New 2022 Norco VLT eMTB Line. We ride the new Norco Range VLT, Sight VLT and Fluid VLT eBikes.
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2021
- Learn more and see the new Norco VLT eMTB line in action as well as interviews with Norco Bikes engineers and profressional riders Bryn Atkinson and Jill Kintner. Norco's new eBike line has something for everyone with the aggressive big mountain Range VLT packing 180/170mm of travel, the redesigned Norco Sight VLT packing 160/150mm of travel and the new Norco Fluid VLT being a great option for newer electric mountain bike riders wanting a shorter travel option.
When Norco’s eMTB team set out to redesign their VLT line, several points were vital to the next generation. The Sight VLT is already on its third generation even though it has only been out a few years, a testament to the speed at which technology and consumer demands change but also the agility of Norco to react. Knowing that riders are no longer impressed to just have a mountain bike with pedal assist, the challenge became how to make a great riding bike with features and technology that will lead the category.
WHAT’S NEW?
Battery & Motor - “One of the things we got a lot of flack about was the lack of a removable battery,” Norco’s eMTB project manager Jim Jamieson told us. “We redesigned the VLT line up specifically so the new battery could be slid in and out of the bottom of the downtube quickly for off-bike charging and battery swaps,” he continued. Norco is using proprietary, Shimano-approved batteries with 21700 cells, which are claimed to pack an impressive power density. To make the battery removable without compromising downtube integrity, Norco rotated the front of the Shimano EP8 motor up. This greatly increases ground clearance, which is huge!
As far as we know, Norco is the first brand selling their eBikes without a battery, instead letting consumers choose the amount of capacity (weight) they want. It is a neat concept and we are excited to see more brands do this rather than just offer a one-size-fits-all battery offering.
We weighed all three batteries and were surprised to see a 1.5-pound difference between each size. Compared to the 7.03lbs (3,190g) 540Wh battery, the three extra pounds of the 909Wh battery 10.47lbs (4,750g) are noticeable. So was the increase in range though.
Other important areas of interest for the Norco design team focused around the new Shimano EP8 motor and suspension performance. Despite winning awards at previous eMTB Shootouts, Norco wanted more and since they were re-working the frame for battery and EP8 changes, it seems they wanted to throw in a suspension overhaul too. We are glad they did because these new bikes ride even better. The new suspension layout and kinematics now feature a horizontal shock configuration and a new feel.
Suspension - When it came time to start testing bikes with this new shock position, Norco engineers and riders tested different link arm options, which alter starting leverage rates and overall progression. This allowed them to achieve the optimal ride feel for each category of bike. Each model has its own rates and kinematics as a result and mean the Fluid will ride best for its 130mm of travel whereas the Range will behave differently throughout its 170mm curve. Norco also reduced the anti-squat compared to their non-E siblings and predecessors.
Each bike also gets a custom-tuned shock for a light initial feel with a consistent increase in damper progression through the travel. Two standout features for our testers thus far have been the increased sensitivity and suppleness off the top, paired with some good support in the mid-stroke.
Like all of Norco’s dual-suspension bikes, their Ride Aligned setup guide was very useful in getting us on trail quickly and greatly reduced setup time and guess work.
We have spent quite a few hours on each of these bikes to film the video and learn about them. Across the board Norco has impressed us greatly with the new Range VLT, Sight VLT and Fluid VLT. The improved suspension design stood out instantly coming off lots of time riding previous Norco Sight VLT models. All three models are supple and sensitive off the top with a solid amount of progression and support. The Fluid VLT certainly required a bit more work to set up correctly as it is the bike with the most basic spec. Volume reducers do wonders and really helped turn this modest bike into the most surprising bike in the lineup. We would love to see a higher end model, or better yet, a frameset option for riders who want to build a burly 140/130mm eBike! This will be a great option for newer riders or those who do not need tons of travel.
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Great lesson for all the YT viewer/researchers out there. Top of the line components are not required to get out there and shred. The lower spec optioned models will serve you well while you progress and save $.
I tell this in a previous video no matter what shock you fit, if the kinematics are poor aint gonna solve that. No point fit a 38 fork if mass is high and heavy, etc etc
You also don't need an ebike to have fun.
That Range for any trail!!! Waiting for the detailed review!
Awesome work on this video! Great to see Norco pushing even more improvements after how good the last Sight VLT was!
Can't wait to get my hand on my Range VLT in august, also ordered the Vorsprung Smashpot to get it coiled front and back !
