2024 Norco Sight Mountain Bike Review

It is only necessary to look to see that the new generation of Sight makes a completely different image from its predecessor, which was launched in mid-2019. The previous generation Vision was loved by our staff and students alike for its practical design, capable chassis and thoughtful design. clarification. At the time of its release, it was at the forefront of the geometric design that has since become the norm in the trail bike scene – high seat tubes, long front ends and relaxed head angles. That geometry remains in the new iteration, with only minor differences in the dimensions and angles that make up this Canadian all-mountain machine. While the move to a 5-size system increases the choice and overlap for riders to choose the bike that best fits them, the numbers within those sizes work well on the treadmill.

The difference is the suspension and the size of the wheels. While this bike still uses the Horst-link Norco is known for, it now has an ace up its sleeve. Like the new Optic the 2024 Sight has a raised main pivot and a concentric idler pulley attached to the chainstay – what Norco calls the VHS HP. The specific idle area was fine-tuned with the use of aluminum test mules during development to give this bike what Norco considers the perfect riding character for a bike in this class. The axle path goes back to the first 30% of the stroke, and the tail goes from there very straight to the bottom and out. This is done to give the bike the brassy character of a pivot bike, without the hindrances of reduced maneuverability and smoothness that can be seen with aggressive rear axle routes in deep travel.

Attached to this cell is a 27.5” rear wheel, with all Sight models in Australia fitted with alloy wheels from the factory. A bold move from Norco and advanced traders? Yes. However our experience with mixed bikes (MX) has been nothing but positive. Those who would like to use a full cart wheel setup need to simply swap out the upper and lower mounts for the 29” version, which will be available as a kit through your local Norco dealer. This link swap doesn't do anything to the bike's geometry or kinematics, as Norco feels that the bike rides best with the factory setup regardless of tire size.

The final change in the layout and kinematics of this bike is the movement of the suspension curve. In Norco's own words, the vision of the previous generation was very linear. Riders who choose a coil shock can easily reach the bottom. Therefore, they have increased to 28% the rate of continuation of the journey, from 18% in the previous model. This will increase support at the end of the shock stroke, reduce the chance of bottoming out and increase the acceptable landing window for each rider. Accompanying this change is a move from a 185 × 52.5mm shock to a regular 205×60.

Fit and finish on the new Sight is a major change rather than an evolution over the previous model. Fully enclosed cable routing, capped bearings, extensive frame protection and quality hardware adorn this new frame that offers a look very similar to a Yeti or Santa Cruz. While we feel that Norco has a tough road ahead if they want to compete with those top manufacturers on the show floor, all of their recent moves tell us that they are ready for battle. The increase in frame quality, product support, sales revenue and ride quality are all steps towards riders choosing the Sight as their next bike over the SB-150 or Hightower.

On the road

I've had the Sight C1 parked in my garage for about a month now, and I've been able to get a few rides out of it. The full carbon frame (minus the links and hardware) certainly had an attractive look to it, with bold but simple graphics to my taste. In typical fashion, I didn't look at geometry charts or compression packs before the first ride in an effort to come in as open-minded as possible, but because I'm very familiar with pivot bikes, my mind was well made up. how this bike will handle off the trail before I put my leg on it. I was very wrong.

The unique combination of a very short rear center and rear axle path has resulted in a truly unique trail experience. I was able to do all my favorite parking jibs, which surprised me a lot. Long forgotten due to my inability to manual the Forbidden Dreadnought I used to call home, the Sight was happy to lift the front wheel and melt around gutters and kerbs. Likewise, the simple methods that start my regular testing loop were more fun than I expected. Usually used to check that body and mind are in gear before I go somewhere, I found myself going out and shooting every little feature – another surprise! This doesn't mean the back end couldn't handle square edge hits. As I expected, the Sight C1 behaved very well in the rock garden, with the rear wheel getting out of the way of bumps and chatter as expected. Similarly, I was pleased to feel the length of the rear center increasing with the long bend. Although it takes some getting used to, having a bike that climbs in stability as you push through compression is not a good thing in my mind. While not as stable or forgiving as the Dreadnought in extreme conditions, the Sight was a much gentler beast on all other trail styles. Another important point that was interesting is how quiet this bike is. A new drivetrain aside, wider chainstay protection and fully enclosed cables made for a killer quiet ride. And what about that lazy person I hear you say? I honestly didn't notice it.

Who should consider the 2024 Norco Sight?

Riders looking to invest in a mountain bike that can handle all day epics and enduro racing can be happy with one of these new Looks. While the idle pulley may scare some, the proof is really in the pudding when it comes to the riding character of these new bikes. Using the unique suspension curve that Norco has spent years working on, they have delivered a bike that is stable, yet playful. Using a 5 size system and hybrid wheel configurations, most if not all riders from short to tall should be able to find a Sight to fit their needs.

What models are there?

Advanced Traders presents 3 Sight models, all with mullet wheel suspension. At the top of the spear is the $10,499 C1 Carbon, which comes with Fox Factory suspension, GX AXS drivetrain, Code brake set and Race Face Vault Hub set on Stans Flow S2 rims. Next is the $8,999 C2 Carbon, with SRAM Ultimate level suspension, Code stealth brake set and base level Eagle mechanical drivetrain. The wheels are once again Stans Flow S2 rims, however this time Race Face Trace hubs are used. Those who prefer aluminum bikes can opt for the A2, which for $6,999 offers Fox Performance suspension and a full SLX groupset, minus Deore 4 pot brakes. Stans Flow D rims with Shimano SLX hubs round out this value-marked spec .