Norco’s Range Killer B is a Tester’s Choice in the Bike Bible

January 14, 2013

We have been raving about the new Norco Bike lineup since July when we launched the 2013 models including the new Norco Range that sports a 650B/27.5″ wheelset. Validation can come in many forms but the Bike Magazine Bible of Bike Tests put the Range 1 through the paces and has won over the team of testers. Taking home a Tester’s Choice pick the Range is touted as “the complete package” for all mountain riding.

Article by Bike Magazine/Ryan Labar

NORCO RANGE KILLER B-1
Price: $5,350
Weight: 30.7 pounds

Final Take: A well-executed bike that makes some sacrifices to its climbing abilities so that there are no sacrifices excuses-on the descents.

On paper, or at least the internet forums, the buzz surrounding the Range Killer B should be focused on its 650b wheels. On the trail, however, the new wheel size proves somewhat of a moot point, as the other changes Norco made to its 160-millimeter all-mountain bike overshadow the slight increase in wheel size.

This year’s Range receives a complete redesign, giving it a more refined tubeset, size-specific geometry and a reworked suspension linkage, or as Norco calls it, “Gravity Tuned:’ The revamped suspension features a rearward axle-path in the beginning of its travel, allowing the Range to smash smoothly though fast, big, square-edged hits, providing a bit of stability when pushing through corners and G-outs, and adding a bit of anti-squat while pedaling at speed.

While this axle path helps the Norco eat up big hits and pedal well in the big ring, it bites back when climbing requires the granny ring. Every pedal stroke here causes the shock to extend to an almost distracting degree, and the bike to bounce. This could be a deal-breaker for riders who spend alot of time climbing in the small chainring.

Adding to the Range’s descending and cornering capabilities, which earned unanimous praise, are a stiff frame front-to-back and an aggressive, slack geometry. One thing we noticed on the Range was that its big-ish wheels seemed to carry speed in a rather sneaky manner. It’s like driving a new car after owning an old beater, and suddenly noticing that you are doing 25 over. We found ourselves over-clearing jumps and rocketing through technical sections without extra effort or the perception of added speed-and everything about that is a good thing.

For this category, the parts hanging off the Range are nearly flawless-it featured a short stem, wide bars, Fox 34 fork Avid XO Trail brakes, SRAM drivetrain with a Type 2 rear derailleur, Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires and a chainguide with bashguard.This is one bike that we were happy to ride straight out of the box. -RYAN LABAR

Download the full PDF Here

The Bible of Bike Tests Takes On The Aurum

January 23, 2012

Bike Magazine – The Bible Review of the Norco Aurum
Words By Ryan Labar

Even before we got it dirty on the trails, it was clear that Norco did its homework when designing the Aurum. The standout features include the integrated fork bumpers, keyed and replaceable pivot-bolt receivers, post-mount rear-brake studs and an extra derailleur hanger stashed on the frame. These are all godsends for privateer racers or anyone spending some serious bike-park time.

The Aurum’s geometry numbers are also quite noteworthy. Not only does it push the slacker and lower trend with its 63.5-degree head angle and sub 14-inch-high bottom bracket, it is the only bike we know of that has size-specific rear ends-as the frame size increases the chainstay length also increases. Impressive.

The mix of Easton, Sun Ringle, Blackspire and SRAM components also seemed well considered, and were right on point with the rest of the bike’s reliable demeanor. Riding the Aurum was a treat. Norco’s ART linkage uses a chainstay-mounted pivot for a rearward axle-path and minimal brake jack. This rearward axle path, combined with the slack head angle, soaked up square-edged hits nicely, allowing the Aurum to hold speed through rough steeps. The linkage also has a good deal of anti-squat, which manifests as snappy acceleration when you put power to the pedals. The suspension tune on the Aurum
felt about perfect as well It was nice and linear through most of the travel with a bit of a ramp up near the end to prevent harsh bottom-outs.

When mated to the stiff, hydroformed tubeset, it made for a bike that held its line through
wicked rock gardens and accelerated like a greyhound possessed. Perhaps a literal chink
in the Aurum’s armor was its thin paint job. We liked the bright-yellow paint, but it chipped easily, which is a bummer considering all the attention Norco paid to making a bike that’ll last through the seasons. -Ryan Labar

Download the Article PDF Here

California Road Trip – Day 6 – Bike and BRAIN

January 30, 2009

Today was day six of the Norco Road Trip to California. One day, two fabulous rides. We started off by meeting up at the Bike Magazine office in San Juan Capistrano. We were given a quick tour then whisked off to ride at the top of Bluejay Canyon. After arriving at the top, we parked the van and started yet another epic shuttle. Alan and Ryan from Bike Mag along with local rider Travis all joined us for the ride down the mountain. The trail involved some steep decents, countless rock gardens and a whole lot of fun. Taking approximately two hours to get down with a few climbs speckled throughout, the trail has become another favorite. If you are ever in the area, head on over for a ride, but; Make sure you stop in at the Candy shop along the way. After the ride we headed down for some burritos with the crew before moving on for the next venture.

Our second ride of the day was with Nicole and Jason from Bicycle Retailer. For those who do not know, Bicycle Retailer is an industry magazine that is distributed in both the US and Canada to manufacturers and retailers. The mag discusses industry trends, government legislation, new products etc. etc. Basically anything that affects the back end of the Cycling industry. Anyway, Jason and Nicole took us out for a ride in the Laguna area to what is called ‘The Top of the World’. This was a steady climb to an extraordinary view of the California coast followed by a fast, burmed descent to dinner below.

Two more great rides, One amazing day.

Dustan