2001 Norco's: An NSMB.com exclusive!
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I received a message that Peter Stace-Smith of Norco had graciously invited us to have a first look at their new line of bikes. I was eager to see what they had come up with after last year's popular VPS line of Shore bikes. Peter came down and ushered us upstairs at their Port Coquitlam office where the bikes were being prepared for the sales reps - we were seeing the bikes before they were.

Norco fought an uphill battle for a few years to lose their image as a maker of discount bikes. Long after they started making sweet product this image lingered. Norco has skilfully brought public opinion up to speed by sponsoring talented riders like Ryan Leech, Ken Maude and Hoots Jay Krantz and backing it up with better bikes every year. Now Norco is known for producing innovative, tough bikes that are thoughtfully appointed and a blast to ride. Last year sold out of every single bike over $300. Because of this success the North Shore line has been expanded to 5 full suspension bikes and 3 hardtails. The supercross line is brand new and includes 2 tasty looking front suspension jump bikes.

From the look of things they may well sell out yet again. The first thing that struck me is that Norco has been listening to riders. Throughout the line you can see artful refinements like improved cable routing, and cartridge bearing pivots. Here on the shore you can't find a model of bike that hasn't broken, but the VPS bikes gained a reputation for toughness. Despite this some maintenance problems lingered. These refinements should address many of those concerns. Norco has also been very good about honouring their warranty commitments.

Norco took advantage of some gaps in shore specific componentry and several of their innovations debut with this line. Ryan Leech was hopping around last year with a telescoping Axiom seatpost that allows any full suspension bike a full range of saddle heights. They have also come up with a beefy set of flats with cartridge bearings, a huge platform and mondo grip.

One of the most impressive things about this line is how ready they are to ride hard. There are things you can upgrade on almost any bike but these aren't missing anything essential to ride out the door and then down SexBoy or Circus. They all come with a moto type fender, a bash guard, quick release saddles and Grip Shift. Not many shore riders use SRAM for their changing duties but there is one big advantage to them; you can move your brake levers in far enough to one finger your levers without crushing any knuckles. Having 4 of your 5 claws hanging on to bar boosts confidence like a deep powder day. A few models sport the Half pipe design (with a longer shift grip) which don't make a lot of sense for demanding technical riding. You don't want to drop a gear every time you J-hop.

So here they are - and there are lots of highlights folks. I haven't ridden any of them yet so my impressions are based on looking, touching and drooling only. I can't wait to swing a leg over a few of these when the show season is done.

Downhill

VPS-Team DH $5799
Canadian A beast. Up to 7.5 inches of travel rear (adjustable from 6" to 7.5") and the same up front with the sweet looking Marzocchi Shiver fork. The Shiver out travels the monster T and weighs 2 lbs. less. Hayes hydraulics with 8 inch rotors front and rear keep things in control. Nice frame details include the fattest headtube I've ever seen (it is as fat as the cups of the headset) cable routing under the monocoque and protected by the downtube brace, cartridge bearings at the main pivots and a redesigned, open seat mast the aids shock adjustment. The bike comes stock with a bombproof looking chain Prime Aero tensioning system but you could also add a front derailleur for those climbs at the Woodlot.

Shore Series

VPS Shore $4299 Canadian
This bike comes out of the box looking like it has been rigged by an experienced and savvy shore rider. There is no front derailleur, (once again you could add one) only a DMR guide and a rock ring where the big ring would be, axiom flat pedals and telescoping seatpost, 8" Hayes discs front and rear and the new splined Race Face North Shore crank. The frame adusts between 5 and 6 inches of travel and is mated with a 6" Marzocchi Super T which has Marzocchi's new QR 20 plus system to make your front end even stiffer. The fat saddle, handlebar and adjustable stem are all made by Funn, a company based out of the USA that specializes downhill and BMX components. The bike is painted a stealth, sandblasted flat black and is ready to roll down the Boogie Man straight out of the box. One thing I might change is the 36 tooth front chainring, replacing it with a 32 to mate with the 34 tooth cog for a lower climbing gear. Otherwise it is ready to go right down to the Rokko rubbers.


The aluminum name plates are made in Portugal.

VPS Launch $3299 Canadian
The Launch essentially replaces the VPS-3 and does so admirably. The Launch looks more like last years model because it has the old seat mast assembly and a straight shock link rather than the curved one found on the DH team and the Shore. The travel adjusts between 4.5" and 5.5." Highlights include Grimeca 4 piston system 8 discs that look remarkably like Shimanos (the last I theory I heard was that Grimeca was going to make the discs for Shimano but the deal went sour so they built their own) but are said to function better, Marzocchi Z1 dropoff QR 20 plus with 5" travel, Race Face Prodigy cranks with splined BB and Vuelta disc specific rims laced with black Swiss made DT stainless spokes.

VPS drop $2599 Can.
The Drop uses the same frame as the Launch but has a more affordable component kit. Here are the component highlights.

  • Marzocchi Z QR 20 plus 130 mm travel.

  • Fox Vanilla coil over shock.

  • Tru Vativ Hessefelt splined compact drive cranket with rock ring.

  • Grimeca system 1 hydraulic discs front and rear.

  • Vuelta Excaliber disc specific rims.

  • Kenda 2.35 tires.

VPS buzz - sorry no photo
With the buzz you lose a little travel - down to 5 inches and you move into cable actuated discs made by Hayes. So far cable discs have been a bust so you can bet these were tested to death before Norco put them on their bike. We'll test a set as soon as we get our hands on some. Other components include;

  • Marzocchi Z5 long travel

  • Axiom "shore" bars and stem.

  • Gripshift half pipe shifters mated to Shimano changers.

  • Tru Vativ splined cranks with bash guard.

Supercross Series

250cc $2399 Can. (no photo)
The 250 is loaded. The BMXers had their way with the component mix and geometry making this ride tough like Wile E. Coyote and quick like his buddy. Comes with a 24" rear wheel, 3 piece tubular BMX cranks, a 110 mm Z5 QR 20, Hayes hydraulics and a chainguide. Steep geometry, longish wheel base, low centre of gravity and a RAD tubeset make it ready for the doubles in your hood, a UCI dual or your favourite URB route.

125CC $1199 Can.
The 125 shares the geometry of it's older brother but loses the 24"rear, rad tubing etc.. It stops with Avid Vees but comes ready with Hayes disc hubs and a rear disc mount making the upgrade easy.

Shore Hardtails

Torrent $3049 Can.
Last year's Torrent was tougher to keep in stock than size 11 heels before the pride parade. This years model is ultra swanky as well. The frame sports an American monocoque downtube which reaches up and grabs the toptube and the entire length of the headtube. Less welds, less weight, more muscle. The component group kicks as well.

  • Marzocchi Z1 Dropoff QR 20 plus, 130mm.

  • Hayes hydraulics.

  • Race Face North Shore splined cranks.

  • Victor cartridge bearing flat pedals.

  • THE moto fender.

Inside the Torrent Frame

 

Rampage $2019
The Rampage sports Easton's square taper RAD tubing, Marzocchi Z5 QR 20 and Formula Hydraulics and of course Tru Vativ splined cranks.

Sasquatch $1219 Can.
A 7005 frame sporting big gussets, square stays and replaceable dropouts. An avid mechanical disc up front is paired with avid Vees in the rear.

Looks like a banner year for Norco and those lucky enough to pick one up. A few of each model should be available before Christmas so keep your eyes open and save your pennies.

To find the dealer closest you, pay a visit to the Norco Dealer Locator.

Photos and story by Cam McRae