FIRST LOOK: NORCO’S NEW OPTIC & SIGHT
High-pivot evolution from the Canadian brand
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FIRST LOOK: NORCO’S NEW OPTIC & SIGHT
Both the Sight and Optic platforms have been mainstays in Norco’s mountain bike lineup for quite a while, and the duo are both getting a major facelift. Built around the brand’s new VPSHP (Virtual Pivot Suspension / High Pivot) suspension layout, the pair of bikes have an increased rearward axle path that is claimed to improve suspension performance in technical terrain while still maintaining a dynamic and responsive feel. Norco has also revised and tuned the anti-squat values on both the Sight and Optic, which they say has increased the efficiency and responsive feel under power. The idler for the new system is located on the chainstay just behind the center of the bottom bracket and, like other high-pivot systems, is designed to help manage chain growth and pedal kickback.
With this new generation of bikes, Norco has also revised its sizing system and is opting for a numbered frame size rather than small through x-large, in addition to adding a fifth frame size in both bikes to open the platforms to even more riders. Both the new Sight and Optic are able to be ridden with either dual 29″ wheels or in a mixed-wheel setup through the utilization of Norco’s Missing Link and lower shock mount kit that lets you swap rear wheel sizes without affecting the bike’s geometry, besides a slight change in chainstay length. The pair of bikes are also available in carbon and aluminum-framed builds, which maintain identical frame geometry, kinematics, and features.
SIGHT:
Much like the previous iteration, the Sight is billed as Norco’s “do-it-all” all-mountain bike with 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork. But, unlike the old frame, the new bike integrates its VPSHP suspension and high-pivot layout, giving it a whole new look. As mentioned above, this new design gives the Sight an increased rearward axle path while still maintaining an efficient and responsive feel while pedaling. Looking at the geometry, the reach numbers grow by 25mm per size, from 422.5mm on the size 1 to 522.5mm on the size 5, as opposed to 30mm on the old bike. The head tube angle has been slackened out by half a degree to 64 degrees, and the stack height is increased by 15mm across the five sizes.
At the moment, there are only two complete builds of the new Sight available in the United States, the A1 and A2, both of which come in a mixed-wheel setup and are built with an aluminum frame. An aluminum frame-only option is also available for those who want to build up their own custom Sight, which comes with a RockShox Vivid Ultimate air shock. The frame kit retails for $2,399, while the A2 is priced at $3,999 and the A1 is $5,699. Notably, the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate coil shock on the A1 build is spec’d with a Sprindex spring, which allows you to change the weight of the coil without having to remove the shock and swap springs.
OPTIC:
The previous generation of the Optic was revered by many as a do-it-all short-travel trail bike that could climb with efficiency, yet punch above its class on the descents. The new frame takes the same 125mm of rear travel and 140mm fork, but integrates technology from its longer-travel siblings to turn it into a bike that Norco claims is even more capable. Like the Sight, the new VPSHP suspension layout on the Optic is claimed to provide an increased rearward axle path and improve technical performance, while the idler manages pedal feedback and maintains the bike’s playful short-travel nature.
Like on the new Sight, there are slightly smaller gaps in reach between frame sizes. The reach numbers are also exactly the same as the Sight, ranging from 422.5mm to 522.5mm, while the stack is slightly lower, going from 608mm to 644mm. Compared to the previous generation Optic, the seat tube angle has been steepened slightly and ranges from 76.5 degrees to 77.5 degrees. However, the head tube angle remains the same as the older model at 65 degrees. There are currently two complete builds of the Optic available in the United States, the C1 and C2, both of which have carbon frames. The C2 build is available with either a 29″ or mixed-wheel setup, and there is a carbon and aluminum frame kit available that comes with a RockShox Vivid Select+ shock, which isn’t a shock we usually see on short-travel trail bikes. The Optic C1 build retails for $9,099, the C2/C2 MX build for $6,999, the carbon frame kit for $3,849, and the aluminum frame kit for $2,099.
As we mentioned above, both the Sight and Optic can be ridden in either a 29″ or mixed-wheel configuration, but the respective Missing Link Kit must be purchased separately and will be sold for $134.25.
