RIDING THE 2024 NORCO SIGHT
It takes a mere glance to recognise that the new generation of Sight casts quite a different silhouette to its predecessor that was launched in mid 2019. The previous generation Sight was popular thanks to its utilitarian construction, capable chassis and considered specification. At the time of release, it was right at the forefront of geometry design which has since become the norm in the trail bike realm; steep seat tubes, long front ends and relaxed head angles. That geometry remains on the new iteration, with only minor variances to the dimensions and angles which make up these Canadian all mountain machines. While a move to a 5 size specification does increase choice and overlap for riders to pick the bike that best suits them, the numbers within those sizes are fairly run of the mill.
What is different is the suspension layout and wheel size options. While this bike is still running the Horst-link Norco are well-known for, it now has an ace up its sleeve. As with the new Optic the 2024 Sight has a raised main pivot and concentric idler pulley which is attached to the chain stay - what Norco are calling VHS HP. The specific idler location was acutely tuned through the use of aluminium test mules during development. The axle path is rearward through the first 30% of the stroke, and then tails off to being more vertical through to bottom out. This provides the bump-eating character of a high pivot bike, without the drawbacks of decreased agility and manoeuvrability which can be seen with aggressively rearward axle paths deep in the travel.
The final change to the layout and kinematics of this bike is a move to a more progressive suspension curve. In Norco’s own words, the previous generation Sight was too linear. Riders who prefer a coil shock could too easily reach bottom out. As such, they have moved to a 28% rate of progression through the travel, up from 18% on the previous model. This will increase support through the end of the shock’s stroke, decreasing the likelihood of bottom out and increasing the acceptable window of tuning for each rider. Accompanying this change is a move from a 185x52.5mm shock up to a more common 205x60.
Fit and finish on the new Sight is more revolution rather than evolution over the previous model. Fully ported cable routing, capped bearings, extensive frame protection and quality hardware adorn this new frame giving it a look much similar to that of a Yeti
or Santa Cruz. While we feel Norco does have a tough road ahead if they want to battle against those top-tier brands on the showroom floor, all of their recent moves tell us they’re ready for the war. Increased frame quality, product support (like, a lifetime frame warranty!), marketing spend and ride quality are all steps towards riders choosing a Sight as their next bike over a SB-150 or Hightower.
ON THE TRAIL
I had a Sight C1 with 160/150mm of travel parked up in my garage around a month ago, and was able to get out on a few rides on it. I am very familiar with high pivot bikes, so my mind was fairly made up on how this bike would behave out on the trail before I even swung a leg over it. I was very wrong.
The unique combination of a very short rear-centre and a rearward axle path led to a truly unique trail experience. I was able to do all my favourite car park jibs, much to my surprise. Long forgotten due to my inability to manual the Forbidden Dreadnought I typically call home, the Sight was happy to pop up the front wheel and dart around gutters and kerbs. Similarly, the mellow trails that start out my typical test loop were much more fun than I had anticipated. Typically used just to check that body and brain are in gear before heading off to some chunder, I found myself popping and shooting off every little feature - another surprise! This is not to say that the rear end couldn’t soak up square edge hits. The Sight C1 behaved very well through rock gardens, with the rear wheel getting out of the way of bumps and chatter as expected. Similarly, I enjoyed the sensation of the growing rear centre length through long bermed turns. While it takes some getting used to, having a bike that increases in stability as you push through a compression is nothing but a good thing in my mind. While not as stable or forgiving as the Dreadnought in the most dire of situations, the Sight was a much more mild mannered beast on all other styles of trail. Another key point of interest was how quiet this bike is. New drivetrain aside, the extensive chain stay protection and fully ported cables made for a deathly quiet ride. And what about that idler I hear you say? I honestly did not notice it.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER A 2024 NORCO SIGHT?
Riders who are looking to invest in a capable all-mountain bike for all day epics and enduro racing would be happy on one of these new Sights. While the idler pulley may scare off some, the proof really is in the pudding when it comes to the ride character on these new bikes. Through the implementation of a unique suspension curve which Norco have spent years working towards, they have delivered a bike that manages to be stable, yet playful. Their new 5 size system and mixed wheel configuration means that most if not all riders from short right through to tall should be able to find a Sight to fit their needs.