Norco Sight Bike Check - The Magic School Bus

[@14MaddMaxx]

Ok now it makes sense, i watched the “Beyond Expert” video and was saying this guy has pro level skills, now I find out you come from a trials background. I liked how you used better judgment on the sketchy gap. For most of us with intermediate skills it was nice to know even expert riders like yourself say it’s ok not to take the risk. Your commentary is excellent and your POV is awesome. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for watching! Managing risk is a big part of riding. I often ask myself how important it is to do a certain line. What's the benefit if I make it vs. the risk if I don't? Definitely take the risks into more consideration now that I'm older!

[@Nvwheeler]

Yeah, I thought that too. It was a sensible walk around

[@deadfread25]

Risk vs reward with heavy consideration for the number of people that depend on my income, (7 including myself)

[@juliandlamb]

5:58 "I'm that hard on bikes, I don't do really crazy stuff..." :) brother your riding is phenomenal, can't believe the things you do and the ease with which you do it

[@mrhype2956]

Whenever i see this bike in the trails i think. “Could it be dangerous Dave?”😃

[@stevemcnabb4280]

If it ain't Dave, it's gotta be syphilis.

[@ddangerousddave]

@@stevemcnabb4280 or Dale Stone lol

[@stevemcnabb4280]

@@ddangerousddave Lol. Keep it up, Bud. I don't ride but I definitely enjoy the videos.

[@JuanPalomoM]

The two schoolbuses together are bound to be Dave and Dale😂

[@thepedalsadvocate7389]

Dale Stone and Dangerous Dave. Unbeatable channels.

[@ddangerousddave]

Biased, but I agree :p

[@aguynametom2066]

Black&yellow is always sick comb!! Looks sweet mate. 👌

[@declankelly2812]

His camera lens makes his wheels look crazy bent!

[@cashmereplum21]

see, this is the video i came for! learning about what actually goes into this sport is so crazy to me! its cool to go "behind the trail" in a sense and actually see what goes into the bike itself.

[@kylesnider9357]

I don't know anything about trail riding, but I sure learned a lot! You were very informative with detailed knowledge. I enjoyed listening to you.

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks Kyle, glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheDustAutumn]

"I'm not that hard on bikes, i don't do any crazy stuff" lmao Also first

[@thepedalsadvocate7389]

Yeah. Srsly. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ddangerousddave]

Skinnies aren't that hard on bikes, just derailleurs :p

[@ianbluemtb]

Yah me too I was like, oh come on Dave it’s different on your videos 😁

[@jomorkenstrseth3526]

I have a Norco Aurum downhill bike. I just love it as it is an absolute beast of a downhillbike. I bought it used as my first pure downhill bike, bing quite nervous as i did not know too much and was scared of ending up with something sub-par-- I was lucky as the guy who sold it was an older enthusiast. After telling him i was getting my first bike and that I would not be buying bikes often, he just told me he'd find something nice for me in his collection.. I ended up with a 2011 model Norco Aurum, with Fox 40's and some nice custom details, like the handlebar. I also got some very nice kneepads and upper body protector with backbrace. I love every time i am out riding this bike.. It is my landing gear for when I want to fly high

[@daveharris39]

Another viewer who saw the "beyond expert" video making it's rounds on social media, now a subscriber. Glad to hear that you don't (need to) run cush-core inserts. So many people are doing it (even here in Florida), but I (a) have have never had a pinch flat, and (b) spent too much money to get a light bike and wheels to want to add unnecessary weight. I'm 5'10", 170lbs, run 20r 18f in 2.6/ 2.8 on 35mm WeR1 converts on a carbon Transition Scout. ...if I ever travel with the bike, I'll probably add a couple psi.

[@-tr0n]

Nice bike! Interesting hearing your input, and how it might apply to me seeing as I grew up in the lower mainland riding the shore and derping around IOCO a couple decades ago when EVERYTHING was trials based. Hardtail my whole life and getting into a FS bike this season or maybe next spring. FS bikes always felt so weird and dangerous, the lack of control always threw me off (literally and figuratively), but I haven't been on a modern FS bike since monocoque was king. No shore to ride currently and looking at the Optic.

