NORCO SIGHT VLT TQ

February 18, 2026

The new Norco Sight VLT TQ takes the well-regarded Sight platform and adds discreet assistance in the form of TQ’s HPR60 system. With the VPS_HP suspension system delivering a 150mm high pivot rear end, and build weights below 19.9kg (43.9lbs) across the model lineup, Norco hopes to deliver a rider experience that strikes the sweet spot between eBike capability and engaging ride dynamics. So far, we think they have done a stellar job at offering the mid-power eMTB that many riders will be searching for.

As with all of our Tech Check features, this is not intended to be an official The Loam Wolf review or endorsement of the new Norco Sight VLT TQ. Instead, we aim to share some valuable beta on this new lightweight eBike, and share the initial ride impressions we’ve obtained during the production of this feature.

WHAT IS THE NORCO SIGHT VLT TQ?

For the Sight VLT TQ, Norco equipped their high pivot, mid-travel platform with the lightweight TQ HPR60 eBike system to create their lightest eMTB to date. This carbon fiber-framed, mixed-wheel eBike is designed to offer performance across the spectrum of mountain bike trails. Taking advantage of the slim form factor of the TQ system, Norco has produced an eBike much closer in looks to their standard Sight than the Sight VLT CX.

But the looks were only one part of the equation in the making of an eBike that flies under the radar. With the low overall weight and the center of gravity sitting low and centrally within the Sight VLT TQ frame, the ride experience is designed to mimic that of its meat-powered counterpart.

TQ…Tremendously Quiet

Delivering up to 350W of Peak Power, the 1.92kg (4.2lbs) TQ HPR60 system uses the Harmonic Pin Ring system, allowing for a compact form factor and quiet operation. Cranking out up to 60Nm of maximum torque, 200% assistance aids the rider in climbing and covering ground without dominating the ride experience like a full-power eMTB often can.

Powering the TQ system is a 580Wh battery, fixed within the Norco’s downtube. An optional 160 Wh Range Extender can be added if the rider desires further battery capacity.

“Using the TQ system opened opportunities to design an eMTB that looks and rides like its analog namesake.” – Thadeus Tisch, Norco Senior Industrial Designer

TQ’s app allows riders to connect to their eBike and tune the motor power and pedal response to their preferences, as well as update the system over-the-air. The full color display in the top tube allows for real time battery percentage monitoring as well as a host of other data. On the handlebar, there’s a sleek remote to toggle modes and use the walk function.

VPS_HP Suspension

The Sight VLT TQ continues the modern Sight lineage with the VPS_HP (Virtual Pivot Suspension, High Pivot) suspension layout. Producing a more rearward axle path than lower pivot designs, Norco aims to improve suspension rough terrain, but has tuned it to retain a dynamic, responsive handling package. One of the key characteristics of this suspension platform stems from its I-track-configured idler location, which sees the idler mounted to the chainstay, slightly offset from the high main pivot. This idler manages chain growth and pedal-kickback, delivering the pedaling characteristics Norco was seeking.

All Mountain, Size-specific Geometry

To ensure riders of all sizes receive the same level of confidence and predictability, Norco scales key geometry elements progressively through the size range. The effective seat tube angles are steeper for taller riders, to optimize the climbing position. Chainstay lengths grow longer on larger sizes to aid in preserving the balance of the bike.

Ride Aligned

Norco’s industry-leading Ride Aligned setup guide continues to provide Sight VLT TQ riders with suggested settings to hit the ground running. Taking rider height, weight, and preferences into account, the Ride Aligned setup guide has proven to nail the setup of Norco mountain bikes time after time, helping to remove any guesswork from the initial ride.

Build Options

Norco is offering three builds in the Sight VLT TQ, from the C3 at $6,999 USD to the C1 at $10,599 USD. These share the same high-quality carbon fiber mainframe and TQ HPR60 drive unit, but differ in the parts fitted. As such, builds weights top out at 44lbs (19.96kg), and find themselves as low as 42lbs (19.05kg) for the C1 – impressive for its 580Wh battery capacity and suitably burly parts spec to handle aggressive all-mountain eBiking.