Heck yeah that'll be rad.
Hey Drew, it’s Ed from SC, it was great meeting you and the crew at Black Rock and thanks for letting get a sneak peek at the new Norco e lineup.
What's up Ed! Thanks for saying hi to us and supporting the channel. Enjoy your new bike.
Thanks for another excellent review. We have purchased an Orbea and Wire Peak, as well as the VelociRax based on your excellent reviews.
Wow thank you for putting such faith in our team. We appreciate it and hope you’re happy with the purchases!
Love the battery choices. Big battery is nice for big heavy riders going up big climbs!
Yes for sure!
Awesome trio of bikes! Great to see 3 different travel options, and different price points for each option. Really like what they've done with the batteries. I know this is not intended to be a long term review, but it would have been nice to see how easy it is to remove the battery. Ride on! 🤟
Thanks not a bad idea. we'll try and include that in future videos, but will definitely showcase it in the review.
After calling multiple shops about various bikes I got extremely lucky and was able to score the Range VLT with 900wh battery. It’s coming in next month. So friggin pumped!
Congrats! Be sure to let us know how you like it.
Just got mine 2 days ago. Second ride the frame started creaking in the headset area or maybe I’m going insane? Have you noticed the same problem?
Wish I had known you were riding these in my back yard,
I would have asked to try the range.
Black rock is a sick trail system
Definitely a lot of fun stuff there. We look forward to coming back.
When can I buy one of these? Also how did that long chain stay feel compared to the YT Decoy MX
Sick 🤘
hello! i'm curious to know if you tested the weight of the range c1 with a 720 battery? i know you mention 56 lbs with the 900...
Bikes are so good these days, I was surprised when my budget 2020 Trek EX5 140/130 was (if I am honest) pretty much all I need for 95% of the riding that I normally do. It'd be on the ragged edge at a rocky bike park, but for general purposes it is a fantastic bike. I look VERY forward to owning an eBike.
Black Rock is dope, I didn't know there allowed E bikes. Good to know.
Ebikes are getting more and more popular in time ,finally 😁😁 ebikes are just the most fun
They definitely are a ton of fun.
@@TheLoamWolf have 2020 levo with 38 160mm on front fun bike ,thinking on new levo Gen 3 or maybe the pole 190mm if it's good ,what your thoughts 😉
@@graysquirreltreeservice7299 Out of those two, since we haven't ridden the Pole, we'd pick Levo as it rips! Although this Norco Sight could be giving it a run...
@@graysquirreltreeservice7299 the pole is interesting. Definitely unique looking that’s for sure
Great detailed review and with mentioning beautiful British Columbia. Thanks very much.
As it is June 2023, what is your opinion of the Sight model at this point and versus a Trek or Giant or other suggested brand near equivalent and what do you think of the EP8 drive now? I’m
Shopping now and trying to make decision. Thanks 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Believe Norco has some deals going on, and that could be enough to have me looking at a Sight VLT very closely. The Rail is a very good bike as well however, and I'd say each have their strengths that you should examine for your terrain, geometry/sizing preferences (New Trek alienates us there) and which bike excites you most. We've not spent much time on newer/recent Giant eebs we'd put in this same category, so we can't help there.
@@TheLoamWolf thank you 🙏🏼👍🏼
Great video as usual!
Would you have preferred a different motor?
NO we're very happy with the Shimano EP8 stuff.
Did the rotation of the motor help to reduce the rattle of the the ep8?
You can hear it all through the non-slow mo footage
Which would you choose for East Tennessee FLUID VLT A1 or the niner rip e9 3-star
Prolly pick the Norco! Especially cuz they’re on sale right now.
Yeeeeesssss
Can I buy your blue factory grips?
Loving the new updates, except the long chainstays 😭
Any weight specs on bikes without battery and how much each of the battery options weigh?
Be nice to to know for those who would give up a tad bit of range for a weight difference
We didn't weigh the bikes without the batteries, but the batteries themselves weigh roughly 7lbs (540Wh), 8.6lbs (720Wh) and 10.5lbs (900Wh). With the 720 equipped, our Range VLT came in at 56.2lbs. The Fluid VLT came in at 61lbs with the 900Wh battery installed. (We havent weighed the Sight VLT yet but thatll get done when we wrap up the long-term.)
@@TheLoamWolf good lord they build those things like tanks lol. 48-50lbs is one thing but 60 eek that's alot of bike to throw around.
