For 2011 there are some big changes to the Norco lineup. One of the most exciting bikes for next year is the 2011 Norco Range. With 160mm of travel, a tapered headtube, Syntace rear axle and derailleur hanger system, post mount brakes and the new Advanced Ride Technology (A.R.T.) suspension design, the Range is a ride anywhere, all mountain machine. A.R.T. is a new suspension design which  has been integrated into the 2011 Range as well as 3 additional models of Norco full suspension bikes. A.R.T. is an optimization of the patented FSR Suspension System.  The FSR patent describes a four-bar bicycle suspension system with the rear wheel mounted to the seatstay.  The rear pivot is located on the chainstay, both in front of and below the rear axle.  The all-new A.R.T. suspension design is classified as FSR, but moves this rear pivot further forward and lower compared to previous models.  This optimized positioning delivers a ride which is more efficient while pedaling and more reactive to hits while descending.  Increased levels of chain growth results in higher anti-squat characteristics which reduces suspension bob, making the bike pedal more efficiently.  Additionally a more rearward axle path allows the rear wheel move back at the same time as it moves up to get out of the way of large, square-edge bumps more effectively, resulting in smoother and faster descents over rough terrain.

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The real story about the Norco Range is in the ride. We can describe how it feels but without getting on and giving it a try, you will never really appreciate the versatility and adaptability of the bike. Recently, while the Range was still hidden under a blanket of secrecy, Norco’s Engineering Manager P.J. Hunton took on the challenge of racing DH, and XC on the same bike. The venue was the Sunshine Coaster and the bike was the Range.

Day 1 of P.J.’s racing was the XC, a 3-lap course totaling 24kms of steep climbs, fast descents and a whole lot of fun. Taking off in a hurry, PJ started out close to the front and spent the next two hours picking off the competition one by one. Taking on a field of XC racers on 23lb race bikes P.J. was riding his range at 28lbs and 160mm of travel. Steady climbing and fast descents brought P.J. a 4th place finish in the field.

The second day of racing entailed dropping the saddle and ripping the DH. This second part of the challenge also added a side-pot with a small group pitching in a 20 each. As a pedaling course, the Sunshine Coaster was a great track to test out the Range. Still, on one of the smallest bikes racing, P.J. would have is work cut out to keep up in the rough, all while dealing with the fatigue of yesterday’s XC. Out of the gate the strategy was to keep pedaling, brake late and stay on the bike. The top section was fast through a clear cut then moving into some tight corners before the forest. Once into the trees the flat pedaling section played to P.J.’s favour before a steeper rougher bit moving onto the finish. With a time of 3:08, six seconds off the lead left P.J. just off the podium in 4th place. The important part though was that the Range won the side-pot taking home the cash.

Both races came down to the wire and P.J. was up at the front in both disciplines. Riding the same bike for XC and DH takes guts, it takes lungs and it takes a true rider. As Norco’s Engineering Manager and an avid cyclist, P.J. has seen the design of the Range from start to finish and touched every detail along the way. Racing the Sunshine Coaster was a challenge put out to him, but it was also a personal test of what his brainchild is capable of. The idea of a bike to do-it-all has been a dream since the start of mountain biking and through A.R.T. suspension, sophisticated design and thoughtful spec the Range really is the bike for any trail.

2.       Increased pedaling efficiency
When a bicycle accelerates forward, inertia pulls the rider’s weight towards the back which results in compression of the rear suspension.  This is known as squat. ART suspension is designed so that when the suspension compresses, the chainstay length increases. This is known as chain growth.  When the rider puts force on the pedals, the chain becomes very tight and the bicycle will accelerate forward.  The chain tension will also force the suspension to extend.  This extension force is known as the anti-squat force because it counteracts the squat caused by the acceleration. With 30% more chain growth than before, ART suspension is designed to resist squat forces and reduce pedal bob, resulting in a highly efficient pedaling platform.

3.      Improved Leverage Ratio Curve
A.R..T suspension uses a lower and more progressive leverage ratio to increase the bottom out resistance and improve the tuneability of the suspension. Lowering the leverage ratio reduces the amount of force on the shock which gives the shock greater control of the suspension movement.  The adjustment dials on the shock will also have a greater effect on suspension performance, allowing the rider to fine tune the suspension to their liking. A more progressive leverage ratio makes the suspension get stiffer as it gets farther into its travel, giving the suspension that ‘bottomless’ feel.

With the Launch of the 2011 Norco Bike Lineup, you are probably scouring the internet trying to find a photo of what could be your next bike. Well, here are photos of the lineup for you to enjoy. The photos are listed alphabetically from the 250 down to the Yorkville. Have a look through and tell us what you like best!

