The Canadian cult brand Norco presents its first light e-MTB. The promise: The new e-bike is designed to be ridden like an MTB without a motor, while the drive provides discreet support without being unpleasantly conspicuous.
The slim and quiet TQ HPR 60 is used for this. Paul Burnett, Senior Product Manager at Norco, explains the objective: "We wanted to build an E-MTB with the right balance of weight and performance. The TQ system, combined with our proven Sight VLT platform and high-pivot layout, allowed us to achieve all of these goals."
The Sight VLT TQ is based on the tried-and-tested Sight platform and is intended to be a downhill all-mountain - and therefore the ideal all-rounder for trail and off-road fans. The bike comes with a carbon frame and a high-pivot rear triangle that provides 150 millimetres of suspension travel.
There are also forks with 160 mm travel. The new Sight also comes in a mullet set-up with a 29er front wheel and a smaller 27.5 mm wheel at the rear. Three model variants with carbon frames are available in five sizes from S1 to S5.
The facts about the Norco Sight VLT TQ
- Frame: Carbon, size-specific rear triangle lengths
- Spring travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Motor: TQ HPR60, max. torque: 60 Nm, 350 W peak power
- Battery: 580 Wh
- Range Extender: 160 Wh (optional)
- Weight: depending on model 19.05 kg to 19.96 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Sizes: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
- Price: Two models for 8790 and 9990 euros
- Guarantee: For life
TQ HPR60 drive system
The TQ HPR 60 motor remains true to its character even after the new version: quiet, smooth and with a natural riding feel. But compared to its predecessor, the HPR 50, it has become noticeably more powerful. Even at a low cadence, the motor pushes harder.
It can also maintain its maximum output of 350 watts for longer, even in continuous use. This is because cooling fins ensure better heat dissipation. Accordingly, Norco describes the bike not as a "light", but as a "mid-power" E-MTB.
The motor weighs 1.95 kg including cooling fins, which is definitely light. With the 580-cell battery, which is ample by light standards, the range is also really good. However, the battery in the Norco is not designed for quick removal. A range extender with 160 Wh can also be fitted.
All-mountain geometry
The Norco Sight VLT TQ is available in the five frame sizes S1 to S5, which are designed to cover body sizes from 155 to 195.5 cm. The reach ranges from 422.5 mm in size S1 to 522.5 mm in S5 and the stack increases from 618 mm to 654 mm. Luxury: The chainstays also grow with the frame sizes from 441 to 453 millimetres. The head angle is a moderate 64 degrees. The effective seat angle increases from 77 to 78 degrees depending on the size. The wheelbase measures between 1193 and 1322 mm.
Equipment variants and prices
Norco offers the Sight VLT TQ in two model variants in German-speaking countries. All versions use the same carbon frame and are available in five sizes from S1 to S5. The TQ drive system with HPR 60 and 580 Wh battery is also identical in each case. Prices start at 8790 euros.
The Sight VLT TQ C1 is the top model in the series and is said to weigh a slim 19.05 kilos. It costs 9990 euros. The suspension consists of a Fox 36 Factory Grip X2 fork and Fox Factory Float X shock. An electronic Shimano Deore XT Di2 shifts the 12-speed cassette with 10-51 teeth. Shimano XT brakes with 203 mm at the front and 180 mm at the rear provide deceleration. There are also Crank Brothers Synthesis Carbon Enduro wheels with Continental Kryptotal-F at the front and Xynotal.
The C2 version relies on a Fox 36 Performance Elite GripX2 fork and Fox Float X Performance shock. The gearing remains Shimano Deore XT Di2, while the brakes switch to the more favourable Shimano Deore. Crank Brothers Synthesis Alloy Enduro wheels replace the carbon version. The C3 model uses DVO Diamond 36 D1 forks and DVO Topaz Pro Gen 3 shocks. Shimano's Deore shifters shift mechanically and TRP Slate EVO brakes decelerate. WTB ST i30 wheels are fitted. The C3 is said to weigh 19.96 kg.
BIKE Conclusion
Light e-MTBs are not exactly considered top sellers at the moment. But for us, bikes like the Norco Sight VLT TQ are proof that this category should not die out. If you want a subtle extra boost on your enduro or trail rides but don't want to compromise on handling, this is the bike for you. The HPR 60 from TQ is the ideal drive for this. We, at least, are eager to test the classy high-pivot bike from Canada. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
