August 14, 2025

The Revolver is now in its 4^th iteration with some big changes when it comes to frame design. This bike was the first bike in Norco’s line to go to a full 29” wheel setup, fast forward to 2025 and they continue to push the brands innovation by moving away from a Horst Link suspension design to Flex-Pivot design.

Norco is offering two different model specs with three build level options. The Revolver 120 is only optioned with a Rockshox suspension package while the Revolver 130 comes with Fox’s Float SL shock and 34 SL fork. The 130 is the model we have on test for this first ride as well as our long-term review.

FRAME AND FEATURES | The biggest change here is the new Flex-Pivot suspension design, Norco has taken their own approach to the way the rear end flexes under load. The seat stay has been preloaded to act like a negative spring delivering more small bump compliance. There is a total of 4 degrees of flex from the system with 2 degrees happening at loaded ride height (dependent on rider weight).

The bike is offered in sizes S1 – S5 with chainstay lengths changing for each size just like Norco’s other models. The frames Carbon layup also changes between sizes giving riders an optimized ride feel for their weight range. The frame weighs in at just 1625 grams, this is 450 grams lighter than previous version. This is thanks to not only the frames layup design but also the clear coat paint and titanium hardware.

The frames Flex-Pivot Design allowed Norco to create a frame that mechanically aids in ride feel, the anti-squat remains consistent through the travel and the leverage rate has been tuned to create a platform of efficiency and capability.

FIRST RIDE IMPRESSIONS

SETUP | For setup I used Norco’s Ride Aligned system to set up both suspension and tire pressure. The only thing I changed from their suggestion was fork pressure. Since I opted for a smaller frame size, I knew there would be more weight over the front wheel, an extra 10 psi was added to give me enough support on the descents. Trie pressure remained at the ride aligned settings, even with the EXO casing tires I was surprised how well their suggestions worked which has not always been the case for me using Ride Aligned.

CLIMBING | It is no surprise here that the bike is SICK on the climbs. This being the first proper XC bike I have ridden I was stoked to get out of the saddle on punchy climbs mid descent. I ran the shock fully open on all climb sections. The body position of the S3 I opted for gave me a comfortable upright position, I am glad I went for the S3 over the S4 that my height range is more in line with. The overall lack of weight compared to the more heavy hitting trail and enduro bikes I spend the most time on was immedialty noticeable. It felt like every crank gave me two cranks worth of power. While for those that have spent a fair amount of time on an XC bike this is nothing new, to me it was eye opening what the weight and geometry configuration of the the Revoler equaled to on the climbs. While the bike can accommodate a long dropper post the 170mm post in the bikes stock form was not enough for my long legs. Greg was running a 230mm post almost fully slammed on his size S4. The 66.5 degree head angle made tight switchbacks an absolute breeze. The Rekon tires found a solid balance of grip and rolling speed, we were blessed with some amazing dirt, so it was cheating a little but overall that tire spec seems spot on for the build.

DESCENDING | Going into this ride I really did not have high expectations about how the bike was going to handle the descents, those expectations were abruptly changed dropping in behind Greg Minnaar on some rather non XC bike terrain. Sure, the head angle is steep compared to my normal slew of test bikes, but this brought in a new element of absolutely charging through tight switchbacks. That 66.5º head angle does produce some twitchy moments from the front end when the speeds pick up but as the day progressed it was something I was quickly able to adapt to. It is still going to take more seat time to really understand how the bike reacts across different types of terrain but overall, I quickly felt comfortable and ready to push the limits of what the bike could handle.

The rear suspension adapted from supportive on the climbs to offering great compliance in the chunk. And when I say chunk, I mean some legit steep terrain with big compressions. The shock tune was smooth and paired with the Flex Pivot handled the higher speed chatter very well. While we may have found the edge of what type of terrain the bike can handle, on the more undulating trails the bike still has more on tap than I can reach. With more seat time and understanding of what a bike with this geometry rides like more speed will be unlocked. Outside of the actual riding impression of the bike I am stoked for the terrain a bike like this opens up, we have tons of flatter trails with punchy technical climbs that I rarely visit, now I have no excuse to continue exploring my local zones.

