NORCO BICYCLES

2024 SIGHT VLT & RANGE VLT GET THE BOSCH TREATMENT

When it looked like the roster was complete, Norco announced two more models to round out the stable in a powerful way. Design and technology come together for a cohesive full-power lineup consisting of three Range VLTs and one Sight VLT, catering to the rider’s preference in frame material, spec, or travel.

Both the Range VLT and Sight VLT are powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System and a Bosch 750wh battery. The Bosch ebike Flow App, custom for Norco, connects to the drive unit, battery, display, and control unit to help you determine the rider’s optimum level of assist and range. Customize each ride mode to the desired preference, torque, speed, dynamic output and assist level.

These 2024 models, designed around Norco’s VPSHP (Virtual Pivot Suspension | High Pivot) suspension layout, increase rearward axle path to improve suspension performance in technical terrain while retaining the dynamic and responsive feel that rider’s expect. Through extensive testing using an i-track configured idler location, anti-squat has been tuned for efficiency and responsive feel under power. The idler mounted to the chainstay manages chain growth and pedal kickback.

RANGE VLT | CHARGE ALL DAY

Meet the Range VLT, with 180/170 mm of travel, made for rider’s who are into tackling rowdy terrain and then taking it up another notch into absolute beast mode. Whether riding up or down, the all-day battery means you don’t need to pick one trail; you can take them all.

The Range VLT shatters the standard e-MTB mold and is set to get you anywhere and everywhere. The fully integrated Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System is compact in size but high in power. With 85Nm of torque and a 750Wh long-distance battery, the Range VLT is the next level in capability to go the distance and descend with confidence.

“Love this bike. The Range VLT is the ultimate tool for exploration and fun. When I ride it, I look for an entire trail network or zone and often have to tap out before the bike does.”

Norco Team rider, Matt MacDuff absolutely commanded this bike through the wide-open spaces of Virgin, UT – where everything is Rampage.

SIGHT VLT | FURTHER FASTER HIGHER

With 160mm/150mm of travel, this bike is for those who seek diverse technical trails, up and down, with a need for unwavering confidence and an unmatched e-MTB performance. A full-power, all-mountain machine that allows you to dig deeper, commit harder and climb higher than ever.

Dialled kinematics with VPSHP suspension design and dependable Ride Aligned™ setup guide, offer an unbeatable ride feel that keeps you going through even the toughest terrain. Reactive pedal-efficiency, and stability make your ride feel good wherever you venture.

Norco Team rider and Product Engineer, Kirk McDowall has spent some serious hours with the new Sight VLT – through testing, development and as a training tool for the World Cup season ahead.

“The Sight VLT is fast, fun and maneuverable on the descents, and the Bosch CX system is sick – it keeps me smiling the whole way back up the hill for another lap!”

As a part of the Rider First mentality, Norco has introduced a serious upgrade to the updated Ride Aligned™ Setup Guide. This update not only covers data for the newest MY24 models, but it will include the entire range of Norco bikes to ensure every rider has the best on-bike experience possible.

To learn more about both these new bikes, visit Norco’s website here. 

THE WOLF’S FIRST IMPRESSIONS | 2024 RANGE VLT

Words by Sourpatch

There wasn’t much time to rack up pre-launch miles from the time we received the Range VLT to the launch date. Because of this, I was only able to take the bike out for a single ride a few days prior. That ride was on very familiar test tracks and tallied up to 15 miles with about 3,000 feet of vert over one and a half hours of moving time, and included three very different – and very fun – descents.

Opting to outfit the new Range VLT with the Bosch Performance CX drive system is one of the best upgrades Norco has made over its predecessor. The upgrade allowed the Range VLT to carry my 165lbs self in addition to the 57-pound rig up the climbs with ease – we’re a big fan of the CX Gen 4 drive unit. I ended the day with 2.5 bars left of the 750Wh battery, and could have easily gone up for another two to three laps. The bike did fairly well tackling the three climb trails that I rode up. Despite its weight, the Range responded well to rider input through tight corners and chunkier punches, where on-the-fly adjustments are needed. The Range VLT has a bottom bracket height of 359mm, which seems high on paper, yet I still managed to smash the “sump” guard despite my best efforts of avoiding such an impact. Being an idler-equipped high pivot, we are curious to see if this will add any extra effort to the climbs or have any negative impacts to the drive system on big days out. For now, it’s too early to tell. It flew under the radar for the first 15 miles, but it will be something we pay attention too.

Motor noise was minimal compared to the Shimano EP801 that was equipped on the bike Rob was riding, which took control of the sound waves in the surrounding area. That said, I’m a bit thinner than he is, so with a 50lbs rider weight difference, it’s safe to say the Bosch motor had an easier day. The Bosch Smart System “display” is nestled neatly into the top tube, as it is with so many other eMTBs, giving a refined look that we appreciate.

Arguably more important than how a long-travel eMTB like the Norco Range climbs, is how well it tackles the trail in the opposite direction. The first run was a bit of a shakedown and brake bed in lap, where I quickly realized I needed to make some air pressure adjustments to the suspension. Even so, initial impressions were good. The bike tracked high speed corners extremely well, and it popped and played with ease even as one of the heaviest bikes we have in the office.

The first trail we rode was a steep, flowy trail with high speed corners, deep sand and a lot of traction with very few chunky bits. Run two was on the trail that we’ve ridden all our 2024 eMTB Shootout contenders on so far, and features a whole lot of chunk with drops and awkward corners thrown in with some high speeds. While the suspension was dialed for eating up the huck to flats on the drops, I felt the rear end getting hung up a bit on some of the flatter sections of rocky trail where carrying momentum is critical. It was almost like the rear end couldn’t get out of the way fast enough in some sections, which is something we’ve experienced with other high-pivot rigs in the past.

