Together with the Trailbike Optic the Sight is the latest spin-off from the traditional Norco brand. Just like its long-stroke siblings Range and Shore, the Sight and Optic also rely on a high-pivot rear triangle with a pulley integrated into the chainstay. In the Full 29 setup we tested, the Sight delivers 160 millimetres of travel at the fork and 150 millimetres at the steel spring rear end. If you swap the rocker and lower shock mount, the Sight can optionally be ridden with a 27.5-inch rear wheel.
We have tested these bikes
- Forestal Siryon Diode 16.17 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 8899 Euro
- Lapierre Spicy 8.9 16.16 kg / 180/180 mm / 29/27.5" / 6999 Euro
- Merida One-Sixty 8000 15.61 kg / 170/170 mm / 29/27.5" / 7899 Euro
- Norco Sight C1 15.68 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8499 Euro
- Propain Spindrift 5 CF 16.25 kg / 180/180 mm / 29" / 7029 Euro
- Scott Ransom 900 RC 15.46 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 9999 Euro
- Transition Sentinel Carbon 14.91 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8990 Euro
Equipment Norco Sight C1
- Fork: Fox 36 Grip2 Factory
- Shock absorber: DHX2 Factory Coil
- Gear system: Sram GX Transmission, 1x12
- Bandwidth: 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Code Silver / 200/180 mm
- Telescopic support/stroke: Silver / 200/180 mm
- Wheels: Race Face Vault hubs, Stan's No Tubes Flow S2 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / DHRII Exo+ Maxxterra 29 x 2.5 / 2.4
- max. system weight: not specified
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: Sprindex spring rate adjustment, top setup guide
From the test lab
- Total weight: 15.68 kg kg without pedals
- Weight of wheels: 5429 g
- Impeller inertia: 4340 kg x cm²
Norco Sight C1: Diversity in settings
Despite the steel suspension, the Norco Sight C1 offers a certain degree of adjustability. The so-called Sprindex adjustment - a small plastic part at the lower end of the steel spring - allows the spring rate to be adjusted to the rider's weight within a defined range. The SAG can also be adjusted via preload. Norco provides exemplary instructions on the website so that the customer doesn't get lost in the setup jungle. In the Norco recommendation, the suspension works perfectly. The Sight reacts sensitively to bumps, digests even quick hits and has plenty of pop, which supports an active riding style. Only the top-out clunk of the DHX2 coil shock at maximum rebound was annoying.
The Canadians have also shown a fine touch with the geometry. "The Sight rides very balanced and is really fun, especially in the tight passages," says enduro pro and guest tester Texi. With short chainstays and a wheelbase that isn't too long, the Sight is easy on the rear wheel despite the lengthening high-pivot rear triangle. In addition, the Norco rolls very quickly with the fast and light Maxxterra tyres. In rough, slippery sections, however, the tyres are stingy with grip and damping and show the Sight its limits. The 36 mm Fox fork also has to give way on the steep rocky sections of the test track and is less potent than its longer and thicker competitors. This is where the shorter travel becomes noticeable.
Between the worlds
With details such as Sprindex adjustment, Mullet compatibility, high pivot rear triangle and the extremely short seat tube with fully retractable saddle, the Norco Sight is completely focussed on riding fun and ride quality. However, the Sight does not offer any details such as a storage compartment in the down tube. At just 15.68 kilos, the Norco is one of the lighter bikes in the comparison. Together with the easy-rolling tyres, the Sight straddles the all-mountain and enduro categories and has a wide range of uses. However, the platform is still required when pedalling out of the saddle. The steel rear suspension pumps clearly. In terms of stiffness, the frame offers good-natured flex at the rear and sufficient precision at the front.
Conclusion on the Norco Sight C1
In terms of suspension travel alone, the Norco Sight C1 is slightly below the enduro category. However, apart from the fork and tyres, the bike can keep up very well. I particularly liked the balanced handling and the good rear suspension, which makes the bike really fast to ride.