COMPONENT REPORT | The XT drivetrain shifts very well but is quite loud on the descents, in fact I had to check to make sure noting on the bike was loose it was making so much noise. This is a shame as the rest of the bike with guided cables is very quiet. Fox’s 34 SL and Float SL did not hold me back in any way. The shock tune Norco created with Fox finds a great balance of compliance and support. The XT brakes were perfect, they were plenty powerful enough for the steep terrain we were on but also balanced modulation well.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

Since this is my first proper XC bike I do not have a ton to compare it to, but I have spent a ton of time on the Trek Top Fuel. While their travel numbers are the same the geometry is drastically different. The Top Fuel has a much more trail bike focused geo set which helps it remains calmer at higher speeds and more technical terrain, while the Revolver can get a little squirmy when pushing hard which is to be expected given it’s XC focused nature. The Top Fuel’s kinematics are more progressive giving it a softer off the top feel but also does not offer the same support on the climbs. The Revolver is the clear winner when it comes to getting up the hill in all aspects.

August 14, 2025

The Revolver hasn’t been updated since 2019 – it was just that good. This generation is built for the new age of “cross country” and levelled up into a class above its own. It’ll outclimb and outclass your average trail bike, no compromises. Finessed for high-performance with a rider-first mindset, it’s a serious bike with a fun side that likes to get rowdy.

The lightest full-suspension frame Norco has ever built, 450g lighter than its predecessor with an exceptional amount of capability. Aggressive XC geometry and a lightweight Flex-Pivot suspension design, make a strong foundation for any rider to drive up and charge down, beyond the expected.

“This bike was about more than just getting it lighter” says Jim Jamieson, Product Manager at Norco. “We wanted to build something for how XC riders actually ride. They’re not just chasing seconds – they’re chasing miles, terrain, and challenge. The new Revolver gives them a platform that can do it all, and more.”

PERFORMANCE TUNED SUSPENSION: At the core of its efficiency is Norco’s advanced approach to our Flex-Pivot suspension design, improving performance of spec’d lightweight inline air shocks. Combined with consistent anti-squat and carefully tuned leverage curve progression, this platform gives Revolver an excellent balance of efficiency and technical capability.

GEO TO MEET MODERN XC DEMANDS: Stabilized rear centers grow per size for balanced weight distribution across sizing. The carbon frame layup was optimized per frame size for stiffness and compliance, giving you a strong foundation for all-day riding and epic missions. Frame sizes 2–5 accommodate two water bottles within the front triangle, and all sizes feature long dropper post compatibility for maximum comfort while descending.

LIGHT AND DURABLE: The clear coat frame paint is half the weight of standard paint, while titanium hardware, compact double-row Enduro bearings, and compact links enhance durability and precision.

The 2026 Revolver is available in two travel options, 120/115 and 130/120, each platform has three price points, as well as a frame kit to build your bike, your way.

REVOLVER 120

With 120 mm of travel in the front, 115 mm of travel in the rear, and a 66.5-degree headtube angle, it’s fast, efficient, and capable. Done right, an XC bike doesn’t need a firm compression tune to feel efficient.  Norco worked extensively with RockShox on a SIDLuxe tune that improves shock sensitivity and enhances your ride through technical terrain.

REVOLVER 130
Revolver 130 has ten millimeters of added travel on the front and five on the rear. With a half-degree slacker head tube angle this bike will go double duty on trail rides as well as spicy XC race days. Norco worked with Fox to develop a custom Float SL tune, with a three-position tune, Revolver 130’s trail manners shine through in the ‘Open’ setting; while backing it up with ‘Mid’ and ‘Firm’ settings so you can adjust ride feel to the terrain.

“Removing the pivot allowed us to reduce weight and tune the flex character of the rear triangle to enhance suspension performance for each platform” explains Colin Ryan, Suspension Engineer at Norco. “They both pedal more efficiently without giving up compliance or traction for technical climbing and descending.”

Both travel options integrate seamlessly with our industry-leading Ride Aligned setup guide for optimal performance and ride feel.

Check out details on all models on Norco.com with select availability through authorized Norco dealers across Canada, US, and Australia, as well as through our distribution partners globally.