Archive for the ‘Bikes’ Category

The 2011 Launch, Day 2

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

Ready for Launch – 2011 starts on Monday

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, ready to move

moving bikes down 3 floors

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

Rocking the Forest on a BMX

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



It’s Bike To Work Week! Are you commuting by bike?

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!

The Vixa in Action

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.