On my recent trip to the Yukon,I was lucky enough to tag along with a group on vacation for a ride along the Yukon River Trail. Well, one of the riders brought along a GoPro Camera and filmed a bit of it. This trail rocks!
Dustan
Dustin on the Norco 2011 Glide – Mix 1 from Blind Nub on Vimeo.
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.
Whistler is home to a whole lot of great things. Whether you are looking at skiing, boarding, golfing, eating, lift-access mountain biking or even cross country – Whistler is the place to be. On this note, one of the local weekly events around the city is the Thursday Night Twoonie Race. Located at various locations around Whistler, every week anywhere from 100 – 250 riders will show up ready to race. The best part – it only costs a Twoonie ($2 if you aren’t Canadian).
This past Thursday, The Norco Van was packed up with some new 2011 product and we headed out to take part. For the race, Norco set up a tent showing off some new bikes while Norco Engineer PJ, Factory Team rider Nick Geddes and myself (marketing) put some coin down – literally, to take part in the race. With 150 participants on the start line the theme seemed to be a bike in the 100-120mm range. These were XC bikes.
With this in mind, us three were mounted upon two Ranges (160mm) and one Shinobi (120mm 29er). Compared to the competition we seemed a little over-biked; but, with the new A.R.T suspension platform and sub 30lb bikes we were up for the challenge. Off the start line, the course took the pack 150 strong up a gravel road that never seemed to end… For this, I stepped down the Range’s Fox 36 Talus to 120mm, flicked on the pro-pedal and set off. The first kilometer or so I spent reeling in the riders ahead trying to gain some places before the top of the climb. Nick was already ahead of me on a range but at around the 2/3 mark up the hill PJ caught up and passed me with the big-wheeled Shinobi. Once we reached the top of the climb, it was time to cut across the ridge through a rolling trail before dropping down. The descent was actually one of two choices, there was an easier – longer route, or a steeper – faster route. Seeing as how I was riding a 160mm bike, when it was time to start down the fork went back to full travel, the shock was opened up and down went. The descent was steep, rocky and loose but the bike soaked it up and allowed for a few more places gained. After a time of 42 minutes I came across the line in 12th place. PJ was a couple ahead in 10th and Nick broke the top 10 in 9th place.
As everyone was rolling in, the best part of the weekly event started up. At the finish was Burritos courtesy of Dups Burritos and pints from Fanatyk Co Bike Shop. Thanks to both for putting on an awesome event!
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
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