Continuous test performance
Altitude metres: 42750
Kilometres: 3150
Price: approx. 3000 Euro
My time with the Norco Killer was a fulfilling friendship. The bike has never let me down over 3150 kilometres. At first, I was shocked by the high weight. 14.1 kilos - I really thought that would be a problem for me on some of my very long mountain stages. The weight is indeed noticeable on the climbs, but you are pleasantly surprised by the agility of the bike. It also demonstrates a characteristic that is extremely important to me on tours: the Norco is robust and capable of suffering. Good handling and sufficient performance are part of the Killer's programme. On flowing trails, it is playful and responsive, and the bike manoeuvres around hairpin bends, which you can find in large numbers on the trails in the Bavarian Alps, in the tightest of radii. The Killer swallows rough bumps and root passages without a murmur - the suspension works very sensitively, even on fast sequences of hits. The routing of the cables is well thought out.
After 150 kilometres, the dropper seatpost took on a life of its own and shrank during the ride. After increasing the air pressure in the seat post, the problem was solved for a short time, but reappeared over the entire endurance test. I changed the brake pads for the first time after about 1750 kilometres. At the end of the 3150 kilometres, the entire drivetrain had to be replaced, as did the brake pads. The bearings of the rear triangle are very rough due to the lack of sealing and now need to be replaced. My personal suggestion for improvement would be a thru axle with quick release on the rear wheel.
Test summary of the Norco Sight Killer B-2
A carefree bike with a wide range of uses. The signs of wear are absolutely appropriate for the type and duration of use.
Functionality ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ (5 out of 6 points)
Durability ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ (5 out of 6 points)
Defects
150 km telescopic seat post sags
Air pressure increased; problem occurred again during the test
1750 km new brake pads
The wear is within the norm, a new set was due at the end of the endurance test.
3150 km Drive renewed
Sprockets, chainrings and chain were due for replacement; the bearings of the rear triangle now had to be replaced.
Tuning
50 km handles changed
Standard grips replaced with Ergon GP-1
Tester: Marco Schreiber
Rides bike since 1991
Weight/size 72 kg/1.94 m
Driver type Marathon/All Mountain
Favourite area Lenggries/Lake Garda
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 6/2015 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
