Even though the Range is supposed to be a race enduro bike on paper, we had the impression that Norco had somehow overshot the mark. Including pedals, the Range weighs in at a hefty 17.2 kilos. At just under four kilos, the frame also marks the highest value in this comparison. Added to this is a steel spring shock absorber, which adds 350 grams to the weight. Consequently, the Norco is the only bike in the test to roll on stable Maxxis Double Down tyres, which offer more puncture protection than the Exo+ version, which is almost 200 grams lighter in a pair. In addition to weight, Norco focusses on length and combines the longest reach with the most generous wheelbase.
The high stack allows you to stand comfortably behind the cockpit and just wait for the trail to finally drop. Right at the start of our test track, the Tschilli trail in Latsch, the Norco is in its favourite element. The rocky section combines steepness with nasty steps and holes. "Hold on tight to the handlebars and keep your finger off the brake, I'll take care of the rest," the Norco seems to whisper. The Highpivot rear triangle delivers what it promises and smooths out the trail with confidence. However, effort is required in the subsequent cornering. The length and weight make the Range sluggish. The bike is very reluctant to get onto the rear wheel. Thanks to the pulley, the rear end remains neutral, but pumps strongly when pedalling.
PLUS: A force in blocked passages; very confident downhill rider
MINUSToo heavy, too sluggish, not lively enough
Conclusion on the Norco Range C2:
Laurin Lehner, Editor FREERIDE: The Norco is a really heavy calibre and more of a downhiller than an enduro bike. It smooths out even the roughest descents, but is rather sluggish and cumbersome to ride. It's better to shuttle uphill with the Range. A bike for park use, less for enduro missions.
Technical data Norco Range C2
General information
- Price: 7999 euros, available from specialised dealers
- Info: www.norco.com
- Weight: 16.8 kg
- Suspension travel: 168 / 157 mm
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: S / M / L / XL (tested in L, 41 cm)
Equipment
- Fork: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate RC2 Charger Debon Air
- Shock: Fox DHX2 Factory Series Coil
- Crank: Sram GX Eagle
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Sram Code R / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Tranz X + wheel dropper / 200 mm / 34.9 mm
- Wheels: Ethirteen LG1 EN rims; DT Swiss 350 hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai / Dissector 3C MaxxGrip TR Double Down 29 x 2.5/2.4
- Ease of maintenance: weak
The results of the Norco Range C2 in the complete comparison test of the 6 enduro bikes in the Enduro Special from BIKE 6/2022 can be conveniently downloaded as a PDF below the article.
The test report costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - tens of thousands of euros every year.