That said, the new Range VLT is looking very promising and is leaps ahead of the last generation, which was a pretty good bike, even if they still weigh about the same. I suspect with a little more suspension tuning, we will be able to get the rear a bit more dialed in, and our enjoyment levels are only set to rise. The 2024 Norco Range VLT will be a contender in our hotly anticipated 2024 eMTB Shootout, so stay tuned for that to see how this Bosch-powered high pivot eMTB stacks up against the hottest eBikes on the market. We’re sure excited to find out.

AVAILABLE BUILDS

NORCO RANGE VLT | C1

MSRP: $8,999 USD | $11,999 CAD

Frame: Range VLT Carbon, VPS HP| 170mm
Fork: RockShox Zeb Ultimate | 180mm
Shock: RockShox Vivid Ultimate
Headset: FSA No. 55 Sealed Bearing

Grips: WTB Wavelength
Handlebar: Butted 6061 Alloy, 800mm, 25mm Rise
Stem: 6061 Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp
Seat Post: TranzX Ysi08fl Rad+ Travel Adjust Dropper, 34.9mm,
Seat Post Travel: 125mm (S1), 150mm (S2),170mm (S3), 200mm (S4, S5)
Saddle: SDG Bel Air V3 Lux Alloy

Brakes: SRAM Code Rsc 4 Piston, Sintered Pads
Rotors: SRAM Hs2 220mm/200mm
Shifter: SRAM Axs Pod Controller, Discrete Clamp
Derailleur: SRAM Gx Eagle Axs T-Type
Cassette: SRAM 1275 T-Type 10-52t
Chain: SRAM Gx Eagle T-Type
Crankset: E*Thirteen E*Plus 165mm
Bottom Bracket: Bosch Bes3 Du

Front Hub: Crank Brothers Synthesis E-Bike, 15x110mm Boost, 6 Bolt
Rear Hub: Crank Brothers Synthesis E-Bike, 12x148mm, XD, 6 Bolt
Rims: Crank Brothers Synthesis E-Bike, 32h, 27.5”/29”
Front Tire: Continental Kryptotal-F Enduro 29” X 2.4”
Rear Tire: Continental Kryptotal Enduro 27.5” X 2.4”

Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX
Battery: Bosch Powertube 750 Wh

NORCO RANGE VLT | A1

MSRP: $6,999 USD | $8,999 CAD

Frame: Range VLT butted Aluminum | 170mm
Fork: RockShox Zeb Select | 180mm
Shock: RockShox Vivid Base
Headset: FSA No. 55 Sealed Bearing

Grips: WTB Wavelength
Handlebar: Butted 6061 Alloy, 800mm, 25mm Rise
Stem: 6061 Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp
Seat Post: TranzX YS134 | 34.9mm
Seat Post Travel: 125mm (S1), 150mm (S2),170mm (S3), 200mm (S4, S5)
Saddle: SDG Bel Air V3 Lux Alloy

Brakes: SRAM DB8 | Sintered Pads
Rotors: SRAM Centerline 220mm/200mm
Shifter: SRAM NX Eagle MMX
Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle
Cassette: SRAM PG1210 Eagle 11-50T
Chain: SRAM SX Eagle
Crankset: E*Thirteen e*Plus 165mm
Bottom Bracket: Bosch Bes3 Du

Front Hub: Bear Pawls BMB-013, 15x110mm Boost, 6 Bolt
Rear Hub: Bear Pawls BMB-008, 12x148mm Boost, HG, 6 Bolt
Rims: WTB HTZ Trail 32H, 27.5”/29″
Front Tire: Continental Kryptotal-F Enduro 29” X 2.4”
Rear Tire: Continental Kryptotal Enduro 27.5” X 2.4”

Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX
Battery: Bosch Powertube 750 Wh

NORCO SIGHT VLT | C1

MSRP: $9,999 USD | $13,999 CAD

Frame: Sight VLT Carbon | 150mm
Fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2 | 160mm
Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate
Headset: FSA No. 55 Sealed Bearing

Grips: WTB Wavelength
Handlebar: One Up Carbon, 800mm, 20mm Rise
Stem: 6061 Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp
Seat Post: TranzX YSI08FL RAD+ Travel Adjust Dropper | 34.9mm
Seat Post Travel: 125mm (S1), 150mm (S2),170mm (S3), 200mm (S4, S5)
Saddle: SDG Bel Air V3 Lux Alloy

Brakes: SRAM Code RSC | Sintered Pads
Rotors: SRAM HS2 220mm/200mm
Shifter: SRAM AXS POD Controller
Derailleur: SRAM X0 Eagle AXS T-Type
Cassette: SRAM 1295 Eagle T-Type, 10-52T
Chain: SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type
Crankset: e*Thirteen e*Race Carbon 165mm
Bottom Bracket: Bosch Bes3 Du

Front Hub: WTB CZR, 15x110mm Boost, 6 Bolt
Rear Hub: WTB CZR, 12x148mm Boost, XD, 6 Bolt
Rims: WTB CZR i30 Carbon
Front Tire: Continental Kryptotal-F Trail Endurance 29” X 2.4”
Rear Tire: Continental Xynotal Enduro 27.5” X 2.4”

Drive Unit: Bosch Performance Line CX
Battery: Bosch Powertube 750 Wh