Gold rush from Canada: Anyone who paid attention in chemistry lessons will know which precious metal is hidden behind the abbreviation "Au". That's right, we're talking about Aurum, gold. We took the Norco gold piece from Canada for a spin on the trails of Whistler and tested whether it has what it takes to trigger a gold rush:
Compared to its predecessor, the Norco "DH", the "Aurum" initially appears much more aggressive, technically more mature and less playful. This may be due to the fact that World Cup team riders Ben Reid and Dan Stanbridge had a major say in the development of the bike. Even the first few metres on the trail show that the Norco doesn't weigh much. However, anyone who fears that the bike will wobble like a cow's tail can be reassured - the frame feels pleasantly stiff. It is also immediately clear that the bike wants to move forwards, or rather downwards. The theoretical, generous top tube length of 635 millimetres for frame size L and the relatively low front of the squeaky yellow racer are partly responsible for this.
The rear suspension works sensitively, but is not too soft, so that the rider receives reliable feedback on what the rear wheel is doing - the characteristics of the Rock Shox "Boxxer" work very similarly and therefore harmonise perfectly.
With its 200 millimetres of travel, the bike sits firmly on the piste, but can be actively steered and is ideal for taking off in a controlled manner if desired - all you need to do is pull hard on the handlebars. In the air, the Norco behaves very neutrally, and due to its low weight, it can also be tempted to perform a few tricks. Nevertheless, we see the "Aurum" first and foremost as an uncompromising competition downhill bike for every conceivable DH track in the world.
If you take a closer look at the bike, you will discover interesting details - such as the lower shock mount: a removable thread allows the shock bolt to be fixed from one side only, so the chainring does not interfere with mounting. The new Syntace "X-12" thru-axle system including derailleur hanger mounting is clever and looks very high-quality and light. Instead of a seat tube quick release, we find a recessed bolt - this looks clean and also saves a few grams. On the top tube, we found two elastomer bumpers sticking out cheekily to prevent the fork from hitting the frame. This is basically a good thing, but as the "Boxxer" is quite narrow, in some situations you might wish for a larger steering angle.
Conclusion: The "Aurum" immediately makes you believe that you can set fast times on it. Anyone looking for a competitive downhill bike should definitely take a closer look at this bike.
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
SizesS, M, L
Price: 4.299 Euro
Weight17.4 kg (without pedals)
ForkRock Shox "Boxxer R2C2" (200 mm)
DamperRockshox "Vivid Coil R2C" (200 mm),
MEASURED DATA
Steering angle: 63.5°
Seat angle: 71.4°
Top tube: 605 mm,
Chainstay length: 425 mm
Bottom bracket height: 355 mm,
EQUIPMENT
CircuitSram "X9"
Crank handleTruvativ "Descendant DH"
BrakesAvid "Elixir 9"
StemEaston "Havoc",
Seat postNorco "Lite two bolt"
SaddleWTB "Silverado Race SL"
HubsDT "Comp"
RimsSun Inferno "29 welded"
TyresMaxxis "Minion DHF" 2.5,
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
