Review: Enduro MTB Magazine - Norco Sight Bike

Enduro MTB Magazine has reviewed the Norco Sight Bike. Here is what they had to say:

No end in sight! With the 2024 Norco Sight, the Canadian manufacturer promises to cover a wide range of applications. For the latest iteration of their trail all-rounder, Norco rely on a high pivot rear suspension design, which can already be found on several of their long-travel bikes. We put the new Sight through the wringer to see how much it can handle, from fast-paced post work laps to adrenaline-fuelled enduro races.

Having launched their high pivot Aurum DH bike back in 2017, Norco can be considered amongst the pioneers of the modern high pivot suspension concept. Following that, the Canadian manufacturer applied the same suspension design to their freeride bike, the Norco Shore, as well as for the latest version of their enduro rig, the 2023 Range. Now they’ve done it again, and used a high-pivot suspension design for the latest iteration of their trail bike, the Sight. While they were at it, they also released a brand-new version of their lightweight trail bike, the Norco Optic, which combines 140/125 mm of travel. The new iterations of the Sight and Optic look uncannily similar, and also share countless features, including the high-pivot rear suspension design. Simply put, the system places the main pivot point higher above the chainring, allowing the rear axle (and thus the wheel) to rotate up in an arc with a rearward axle path, meaning that when the wheel contacts an obstacle, it rotates upwards and backwards, instead of upwards and forwards like most low pivot suspension systems. If you want to know more about the characteristics of high pivot rear suspension concepts, you should read part two of our Underneath the Voodoo article.

The Sight’s high pivot rear suspension generates 150 mm of travel, paired with a 160 mm fork, which should make it suitable for most riding scenarios, from leisurely post-work laps to rowdy bike park sessions, and even tough weekend enduro stages. The new 2024 Sight is available both as a full 29er and as a mullet bike with a smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear. However, you can also change the wheel size configuration afterwards using Norco’s optional Missing Link kit and adapts the bike’s geometry and suspension kinematics to the respective wheel size. For this test, Norco sent the Sight C1 spec variant, which retails at € 8,499 and rolls on 29″ wheels, tipping the scales at 16.2 kg.

The 2024 Norco Sight in detail

Where’s the point in having the fanciest bike on the planet if it doesn’t suit your needs and anatomy? That’s exactly the question Norco’s engineers asked themselves when developing the Ride Aligned system. And you don’t even have to download an app for your setup: just open the Norco website – just like we did! After punching in the details about our test bike, the rider’s height, riding style, riding position, trail morphology and the desired suspension behaviour, the system gave us very accurate setup recommendations, including sensible suggestions for tire pressure and cockpit setup. While some of these recommendations might seem small and superfluous, they’re crucial to the bike’s overall performance on the trail. We’ve already been able to test the new beta version of the Ride Aligned system, which goes live with the release of the new 2024 Norco Sight.

Our Norco Sight 2024 C1 test bike comes in a subdued green/white paint finish and looks refreshingly understated, despite the eye-catching high pivot rear suspension system. This is partly due to the seamless integration of the idler pulley, which is neatly tucked away inside the chainstay. Another nice detail is that the idler pulley is made of stainless steel, which, according to Norco, not only looks fancy but should last as long as the rest of the drivetrain.

The cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame through conventional cable ports. However, only the ports on the down tube are clamped, and a long section of brake hose runs exposed between the main frame and swingarm, resulting in an annoying rattling noise on the trail. Unfortunately, not even the protective film on our test bike seemed to help. On top of that, the cables rattle slightly against the handlebars, though this can easily be prevented with a couple of zip ties.

The spec of our 2024 Norco Sight C1

Retailing at € 8,499, the Norco Sight C1 is the second most expensive model in the new 2024 Sight range. For your money you’ll get top-tier FOX suspension consisting of a 36 Factory GRIP2 fork and matching DHX2 Factory coil shock, both of which offer countless adjustment options and deliver a tremendous performance on the trail. Norco rely on an adjustable SPRINDEX spring in the shock, rather than the standard FOX coil, which allows you to adapt the spring rate to your needs and requirements just by turning the lower plastic ring. Like with conventional springs, the spring rate must be chosen according to your weight, because the adjustment range is rather small. If you get it right, however, the SPRINDEX spring allows you to fine-tune the rear suspension even more thoroughly – nice!

Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM Eagle Transmission drivetrain consisting of an X0 rear derailleur coupled with cheaper GX components, including the cassette, chain and crankset. While the fancy rear derailleur might look great on the shop floor, it doesn’t add to the bike’s shifting performance and only saves a few grams. Norco also fit a bash guard with integrated chain guide to protect the chainring and prevent the chain from falling off.

For the wheels, Norco rely on a Stan’s NoTubes Flow S2 alloy wheelset and MAXXIS tires, combining a Minion DHF at the front and a Minion DHR ll at the rear, both in the fast-rolling MaxxTerra rubber compound and EXO+ casing. We recommend upgrading to the softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front, which has slightly more rolling resistance but generates significantly more traction. Moreover, the thin EXO+ casing doesn’t do justice to the bike’s potential, so while you’re at it, you should change to the more robust Doubledown casing, at least at the rear, as this offers more puncture resistance and prevents you from damaging the wheels.

The 2024 Norco Sight 2024 C1 on the trail

When you swing your leg over the saddle, the 2024 Norco Sight C1 places you in a slightly stretched, sporty pedalling position, which is mainly due to the long reach. However, the Norco is pretty comfortable overall, proving suitable for long days in the saddle too. Despite the high front end, the front wheel always remains planted on the ground, thus revealing the bright side of the long, stretched position. As a result, the Norco implements steering input with great precision. The active rear suspension bobs slightly, providing a high level of comfort and generating tons of traction on technical climbs. On long gravel ramps, however, we often ended up activating the easily accessible climb switch on the shock.

When you drop into a trail to shred your way back into the valley, the first thing you’ll notice is the long reach and high front end, which ensure a well integrated, albeit slightly stretched riding position. The Sight is easy and intuitive to ride, with the high stack preventing dreaded OTB moments on steep descents, and inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process – so far, so good. However, when cornering, you’ll have to actively weight the front wheel to generate traction.

Who should take a closer look at the 2024 Norco Sight C1?

The new Norco Sight C1 is a great match for those riders who are looking for a downhill-oriented all-rounder but want to take it easy uphill, meaning they don’t care too much about maximum climbing efficiency. It’s also a good option for if you’re looking for a companion for relaxed post-work rides on your home trails, or solitary singletrack adventures. At the same time, the Norco Sight doesn’t shy away from bike park laps or epic shuttling sessions. The intuitive, confidence-inspiring handling make it a suitable option for both beginners and experienced riders, whereby the latter will be delighted with the capable suspension!

Our conclusions about the 2024 Norco Sight C1

Even before you swing your leg over the saddle, the Norco cuts a fine figure with the Ride Aligned system. Riding uphill, the Sight impresses with a comfortable pedalling position and encourages you to embark on epic backcountry adventures, provided you have the stamina to compensate for the bobbing rear end. As long as the trail back down into the valley doesn’t get too tight, the Norco Sight puts a massive grin on your face with its all-round potential, regardless of whether you ride on flowing trails or rough natural singletrack.