More High Pivot Norcos! NEW Norco Optic and Norco Sight

[@rrolleman4879]

Can you compare the ride (climbing and descending) to the previous Sight?

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Long pedal days with an idler just doesn't appeal to me.

[@jokermtb]

the added complexity, drivetrain drag, and noise from an idler on a TRAIL BIKE is a bridge too far for me......especially for the janky short up/down twisty midwest terrain I ride on.

[@bradcomis1066]

Have you ridden an idler bike in the last year or two?

[@a8f235]

The industry is still pushing the down segment where they think everybody live at the top of a hill and with a lift at the bottom that is somehow free. For most people I just don't see why anyone would want high pivot because of what you just said + an extra area to clean and so on. I'm sure brush and debris will love to get crammed into that area as well during a ride, and it's just one more thing that can go wrong. Most trail rides for me start with a 12km uphill section and the uphill does not stop there either, it's just the end of the transport section before the trail starts. There's more during the ride, so I would just kick myself in the butt if I had gotten a high pivot bike because there's just no point.

[@jokermtb]

@@a8f235 I honestly believe that most riders don't need whatever kinematics the idler wheel imparts as 'good enough' is more than good enough for most people - not sure who is salivating for jockey wheels on trail bikes .....and I ALREADY get enough leaves stuck in my drivetrain without adding another clog point.

[@jokermtb]

I rode a newer GT Fury with the idler briefly, and it was a bit gritty and loud.....doesn't take much grit to really make it noticeably audible. Sure, it's a big burly enduro bike - and a bike I'd never want to even ride on my local trails as it's just 'too much bike' for my trails. The short travel Norco idler is very puzzling of an answer to a question that nobody is asking for......their previous non-idler equipped bike was fine without it. I wish them luck with it certainly, but it's now a super-niche bike, rather than a jack of all trades simple horst link bike.....interesting marketing decision for sure. @mis1066

[@tombeck129]

First, what does high pivot address? My understanding is that it helps eliminate pedal kickback when descending. Anything else? I ask because a trail bike with 120mm shock travel, does not seem to be the one that suffers from pedal kickback too much and won’t be used as much in aggressive descending as an enduro or DH bike. I just don’t get it, unless this is just about selling new concepts, new stuff, whether we need it or not.

[@PebusGalacticus]

my understanding is pedal kickback is noly a side effect not really the main feature of high pivot. the main thing is rearward axle path that makes for better bump absorbtion and a less bob while peadling.

[@ridemx323]

Remember when previous generation optic came out and everyone was really upset that a 120mm bike had enduro geometry? Seems like the same thing is happening here. The travel number accompanied by enduro geometry and a HP suspension design has stirred the hornets nest, again. I imagine that I dislike fezzari as much as most of these people on here dislike a HP 120 bike. I would rather walk then ride a fezzari. But I don’t jump on fezzari review videos and say these things out loud. If you’ve never ridden a HP bike that came out in the last 3-5 years, then shut up. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@kuma_score7536]

I remember a lot of people being excited and some people being doubtful, I for one loved the old Optic and have been wanting one ever since it released but I'm not to keen on this new version. I'd be doubtful if it was a new lineup but the fact it's in my opinion ruining another platform makes me dislike it but time will tell if this was a mistake from Norco or if it's just outcry at presumptions from the community

[@walterbrown6388]

Great job on the "interview" of the rider's initial impressions. I think it's important to cover what terrain the rider prefers and what bike he's got as his personal daily driver.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful.

[@JJMassar]

I just can’t get over how weird and ugly the high pivot design looks. I’m sure it works for its intended purpose but it just looks odd.

[@marksandoval5361]

I'm not convinced that the advantages of high pivot bikes outweighs the increased cost, weight, and complication. Generally, the "keep it simple and light" seems to work best for mountain bikes.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing and it’ll be interesting to see how customers feel about it n

[@PebusGalacticus]

I can see this being true. i have never ridden one but Id be currious. A lot of the hype seems to be too good to be true but idk. how much more does a high pivot bike weigh? norco doesnt mention the weight of the frame. Ive always thougth the forbidden bikes seem interesting but its a numbers thing not necessarily a practicality.

[@TheLoamWolf]

@PebusGalacticus It's been about 4 years since we've had an Optic to review, but back then, our size large C2 build had a weight of 30.8 lbs. This Size 4, C1 build weighs exactly 1lbs more, 31.8 lbs. We'd bet if we had a size 3 at a more apples to apples comparison, itd be a half lbs lighter, maybe.

[@joehoeper3941]

Yeah but they look dope - and that's not nothing

[@josefsteven9955]

I agree The new stuff is just MORE money !!! It’s ridiculous Basically if you’re sponsored or have a ton of money

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I have high pivot flashbacks. Apparently ppl are asking for it, or do they? 😂

[@TheLoamWolf]

From our experience there is a bit of influence on what brands make that comes from their dealers and consumers. Sometimes brands take a chance as well betting that if they have something that's a new trend or "cutting edge" they'll capture some sales as an early adopter... We'll know in about 2-4 years if high pivots are back, and staying, or if the people had their fun and are moving on to other platforms. There are definitely pros and cons to every design, so we like that customers have options to buy bikes that suit their terrain, and what they value most out of their ride experience!

[@superawesomefuntimego]

Digging the new sight, it looks like it could be a winner, although I am not sure that the short travel Optic needed to go high pivot, I was excited knowing the Optic was getting an update until I found that out. The prices for both bikes are pretty bad for the build kit you get though. $7000 for base code R brakes and select + suspension is not very good value and the frame prices of $4000 is not quite Yeti silly, but $1100 more than a carbon stumpy Evo which does not compute. Only way I'd find that pricing acceptable would be if the frames were made in NA and not overseas.

