The Norco Sight may not be the bike getting crazy hype, but it appears to be my goldilocks bike. Geometry numbers of the Sight aren’t extreme but that gives a more rounded ride on the variety of terrain I enjoy. Some of the new long-travel bikes like the Ibis Ripmo ride amazing on a wide variety of trail but even it’s not as agile as many mid-travel trail bikes. I prefer a more agile bike I can pop over rough sections to a slack, long travel plow bike. Norco’s Sight 29 seems about perfect for what I am looking for in a bike.
2019 Norco Sight Custom Build | Size: Medium | $6500 (approximately) | 130mm rear/140mm front travel | 67 degree HT | 74.5 degree ST | 432mm reach | 337mm BB height
This Sight will mostly see Pisgah riding of western North Carolina. The terain is rough and steep, but not wide open enough that I feel the need for a longer travel or slacker bike. I wanted a reasonably light build that can be fun on smoother XC trails as well as the gnarly. In Sedona where most initial riding took place, it seems near perfect. There’s plenty of hard terrain in Sedona, but an agile bike that can pedal well is important. The trails are super punchy and very twisty. Sedona riding requires constant accelerating up and over steep terrain and out of corners. If you’re not used to this type of riding it will zap you pretty damn quick especially if you’re fighting a big enduro bike.
The Build:
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From Pisgah’s Black Mountain Trail to Sedona and Phoenix’s South Mountain the Norco Sight has delivered! The bikes agility and ability to handle the gnar have impressed in the couple hundred miles I’ve put on it. Full review coming soon.
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This Post Has 7 Comments
432 reach seems short even for a medium. Rad bike and build!
I’m still on the fence as to whether I actually like longer reaches. My preference of tight and twisty tech likely masks the real benefits of the new school reach. Maybe I’ll have to jump on a Smuggler and feel it out a little more this weekend.
Very, very well thought out trail focus and tight, stylish build. I’m going to have to say no to the E13 tires, but that’s a personal thing. Been using Michelin Hard Enduro 2.35s on my trail bike (after E13s and Maxis), and they’re awesome for dry conditions. I did go Fox 36 Fit4 on recent build, and wish I went the way of the Pike Ultimate. Last Pike I had could be dialed in superbly without pricey mods.
I haven’t tried any of the newer Michelin’s. What is it that you like about them over others? I agree on the Pike Ultimate, I spent a few weeks on one and thought it felt great!
I came off Maxxis Minion DHF DHR setup (2.5 , 2.4) with EXO casing, super tough, etc.. Great tires for all around, but had some weak spots in cornering when put on edge, and some slip in the wet, loud when fast rolling. Long, long lasting tires. Moved to E13 TRS plus, just horrible all around, 2.35s were almost square edged on 30mm ID rim. Rode Magic Marys, nice, but Maxxis felt better. Mind you this was all on 27.5. On my new 29er I moved to Michelin Wild Enduro 2.4s (not 2.35 as mentioned) with the stiffer sidewalls, and loving them. Great grip, great on edge, and fast rolling and quiet. Haven’t had a change to take them in the mud yet, so as far as a dry to damp (loamy) tire, it’s been stellar. No burping either. 30mm ID rim. Not wearing out quickly either.
Did you happen to try a Fox 36 Fit 4 previously? I keep eyeing a change to Pike, but I think I just need to get over it. They all ride pretty nicely.
Good info on the Michelin’s. I’m testing a set of new Panaracer’s (Aliso and Romero) that sound like they might be a tire for you. The front is very round, wear is great, traction very good on hard to loose of hard, faster rolling than Minion’s and $65 retail. I’ll have up my review in the next day or so.
I haven’t actually owned any of the newer 36’s. I’ve ridden them quite a bit and think I could be as happy with the 36 as the Pike but would likely choose the Pike if travel is 140mm or less. 150mm or more and I would go 36 or Lyrik.
Excellent. I’ll keep an eye out for your tire review.
Also, thanks for the FOX feedback. That’s what most are saying, and I’m at 150mm on the 29er in front. My last Pike was dialed, so I guess it’s just adjusting to the FOX in due time.
However, I will ride this 36 for a year, and probably do the Vorsprung or Push upgrade when a rebuild is in need. Either way, I’m amazed how good 29ers can feel on tight trails. I was a diehard 27.5 guy, but at 5’11 the newer low, slack trail oriented 29ers are such good all around bikes.