Norco took its time with the first e-mountainbike. While other manufacturers are launching one e-MTB after another onto the market, the Canadians spent a long time fine-tuning the Sight VLT. But the result is something to be proud of. The stylish carbon fibre chassis conceals a very slim battery that supplies the Shimano Steps motor with energy. Depending on the model, the energy reservoir has 500 or a generous 630 watt hours, but unfortunately cannot be removed. The bike is charged via an extremely elegant charging socket in the seat tube, which is located on the left-hand side above the bottom bracket. The Canadians have also smartly integrated the on/off switch into the down tube.
The Norco Sight VLT is not only similar in name and appearance to its non-motorised counterpart, but also has the same rear triangle. This elicits 150 millimetres of suspension travel from the shock. A 160 mm fork works at the front in all models. For maximum traction, the e-MTB rolls on 2.6 inch wide 27.5 mm Maxxis tyres. The geometry is modern: The 470 mm reach in size L promises balanced handling in combination with the 66 mm steering angle and the 440 millimetre short chainstays. For the time being, only frame sizes S, M and L are available. Norco specifies an acceptable weight of 22.3 kilos.
Three models are now available from your trusted Norco dealer. The entry-level model is the Sight VLT 3, which costs 4999 euros and features a Rock Shox Yari suspension fork for damping and a Deluxe rear shock. The VLT 3 is powered by the Shimano Steps E7000, which is slightly slimmed down in terms of maximum power, paired with a 500 Wh battery.
If you want more range, you have to go for the more expensive models: Here, the Canadians install the higher-quality, proven E8000 motor with a large 630 Wh battery. With 12-speed instead of 11-speed Sram NX gears and Rockshox Pike instead of Yari, paired with the better drive, the Sight VLT 2 is available for 5999 euros. The top model Norco Sight VLT 1 costs 7499 euros and features Fox Performance suspension in combination with more powerful brakes and system wheels from DT Swiss.
