VitalMTB.com Review: Norco Sight and Optic bikes

VitalMTB has reviewed the New Norco Sight and Optic Bikes. Here is what they had to say:

Norco's Optic created a lot of buzz for being a short-travel ripper with aggressive geometry when it last underwent a redesign in 2019. Meanwhile, the Norco Sight remained the silent workhorse in the mid-travel category focused on excellent all-mountain performance. For 2024, Norco has elevated the downhill performance of both bikes thanks to a new high-pivot suspension design. They maintain their respective on-trail handling while blurring the gap that separates the two bikes. The Optic now blends enduro-like geometry with short-travel trail performance, and the Sight packs enduro bike suspension performance into a more efficient, lightweight package. With more changes catered towards expanding the descending capabilities of each bike, has Norco maintained the trail and all-mountain ethos that make the Optic and Sight so exciting and versatile in their own way? Let's find out.

Overview

With the Optic firmly in the trail bike category and the Sight encompassing a proper all-mountain bike, the engineering team at Norco looked to make the bikes more gravity-focused by improving rear suspension performance, creating more stable geometry, and building more adaptability into the frames.

The ground-up suspension redesign aims to create the "best of both worlds" feel with better traction and more support out of the latest high-pivot variant of Norco's Virtual Pivot Suspension HP platform. Travel numbers remain the same: the Optic sticks with 125mm of rear wheel travel paired to a 140mm fork, while the Sight combines 150mm of rear wheel travel with a 160mm fork. Using their Virtual Pivot System in a high-pivot layout may be an anticipated move for a bike like a Sight, with mid-travel high-pivot bikes becoming more commonplace. But it's certainly a unique approach for a bike like the Optic with only 125mm travel.

Frames previously were a mix of carbon and aluminum triangles but now models are either full carbon or aluminum. Following a natural progression from prior models, geometry is now slightly more aggressive. Front triangles have grown considerably to create more even pressure on both wheels and account for rear center growth. Interchangeable links and lower shock mounts allow for 27.5" or 29" rear wheels on both bikes, but more interestingly, changing the rear wheel size does not change the geometry or suspension curve. Norco underwent extensive prototyping to develop the frames and suspension platforms to ensure they would remain consistent regardless of rider preference. So, no matter the rear wheel size, a rider's body position on the bike and suspension characteristics will not be compromised.

Suspension Design

The engineers at Norco have taken a radical, zero-compromise approach to their new Virtual Pivot System High Pivot suspension design. The main goal was to eliminate the need to pack shocks full of volume spacers to create adequate support. Both bikes can accommodate coil and air shocks thanks to revised kinematics with more progression. As for the axle path, both bikes utilize high main pivots to provide better square-edge bump absorption, plus idlers to mitigate chain growth.

The less obvious benefits of the idlers are how they impact pedaling performance and increase mid-stroke support. The strategic placement and number of teeth on each idler allowed Norco to nearly eliminate anti-squat altogether, creating a "climb switch" feeling as a byproduct of chain tension. This approach means that each gear throughout the cassette provides different levels of anti-squat under load, with lower gear ratios providing more support than high ones. This allows descending performance to remain the top priority of the rear suspension, minimizing any unwanted influence from the bike's pedaling efficiency once pointed downhill. Without anti-squat, the bikes sit into their travel considerably easier with excellent small bump sensitivity. This is great for downhill performance but, in theory, might be a bit much for the wide range of uses these bikes are intended.

Geometry

Both bikes have received evolved versions of their previous geometry packages. The Optic has gained a slacker headtube angle and considerable growth from head to toe to maximize high-speed stability. The Sight has remained more consistent, but numbers have grown overall. I tested a size '5' frame, or the equivalent of an XL. Here are the differences from the previous XL to the new size 5 frame

The rear center appears shorter compared to the previous models, but due to the rearward axle path, the new models grow under sag to create longer rear centers than before. Standover heights are also slightly lower, and seat tube lengths are considerably shorter to allow for longer dropper posts. As mentioned, the interchangeable links keep geometry consistent between wheel sizes, with the exception of a 5mm shorter wheelbase due to the smaller wheel out back.

