Drop-bar bikes with wider tires, plenty of accessory mounting points and relaxed geometry are sprouting up everywhere. Some people call them adventure bikes, others call them gravel bikes. Norco calls its version the Search XR.
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Norco Search XR Ultegra specs
- Carbon frame and fork
- 12mm thru-axles front and rear
- Clement Ushuaia wheels with Clement X'Plor MSO 700 x 40mm tires
- Shimano Ultegra R8020 group with Praxis Zayante cranks
- Shimano Ultegra disc brakes, 160mm rotors
- Actual weight: 9.2kg / 20.3lbs (size 58cm)
An interesting drivetrain
Bucking the current single-ring trend, the Search XR Ultegra has a 2x drivetrain with a 48/32 Praxis Zayante crank spinning an 11-34 Ultegra cassette. Compared to a one-by set up with a 40t chainring and a 10-42 block out back, the Ultegra 2x11 system offers an easier climber gear and a faster top end.
But all that is moot if the chain won't stay put, and since the Ultegra rear derailleur remains clutch free and the Search XR is meant for some bumpy terrain, it's something I'll be sure to watch.
Tech-heavy tourer
Like Norco's endurance-oriented Search bikes, the Search XR steers towards going long, but on less maintained roads and trails, and loaded up with essentials.
Rack and gear-hauling compatibility can be found all over the Search XR. There are eyelets littered on the fork blades and one on the crown for a fender. The rear dropouts have what Norco calls NINJA, which stands for 'not instantly noticeable junk attachments'. They're threaded inserts for bolting on fenders that can be removed when not needed.
Another acronym on the back end is SASSY: 'secret attachable seat stay yoke'. Norco did away with the seatstay bridge in hopes of delivering a smoother ride. But without that bridge mounting fenders proved to be tricky, so the SASSY is a small plastic bridge that can be zip-tied in place when a fender is wanted.
The last detail isn't all that tech heavy, but does show Norco is keen on what this bike is going to get into. It's simply a rubber boot that covers the seat clamp to prevent water, mud and debris from mucking up the inside of the frame.
Norco Search XR Ultegra pricing and availability
The Ultegra-equipped Search XR retails at $3,799 / AU$ 4,499 / £N/A.
There are three carbon Search XR models and two Reynolds 725 chromoly models.
Availability for the carbon Search XR Force and Apex models is mid October, while the carbon Ultegra model and the two chomoly bikes should be arriving around later December this year.