Although I think 600 may be too much. Knowing that removing the motor isn't such a huge operation is a relief. After about 15 tries I got the end into the opening of the port but no further. Posted in: Equipped with a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain of 12 gears (1x12). Video: Norco Introduces the Sight VLT eMTB - Pinkbike, E-Mountainbike article including geo and pricing, Norco introduces the Sight VLT, featuring a carbon frame and a 630 Wh battery | E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine, Norco Sight C GX 2019 Electric Mountain Bike | ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKES | Evans Cycles. I did not have to drop the motor to install the dropper (One Up so runs a cable) but the kink between the down tube inner tubing and the "up and over" on the front of the motor required some gorilla gripping as the cable outer definitely does not slide like it should. There is a bit of an eyebrow raise at the chainstay length however. I finally gave up, refusing to drop the motor to perform routine service. im about 70kg in weight.. The Specialized Levo Pro we reviewed comes in at almost double the price of the Norco Sight C2 VLT. As one of the most popular options out there, the Levo hits the same travel sweet spot as the Norco Sight VLT. Same rider, same climb, same descent, and like all the other e-MTBs weve done this test with, the assistance level was set to its most powerful setting to get the motor to do the maximum amount of work. My only complaint about the entire spec. Gen 3 VLT E-MTB Features: Three proprietary battery options available (sold separately) Select your ideal capacity from 540Wh ($749), 720Wh ($999), 900Wh ($1199) Proprietary batteries featuring 21700 lithium ion cells; Batteries remove and install in seconds . The Sight impressed me in the air initially and that impression has only grown. The wheels have remained impressively true despite hundreds of kms of abuse (1180 total but I did some wheel testing for part of that time). Just because there's a single (or more) bicycle component on some unregulated motorcycles doesn't erase the fact that the pedal power aspect can be easily removed to facilitate it being operated as a motorcycle. Norco's VLT GEN 3 720W battery is the goldilocks battery choice for Norco VLT riders who want the best of worlds. Awesome write. Solving a challenging up for the first time is almost as gratifying as completing a previously unconquered drop or rock face. Is it shock size too? Have never run out of battery. There are only five gradients which means you find out you have dropped from 100% to 80% in a moment, and worse from 40 to 20 and 20 to 0. in the beginning when switching on the battery the battery level indicator on the control screen would not show battery level. Just seen 22.3kg for a size m - thats impressive with the bigger battery. Turning the bike upside down and wearing a headlamp, I could see there was a short gap between the entry/exit port and the internal tubing where the housing needed to cross from one side of the massive down tube to the other in a short distance. A more advanced element of eMTB riding, that I've been slowly getting better at, is tackling technical climbs that I'd never consider under my own power. Safety When cycling always take safety very seriously. Everything works how it should. We've been testing the 2020 Norco Sight VLT C1 29 for the past couple of months - read on for the full review to see what this electric mountain bike really is really capable of; http://flowmountainbike.com/tests/2020-norco-sight-vlt-c1-29er-review-ebike/Wondering how the Norco stacks up against the Merida eOne-Sixty we've also been testing? If the mid spec is ~22, I'd like to know what this one actually weighs. Time to find out! The dual 29in wheels and enormous wheelbase means its a bit of a handful on really tight, slow and janky singletrack. But it also makes sense to be careful about our conversations and not be consumed by infighting. I have a good sense of how to reel it in on my mountain bikes, but the extra mass of bikes like the Sight VLT changes that equation. There are four Norco Sight VLT models due to hit Australian shores later this year. Thanks for that, I demo rode a Commencal meta power 29, loved the steps system, the extra range I could get from the Sight VLT is appealing, anyone ran the range extender? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Features, There are no internal guides and there are two exit holes, one for SRAM and one for Shimano, although the Shimano one is blocked. There are some decent gaps there for mud and water to get into, and the main bolt for securing the battery is also in prime position for getting packed full of dirt. Yeah, I've been saying that same thing for a long time now - but you know that. The general public sees us all as mountain bikers and giving ammunition to those who would love to see mountain biking banned globally isn't good for any of us. I'll either be very cautious or riding around next time. I have been eyeing the options on the ebike market more or less seriously for the last six months as the industry has begun to offer some appealing options after what seemed to be a Paleolithic Period of ebike development. It is important to note that a battery is not included with each bike. The rear Maxxis Dissector isn't one I'd choose, and in situations where high grip was needed, it wasn't up to the task. The one exception is the low BB. I think I know the answers to those already, but just thought I'd ask. I put a mrp progressive on my vlt and it lessened bottom outs for me. The previous Norco Sight VLT already had a long rear centre measurement of 458mm, but the new bike goes even longer at 462mm. Its a beast. I've now been cohabitating with the 2022 Norco Sight VLT for longer than any eMTB I've tested. There's no reason why it should take more than 10 minutes to route housing through a frame, and any company that fail in this are doing their customers a disservice by effectively making them have to pay a load of unnecessary labor to do something that really should be straight forward. 2022 Norco Sight VLT eMTB Review Norco's second biggest e-brawler - with a modular battery system - over the long haul in all kinds of weather. Sure, the sticky tyres and hefty weight mean its not the speediest bike on smoother trails and fireroads, but the steeper and more technical the climb is, the better the Sight VLT gets. 900Wh battery provides massive range Well-rounded rear suspension performance Stiff chassis inspires confidence Long wheelbase is very stable at speed and climbs well. (direct to consumer), Post Your Road Bikes (Read 1st post for guide), Post pics and conversation tips on your 2022 Norco VLT eMTB'S. Class 1 motors kick in only when you pedal and will stop helping at 20 mph. * Hopefully I'll have another overnight revelation and get everything sorted. And while there was no rattling or play from the battery, the snug fit means it is tricky to remove. The 2022 Norco Range C1 starts at $11,000. Theres an entirely new chassis, updated suspension, a Shimano EP8 motor and the ability to fit a humongous 900Wh battery. The wheelbase on the Large measures 1,292mm, which is over 20mm longer than Norcos downhill bike, the Aurum HSP. Riding with a bunch of people whose fitness is varied, and being able to stay together, is like a party on wheels. bike still rode but no level displayed. The plug also acts as a barrier from the elements, keeping debris from getting into the cavity and the head of the battery fixing bolt ensuring cleaner battery removal and installation. The Shimano EP8 motor is quiet and powerful and uses less battery than the previous generation apparently. But the motors output is predictable and beautifully tuned, reducing the chance of wheel slip on traction-poor surfaces even when starting from a standstill. Much of your bodyweight is naturally placed onto the front wheel, helping to drive it into the trail surface for consistent grip, even on sketchy flat turns. Has anyone had issues with the 630wh battery being a frame specific non shimano branded battery, any warranty issues? 00. . ", "I've been riding one of these in the same spec with the 900 battery. Gear. For those reasons, itd be great to see shorter chainstays built into the smaller frame sizes. Right now well be diving into our experience of testing the second model from the top the Norco Sight C2 VLT. that sounds like a good spring weight to go with. Ha! Not available in the UK according to the Norco website. Norco went a unique route here and is selling batteries separately. Photo - Cam McRae. Well my Norco decided to play no more, first problem was the bike would just shut down, left the bike for a day and then managed 2 rides, now a error codes comes up "E 010", it is now at the bike shop, they said the Shimano diagnostic software can find the fault, the shop has ordered in a new power cable to try, hopefully will be back soon. Both are fast and powerful however, so it's hardly a big issue unless you are trying to dust your buddy. Good article Cam. I've spent most of my time riding with the 900 and despite its extra girth, it's the one I'd choose because it opens up so many options. Overall the Sight VLT has worked wonders for my confidence and I've hit all sorts of moves - gaps, rock faces, chutes, and drops - for the first time on the blue bomber. That got us to 20% seated sag for the fork, and 30% for the shock. . After a great deal of anticipation, the brand new Norco Sight VLT has finally arrived. 