Norco Optic C1 vs Kavenz VHP12: Kavenz & Norco - 2 high-pivot trail bikes in a test duel

At a high level: What is High Pivot?

A pulley is worth a thousand words. Even the first glance at the two high-pivot bikes Norco Optic and Kavenz VHP reveals that these fullys are no ordinary bikes. Trail bikes. The elaborate chain deflection and not least the massive look with the large-volume carbon tubes on the Norco suggest that we are looking at two enduro MTBs. The choice of suspension fork is also more in keeping with a potent downhill bike. The Canadian manufacturer Norco specifies thick 36 mm stanchions and fat Maxxis tyres.Slippers.

However, the Kavenz VHP 12 and the Norco Optic, with a nominal 120 and 125 millimetres of rear travel respectively, are in the middle of the trail bike class. So why bother with the linkage and complex kinematics, some may ask. In the downhill and enduro segments, high-pivot bikes are all the rage. Smaller brands such as Deviate, Actofive, Forbidden, HopeDevinci and Nicolai have discovered High Pivot for themselves. But larger manufacturers such as Trek, Commencal, GT and Cannondale rely on bikes with chain deflection or - like Canyon with its new downhiller - experiment with an optimised wheel lift curve.

A coincidence? Not really. The ongoing trend of raising the main pivot point of the rear triangle as high as possible increases downhill performance. Compared to traditional rear triangle kinematics, where the main pivot point is largely at the height of the chainring, the rear wheel is better able to avoid the obstacle at the top of the rear when compressing (Explanation in the chapter "How High Pivot works"). You are less likely to get stuck on roots and rocks, which gives the rear end more absorption capacity. The bottom line is that you can tackle rough sections faster and more comfortably.

Is High-Pivot the right concept for trail bikes?

In gravity sports, the concept sounds absolutely plausible. After all, every second counts on the downhill. But does this also apply to trail bikes that are ridden both uphill and downhill? With the Norco Optic and the Kavenz VHP 12, the high-pivot concept is breaking new ground in the 120 millimetre travel range. Both brands can draw on their expertise in the Downhill- and Enduro-segment, but will the transfer to the short spring travel also be successful?

The inventory reveals major differences. Although the suspension travel is quite similar, the trail bike interpretations are very different: the massive Optic has around ten millimetres more travel at the front and rear and rolls over the trails more or less in enduro spec. Despite the full carbon frame and a price of 10,999 euros, the Norco weighs a whopping 15 kilos including pedals. With faster and lighter tyres, a suspension fork with 34-millimetre stanchions and wheels that are 700 grams lighter overall, the Kavenz is a whole lot sportier. In terms of overall weight, the two are separated by 1.1 kilos - in favour of the Kavenz. And this despite the aluminium frame and the 3000 euro lower price. However, neither of them are real lightweights.

Kavenz & Norco: The high-pivot trail bikes on test

Cavenz VHP12

Equipment

• Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory
• Shock: Fox Float Factory
• Gear system: Sram AXS X0 Transmission
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
• Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4 180/180 mm
• dropper post/stroke: TurnOn Bunker Dropper / 190 mm
• Wheels: Onyx hubs, We Are One Faction carbon rims
• Tyres: Onza Porcupine TRC 60 29 x 2.4

Measured values

• Total weight: 13.5 kg (without pedals)
• Weight of wheels: 4340 g
• Acceleration of running wheels: 3232 kg x cm²

Norco Optic C1

Equipment

• Fork: Fox 36 Float Factory
• Shock: Fox Float X Factory
• Gear system: Sram AXS X0 Transmission
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 10-52 / 520 %
• Brakes: Sram Code RSC 200/180 mm
• Telescopic support/stroke: OnOne Twoten/ 210 mm
• Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis E29
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/Dissector Exo+ Maxxterra 29 x 2.5/2.4

Measured values

• Total weight: 14.64 kg (without pedals)
• Weight of wheels: 5069 g
• Acceleration wheels: 4089 kg x cm²

Geometry & handling: Trail bikes of the flat variety

In terms of geometry, the Norco is a touch smoother despite comparable reach values. At 469 (Norco size 3) to 464 millimetres (Kavenz size M), both frames are close together. Due to the slightly slacker steering angle of 64.7 degrees and the four millimetre longer chainstays, the Optic has a slightly longer wheelbase. This makes for an even smoother ride on fast sections, although the Kavenz is already on the slack side for a trail bike with a 65.4 steering angle. Thanks to the very short 423 mm chainstays, the VHP 12 can be pulled onto the rear wheel with little effort and easily negotiates tight bends. Because the VHP 12 frame is based on the VHP 16/18 enduro platform and now has to make do with a short fork, the seat angle is extremely steep at almost 79 degrees. Sitting on the saddle, this results in a front-heavy, yet very upright and compact position. When pedalling out of the saddle, even the distance to the tip of the saddle is quite tight, which is why you're more likely to graze. The freedom of movement could be better.

Sitting & pedalling: What stands out when pedalling on the trail

The Norco is also quite comfortable to sit on. The high weight and the higher rolling resistance of the wheels encourage a leisurely uphill riding style. When pedalling, the Optic rear suspension pumps slightly less than the Kavenz when the shock is open. On the other hand, its Float damper without an equalisation reservoir has a stronger platform, which ensures complete composure. When pedalling off-road and swapping directly against each other, it is noticeable that the Kavenz has a slight pedal kickback. The Norco pedals more neutrally here. On the other hand, the Kavenz swallows thick roots and larger obstacles more confidently and lets them literally fizzle out in the rear triangle. Since the pulley on the Norco is close to the tyre, the chain is under a lot of dirt, which is why the drivetrain constantly grinds and creaks when pedalling. A real shortcoming of this design.

Downhill: Which bike swallows obstacles better?

Downhill, the Norco really comes up trumps thanks to its consistent DH orientation. Behind the high front end, you feel very secure on the bike. The thick fork and potent tyres increase confidence and give the rider self-assurance. Sit on it and feel good. Especially on steep sections, the Kavenz has to take second place due to the lighter tyres and the front-heavy position. Despite the smaller rear shock, the rear triangle is better able to utilise the advantages of a high-pivot linkage: the absorption capacity is excellent and you can literally feel how the rear wheel swerves backwards over obstacles. The Norco rear end is somewhat less noticeable here, even compared to conventional trail bike rear ends. Incidentally, our measurements in the laboratory confirm that the rear triangles, with 129 millimetres on the Kavenz and even 140 millimetres on the Norco, actually have a little more travel than specified.

BIKE conclusion on high-pivot trail bikes by Peter Nilges

Despite its higher weight and more downhill-orientation, the Norco wins this trail bike duel. The extreme seat angle and the influence of the drivetrain cost the Kavenz points. Due to the short suspension travel, the advantages of the high-pivot kinematics are less pronounced overall than on an enduro bike. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager

How High Pivot works

With a traditional, low main pivot point (orange) on the rear triangle, the rear wheel can usually only move a few millimetres to the rear. The wheel lift curve even shortens the chainstay length through compression. The rear wheel therefore moves in the direction of travel against the obstacle with increasing compression. On high-pivot bikes, the rear wheel is better able to avoid the obstacle upwards towards the rear.

The other side of the coin: when the rear suspension compresses, the chainstay elongates more than on a bike with a low pivot point. This results in pedal kickback, as with the Cannondale SE2000. To avoid this problem, the chain must be redirected via a pulley. Depending on the position of the idler pulley, the designer can adjust the anti-squat (bob suppression) and also keep the pedal kickback in check.