[@ddangerousddave]

Norco Shore or Intense M1 maybe :p It definitely took some getting used to full suspension though. My first ride on the shore was on a 160mm travel demo bike and my buddy took me down Corkscrew. There used to be a downhill log ride and I remember thinking that I would be in seriously trouble if I needed to hop off because my timing was completely wrong with the suspension. That being said, my overall MTB experience is MUCH better on a full suspension. Maybe its because I rode a fully rigid trials bike for so long, but my body really appreciates the squish these days.

[@nicks2716]

Nice Dave! Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I really enjoyed the last section of the video where you describe how the geometry meshes - or not - with your riding style. Very informative. P.S. gotta admit I was initially confused because I knew this was last year’s bike but it was a new video. Glad you explained that at the end otherwise my aging brain would have been more disoriented than usual. 🤘

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks Nick! I'm trying to keep viewers on their toes by switching between 2021 McSight riding, 2020 Sight bike check and 2019 Range riding :p

[@freequest]

Makes my 25-year-old Malvern star look like a dinosaur. Good to see the bike from the side and not from your view. 🚲👍🏾😁

[@d-nicebikes]

Awesome review of the Sight. Appreciate the feedback on your experience with it. Another great video, and looking forward to the next review on the new Sight. Your Trial riding background puts you in a very special category when it comes to these trails. Makes for some awe-inspiring riding. I am big on coordinating colours on my bikes as well, didn't know Fox offered some decal options. Good tips all around.

[@richardroskell3452]

Great reveal on your ride Dave. Thanks a lot.

[@bikeninja956]

Thanks for the share Dave. Helps answer a bunch of questions....total spit take when I realized you're riding flats HAHAHAHA. Dude, you have MAD skills. I'm in awe. lol.

[@johndelosada5404]

Great video Dave very watchable. I’ve got a grey 2021 Sight 29’r absolutely love it. I also had a Range previously, immediately you could feel that the Sight was a way better climber. When I was climbing on the Range it felt like I was sitting over top the rear axle. With the Sight you are much further forward which engages your quads much more. It stomps down the chunder fields like Atomic Dustbin which is showcased without credit in this video closer to the end. Also Stairs of Despair on Fromme you can let go of the brakes and float on top of the rubble it’s actually a lot faster and more controlled this way with no brake activation. Of course tight twisty trails like Crinkum Crankum you give up a little due to the wheel size and length of the bike.

[@brianmartindale2221]

Great vids dd dd! Really enjoy reliving territories I used to bash my body on many moons ago LOL I also wish I'd had that bike back in the days of RS1 and U-brakes. Nice burly ride!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks! The first ever trials bike I bought had u-brakes. Don't miss those lol.

[@tehol1]

would love to try out one of these bikes. I have a Surly myself which cost a pretty penny because I was riding 18 miles a day round trip to work, mostly on roads but still cheaper than what your riding by a couple thousand lol. Lots of trails in Michigan I could take this bike on. Love the vids man.

[@tommoon2700]

Man your bunnyhops are insane! So high 🤙

[@julienmka9592]

You can "upgrade" you rear hub with a dt swiss kit worth 60-80 box that improves the engagement. (Really good video btw)

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for watching! I looked into the 54t upgrade kit, but it doesn't have a great record when it comes to reliability so I stuck with what I had. No point in having better engagement if your hub fails in the middle of a ride.

[@thethrongler3070]

I'd love to see more informative videos about trail biking and bikes in general!

[@mtadams2009]

Thanks for taking the time to explain things in detail.

[@_Vicarious]

Love this, great vid Dave. I was a little confused by your fork because I was sure you were riding with a red Lyrik, but I guess that's part of the new build?

[@ddangerousddave]

Glad you enjoyed it!. The red fork is part of the new build. I make it confusing because I don't post things in chronological order haha.

