29″ Stan’s Flow S1 are a solidly performing option, though the DT Swiss 350 rear hub’s slow engagement isn’t ideal. There’s a X-Fusion Manic dropper post and SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, with an X1 Eagle DUB carbon fibre crank from SRAM and 30-tooth chainring. Norco balances out the suspension cost with a functional parts spec across the rest of the bike. The front triangle includes rubber downtube protection near the bottom bracket, as well as rubber guards on the chain and seat stays to keep the frames bright green, bordering on glow-in-the-dark paint scheme safe. Last, the Optic gets a carbon fibre front triangle matched with aluminum rear triangle for a mix of weight savings and durability. Norco makes sure the rear end will be ready to take on whatever you choose to ride by putting the high-end RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH shock across the entire Optic line, including the mid-range C2 model I tested. This is balanced by a 76-degree (effective) seat tube angle, and shorter 125-mm rear wheel travel, which keep the Optic fun while pedalling and on lower-angle descents.Īs with any short travel trail design, the aggressive geometry puts more pressure on the rear suspension, especially as you start to get into terrain that riders might previously have ridden much longer travel bike on. A slack 65-degree head tube angle and 480-mm reach (size Large) add stability at high speeds and when the trail gets real steep. I covered Norco’s overhaul of the Optic line when the bike launched but, at a glance, the updated geometry is designed to be much more capable on the descents than the previous generation of Optic, while still keeping the rider positioned forward enough on the bike that it climbs comfortably. Executed well, it’s a design that a wide range of riders can get behind, and make the most of wherever they ride. The Optic is a little bike that’s ready to take on the biggest trails around. The travel numbers may be on the short side for the Trail bike category, but it’s a very much a David and Goliath approach to suspension design. The 2020 Optic takes Norco’s rider forward geometry and applies it to a 125-mm rear, 140-mm front travel platform. After spending time on the long-travel XC Revolver this summer, I was excited to get some saddle time in on the Optic, the new short travel trial bike.Īfter a quick tour of my local trails, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver’s storied North Shore trails, the Optic looks like a bike that maximize your enjoyment on a wide range of trails, from flow trails to demanding steep terrain. The new 2020 Optic continues a trend started with the Aurum HSP, and the Revolver. Norco has been on a bit of a tear lately, steadily rolling out impressive reworkings of the brands longstanding models.
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