
s i z e s a v a i l a b l e XS//S//M//L
f r a m e Phena 2010 frame, 112/132mm travel
f o r k Rockshox Tora 302 Air 130 mm travel
r e a r s h o c k Rockshox Ario 2.1 Air
h e a d s e t FSA TH-855 1-1/8" thraedless
g r i p s Dual density MTB
h a n d l e b a r Norco MTB alloy rise bar
s t e m Norco MTB alloy threadless stem
s e a t p o s t Alloy 2 bolt MTB post
s a d d l e Norco MTB ladies design dual density foam
f r o n t b r a k e Shimano BRM-575 180 mm rotor
r e a r b r a k e Shimano BRM-575 180 mm rotor
b r a k e l e v e r s Shimano M-575 levers
s h i f t e r Shimano Deore rapid fire
f r o n t d e r a i l l e u r Shimano Deore
r e a r d e r a i l l e u r Shimano SLX Shadow RD
c a s s e t t e Shimano CS-HG-50 cassette
c h a i n KMC Z-9000 9 speed chain
c r a n k s e t Shimano Deore 442 9 speed crank
b o t t o m b r a c k e t Shimano Octalink
p e d a l s Wellgo LU-A4 MTB pedal
f r o n t h u b Shimano HB-M495 center lock disc
r e a r h u b Shimano HBM-495 center lock disc
s p o k e s CN stainless silver spokes
r i m s Alex Ace 24
t i r e s Schwalbe Knobby Nic 26 x 2.10 Evolution

Shore One


MSRP: $4,589 Frame kit for $2,035
Size: S M L
Weight: ~ 40lbs


I didn't get a chance to ride the Shore One, so I am only able to relay comments from other media members who did, as well as the provements for the 2010 Shore One.

The Shore One and Two have a new hydroformed down tube and lighter top tube designed to be stiffer, stronger and lighter. Norco has actually gone out of their way to try to lighten up the Shore One and Two frames by forging parts of the frame and removing none critical material in the chainstay and seat stays, as well straightening out the top tube. A straighter top tube is normally lighter. No worries though, there is still pleanty of stand over height to this frame.

That being said, from moving a Shore One around the show room for photos it is still on the heavy side for a freeride bike. This is probably due mostly to the added weight of the Hammerschmidt, found only on the Shore One bikes, and the telescopic seat post. Both very convenient technologies but added weight for sure. The Shore One without a doubt stays true to it's heritage and birth right, it is a freeride bike designed for the abuses and finesse of riding classic shore trails.

The shore frame this year incorporates a 1.5" headtube for strength and stiffness, a new frame yoke to increase frame stiffness, and ISCG 05 chainguide mounts. The Shore One and Two also has a 150x12 SRAM Maxle Axle.

On the afternoon we spent riding the shore, I was, unfortunately, not riding a Shore. But several others were, one who is currently reviewing an '09 Shore One. The general conciseness is that the bike is awesome, and the Hammerschmidt on the Shore One is amazing.

Speaking on drive train technology. Norco seems to be the leader in larger bike manufacturers in pushing that envelope. Norco has several models this year with Hammerschmidt drives and belt drives. Norco is quick to implement innovation when it works and is useful.

The Norco Shore Series continues to be one of the best working man's freeride bikes. It is getting better every year and most importantly, it is remaining a confidence inspiring and fun bike to ride.





c o l o r Anodized Black
s i z e s a v a i l a b l e S//M//L
f r a m e 2010 Shore 1 frame 175mm travel
f o r k Rockshox Totem IS Coil
r e a r s h o c k Fox DHX-4 coil
h e a d s e t FSA Orbit Extreme pro 1.5" headset
g r i p s Sunline "S" lock on grip
h a n d l e b a r Syncros FR 2014 rise bar
s t e m Sunline V1
s e a t p o s t Telescopic seatpost , double bolt top clamp
s a d d l e WTB Rocket V with chromoly rails
f r o n t b r a k e Elixer R 8" rotor (with match maker lever)
r e a r b r a k e Elixer R 8" rotor ( with match maker lever)
b r a k e l e v e r s Elixier R (with match maker levers)
s h i f t e r Sram X-9 for Hammerschmidt
f r o n t d e r a i l l e u r N/A
b a c k d e r a i l l e u r Sram X-9 medium cage
c a s s e t t e Sram X-9 cassette
c h a i n KMC EX 9 SL chrome super light chain
c r a n k s e t Truvativ Hammerschmidt 2 speed freeride
b o t t o m b r a c k e t with crank
p e d a l s DMR V 8 flat pedal
f r o n t h u b Sun Jumping Flea 20 mm 32H disc
r e a r h u b Sun Jumping Flea 150 x 12 32H disc
s p o k e s DT Comp black spokes
r i m s Sun Equilizer 31
t i r e s Kenda Nevagal 26 x 2.50 Stick E , Cap Casing

A quick note on the Shore Three. This year the frame has been kept simple with non hydroformed tubes to keep the price down and the affordability high. With an MSRP of $1,785 this bike is great for a beginner or infrequent freerider.



Empire 5 SE and Empire 5

MSRP: $3,399 and $2,295
Size: S M
Weight: ~ 40lbs





Norco continues to show dedication to the slopestyle community with an ungrade and expansion of the Empire 5 line. This bike made a bike splash last year. So big infact it out shined the XXXX in the same market and the XXXX hsa been dropped from the catelog this year. Too bad. That is a great frame.

Ben Boyko worked with Norco engineers to develop a a 5" travel bike that can take a hell of a beating but move like a BMX, and for '09 the Empire 5 SE has moved up the spec ladder to fill the needs of riders.

The Empire frame remains essentually the same from the '09 model but components on the SE are of higher grade. Avid Elixir 5 brakes and SRAM x9 rear deraileur, upgraded wheelset and crankset are on the SE version. Along with Marzocchi 55 TST 2 Coil fork and TST Air with piggyback rear shock.

The Empire 5 version has a few down grades from last year to meet a lower price point but is essentually the same as last years model.

I rode an Empire 5 for about 10 minutes last year before returning it to another reviewer. Sorry to say the bike seems awesome but just too small for a 6'4" guy. Ben says that at Whistler though he is surprised to hear about the verity of trails the Empire 5 gets used on, not just slope style and DJ style trails.





Random Photos



Norco Rampage

Upgrade for this year include
Hammerschidt
Marz 55RV
Elixir R7" brakes
$2,090.00




Norco 250
$1,325.00