[@C1Rob1990]

Very nice bike :) i keep coming back to this video somehow haha. For the engagement on the hub, you probably know already, but you can upgrade the ratched system with a higher engaging set. That way you dont need to upgrade the entire hub/wheel but just the inners :)

[@Eksistenssi]

Last time i built or rode proper bike was back in 2010 or 2011. Seems like only things that are similar from those days are pedals, dt 240 hubs and maxxis minions. BB30, 27.5", 165mm cranks, 10+speed derailleurs, dropper posts and tubeless were "new and unproven" back then. Might actually build another bike somewhere in future and this video was informative to see

[@maconSTUFF]

Sweet bike dude... I'm on a 2019 Norco Optic A1... i't my first serious bike... enjoying your channel so far, keep it up... 🤘

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks!!

[@HardtailLife]

Very educational part on geometry 🙏

[@Parkskiingftw]

Are you thee Dangerous Dave, aren't you like an old man now? Really cool to still see you out there shredding.

[@ddangerousddave]

You're probably thinking of Dangerous Dan Cowan. He's the north shore freeride legend and trail builder from back in the day. I'm just a washed up trials rider who was trying to find a user name for the Pinkbike Forum two decades ago and thought switching 'Dan' to 'Dave' would be fun.

[@Parkskiingftw]

@@ddangerousddave Ahahah, I see well you certainly have earned the nickname.

[@JB50713]

Bike is awesome! I have the same Deity grips in black. I like thicker grips, just feel better for me.

[@ddangerousddave]

I hear yea. I used to be skinny grips all the way, but a little extra cushion goes a long way.

[@macromicrodragon]

Hey thanks for the info, I have hip issues myself, 3 major surgeries, 1 full reconstruction and reconstruction. Biking is always nice because its lower impact than running. Depending on how/where your riding haha

[@allentufts5185]

Awesome skills, great video!

[@ericm8564]

Amazing riding!

[@trailjockeytj6160]

I have heard that a lesser engagement Hub is better to reduce kick back from rear suspension. But I do like a high engagementHub, running onyx right now pay for it in weight (&cost), but they are really cool and absolutely silent and instantaneous engagement,also offers any color combo you want!(red/yellow)

[@Dan-xo9ly]

"I'm not hard on bikes I don't do really crazy stuff!" haha surrree!!! If I could only do half of what you do!

[@buulam]

Really fascinating context! Thanks for sharing!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for watching!

[@007trocks]

I am pretty confident that all the words you used were English… but that’s all I got. 💜

[@mbrick]

Can you change out the ratchet star for a higher tooth count to take care of your engagment concern? Quick fix, should make you happier with the rear hub! Thank you for your detailed overview.

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for watching! You can upgrade the star ratchet to 54t, but they appear to have some reliability issues due to the smaller teeth.

[@mbrick]

@@ddangerousddave I'm not that familiar with them but I did read a few other ratchets were available. Bummer it may not be as reliable, but I suppose that is the tradeoff for more smaller teeth vs less bigger teeth.

[@SwolePapi15]

What shoes are those? Getting even a year out of a pair is almost unheard of for me maybe I need to get a pair of those

[@ddangerousddave]

Five Ten Freerider Pros. To be fair they were well past their prime, but I couldn't find any in my size for ages so I made do. I never managed to wear entirely though the shoe, but I was within a millimeter or two...

[@SparkieMTB]

I have no clue how your rear weel survives 21psi without cushcore on the type of trails that you ride...

[@ddangerousddave]

We're lucky to have fairly smooth, round rocks here. I'll bump it up to 23 psi on rougher terrain or in the summer when the speeds are a bit higher

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

I have a pair of Red Magnesium DMR V12s in a box unused if yu want them! - love your bike though....and I agree the Guide RE brakes seem to be a bit under-powered despite being 4-piston

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks for the offer Ricardo, but I'm sold on these Vault pedals now!

[@mahennaiker5072]

Awesome bike👌👌👌

[@magodize]

No cushcore, 21 psi and exo casing in the rear with your kind of riding!? I'm sure that rim secretly hate you

[@ddangerousddave]

It occasionally lets me know with a dull thud when I hit a sharp rock a bit too hard.