Curious to see the long term review outcome. Keep up the good content👍
Did you guys have any issues with creaking? Mine only has 50 miles on it and this Sight VLT A2 is driving me crazy
No we didn’t. Perhaps check motor
Mount bolts? Grease the heads of any hardware as the flexing and friction could cause noise? Always worth following up with Norco’s customer care dept as they may have a remedy if it’s a known issue.
Just lube and grease all the hardware. Also check that everything is tight. linkage bolts kept loosening for me the first couple of rides. check crank bolts too.
Great looking bikes. Love the battery options. I never considered Norco simply because of the spoke magnet. Now Norco is worth a serious look.
Thanks for the reply. Really interesting to hear that something like a spoke magnet is such an important factor in consideration!! Helps us when evaluating/reviewing bikes.
Any chance you threw these on a scale? Is the Range VLT pushing 60 lbs?
12:40
So how did this VLT Range compare to the Santa Cruz Bullit? Should I buy the Range with the 720W battery and live with the extra pounds? Or go with the SC from your test with the 630W battery and lighter overall package? Looking to buy something this week.
They have different rides for sure. The Norco is a more planted, plush and supple bike that charges hard and loves eating up the rough stuff. Coil sprung rear end and long travel is pretty rad. They both have their regions/places that they'd do great. Ultimately up to your riding style and terrain as they both are really good.
@@TheLoamWolf I live in Vernon, British Columbia and have all the gnar either bike can handle so I know long travel is the way to go. Just not sure if I should go with the 49lb Bullit or live with the extra weight and go with what I’m guessing will be 53-54lbs (with 720w Battery) and a little harder to toss around down the trail. That said the review did say the Norco did pop nicely. I know, tough first word problems. However when I’ll be spending $10000 to $13000 CAD I want to make sure I get it right.
Cheers
@@shredb4dead What was the shop weight of that C2, and what frame size?
@@shredb4dead id go with the long travel. once you get used to the heavier weight you dont notice it much. It's just you are currently used to a light regular bike so it will of course feel odd at first. the range shreds!
That 900 battery is insane! I'll run out of interest before I would run out of battery!
We definitely have more battery than free time these days! haha
Noice👍👍
Do you have to peddle all the time or you can stop peddling and still go the same speed
Because it’s also electric
These are Class 1 eMTBs, which means they are pedal assist with a 20mph cut off and no throttle.
Is it a 900w or 909w?
The battery says 909 but Norco markets it as a 900
Was gonna drop my decoy core 3 pre order for the range model but they are already sold out…. 😮💨
I've ordered my Range VLT in september 2020, still waiting for an august delivery
I heard that they have a bunch of the frames already finished and ready to sell but cant get any components to finish them out
I pre ordered the decoy core 2. These are tempting for the 700 watt battery
@@aknmtbr i do believe yt will come out with a bigger battery at some point 🤞
The rear shock placement seems like an old Nomad.. seems like old design for a new bike..
Not deep enough in my middle life crisis phase for these yet, but you are working me hard in that direction...
Don't wait too long. You'll kick yourself for missing out on so many more rides and downhill runs. haha.
@@TheLoamWolf someone else will also be kicking me if I show up with a $8K bike... ;)
@@dtolios Haha.. Just find an eMTB that's the same color as your other bike. "oh, no i've had this one for a long time" haha
How close do you think these guys are to MLC. Young Enduro riders are doing more bike park laps on E mtb than they ever dreamed of, power up up & recover , fly down… it ain’t an age thing!
My quarter life crisis kicked in just at the right time to motivate me to buy one
As a current Sight VLT owner I’m very underwhelmed by these new models ,especially after waiting so long.
Why?
@@benperd my current bike looks and rides awesome, I was really hoping to be wowed by the new models but I’m just not. I like the battery options and the short seat mast but I think the bike lacks innovation. Reckon the chain-stays are too long for me and no mixed wheels makes me think it may feel like a slug compared to my current bike on my trails. Even hoped to maybe see the high pivot of the analog Range make it onto the VLT but no. Very competitive segment now is E-bikes and you need to impress to get 10+k outta my pocket.🤘
That range looks sexy
Even better in person! The little flake in the paint is awesome.
😂 just upgrade the front and rear suspension. Also the brakes and you’d have a really good bike.
That's the plan!
Can I have bike
never apologise for riding an e bike !