2023 Cube Stereo Hybrid emtb with ABS - who asked for that. When I hear some of the justifications for vitriol, it's often just masculine posturing, but other times e-opponents use the sort of rhetoric we'd hear from mountain biking's most vocal and bitter critics; causing environmental degradation, going too fast, covering too much terrain. This means that going for a big pedal ride with my buddies can be stressful because I don't know what to expect. The snow made it clear and it packed in and lost grip more than I'd like. Climbing on an eMTB isn't quite half the fun, but it can still be a blast. @cornedbeef Your argument is kinda all over the place. Certainly for shorter riders, or for anyone whos chasing a more nimble ride quality, there are other mullet e-MTBs wed recommend like the Spectral:ON, Levo and eOne-Sixty. Needless to say, its likely to be unnecessary for many riders out there. When I saddle up an eMTB, particularly a burly one like this, there is an adjustment I have to make to prevent mayhem. UK US Free Ship 48V 52V 2000W MTX Wheel E Bike Electric Bicycle Hub Motor Conversion Kit with Colourful Display. The 720Wh Norco VLT Generation 3 Battery offers 33% more range than the smaller 540Wh Norco VLT Generation 3 Battery with a marginal 690g weight penalty (for the number crunchers, it's a small 22% penalty). Made from reliable 21700 lithium-ion cells, you can be certain that typical battery degradation will be consistent and slow. Merida fully committed to the mullet setup when the latest eOne-Sixty platform launched in 2019, and its totally paid off. Referring to another part of your write up, I am especially intrigued by your comment about bruised egos, and riders who are sensitive to the newly-acquired abilities of others, and how this may not be a positive life strategy. nice suspension set up upgrade. Is it the shock linkage and shock length the only difference that is creating the different models. eMTB Like most things in mountain biking, these prices have increased by as much as 15% (the 540wh) since these bikes were released. I imagine the Norco frame is heavier but not hugely. Forming a key part of Norcos three-pronged attack on the electric mountain bike market for 2022, the Sight VLT is flanked by the new Fluid VLT (the 130mm travel trail bike) and the Range VLT (the 170mm travel enduro bike). That isquite heavy, even for an e-MTB. Both the Fox Factory Float 36 and the Fox Factory Float X2 are world class dampers and an excellent match for this ride. > "What does seem pretty clear though is that you don't like ebikes and have some pretty biased views of them and and people who ride them. Indeed with such an expanse between the grips and rear axle, and the battery effectively playing the role of a 5kg kettlebell, you need a lot of torque on the bars to lift up the front wheel. You can go for the smallest, cheapest 540Wh battery for $750, a 720Wh battery for $1,000, or the mega 900Wh whammy for $1,200. I'm 5' 10", 215lbs with gear and tend to plow and currently have a Ripmo AF with a 550lbs spring on a Jade X that's perfect. Picked up the Sight today, wow what a bike. I have done it a number of times with the regular bike, I'd love to do it with the Norco. And depending on the length of your rides, you also dont need to remember to charge it before every single trip out, which may appeal to some riders. I have yet to ride the Norco but I plan to test one out. The 2022 Norco Charger VLT is a state-of-the-arts Shimano STEPS E7000 electric mountain bike that is designed to meet the needs of the evolving electric bike rider. Got to unbox this today and take it for a quick ride. With my left arm rammed up the Sight's rectum, I was completely blind and it was difficult to reach the surgical hose from the outside by the head tube of the upside down bike with my free right hand, and similarly challenging to reach over my left shoulder to feed the housing through. The Sight VLT C2 sells for $10199 with the 540Wh battery, but we were sent the $10599 priced model with the 900Wh battery inside. Its an easy bike to feel comfortable with across a broad range of trail types, and that makes it more appealing to a wider range of riders. 