Strengths: this is a awsome product the frame is bombproof and saint derailler is great!
Weaknesses: the front grip shift and the pedals
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike. nothing wrong with it its great for any kind of trail,jump or gap you throw at it only weakness is the front gripshift but you spend 40 bucks and its gone. overall its a great handling bike and no real complaints
Similar Products Used: 04 a-line, 01 shore and 03 banshee scream
Bike Setup: stock parts
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Submitted by
Craig Rigby
a Downhiller
from Georgetown
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006
Strengths: Great for downhill and freeride! The frame is practicly bombproof I have fallen many times and the is nothing but a few small scratches
Weaknesses: Front derailleur is too high and can't be lowered, causing the chain to scrape and rattle in lower gears. When using a lower PSI in the rear tire and taking sharp turns, the tire rubs on the frame for a few seconds (not constant).
Bottom Line:
This bike is perfect for any rider who likes to ride downhill or freeride; and if you really whant to the 18 speed alows you to ride uphill real easy if you need to do some treking to get up to the mountian for a downhill run. Anybody who is planing on riding cross country every once in a while would be better off with a lighter bike seeing that the norco fuse weighs more than 40 pounds.
Bike Setup: new chainguide, pedels, seat post and derailer
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Submitted by
Jason Todd
a Downhiller
from La Tuque
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006
Strengths: The bike is super tough, the rough downhill tracks I used to strugle in are smooth and relax on the fuse. All the parts are super tough. The bike is really inexpensive for all the top of line components you get.
Weaknesses: Sram twistshifter
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for Freeride, Dh, Dirt Jump, street and even skate par, its also good for trail riding and single track but has trouble going uphill (thats why there`s skilifts). Great for anyone who likes a smooth ride.
Submitted by
Evan Collins
a Weekend Warrior
from Labrador City, NL, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2006
Strengths: Really burly Bike, it loves any downhill riding your prepared to throw at it. Can accomplish some dirt jumps if Need Be! I really like the heavy feel to it, it makes it seem strong. Jr. t's are really nice, along with that flawless Saint derailleur.
Weaknesses: Steep steertube may cause you to buck over the bars if you land to far forward (in comparison with over bikes). Telescopic seat post is a pain in the ASS.
Bottom Line:
This bike can handle practically anything you throw at it, its burly, big, and tough. Really worth the money.
Bike Setup: blackspire ds1 chaindevice 24in halo combat rear wheel to slacken head angle
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Submitted by
Brandon Strong
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2005
Strengths: Incredibly strong frame with pretty good componets, the fact that the seat is closer to the handlebars than other bikes is an awesome factor when it comes to the shore, drops and jumps.
Weaknesses: The pedals are very slippery both wet and dry, considering there is a grip shifter for the front derailleur, buying grips is a hassle but no biggy. The rear chain stay should be covered some way imediately because it gets smacked every time you do something bigger than curb but easily fixable. Also I have just had bad experiences with the titec berserk seat, can't pinch with your knees for no handers either but it's a pretty rock solid bike.
Bottom Line:
Great bike that can take serious abuse. Well suited for almost any type of riding. Just a great bike. be careful on sizes though I have a small and I measured it to a 17inch size
Similar Products Used: Norco A-line, kona stinky deluxe, kona stab,banshee scream
Bike Setup: stock except for tires, new pedals, took front deraileur off, and a new seat.
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Submitted by
luke h.
a Downhiller
from sussex, nb, canada
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Strengths: the frame, components every thing
Weaknesses: the clamps that hold the derailor cable to the frame keep faling off but thats no biggy
Bottom Line:
this bike is a monster!! if u like to be in the air more than on the trail or if u like DH trails this is the bike for you. i have had no problems with it and i dought u will too.
Similar Products Used: kona stinky,norco atomic,rockey switch
Bike Setup: stock
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Submitted by
Alex Kim
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2005
Strengths: Value for money, Strong frame, Quality and reputable parts, Handles well when hammering downhill, braking power, it's all good!
