Learn more and see the new Norco VLT eMTB line in action as well as interviews with Norco Bikes engineers and profressional riders Bryn Atkinson and Jill Kintner. Norco's new eBike line has something for everyone with the aggressive big mountain Range VLT packing 180/170mm of travel, the redesigned Norco Sight VLT packing 160/150mm of travel and the new Norco Fluid VLT being a great option for newer electric mountain bike riders wanting a shorter travel option.
When Norco’s eMTB team set out to redesign their VLT line, several points were vital to the next generation. The Sight VLT is already on its third generation even though it has only been out a few years, a testament to the speed at which technology and consumer demands change but also the agility of Norco to react. Knowing that riders are no longer impressed to just have a mountain bike with pedal assist, the challenge became how to make a great riding bike with features and technology that will lead the category.
WHAT’S NEW?
Battery & Motor – “One of the things we got a lot of flack about was the lack of a removable battery,” Norco’s eMTB project manager Jim Jamieson told us. “We redesigned the VLT line up specifically so the new battery could be slid in and out of the bottom of the downtube quickly for off-bike charging and battery swaps,” he continued. Norco is using proprietary, Shimano-approved batteries with 21700 cells, which are claimed to pack an impressive power density. To make the battery removable without compromising downtube integrity, Norco rotated the front of the Shimano EP8 motor up. This greatly increases ground clearance, which is huge!
As far as we know, Norco is the first brand selling their eBikes without a battery, instead letting consumers choose the amount of capacity (weight) they want. It is a neat concept and we are excited to see more brands do this rather than just offer a one-size-fits-all battery offering.
We weighed all three batteries and were surprised to see a 1.5-pound difference between each size. Compared to the 7.03lbs (3,190g) 540Wh battery, the three extra pounds of the 909Wh battery 10.47lbs (4,750g) are noticeable. So was the increase in range though.
Other important areas of interest for the Norco design team focused around the new Shimano EP8 motor and suspension performance. Despite winning awards at previous eMTB Shootouts, Norco wanted more and since they were re-working the frame for battery and EP8 changes, it seems they wanted to throw in a suspension overhaul too. We are glad they did because these new bikes ride even better. The new suspension layout and kinematics now feature a horizontal shock configuration and a new feel.
Suspension – When it came time to start testing bikes with this new shock position, Norco engineers and riders tested different link arm options, which alter starting leverage rates and overall progression. This allowed them to achieve the optimal ride feel for each category of bike. Each model has its own rates and kinematics as a result and mean the Fluid will ride best for its 130mm of travel whereas the Range will behave differently throughout its 170mm curve. Norco also reduced the anti-squat compared to their non-E siblings and predecessors.
Each bike also gets a custom-tuned shock for a light initial feel with a consistent increase in damper progression through the travel. Two standout features for our testers thus far have been the increased sensitivity and suppleness off the top, paired with some good support in the mid-stroke.
Like all of Norco’s dual-suspension bikes, their Ride Aligned setup guide was very useful in getting us on trail quickly and greatly reduced setup time and guess work.
We have spent quite a few hours on each of these bikes to film the video and learn about them. Across the board Norco has impressed us greatly with the new Range VLT, Sight VLT and Fluid VLT. The improved suspension design stood out instantly coming off lots of time riding previous Norco Sight VLT models. All three models are supple and sensitive off the top with a solid amount of progression and support. The Fluid VLT certainly required a bit more work to set up correctly as it is the bike with the most basic spec. Volume reducers do wonders and really helped turn this modest bike into the most surprising bike in the lineup. We would love to see a higher end model, or better yet, a frameset option for riders who want to build a burly 140/130mm eBike! This will be a great option for newer riders or those who do not need tons of travel.
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