Norco brings high-pivots to its Range VLT and Sight VLT
A strong proponent of the high-pivot popularity, Norco has added this suspension technology to its latest all-mountain and enduro e-bikes.
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The Range and Sight VLTs both feature Norco’s big acronym rear-suspension design: Virtual Pivot Suspension High Pivot (VPSHP). It’s the Canadian company’s interpretation of high pivot suspension, with an additional idler wheel routing for the chain.
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Benefits? A more rearward axle path, less pedal kickback and better small bump compliance, which boosts traction. The VPSHP suspension helps to decouple chain tension from limiting suspension movement, creating more dynamic rear suspension performance.
Configured with the VPSHP set-up, Norco’s Sight VLT has 150mm rear suspension and 160mm up front. The Range VLT pushes those numbers to 170- and 180mm, deep into enduro e-bike category.
2024 norco range vlt rear.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Although purposed for different riders (Sight VLT is all-mountain, Ranger VLT is peak enduro) both bikes feature the same frame construction and pedal-assistance hardware. As such they get a carbon front triangle housing a Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor powered by a 750Wh downtube battery.
Geometry numbers are slack but not overly long. Using Norco’s size 3 frame as a reference, the Sight VLT sits at a 64-degree head angle with 472.5mm of reach. Accounting for its longer front fork, the Range VLT has a slightly shorter reach at 467.5mm but is slacker with a 63-degree head angle.
Norco is bringing three versions of the Range VLT to market and a single Sight VLT. The all-mountain VLT build kit features a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, Super Deluxe Ultimate shock and a SRAM XO AXS drivetrain. Brakes are Code RSCs with four-piston calipers and 220mm/200mm rotors front/rear.
2024 norco sight vlt hero.jpg, by Liam Mercer
The Sight VLT rolls WTB CZR i30 carbon wheels. The build weight for the Sight VLT with its carbon front triangle/aluminium rear construction is 25.2kg (55.5lbs).
Norco’s entry-level offering with the new Range VLT is an all-aluminium version featuring a ZEB select fork and Vivid Base shock. The Range VLT A1 shifts via a SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and SRAM DB8 brakes trim speed. The complete bike weight is 27.4kg (60.3lbs).
Riders seeking a carbon front triangle/aluminium rear Range VLT have two options. The C2 version is built around a ZEB Ultimate fork, Vivid Ultimate shock and GX Eagle drivetrain with SRAM DB8 stoppers. It weighs 26.1kg (57.6lbs).
2024 norco sight vlt motor.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Upgrade to the Rangle VLT C1 and build weight remains unchanged, but the specification is enhanced with a SRAM GX AXS drivetrain, Code RSC brakes and a Crankbrothers Synthesis carbon wheelset.
All versions of Norco’s new VLT e-bikes are configured with a 29/27.5-inch wheel size. The Range derivatives roll Continental Kryptotal tyres, in the 2.4in casing width with the Sight rolling a Xynotal rear tyre.
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