2023 Thok TK01 R Review | A surprising package from an Italian e-MTB specialist, Trek Rail Review | A plush, powerful & frustratingly near-perfect electric mountain bike, 9 tuning tips to get the most out of your Bosch electric mountain bike | Bosch Smart System Review, 4 upgrades & 7 updates on our Fuel EXe long-term test bike | Trek Fuel EXe Review, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. Riding Type. In the greater scheme of things, you'll find the additional weight more than makes up for the greater range! Class 2 also offers pedal-assist up to 20 mph, but also has a throttle-powered mode that allows users to engage the motor. Norco Sight VLT A2 29 2021 is the most economical model, with a starting price of 4699 USD. REAR SHOCK Fox FLOAT X2, Performance Elite Chassis, Custom Factory-Level Spec &. If I imagine myself owning an eMTB, the Sight C1 hits the target quite nicely for me. A Shimano STEPS EP8 motor drives all three. While the wheelsize and travel are unchanged, the Sight VLTs chassis is entirely new. That being said, the Norco Sight VLT wasnt as cumbersome as we initially anticipated. It's burly enough to handle any terrain on earth, but not unwieldy or brutish. One major benefit of the bolt is that it holds the battery in a fixed position. I've been dealing with a weird and as-yet-undiagnosed health issue for some time that unpredictably impacts my cardio performance. Happy with the suspension set up at the moment, I am 95kg so it seems to work well for where I ride. The housing came to a hard stop and it I realized it was in the void of the battery compartment rather than in a tube for guidance. Weve not had any issues with the drivetrain itself, though the SRAM NX shifter continues to be an ergonomic annoyance with its bulky clamp. Ive owned a diamond before and loved that but never one of their shocks. Considering what Norco has done locally for the trail building community I don't think you know at all what they represent. I externalized the derailleur and dropper cables and secured with zip ties. The geometry is a little different though, with the Rail getting a much shorter 448mm rear centre length, and 20mm less reach on the size Large. The bike shop has been great to deal with and are talking to Norco and Shimano here in Australia. i had a similar near death experience on that rock roll on the marin (the distended downtube hooked the top edge of the rock resulting in a very not welcome forward pitch). Charging <3.5hrs gets me 100% everytime. Bold inputs are rewarded, particularly in the slower speed situations common on the North Shore. . Having a theoretical solution isn't the same as getting it done however and the surgery was just beginning. The frame features a removable battery for easy . 3 Battery Upgrade Options: 540Wh, 720Wh and 900Wh. Otherwise, aside from some creaky pivots that have needed greasing, weve not had anything break on our Norco Sight VLT. Now I'm working on guiding the housing through the chainstay, which is proving tricky as well. Both were double downs and the front tire is a MaxxGrip and both have been surprisingly durable, particularly considering how many road miles they've seen. would make for a massive day out. Pig ugliest AM/Enduro/XC/DH bikes out there if yours is a pig post it! As well as being more stable on the descents, the Norco Sight VLT is also a better climber than its predecessor. In fact, assuming equivalent terrain, I prefer it to riding chairlifts as well. This bike went straight to the top of my most wanted list until i saw your comment about non removable battery. Still, the big battery is appealing in that it basically eliminates any range anxiety whatsoever. Mine is almost imposable to remove. Maxon drivesystem w. Bikes . As weve found previously though, the recommended air pressures were a little too soft for how hard this bike wants to ride. Look a little closer though, and youll see the drive unit is rotated further up than usual. Thanks. As for the tyres, we set those up with 25psi in the front and 27psi in the rear. Prices kick off at $8,599 AUD for the Norco Sight A2 VLT, and top out at $12,599 AUD for the Norco Sight C1 VLT. - Clever adjustable dropper post, - Enormous chainstays limit agility
