Compact rear triangle, permanently installed 630 watt-hour battery: until now, trail handling has been the main focus of E-MTBs from Norco right at the top of the priority list. Now the Canadians are relaunching the entire E-MTB product range. In future, all batteries will be removable from the frame, with 730 and even 900 watt hours available depending on the equipment. A paradigm shift. And another novelty for Norco E-MTBs: The rear triangle is longer on all models - good for climbing and riding stability, worse for racing round tight bends.
The video of the Norco E-MTB Sight VLT 2022 with mega range.
You can read a detailed test of the new Norco All-Mountains Sight VLT in EMTB 4/2021 - from 17 August at newsstands, in the app or in the DK online shop.
The battery offensive - how big can it be?
900 watt hours is a real statement. With this, Norco wants to penetrate new spheres of range. However, the bigger the battery, the heavier it is. That's why the product developers at Norco have come up with a trick. The new e-mountainbikes for 2022 will fit three different batteries: 540, 720 or 900 watt hours. This means that everyone can choose the battery that suits their personal requirements. Or there are two batteries in the cupboard: the 540 for after-work rides and the 900 for long weekend tours. A scenario that we at EMTB Magazine have been outlining as the ideal case for years.
Unfortunately, hopes for a free choice of battery have been dampened slightly. The smallest battery with 540 watt hours will not be available in Germany and many neighbouring countries. However, this could save a lot of weight. According to the manufacturer, the three energy sources weigh 3190 (540 Wh), 3650 (720 Wh) and 4570 (900 Wh) grams. Incidentally, this concept with different battery sizes will be applied to all Norco E-MTB models. The Fluid trail bike (140/130 mm), the All Mountain Sight (160/150 mm) and the E-Enduro Range (180/170 mm).
The giant batteries are coming
Norco is making a big push with its 900cc battery. But it won't stop there. The vast majority of new e-mountainbikes in 2022 will rely on large batteries. 700+ is the new standard. A trend that will keep another factor in addition to weight at the top: the price.
The facts about the new Norco eMTBs 2022
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Compatible with three battery sizes: 540, 720 and 900 watt hours
- Three models: Trailbike Fluid VLT, All Mountain Sight VLT and Enduro Range VLT
- Wheel size: 29 inch (all models)
- Price: from 5999 Euro
- Available from October 2021
Norco Sight VLT: Aggressive 29er All-Mountain
The most versatile bike in the model range is probably the Norco Sight VLT. With 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel, grippy tyres and a large battery, it should cut a fine figure both on long tours and in demanding terrain. The long geometry, stable tyres and the downhill shock with reservoir clearly position the Sight towards the downhill. However, the Sight is not a lost park bike, as we discovered in our first contact with Norco's new All Mountain.
Two bottle holders, well thought-out details
The double bottle cage mount catches the eye as soon as you look at the frame of our test bike in dark blue metallic. Thanks to the special rocker, which is offset slightly to the side, two 620-millilitre bottles can be attached from size L upwards, and a 750-millilitre bottle in size M - a rarity on e-MTBs. The ergonomics are also pleasing: a comfortable Ergon saddle and thick, well-damped grips maintain riding comfort even on long tours.
The geometry of the Sight: now even longer and flatter
The new geometry is also striking. As before, the reach is long at 480 millimetres in size L and the seat angle is extremely steep at 77.7 degrees. The front is higher than before with a stack of 634 millimetres, the long chainstays of 462 millimetres on all models and the steering angle of 64 degrees scream high speed downhill rather than playfulness. Stable Maxxis double-down tyres at the front and rear point in the same direction and make the Sight look more like an enduro bike.
Fast Enduro: The Norco Sight on the trail
The enduro impression is also confirmed in practice. The Norco Sight climbs confidently and is easy to control, with hardly any tendency for the front wheel to rise. Downhill, however, it requires a high basic speed and needs to be actively steered at slow speeds.
The rear suspension also absorbs bigger hits sensitively, but is not always very high in its travel on the climbs. With a weight of 25.6 kilograms and the heavy tyres, playful manoeuvres through flatter, winding trails are not the Sight's strong point. However, pulling the bike onto the rear wheel works better than expected.
You can find the detailed test of the Norco Sight including all data on reach, weight and riding experience in EMTB 4/2021 - from 17 August at newsstands, in the app or in the DK online shop.
Fluid, Sight and Range: Trailbike to Enduro at a glance
There will be three e-MTB models from Norco in 2022. The Fluid VLT trail bike with 140/130 millimetres, an aluminium frame and more affordable features is aimed at beginners and touring riders. With the aggressive All Mountain Sight VLT and the E-Enduro Range VLT, you have the full choice: Carbon or aluminium frames, equipment ranging from cheap to expensive. All models come with 29-inch wheels and prices start at 5999 euros.
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Adrian Kaether
Editor