You may have heared rumours about the 2011 Range or even seen some photos floating around about the all new bike and the A.R.T (Advanced Ride Technology) suspension system. Well, here is Norco Engineering Manager working with Pinkbike.com to get you all the info about the awesome new bike.

What do you think about the Range and the A.R.T Suspension?

Read more at pinkbike.com

Day three of the Norco Product Launch is the day where media, distributors and dealers are present. The whole shebang of people are all here to see the new line of bikes. Following 8 different planned rides, several meetings,  and some intimate time with the bikes, today ended with a BBQ at Inter-River Park in North Vancouver. A great day of riding deserves good beer and good company- this is what the BBQ is about. Now I will admit that after three days of riding, talking, wrenching, driving, photoing, and blogging…. I am getting a little bit tired so I am going to let some photos tell the rest of the story.

Dustan

Today was day two for the 2011 Norco Product Launch. Starting off this morning, the crew assembled for an early start and an overview of the 2011 line. With more than 150 bikes,  this takes a little while but with highlights such as the Range, Shinobi, Vixa and Phaser, it is worth the wait. Check out pinkbike.com for studio photos of the lineup.

The real story for the day is the launch of Norco’s Advanced Ride Technology (A.R.T.) suspension system。 Through the modification and optimization of proven FSR suspension Norco bikes will climb smoother and descend faster than ever before. A.R.T. delivers a ride which is more efficient while pedaling while offering improved square edge bump compliance to smooth and quicken rough riding conditions. Both of these features have been achieved by changing the location of the pivot points to achieve additional chain growth and a more rearward axle path.  The increased chain growth results in higher anti-squat characteristics which reduces suspension bob and makes the bike pedal more efficiently.  The improved rearward axle path lets the rear wheel move back at the same time as it moves up to get out of the way of large, square edge bumps more effectively, allowing the bike to roll smoother and faster over rough terrain.

That is a mouthfull… the real lowdown is that the new Norco Range, Shinobi, Vixa and Phaser will climb better and descend faster than ever before. Whether you are racing XC, looking for an All-Mountain machine or hitting up a Super-D, these bikes fit the part!

2011 Norco Range SE

Once all the bikes had been discussed, the photos had been taken and everyone had heared enough, it was time to ride. Heading over to ride the shore was only a short drive away so we headed over and had a blast. Following that up with a Trials demo from Ryan Leech… Sounds like a pretty good day to me! For more photos check out flickr.com/norcobikes

Today is the last business day before the 2011 Norco Product Launch. The last bikes are being built, the photos have been taken and the truckloads of gear are ready to be moved from Norco HQ down to the Pinnacle Hotel in North Vancouver. With the top dealers, international distributors, media, and many many more coming out for the launch, it all kicks off Monday. Check back here on early next week night for daily launch updates, then the full line of bikes will start popping up around the internet on Tuesday. Do a quick search for “2011 Norco Bikes” and see what comes up. There is lots to tell and lots to see, let’s just say that some of the bikes are pieces of ART.

Building the last bikes

all the photos have been taken

Show Bikes Ready to go

Demo bikes ready to ride

moving bikes down 3 floors

Come on back Monday for launch site photos and a few peeks at the new bikes.

This spot is one that I have been wanting to ride for the longest time but has been one of the Ottawa regions best kept secret’s. The spot originally found and concealed by a few local Ottawa skateboarders was eventually revealed after a “riding spot” for “riding spot” trade was made to the local BMX riders. 25 minutes outside of Ottawa is this rock quarry with Canadian shield rocks formed from what looks like Glaciers sometime long ago. The Spot is in my eyes deemed a natural bike park. The 25th of May was my 26th birthday so I took the day and my Norco Rev out into the woods to ride these amazing transitions.

Check it out and stay tuned for a shorty Video coming soon!

Ben

That is right, it is bike to work week again. The beautiful BC June has resulted in a few wetter-than-expected rides and it is only Tuesday. This year, I bit the bullet and went full commuter style too! For the 2010 Vancouver Bike To Work Week I am riding a Norco Vesta belt drive with a flat bar and panniers. In the past I have been the first person to comment on the silly looks of racks and bags but now, two days deep – it kinda makes sense. I have never been able to commute without getting a sweaty, swore back about 10min in. Well, keeping the weight on the bike solves this problem. Rather than ramble too far, here is a short photo-story of the 25km commute home from work!

For a short and sweet blogarific post, have a watch of these two videos of the Norco Vixa in Action.

Thanks Lee and Sharon for the videos!

Norco Vixa on Happy Trail and Cream Puff, Pemberton from Lee Lau on Vimeo.

Norco Vixa on Kill Me Thrill Me Whistler from Lee Lau on Vimeo.