Norco Shore 1
Freeride lives, it just looks a little different now
Freeride lives, it just looks a little different now
Norco gave itself a big challenge when it chose to revive the Shore. Invoking the moniker of an iconic machine and the spirit of freeride set expectations high for the B.C.based brand’s return to the discipline. But, with high-tech suspension design, the Shore is a decidedly modern take on the classic theme.
Norco builds its new Shore around a sturdy aluminum frame. There’s 180-mm travel, front and rear. The frame is rated for DH forks. The Shore Park arrives with a 200-mm Rock Shox Boxxer fork.
The company borrows from its Aurum downhill race bike for design inspiration, using an elevated Horst-link suspension and integrated idler pulley in the rear suspension. This setup gives the Shore more traction and prevents pedal kickback on heavy landings. Unlike the race-focused Aurum, which works to keep the bike connected to the ground, the Shore’s suspension is designed to be more supportive to suit its freeride destiny. The bike has more pop and play in bike parks and off jumps.
In line with the goal of big hits and bigger smiles, Norco sets the Shore up with 27.5" wheels. The smaller hoops are more durable and more fun in corners compared with speedcentric 29ers.
Parts on the Shore 1 are similarly freeride i n nature. Priority is given to suspension, with a beefy Fox 38 Factory fork and dhx2 Factory shock smoothing the biggest moves. The sram Code rsc brakes, with appropriately large 200-mm rotors, save you from mistakes. A full 200-mm Tranx dropper post (on size L and XL frames) gets the saddle down and out of the way. Norco manages the price of the bike with e-thirteen wheels, built bombproof around DT Swiss 350 hubs. For tires, Norco fully commits with 2.5" Maxxis Assegai Maxxgrip treads, front and rear, so you’ll have traction on the sketchiest features all year long.
An unexpected byproduct of the coil shock and sticky Maxxgrip tires is that, despite the freeride bike’s 17-kg weight, it’s an adept climber on technical trails. When pedal-access is your only option, the Shore will oblige. It’s not fast or effortless climbing, but with a steep 78-degree seat-tube angle (size XL) and a 10-52 tooth Eagle XG 1275 cassette, you’re at least in a comfortable position.
The fun starts the minute you point the Shore downhill. With the 27.5" wheels and supportive suspension kinematics, the big bike is more manoeuvrable than you’d expect for its weight.
Does the Shore live up to expectations? Norco pulls no punches in trying. A smart parts build delivers performance where it matters, and durability where it counts, for $7,299. The bike is bombproof, confident in any terrain and a riot to ride. If you’re looking to expand your riding skill set, the Shore will support you no matter what your personal goals are. If you want one bike for your secret freeride spot and summer bike park laps, the Shore will happily handle whatever abuse you throw at it.
“The bike is bombproof, confident in any terrain and a riot to ride.”