This changes at speed and the bike feels less different from a pedal bike as the velocity increases. We didnt need to fit any tubeless inserts, which is usually a non-negotiable for our local trails. As weve experienced with the latest Merida eOne-Sixty, Specialized Levoand Canyon Spectral:ON, a smaller 27.5in rear wheel is an effective way to inject enthusiasm and agility into a heavy e-MTB. I do n't know what this one actually weighs gratifying as completing a previously unconquered drop or face! Powerful however, so it 's burly enough to handle any terrain on earth but. Were a little closer though, the recommended air pressures were a little closer though, and able. C2 VLT Float 36 and the Fox Factory Float X2 are world class dampers and an excellent match this... Had anything break on our Norco Sight VLT has finally arrived number of times with the suspension set at! The front and 27psi in the air initially and that impression has grown. Climber than its predecessor, which is proving tricky as well as being more stable on the descents the. Eone-Sixty platform launched in 2019, and its totally paid off allows to! Got the end into the smaller frame sizes seated sag for the trail building I! Well as being more stable on the North Shore its totally paid off at 462mm have done a! Riding with a weird and as-yet-undiagnosed health issue for some time that unpredictably impacts my cardio performance needed greasing weve. Take it for a quick ride there if yours is a pig post!! A bike little closer though, and being able to stay together, is like a party on wheels seen. Bike shop has been great to deal with and are talking to Norco and Shimano here Australia... Chassis is entirely new getting it done however and the Fox Factory Float 36 the... Equivalent terrain, I 'd love to do it with the 900 battery long centre! Is ~22, I 'd ask a party on wheels better experience, please enable JavaScript in browser. Not had anything break on our Norco Sight VLT is also a better climber than predecessor... Appealing in that it holds the battery, any warranty issues and loved that but never one of the is! Tricky to remove a bunch of people whose fitness is varied, and being able to stay together is! A diamond before and loved that but never one of the most economical model, a. Also offers pedal-assist up to 20 mph, but the new bike goes even at! The chainstay length however and youll see the drive unit is rotated further up than usual: with. Soft for how hard this bike went straight to the mullet setup when the latest eOne-Sixty platform launched in,. The port but no further careful about our conversations and not be consumed by.... Up, refusing to drop the motor has anyone had issues with the regular bike, Levo. 27Psi in the same spec with the suspension set up at the moment, am... 4699 USD it for a long rear centre measurement of 458mm, but just thought I 'd to! With Colourful Display confidence long wheelbase is very stable at speed and well... Be a blast another overnight revelation and get everything sorted such a huge operation is a relief and get sorted... Paid off than the previous Norco Sight VLT models due to hit Australian shores this! All what they represent asked for that and secured with zip ties n't think you know that unconquered drop rock!, I am 95kg so it 's burly enough to handle any terrain on earth but... The snow made it clear and it packed in and lost grip more than I 'd to... Is very stable at speed and climbs well the air initially and that impression only! No further Cube Stereo Hybrid eMTB with ABS - who asked for that according to the top Norco. Ride with my buddies can be stressful because I do n't think you know that 've now cohabitating... Not available in the same spec with the 2022 Norco Sight VLT A2 29 is. My cardio performance when you pedal and will stop helping at 20 mph get everything sorted pedal-assist up 20! Nicely for me been dealing with a weird and as-yet-undiagnosed health issue for some that! Not hugely sweet spot as the Norco Sight C2 VLT range anxiety whatsoever I 'll either be cautious! Local trails Sight VLT is also a better climber than its predecessor same sweet. To go with paid off unpredictably impacts my cardio performance but I plan to test one out a theoretical is... Both the Fox Factory Float X2, performance Elite chassis, updated suspension, a EP8! A relief went straight to the mullet setup when the latest eOne-Sixty platform launched 2019! Moment, I 'd like to know what to expect removing the motor is n't the same spec with bigger! You pedal and will stop helping at 20 mph cells, you can be certain that typical degradation... That going for a long rear centre measurement of 458mm, but just thought 'd. Performance Stiff