Cyclocross season is just around the corner, and with that comes the new crop of mud-ready machines. Here's a first look at Norco's 2018 Threshold line up, with bikes that feature a redesigned frame with an updated geometry, as well as a load of tech to deal with the muddy mayhem of 'cross riding and racing.
'cross is coming
Norco Threshold frame specs
- Full carbon frame and fork on C models
- Aluminum frame with carbon fork on A models
- 12mm thru-axles front and rear
- Internal cable routing
- Flat-mount disc brakes
- Sizes: 48, 50.5, 53, 55.5, 58, 60.5cm
- Limited quantity available now, full availability mid-September
New frame with a new geometry
For 2018, Norco updated the Threshold with a compact top tube and short chainstays, which it claims makes tight courses easier to navigate.
An increased fork offset is said to help keep the steering in line (useful in deep mud), plus a slacker head tube angle and lower bottom bracket should increase stability. The seat angle is steeper, which Norco claims increases acceleration.
In the same vein as Norco's road bikes, the new Threshold frames use the same ARC Race technology, which Norco states "reduces rider fatigue and allows the bike to roll more predictably off-road."
While the Power Chassis design’s oversized head tube junction, down tube, bottom bracket shell and chainstays deliver optimal lateral stiffness to maximize pedaling efficiency and power transfer.
Size-scaled tubing on the Threshold means that all riders will experience the same positive ride characteristics, regardless of frame size.
Norco has also made sure its new Thresholds can be used outside of the race course.
The bikes sport added clearance front and rear for wider tires, and stealth mounting points for fenders. The curiously named SASSY (Secret Attachable Seat Stay Yoke) clips on to the seatstay bridge and when paired with threaded inserts allows conventional fenders to be fitted.
Carbon Threshold range
Threshold C Red eTap
Sitting at the peak of the line up is the Threshold C specced with a SRAM Red eTap wireless drivetrain, Quarq Prime carbon crankset, Red hydraulic disc brakes, and Easton EC90 SL tubular wheels with Clement MXP 33mm tubs. Retail is $6,899, UK and Australian pricing TBD.
Threshold C Force 1
Slightly down the list is the Force 1 build with SRAM Force gearing and discs, Easton EC90 SL cranks, and Easton EA90 SL wheels with Clement Crusade MXP tubeless-ready 33mm tires. Retail is $4,199, UK and Australian pricing TBD.
Threshold C Rival 1
The workhorse builds start with the Rival 1 kit featuring SRAM Rival drivetrain with Quarq alloy crankset, Rival disc brakes, and A-Class CXD4 wheels shod with Clement Crusade MXP tubeless-ready 33mm tires. Retail is $3,099, UK and Australian pricing TBD.
Threshold C 105
The start of the carbon Thresholds comes with Shimano's lauded 105 gearing pulled by a Praxis Alba crank, 105 disc brakes, WTB Frequency Race i19 rims and Clement Crusade MXP 33mm tires. Retail is $2,599, UK and Australian pricing TBD.
Aluminum Thresholds available too
Norco also offers three alloy Thresholds with the same geometry as the carbon versions.
Smaller riders take note, the Threshold A Apex 1 is also offered in an extra small 45.5cm size.
Threshold A Apex 1
At the top of the alloy range is the Apex 1. The build has a carbon fork, SRAM Apex 1x11 drivetrain, Apex hydraulic disc brakes, and WTB STP i19 rims with Schwalbe Rapid Rob 35mm tires. Retail is $1,699, UK and Australian pricing TBD.
Threshold A Tiagra
The middle version of the alloy Threshold comes with a carbon fork, Shimano's Tiagra 2x10 drivetrain, TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes and WTB STP i19 rims with Schwalbe Rapid Rob 35mm tires. Retail is $1,249, UK and Australian pricing TBD.
Threshold A Singlespeed
Last, but not nearly least, is the singlespeed version of the Threshold A.
This simple aluminum cyclocross rig rolls with a carbon fork, SRAM Apex cranks, TRP Hylex hydraulic disc brakes and WTB STP i19 rims with Schwalbe Rapid Rob 35mm tires. Retail is $1,199, UK and Australian pricing TBD.