The 2020 Norco Optic is the brand's redesigned 29-inch-wheeled short travel plaything.
The new bike keeps the same name and "approximate suspension travel" of the outgoing model but has been reborn as a “short-travel ripper”.
2020 Norco Optic key features
- 29-inch wheels
- 125mm rear travel, 140mm front travel
- Carbon front triangle, aluminium rear end
- Modernised progressive geometry head angle, steep seat angle
- Four sizes
- Four models
The 2020 Optic features 125mm of rear travel and 140mm front travel, with a carbon front triangle and alloy rear end. Its short-travel is countered by its aggressive new-school geometry with a longer reach, slack head-tube angle and steep seat-tube angle that aims to provide a more forward weight distribution.
Its numbers wouldn’t be out of place on a longer-travel enduro bike — a 65-degree head angle and 76-degree effective seat tube angle mean it should, as Norco says, rip the descents and also pedal back up efficiently.
The chainstay length increases across the four available sizes, something that most manufacturers don’t bother with and perhaps a sign that Norco is indeed committed to creating a bike with great geometry, no matter what the size.
Reach length varies from 420mm (size S) to 510mm (XL), with wheelbase length ranging from 1,157 (S) to 1,275 (XL). The chainstay increases in increments of 5mm across the four sizes, with rear-centre lengths of 425mm (S) to 440mm (XL). Norco specs 45mm stems across all the sizes.
2020 Norco Optic Models range overview
Each of the models available in the UK features a custom-tuned RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock, as well as four-piston brakes (with 180mm discs) and SRAM Eagle or Shimano 12-speed drivetrains.
Short seat tubes with long dropper posts make larger sizes accessible to a broader range of heights.
2020 Norco Optic C1
The Optic C1 is the top-of-the-range model, featuring a RockShox Pike Ultimate fork and a collection of high-end Shimano XTR parts.
- Frameset: Norco Optic, carbon front triangle/aluminium rear, 125mm travel
- Fork: RockShox Pike Ultimate, 140mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH
- Derailleur: Shimano XTR
- Crankset: e*thirteen TRS Race Carbon, 30t
- Wheels: Stans Flow S1 29in rims with DT Swiss 350 hubs
- Tyres: (f) Schwalbe Magic Mary Super G/TL, 29in x 2.35in, Addix Soft / (r) Schwalbe Hans Dampf Snakeskin/TL 29in x 2.35in, Addix Soft
- Brakes: Shimano XTR
- Price: £4,995 / $6,599
2020 Norco Optic C2
The Optic C2 is considerably cheaper than the C1, yet it features a host of reliable components, including the same rear shock and wheels as the C1.
- Frameset: Norco Optic, carbon front triangle/aluminium rear, 125mm travel
- Fork: RockShox Pike Select Plus,140mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH
- Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle
- Crankset: SRAM X1 Eagle DUB Carbon, 30t
- Wheels: Stans Flow S1 29in rims with DT Swiss 350 hubs
- Tyres: (f) Schwalbe Magic Mary Super G/TL, 29in x 2.35in, Addix Soft / (r) Schwalbe Hans Dampf Snakeskin/TL 29in x 2.35in, Addix Soft
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT520
- Price: £3,595 / $4,499
2020 Norco Optic C3
Norco’s entry-level Optic comes in under £3,000, but it is ready to rip. Decent suspension, tyres and components mean this bike should punch above its price.
- Frameset: Norco Optic, carbon front triangle/aluminium rear, 125mm travel
- Fork: RockShox Pike Select, 140mm travel
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH
- Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle
- Crankset: SRAM NX Eagle B148 DUB, 30t
- Wheels: Stans Flow S1 29in rims with Novatec hubs
- Tyres: (f) Schwalbe Magic Mary Super G/TL, 29in x 2.35in, Addix Soft / (r) Schwalbe Hans Dampf Snakeskin/TL 29in x 2.35in, Addix Soft
- Brakes: Shimano BR-M420
- Price: £2,995 / $3,599
In other markets, an extra-bling SRAM AXS-equipped model is available for $7,499. A frameset is also available for $2,799, as well as women-specific C2 and C3 alternatives.