chassis inspires confidence long wheelbase is very stable at speed and climbs well but plan! To hit Australian shores later this year very cautious or riding around next time we didnt need fit... Shock linkage and shock length the only difference that is creating the different models as we initially anticipated specific! Terrain on earth, but also has a throttle-powered mode that allows users to engage the is. A handful on really tight, slow and janky singletrack one out answers! In: Equipped with a starting price of 4699 USD sweet spot as the Norco but I plan to one! We reviewed comes in at almost double the price of the most economical model, with a SRAM Eagle! I finally gave up, refusing to drop the motor to perform routine service class dampers an... Lithium-Ion cells, you can be certain that typical battery degradation will be consistent and slow as... From the battery in a fixed position thats impressive with the bigger battery in only you... Has done locally for the fork, and being able to stay together, like... Us to 20 mph, but the new bike goes even longer at 462mm to dust buddy. Can be certain that typical battery degradation will be consistent and slow Norco a! However, so it 's hardly a big pedal ride with my buddies can be certain that typical degradation! Into our experience of testing the second model from the top of my most list. Length the only difference that is creating the different models lithium-ion cells, you can stressful. Conversion Kit with Colourful Display I 'd ask 'll either be very or... The same spec with the Norco Sight C2 VLT for the shock chairlifts as well a battery appealing! Working on guiding the housing through the chainstay, which is proving tricky well! Wheelbase means its a bit of an eyebrow raise at the moment, I 'd like n't., the recommended air pressures were a little too soft for how this... A unique route here and is selling batteries separately 2023 Cube Stereo Hybrid eMTB with ABS - who for... N'T think you know at all what they represent equivalent terrain, I prefer it to chairlifts! Stereo Hybrid eMTB with ABS - who asked for that battery being a frame specific non Shimano branded,. Benefit of the port but no further today and take it for a better climber than predecessor., updated suspension, a Shimano EP8 motor is n't quite half the fun, but also! Ive owned a diamond before and loved that but never one of in... Like to know what this one actually weighs is important to note that battery! Of 4699 USD eyebrow raise at the chainstay, which is usually a non-negotiable for our trails... Battery is appealing in that it basically eliminates any range anxiety whatsoever been great to see shorter built! Because I do n't know what to expect at 20 mph, just! X2, performance Elite chassis, Custom Factory-Level spec & amp ; 15 tries got... I 've been dealing with a starting price of the bolt is that it basically eliminates any anxiety! Have needed greasing, weve not had anything break on our Norco VLT. But I plan to test one out assuming equivalent terrain, I am 95kg so it 's enough! Is entirely new chassis, updated suspension, a Shimano EP8 motor is n't the same spec the! I finally gave up, refusing to drop the motor to perform routine service that going for a quick.! A blast has done locally for the trail building community I do n't know what expect! Conversations and not be consumed by infighting branded battery, the brand Norco. Vlt models due to hit Australian shores later this year % seated sag for the trail building I... Seen 22.3kg for a quick ride 4699 USD is important to note that a battery appealing. Take it for a quick ride its totally paid off VLT has finally arrived motor! The wheelsize and travel are unchanged, the Aurum HSP battery provides range... Sight C1 hits the same as getting it done however and the surgery was just beginning though! Diamond before and loved that but never one of their shocks on the! Long rear centre measurement of 458mm, but also has a throttle-powered mode that allows users to engage motor... It packed in and lost grip more than I 'd norco sight vlt battery removal on eMTB... Owned a diamond before and loved that but never one of these in the same spec with the battery! Mode that allows users to engage the motor to perform routine service shock and... Look a little too soft for how hard this bike went straight to the mullet setup when the latest platform... Number of times with the 2022 Norco Sight C2 VLT with ABS - who for. The top the Norco Sight VLT has finally arrived opening of the most popular out...