[@ryand34561]

3:02 the pins in my magnesium pedals provide significant grip in my shins...

[@qwadelaida]

Great bike-check. What happens with old bikes and what is the reason you keep changing them?

[@ddangerousddave]

I typically sell my bike after 1-1.5 seasons because I enjoy switching things up and it makes financial sense. Lots of folks in the industry will buy a bike at cost, ride it for a season and then sell it around the same price they paid. It lets you ride the latest and greatest, avoid maintenance and break even (or close to).

[@syx3s]

that camera lens makes the wheels almost look like triangles.

[@jj5561]

Thanks for sharing this Dave! Do you mind sharing your height and what size you ride?!

[@ddangerousddave]

5'9 riding a medium 👍

[@jojo_thefox]

Ever tried MAGURA MT 7 with HC 3 lever? Give it a try one day.

[@33jayy]

The best in business and the pro choice👍

[@ddangerousddave]

The only Magura brakes I've used were the hydraulic rim brakes on my trials bike. I used to be a fan, but since they've switched to carbotecture I've sworn off them after cracking several levers with very little force.

[@freshturns_snowboarding]

I have the XL 29er 2020 C2 but with the women's paintjob. It's got the 200mm TransX dropper post and after using a PNW lever before that, it's sooo hard to actuate and just grinds your thumb if you climb gloveless. I'm probably going to either replace the lever with my PNW one or the entire post with my 170mm PNW post, I'm tall enough to get away with the extra 3cm seat height going down

[@Jexxul]

i’ve always wanting to get into “riding trails” i’m not sure what the correct terms are but I came from your beyond expert video and doing something like that seems so much fun, I know that’s advanced but i’m just wondering how much money do you need to start and build a decent bike? also about how much was your setup now? it’s so sick, going to continue to watch, your videos are awesome man 🙏

[@tommoon2700]

Check your Craigslist and fb market place, buy something used to start lots of riders always upgrading and passing on the old ones, could get you something good from 500$ to 2k, it'll be the best money you spent tho, mtn biking is so rewarding. Hope you get to ride soon 🤙

[@bengongillbonny7377]

CAN YOU afford$1500 ?

[@ibrilfashrista9578]

You have promised another bike check. Just a reminder. :D

[@jimrollins4857]

Whoa whoa hold the phone, you don't do crazy stuff?

[@andyboy198577777]

I’m sure you mentioned it in the video but I couldn’t find it. What size are the wheels? 650b or 29? Great video btw! I recently got a 2023 c2 sight. Love it. Just wish it was a tad more playful. That’s probably from the fact I got 29s

[@stevephillips8219]

I think they were 27.5. Bike looks sick though! Just curious as to your height and the size you chose in the 29 version? I’m looking at them and Norco recommends large🤷‍♂️.. I’m 5’9-5’10 w shoes on and the geo looks huge but I’d hate to grab a medium and it be too small/cramped

[@jimrollins4857]

Nice bike.

[@mustclime5311]

love this...thanks

[@loiczeq5551]

how much do you weigh? 21psi in the rear? :o I am currently running about 25 with the cushcore at 155lbs and still managed to get a flat spot xD also what bar length are you using?

[@ddangerousddave]

I weigh around 150 lbs. In the summer, I'll sometimes bump that up to 23 psi. If I had aluminum rims, they would be absolutely destroyed with dents and flat spots by now. As for bar length, I run 760mm.

[@meteormedia7021]

Norco❤️

[@knollyDT]

Hi Dave, what was that putty/silicon called that you used on your chain stay?

[@ddangerousddave]

Sugru 👍

[@jameswhyte3834]

what’s a good upgrade for front suspension on my hardtail? right now it’s the default fork (100mm travel ) and i was wondering what a good upgrade for relatively cheap is. (no more than £400, hopefully about 200-350) thanks for any help

[@Tom-fn8xc]

Great overview man love your riding! How wide are your handlebars? I have those same grips btw and really like them. I like how the bar end is integrated too

[@ddangerousddave]

Glad you enjoyed it! I cut my bars to 750mm which ends up being about 760mm with the Deity grips.

