Time For a Breather - No Way
November 19, 2008
I hope your summer was both fun and successful. In cycling terms, this means getting out on your bike as much as possible. If you are the competitive type, you may have entered a few races, or even a triathlon. If you are like me, duking it out with others or racing a clock isn’t your thing and simply getting out and riding is fun enough. Regardless of your preference for dirt or pavement, competitive or social, remember, pedaling is the uniform point that links us all.
As a part of the cycling industry, I seem to be able to ride more in the fall-winter-spring than I ever can during the summer. This year was no different; between work, events and an untimely injury in the Whistler bike park (separated shoulder and a couple of broken ribs) my bikes hung on hooks way too much. I was able to jump-start the fall with a gem though: After the big push in Las Vegas, a group of riding friends and I headed to Moab Utah. We rented a place and rode all the favourites. This destination is always fantastic; once again this trip did not disappoint.
Being back in town and at the office with no work trips on the immediate horizon, I can get back into the swing of things and ride as much as possible. My early morning pedals with my fast, furry riding partner are back in full swing (we haven’t missed a morning ride in weeks). Saturday morning group rides have started again, and we even tossed in a staff and friends night ride last week after work where 12 riders came out. Things are looking up. It is great to get out with my local riding friends again.
Hopefully the weather in your area isn’t shutting down your ride time. As long as it isn’t icy or snowy, try to keep on riding. Night rides certainly help keep the fun-factor high. Trails that you have found stale in the past can suddenly become much more challenging and fun at night. Grab some riding buddies and go hit them.
As the winter weather tries to evoke hibernation, resist! Fenders, lights, tights, jackets, warm mitts and chain lube, here we come. Keep your rides fun and enjoy them all.
Steak Sauce
16 Years of Suspension - A Brief History
November 13, 2008
Norco history begins all the way back in 1964, when Bert Lewis established Northern Cycle Industries. We can go back as much as 45 years; however, the past 16 have been crucial in developing Norco into what it is today. In 1993, Norco manufactured its first full-suspension mountain bike. The ball has not stopped rolling since.
1993 – Norco Vipor
- Single Pivot Suspension Design
- 53mm Rear Wheel Travel
- Full Floater Box Section Light Alloy Rear Stay
1995 – Norco FTS-1
- First Utilization of the Horst Link Suspension System
- 70mm Rear Wheel Travel
- Custom Top-Tube/Seat-Tube suspension Monocoque
1998 – VPS 1
- Introduction of the Variable Point Suspension (VPS) System
- Super Tough 6061 Monocoque Swing Link
- Adjustable 100mm – 140mm Rear Wheel Travel
2001 - VPS Team DH
- Adjustable 150mm – 190mm Rear Wheel Travel
- Adjustable Head Angle and BB Height
2005 - VPS Team DH
- DH Freeride Hydraform Aluminum Top Tube Frame
- Adjustable 200mm – 235mm Rear Wheel Travel
- Adjustable Head Angle and BB Height
2009 - VPS Team DH
- Revised Frame Design with a Lower Center of Gravity
- Internal 1.5” Forged and Ribbed Headtube for a Lower Front End
- 37lbs Stock
Suspension has come a long way over the past 16 years. Every year has offered improvements, innovation, and changes for adapting riding styles. Working to Improve both the reliability and durability of Norco Performance bikes through technology, materials, and techniques has evolved Norco into what it is today. The cycling industry is dynamic and Norco Performance Bikes will continue through and beyond the next 16 years in the continuous pursuit of excellence.
Bike Spotlight - The 2009 Fluid LT2
November 12, 2008
The 2009 Fluid LT2 is a 6” travel All Mountain Long Travel mountain bike that can do it all. Utilizing a Fox DHX-3 Rear Shock and a Marzocchi 55 ATA fork, the LT2 can climb, descend, and tackle anything in between.
The LT series for 2009 offers hydraformed tubing, an improved seatstay design and new linkage plates. Through the adjustment of shock position, rear wheel travel can be varied between 5.4” and 6.0”.
The graphics on the LT2 are unified through the entire bike. From the custom fork graphics to the colour-matched Crank Brothers pedals the LT2 has seamless flow from top to bottom.
With performance parts such as Truvativ Stylo cranks and handlebars with Avid Juicy 5 brakes, you will never be under-gunned flying downhill or grinding up a technical climb. The 2009 Fluid LT2 is the perfect balance between strength and weight.
View full bike information at: norco.com