No Other Way

Norco backs their frames with the “No Other Way” lifetime warranty, covering any abuse sustained during normal use and giving the rider peace of mind that the good times will be supported for the long haul.

THE DIRT

We’ve had limited time on the Norco Sight VLT TQ in the lead up to producing this Tech Check feature, but even so, we’ve amassed some clear ride impressions from our initial test loop laps, and have had a lot of fun in doing so.

THE RIDE ALIGNED SETUP PROCESS | Norco’s excellent Ride Aligned setup guide let us get the Sight VLT TQ into a great ballpark setup from the get-go. Taking into account rider height, weight, and position, and tweaking for feel preferences, the initial setup let me hit the trails with a baseline setting that was impressively close to my preferences.

THE TQ HPR60 DRIVE UNIT | In case you didn’t see our 2025 Lightweight eMTB Shootout, we’ll lead off by saying that we are huge fans of the TQ HPR60 eBike system. Though we expected the mid-power electric mountain bike segment to fade away once the Avinox M1 and Gen 5 power-updated Bosch CX were launched, the latest TQ system has done enough to convince us otherwise, and it would likely be the system we’d be seeking if building our dream e-machine.

Shaving a little from the overall bike weight, the TQ system aids in producing an extremely natural ride experience, yet will still get you up some climbs that you would never ride on an exclusively human-powered machine. With the 580Wh battery and economical drive unit, the Sight VLT TQ range is excellent, leaving us more than satisfied. Depending on rider weight and power modes, you’ll be able to speed up your local lap or get some mega-days in. We’ve had some 580Wh TQ bikes climb more than 6,000 feet and still have some juice left over.

CLIMBING IMPRESSIONS | The geometry placed my 5’11” stature in a fairly comfortable position. It was not the most upright position, leaning more toward an aero or attack position due to its moderate stack height and fairly flat bar, and this feeling carried over to descending. Raising the stem to the top of the steerer tube addressed this reasonably well, but I’ll be experimenting with a higher-rise bar for the long-term testing.

The low bottom bracket was a geometry element that some riders may struggle with, especially in rocky terrain like the lava rock-infested climbs around Bend, OR. Suspension setup is key to managing the dynamic sag and avoiding pedal strikes, and though the low BB was not overly inhibiting for climbing, it required a little more caution, especially if you’re sitting a bit deep in the sag.

The bike excelled in technical climbs, offering plentiful agility for maneuvering and weaving. The suspension platform was smooth under power, allowing the rear wheel to maintain traction without getting hung up on rocks.

DESCENDING PERFORMANCE | The Sight VLT TQ’s descending characteristics were defined by impressive suspension performance and a surprising level of playfulness for a high-pivot design. Despite being a high-pivot design—which can sometimes feel sluggish or wallowy due to the lengthening rear end—Norco’s mid-power eMTB was relatively playful – a sentiment we shared with the Sight VLT CX in last year’s full power eMTB shootout. The 42-pound weight contributed to the TQ-equipped bike’s ability to get airborne, pump, and hop easily, making it feel alive on mellower trail sections.

As on the way up the hill, the front end felt a little low in the steepest chutes, which we hope to remedy without too many drawbacks,  by testing a higher-rise bar during further evaluation rides. Otherwise, stability and confidence was impressive for a bike in this travel category, striking a good balance of handling characteristics.

For a 150/160mm bike, the big hit performance was solid if not exceptional, though we are yet to experiment with volume reducers, so further improvements are possible. The suspension remained impressively active while on the brakes, avoiding any excessive firming up. When off the brakes, it was even better, ironing out the chatter and carrying momentum well.

The Wolf’s First Impression

Though it’s early in testing, we already have the feeling that the Norco Sight VLT TQ is a bike that’s going to be in high demand within our crew, should also be in high demand on the sales floor. With the excellent TQ HPR60 drive unit packed in a bike that blends play and plow in its character, Norco has made a mid-power eMTB that’s likely to stoke many riders, ourselves included.