[@Tom-fn8xc]

@@ddangerousddave nice, I think 760-780 is the sweet spot for sure. I just cut mine down to 780 from 800

[@findtherightbeat]

Do you also work for Norco? By the way, thanks for the info on the chainring

[@ddangerousddave]

I worked for Norco for about a year in 2015/16 before I went back to school. They're a pretty cool company to work for and the discounts came in handy as I was transitioning from trials riding over to MTB.

[@findtherightbeat]

@@ddangerousddave Missed mentioning the fork and shock decals look nice and from factory with the yellow Sight!!

[@thepedalsadvocate7389]

*Looks for my Paris Hilton "That's Hot" gif....*. Lolz.

[@ddangerousddave]

Kids today probably don't know who Paris Hilton is lol

[@jadefox34]

Did he go over his bar width, or did I miss it?

[@ddangerousddave]

Can't remember if it's in the video, but I run 760mm bars.

[@clmfilms8103]

Just out of curiosity, why do you ride a norco? I have nothing against norco, in fact I just picked up a norco fluid fs 1 as my first full suspension and I love it, but i think if I was going to spend this much money, I would probably go with something like a Santa cruz. This looks like an awesome bike though!

[@stephenkrause6059]

Derailleur?? You left out the poor derailleur. Looks like SRAM.

[@nickcormode]

man grows 1k subs a day

[@ddangerousddave]

It's ridiculous!! Pretty sure the last time i checked was around ~3,600. Must have won the algorithm lottery lol.

[@projectpunk706]

How tall are you? I want to get a new bike that is a bit more playful so I'm thinking of a medium size frame but I don't want it to be too small

[@marknh3312]

…your commentary style is as professional as your riding skills!

[@ddangerousddave]

Thanks! I don't like talking in my videos so that's good to hear :)

[@colorscore628]

Can you put a link for that silicon stuff? Would love to put some on my sight.

[@ddangerousddave]

sugru.com/. Canadian Tire sells it if you're in Canada. FYI - keep it in the fridge and mind the expiry date.

[@colorscore628]

@@ddangerousddave Thanks!

[@bengordon2330]

@@ddangerousddave Thanks Dave - great tip, heading out to get some now before Canadian Tire in N. Van sells out :)

[@ddangerousddave]

@@bengordon2330 try to find a video on how to apply it. Biggest thing is that once you have the general shape you want, dip your finger in a water bowl to help smooth the edges out so it looks good. Took me a few tries to get my technique dialed.

[@Pes._]

@@ddangerousddave love the passion and actually helping people.

[@brodare4554]

What made you choose the 27.5 version?

[@Logic_Pursuit]

What size do you like your tires?

[@mr.hollingsworth9224]

How heavy?

[@Jon-nz3dm]

yellow lowers would be HIDEOUS lol. that would be wayyyy too much yellow

[@alongthestreetsofindia]

Haw many front gears

[@Mcmartinshreds]

witch model

[@uncle1217]

What norco sight is it?

[@psfourplayer]

subscribed

[@thepedalsadvocate7389]

Jesus H..... 🤩

[@tseringnamgyal707]

Ibis Ripmo v2s

[@Seriouslioness]

👁 👂

[@itsyeeoledskoolfurry3208]

I really despise that the "word": "ain't" worked it's way into our English language. Like my folks always used to say: "Ain't ain't (IS NOT) a word & ain't is NOT in the dictionary!"

[@Calvinfan98]

Well, the word's been in use since the 18th century and if you ever bothered to actually crack open a dictionary you'd find that every single one of them includes ain't.

[@itsyeeoledskoolfurry3208]

@@Calvinfan98 You took what I said WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYY to literally. It was just a LOL or LMAO thing. Sorry I didn't put that before.

[@troycarpenter3675]

I heard that all the time growing up🙂