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent all rounder, have no problems using for freeride, downhill, a little heavy for climbing massive hills but this bike is not made to climb. For me, this bike has better sitting position than the Stinky, I dont smash my knees on the handle bar as much. I give it a 5 framin' chillis.
Bike Setup: Stock standard as I'm very happy with all parts that came with it.
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Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2004
Strengths: Frame is strong but not that heavy. The Fox Vanilla RC rear shock is great and the Junior T is good as well.
Weaknesses: The derailer is alittle loose and keeps hiting the chainstay.
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for moderate free-riders or trail riders, but probable wouldn't be that good for extreme free riders because it pobable wouldn't be enough back travel.
Submitted by
chris hubberstey
a Downhiller
from courtenay, B.C, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2004
Strengths: This is the best all aroud do it all bike I have ever ridden. the suspention is super plush. the saint drivetrain is the best around. The breaks are incredable, they will stop you no matter how fast you atre going. The best part is it is hand made in Canada and it is a norco.
Weaknesses: The springs in the forks could be stiffer. The material on the seat damages easly. my only real complaint is those pedels, you coulden't keep your feet on them to save your life. they have no grip.
Bottom Line:
the sweetest ride at any price! you can use it for anything, downhill, freeride and hucking. where this bike realy shines is on the north shore. the geometry is perfect for andything the trail can throw at you.
Similar Products Used: marin shoreline trail, norco atomic 03
Bike Setup: stock except better pedels and soon a bolt on stem.
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Submitted by
kyle schiavone
a Downhiller
from milverton,ontario,canada
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004
Strengths: the frame is pretty light for a downhill bike, its nice because you feel in the center of the bike not the front like ur goin overboard, or you dont feel way to back on the bike. the comes with very nice feeling suspension, it has the junior t's, with the fox vanilla rc back shock. the saint back derailer is so touph i love it!
Bike Setup: saint back derailler, with race face chain guide at the front, lx shifter, hayse 9 dics, junior t's, back fox vanilla rc
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Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Sudbury,On (Canada)
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004
Strengths: Frame,crank,bars,stem,rear shifter,lock on grips,rear shock,brakes,everything shimano,JR.T fork is fair, I can bottom them out and I,m only 150lb's (there made for a 160lb person).
Weaknesses: The Alex surpra rims are week. I put a flat spot in them from jumping up a stair set(but there not made for street riding)
Bottom Line:
Go for it, it's worth the price. It's good for dirt jumps,downhills, stands out the most in freeride!
Similar Products Used: 02 norco shore (I think)with 03 and 04 parts.I liked the fuse more.
Bike Setup: Stock. I want to get rid of the rear Sram rocket shifter because it turns on dirt jumps, rocky down hills, and big drops. I also want to get new rims, and some monster t's.
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Submitted by
Jakob R
a Downhiller
from London, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004
Strengths: Excellent selection by the staff at Norco with regards to the components. Truvativ Holzfeller components all around (crank, pedals) with Husselfelt stem/handlebars. The grip shifter for the front derailer was a good choice with a traditional deore shifter for the Saint in the rear. Furthermore, the geometery/design of the frame means you can turn on a dime making it excellent for freeriding
Weaknesses: The front shock is far too weak and needs to be upgraded by changing to heavy duty springs, changing to a Super T cartridge, or adding an air cap to the right stanchion. The Hayes Nine brakes make too much noise but they work brilliantly at stopping (making this a weakness not a complaint).
Bottom Line:
The bike is extremely heavy but this only mirrors its durability. I am still experiencing 'growing pains' in my arms b/c I haven't developed the muscles to properly lift the bike up!
What needs upgrading? After buying a bike everyone starts thinking about this but every component has been so carefully chosen for free-riding I don't need anything to change. The springs in the fork will be changed b/c I am bottoming out way too much but that is a $30 upgrade.
Geometry of the frame is very friendly for freeriding making step ups super simple. Designed in Canada, handbuilt in Canada, and just for free riders.