[@galenkehler]

High pivot is simply the best possible suspension. I still regret selling my old '03 Bullit. A correctly designed bike like that one climbs like an absolute goat as well as descends like butter. If the fifth element shock could make it pedal perfectly 20 yeats ago, imagine how good it could be now after decades of fine tuning.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Lancia444]

Agreed, did your bullit have a floating brake caliper? My only issue was the brake squat on my Appalache. It hunkered down when you braked but then the suspension kind of locks out

[@galenkehler]

@@Lancia444 no floating caliper on mine, but I never had any problems, since you don't really brake much on the rear. (At least on the steep stuff we ride here.

[@thegriff9425]

Old and new models of both optic and sight have to be compared back to back otherwise almost pointless

[@andymtb3212]

That sight looks 🔥

[@TheLoamWolf]

They both look sweet n

[@matthewserna7475]

With all the great bikes in this category, is there any reason to go high pivot? More cogs and wheels- more maintenance and things to break

[@cliffordrichardc]

wish see more for this two

[@iGlue2000]

So, is anyone not concerned bikes are getting too big? Being 6'2 i dont mind but for my wife that is 5'3 if she wanted to get a smaller more playful bike she can't it doesnt seem alot of brands are making true xs, my wife went from being able to ride a medium to now fitting perfectly on a small and now she would be considered xs or s1 on a few of these new bikes coming out.

[@DavidFoundCo]

Get a taller wife 😂

[@bradcomis1066]

What is wrong with buying a an XS or S1 if it fits? The size is just a name/marking on the tag. If it fits it fits. The number of people below 5'3" is quite small (at least in North America).

[@kuma_score7536]

@@bradcomis1066 I think what they're saying is that the labeling although still XS or S1 is a lot bigger today then it was in the past so for a smaller rider it might be a bit to big or not as playful as some would want it. I know people who are 5'0" flat and they legit struggle finding bikes that fit them unless they go for something older or a cheaper standard bike with dated geometry which sucks.

[@trailpimp6369]

Looks like a nice bike but not enough travel and no motor or battery. Great review but I am on the dark side.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Fair enough! Thanks for watching.

[@trailpimp6369]

@@TheLoamWolf 🤘🤘

[@Coors1974]

Nope

[@josefsteven9955]

Bro having a bike a brand new high pivot bike for racing If you don’t have strong legs NO matter what bike you have YOU will not notice any difference at all The only difference is more money that’s all Last year a raced on a none high pivot bike I came 5th out of 40 riders with much more expensive bikes!! Being fit to ride is crucial if your is to be competitive!!!

[@jgoodwin4962]

How does the new Sight compare to the Cannondale Jekyll high-pivot bike? Does the suspension platform feel more stiff, softer, or the same? I love my Jekyll, but that shock tunnel is kind of a pain.

[@topchoice1621]

I knew more companies were going to do high pivot bikes

[@FawesomePete]

Question for Max, I also have a fuel ex and am considering a 160mm fork....are you running mullet wheel set up? if not, how well does the bike feel?

[@maxrhulen]

I am running my Fuel with 29" wheels front and back while paired with 160mm fork. I cut the steer tube on the new fork so my bars would sit at the same height they did with the 150mm. So, it feels very similar to the stock setup, just a little more slack and the buffer of some additional travel.

[@mellissanash7517]

I'd be curious to know how the Optic compares to the Reeb SST.

[@MikeesTexas]

The sst and the optic are very removed from one another in the “ kinematics and behavior” departments. Ive ridden the sst but not the optic. First off, the sst is a GREAT bike. My gut tells me the optic will outshine the sst as speeds increase. Im also going to assume the optic will erase bumps on the trail at any speed better than the sst. The sst will most likely last longer, although the sst is built tank tough it’s still LIGHT. Think SST for BIG days/moderate speeds/bikepacking/one bike quiver….Now think of grabbing the knob and turning up the speed dial 4 more increments/The optic is Not going to be the ultmate fs bikepacking bike rather it will be the bike for the person who can only afford one bike and wants to SHRED HARD. Under a skilled rider the optic will have few limits. Consider how an EWS race was won aboard a 130mm Druid!!! The optic is more comperable to a druid, But the SST is more comperable to a flex stay stumpy

[@a.sonetwo4547]

Nice rig 🤜🏻🤙🏻😎i'm wondering if you can downgrade it suspensionwise. From 140 to 130mm ? Oh oh....got another one - is it mullet convertable?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes you can and yes it is.

[@a.sonetwo4547]

@@TheLoamWolf thanks bro 🤙🏻😎 ride on

[@a8f235]

To be frank I believe high pivot will all of a sudden just disappear completely. Of course I understand the desire to test this and that, I just personally do not believe high pivot is going to really stick it in the end. Downhill bikes sure, but it's just a genre of its own where you are more bombing the terrain rather than going out for a ride...

[@aledska]

High pivot trail bikes are great. At this point the companies making them have found a way to make a high pivot bike with not much drawbacks compared to normal bikes.

[@a8f235]

@@aledska The drawback is right there with that extra pulley causing extra drag and noise. Trying to talk it away won't work with me.

[@aledska]

@a8f235 have you even ridden one? I hardly notice the noise of the idler on my bike. Unless you have super sensitive ears or weak legs it's really not much of a drawback

[@a8f235]

@@aledska So you're just too cool and too strong... This is just too good lol You almost had me there for a second...

[@aledska]

@a8f235 lol all I'm saying is you shouldn't hate on them until you've tried one