Build Kits

Norco is notorious for having some pretty sweet build kits, with the upper-end builds spec'd with components most riders would choose in the first place. They generally opt for what aftermarket components are popular among consumers rather than offering the basic in-house spec from top to bottom. Components like DMR Deathgrip grips, OneUp travel-adjustable dropper posts, wheelsets with aftermarket hub options, and even color options on suspension all create a customized feel right out of the box. On the flip side, they've done their best to ensure high-level spec features like good suspension, tires, and shifting trickle down across all builds. Both bikes are available in carbon and aluminum at a few different price points in full 29 and MX options. For the U.S. market, the Optic is available only in carbon as a complete while the Sight is offered in both carbon and aluminum. Frame-only options are available in carbon or aluminum for both bikes in the U.S.

Sight C1 MX

An example of their outstanding product spec is showcased in the C1 level Sight, which comes with a nice set of Stan's Flow S2 rims laced to RaceFace Vault hubs wrapped in Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR II tires. The cockpit features a Deity Racepoint bar with DMR Deathgrip grips and an in-house Norco stem to save a few bucks without impacting the ride quality. SRAM covers shifting and stopping power with a GX AXS Transmission drivetrain and Code Stealth Silver brakes with 200mm front and 180mm rear rotor. Suspension is handled by a FOX Factory 36 fork and DHX2 out back with a Sprindex coil, allowing riders to fine-tune spring weight without having to buy multiple coils. Lastly, a 240mm OneUp dropper is used across multiple sizes and is something I was happy to see as a taller rider. Riders needing less drop can easily adjust travel down as needed. Overall, it is an incredibly well-thought-out spec that leaves little to be desired.

Optic C2 MX

As for performance trickle-down, the C2-level Optic is a prime example of being more budget-friendly while eliminating the need to change much. Coming it at around $2,200 less than the C1 level Optic, the same Maxxis Minion DHRII and DHF combo are used, as is the SRAM GX AXS Transmission. Brakes bump down to SRAM Bronze level Code Stealth, which loses the pad contact adjustment from the Silver level but is still paired with 200/180mm rotors. RockShox Select+ level suspension is found front and rear in the form of a 140mm Lyrik, which only loses the Buttercup technology from the Ultimate, and a 185x50mm Vivid, which still features Hydraulic Bottom Out control. A 200mm TransX travel-adjustable dropper is used across most sizes, along with Norco's house-branded bar and stems to help bring the retail price down. While it may not be dream-build-worthy, the Optic C2 certainly features performance in all the right places.

On The Trail

While the anticipated benefit of my feet feeling glued to the pedals was present on both bikes, the glued-to-the-ground feeling associated with other high-pivot bikes was not. The idler does a great job eliminating most of the pedal kickback, and the amount tuned into the bikes is hardly noticeable across chatter aside from the support that builds while pumping and jumping. That being said, both bikes track over bumps incredibly well and absolutely corner on rails from ample rear wheel traction and well-balanced geometry.

What's The Bottom Line?

Norco has done a great job elevating the baseline capabilities of the Sight and Optic through their no-compromise approach to suspension, progression in geometry, and simplifying suspension setup. They have successfully grown the intended use of both bikes without detracting from what makes them great trail and all-mountain bikes. With such dialed-build kit options at various price points, the biggest decision is choosing which bike best meets your needs. The Optic is a great bike for keeping mellower terrain fun and feeling limitless on ripping singletrack. The bike rewards rider input and generates speed with ease through turns and undulations while holding its own in the rough stuff. The Sight is nearly the opposite; it thrives in the rough and eggs you on to brake a little later into every corner. It builds speed a little slower but can hold momentum incredibly well, which made me feel like I could push into the gnarliest terrain. The response was an effortless ride experience so long as the bike's dimensions weren't holding it back. The Optic required more input and intention with line choice, but the result was very rewarding. I think with a bit more time, I can get the Optic set up a little more closely to the Sight, and it should creep nearer to a best-of-both-worlds experience. If I was choosing to keep only one bike in my garage, it would be the Sight for its consistent feeling across a variety of terrain. Because I own a bike with more travel, I'll be holding on to the Optic to see what kind of performance can be unlocked out of the short-travel package. Stay tuned for a long-term review of the Optic, where we will compare it to another high-pivot short-travel bike later this year.