The news page covers everything you need to know about the cycling world, from exciting product launches and in-depth product reviews. You’ll find bike checks from our team and sponsored riders, along with updates on new brand launches and upcoming events.
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Optic is that friend who gets you dressed up and on-point for a night out – and the next thing you know, your silk shirt’s got no arms, one of your shoes has gone AWOL, and you’ve traded one of your teeth for a piercing that wasn’t there when you left home. Sure, it’s got a little manic energy, but Optic’s up for a good time, every time - No matter how you define “Trail” riding.
TERRAIN-TAILORED SUSPENSION
Optic’s High Pivot Horst Link suspension platform provides 125mm net vertical wheel travel through a rearward axle path that absorbs high-speed, square-edge impacts to maintain momentum and control.
PRIORITIZED PEDALING
Optic’s chainstay-mounted, dynamic idler positioning creates a Trail-tuned anti-squat curve that prioritizes snappy, responsive pedaling with minimal kickback under heavy impacts, providing active suspension over rough terrain.
FORCE SEPARATION
Optic’s High Pivot Horst Link suspension provides control of anti-rise, which is a fancy way of saying braking forces and suspension action operate pretty much independent of one another, so your suspension works its best on or off the brakes.
PRECISION KINEMATICS
Large volume air springs, precision leverage curves and custom shock tunes provide an ideal balance of bump sensitivity and the support you need to feel connected to the trail. 50mm shock stroke and reduced leverage accommodates heavier riders while still ensuring proper setup for lighter folks.
SIZE & STYLE
Fully-committed, aggressively playful performance featuring size-specific Rear- Centres & Seat Tube Angles across all 5 frame sizes, giving you the best chance to find the perfect fit for your size & style.
YOU DO YOU
Optic Carbon is available with dual 29” wheels and one 29”/27.5” MX wheel model so you can toe the line, or let your hair down. Plus, you can buy the Missing Links later if you get curious about how the other side rides.
CARBON FRAME
Full carbon fibre frame and stays are engineered to optimize strength, stiffness and light weight, ensuring you hit the line you want every time and intuitively navigate the toughest terrain.
RIDE ALIGNED™
Perfect fit, dialed handling and personalized setup in minutes.
The Ride Aligned™ Design System matches each Optic to the human who rides it with Rider-First geometry and suspension that’s precision tuned in minutes to you and terrain you ride with the Ride Aligned™ Bike Setup Guide.
SPECIFICATION
FRAME
Optic Full Carbon, 125mm Travel, High
Pivot Horst Suspension, UDH, Hangerless
Interface Compatible, Ride Aligned™
Please note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
For our second-ever high-pivot bike review, Travis tests the third-generation Norco Optic. Short travel and compact chainstays pair surprisingly well with a high-pivot design, delivering confident speed downhill while remaining efficient, stable, and capable on steep climbs.
Norco entered the lightweight eMTB market earlier this year with the all-new Fluid VLT, a trail-focused electric bike powered by Bosch’s SX motor. It features a 400 Wh battery and a dedicated mixed-wheel configuration for balanced handling and efficient, natural-feeling assist on varied terrain.
It’s been over four years since Norco bikes were sold in the UK after Evans Cycles ended distribution, but in 2024 the brand returns with two new analogue models: the Sight and Optic. Both are ready to ride, built to impress, and mark an exciting comeback for Norco in the UK market.
Norco’s Optic made waves in 2019 with its redesign, standing out as a short-travel ripper with aggressive geometry. It quickly captured the attention of riders and reviewers, earning praise for its unique blend of nimble handling, trail performance, and a ride that feels both capable and fun.
Does a high pivot rear suspension design work on a trail bike? The new 2024 Norco Optic should provide the answer. With its 125 mm of rear suspension and progressive spec, it promises not only to be a fast climber but also a rowdy trail ripper.
The Norco Optic has earned a legendary reputation, blending short-travel suspension, aggressive geometry, and serious performance intentions. This unusual combination delivers a ride that stands out in the market, offering something genuinely different for riders seeking a unique, capable bike.
