Norco’s new Sight VLT e-bike is designed for all-mountain use and builds on lessons learned since the Canadian company introduced its first full-suspension electric bike in 2019.
The 2020 Sight VLT features 29in wheels and 150mm rear travel paired with a 160mm fork.
There are three carbon and two aluminium models available in four sizes each, with geometry almost identical between the two materials. The aluminium bikes aim to bring the “electric all-mountain experience to more riders”, according to Norco, and is the first aluminium full-suspension e-bike launched by the company.
- Norco Sight range “matches each individual bike to the human who rides it”
- Shimano gearbox patent for road and mountain bike
A Shimano Steps E8000 or E7000 drive system with 630 or 500Wh battery is fully integrated into the frame, with an optional (sold separately) range extender battery mount on the down tube. If you don’t opt for the 50 to 70 per cent increased range, there’s space for a full-size water bottle instead.
Norco launched its Ride Aligned bike setup assistance app late in 2019; it can be used with the Sight VLT 29 to help get the bike working at its best in varying conditions, according to Norco.
Norco says this helps provide “the same All-Mountain performance and handling as the 2020 Sight non electric platform, with authoritative climbing, eager descending, and high-speed confidence that can only come from the complete integration of rider fit, frame geometry, suspension kinematics and precise bike setup.”
Norco Sight VLT 29 range
All of the bikes in the Sight VLT 29 range feature Maxxis Minion tyres with sturdy DoubleDown casing – a nice touch for e-biking.
SRAM and Shimano groupsets adorn the bikes at different price points, with specific e-bike forks and four-piston brakes across the board.
There are five total price levels in carbon and aluminium, from £4,095 to £6,995, and the bikes will be available this month. All five bikes are pictured in the gallery above; otherwise, we've included the full specs of the flagship carbon and alloy models below.
Norco Sight VLT C1 29
The top of the range carbon C1 has a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork and SRAM GX parts mixed with a Shimano Deore XT crankset and Steps E-8000 motor.
- Frame: Carbon main frame, seatstays, aluminium chainstays, 150mm travel
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 160mm travel, e-rated, Charger 2 RC2, short offset
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select + Debonair trunnion mount, custom tune
- Shifting: SRAM Eagle GX, 12-speed
- Crankset: Shimano Deore XT Hollowtech II, FC-M8050, 165mm, 34t
- Cassette: SRAM Eagle Xglide 1230, 11-50t
- Brakes: SRAM Code RSC four-piston, 200mm discs front/rear
- Rims: DT Swiss E 1700 Hybrid e-bike rated wheelset
- Hubs: DT Swiss E-1700 sealed bearing, 15 x 110mm Boost (front) / 12 x 148 Boost (rear)
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF WT 29 x 2.5in MaxxGRIP DD TR (front) / Maxxis Minion DHR II WT 29 x 2.4in MaxxGRIP DD TR (rear)
- Motor: Shimano Steps E-8000
- Battery: In-Tube 630Wh (range extender compatible)
- Price: £6,995 / $7,499 / €7,799
Norco Sight VLT A1 29
The priciest of the two aluminium options, the A1 features the same motor and battery as the C1, albeit with some downgraded components elsewhere.
- Frame: Aluminum, 150mm travel
- Fork: RockShox Yari RC 160mm travel, e-Rated, Motion Control, short offset
- Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select + Debonair, trunnion mount, custom tune
- Shifting: SRAM Eagle SX
- Crankset: Shimano FC-E8000, 165mm w/34t
- Cassette: SRAM Eagle Xglide PG 1210 11-50t
- Brakes: Shimano BR MT520 four-piston, 203mm discs front/rear
- Rims: e*thirteen LG1 DH 29in
- Hubs: Shimano Deore HB-6010. 15 x 110mm Boost (front) / 12 x 148 Boost (rear)
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF WT 29 x 2.5in MaxxGRIP DD TR (front) / Maxxis Minion DHR II WT 29 x 2.4in MaxxGRIP DD TR (rear)
- Motor: Shimano Steps E8000
- Battery: In-Tube 630Wh (range extender compatible)
- Price: £4,695 / $5,499 / €N/A
