Submitted by
Gman Jackson
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2011
Strengths: The frame is indestructible, well put together. Components are amazing, the 888RC in the front and the DHX 5.0 in the back do a perfect job of complementing eachother. It has a very low centre of gravity as well, so cornering is easy, as well as balancing it in the air. Hits tons of small bumps without even feeling them, you can run over a small child and not even notice!
Weaknesses: My only beef with the product is weight, mine weighs in at 48.25Lbs. This is with Vee Rubber Ninja tires, and lighter tubes. Don't like the telescoping seat post, but you get used to it, if you want it to stay where you want it, you just have to REALLY tighten the release.
Bottom Line:
Aside from the weight, this bike is absolutely perfect. It does everything, including getting you in shape!!! The pro pedal on the shock is huge for helping with the hills and more technical stuff. The geometry of the bike is also incredible. My head angle is 64.5 degrees, so its amazing for cornering, and keeping you on the bike on steep hills. I love Norco, and will never switch to anything else, they have been great bikes for me. I rode the Kona and did not like it at all, it was much lighter, but felt unstable, and had less travel. Bottom Line: if you want a DH/Freeride bike that you don't have to pedal uphill with, GET THIS BIKE!!!!! Oh, and the best part was I got mine for 500 because the rear shock needed a DU Bushing...
Similar Products Used: Norco VPS Drop, Kona Stinky (demo).
Bike Setup: 2005 Norco VPS Shore:
2005 Marzocchi 888RC with aftermarket compression adjuster
2009 Fox DHX 5.0 with upgraded 500LB spring
Sram X9 shifter
E.Thirteen bashguard
Race Face direct mount stem
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
cainmartin
a Weekend Warrior
from perth, scotland
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2009
Strengths: strong, can climb well in the 6" travel mode with the fork crowns down. Can stay stable on the corners and eats up steep, rough descents in the 7" mode. So far good on drops, (I've done up to around 10+ feet) all trails and even dirt jumps!
It's been running 5 years with no new parts or serious servicing (until I bought it). That shows serious toughness!
shimano saint as stock.
Weaknesses: the shock bushings and linkage bearings have worn a lot (although it has seen 5 years of use) and need replacing. This is a £60 job although only necessary if you corner very aggressively or hate shaky, noisy, bendy linkage.
the stock wheels aren't the best and the stock brakes aren't either. I've upgraded to hope M4's and should be getting some Deemaxs to replace the axiom hubs/alexrims currently on the bike.
The SRAM gripshift - I guess its a personal prefrence. I replaced this with XT shifters.
Bottom Line:
the perfect all day bike for an adrenalin junkie who likes an uphill challenge. It can climb with the rest if you put in a bit of muscle but will really show what it can do on downhill and north shore style trails. Great fun at freeride parks and not too clumsy too pull tricks on. Unfortunatly, if you want one it's going to be second hand and will probably require some work to get it set up right (I'm still not quite there!)
Bike Setup: 2004 shore vps frame, marzocchi super T pro's with direct mount, Hope M4s, the stock wheels, other good stock parts such as shimano saint, truvativ holzfeller. As mentioned above I put some XT shifters on to replace the SRAM gripshift.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Monster J
a Downhiller
from Vancouver Canada
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2009
Strengths: Super low center of gravity compare to 07's. Beefy headtube and nice weld through out the frame. Good component choice and super good value. Literally bomb proof.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
For the best bang for the buck and a bike that will last you a life time, get this bike!
Submitted by
rob kuhn
a Weekend Warrior
from southern california
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2007
Strengths: Strong welds and excellent overall geometry. Bike feels very stable under your feet and it climbs rather well.
Weaknesses: Weight; but climbs well which I believe has to do with the geometry of the bike. Because it doesn't have a traditional top tube it doesn't fit easily into some repair stands. Would have been nice if it had ISCG
Bottom Line:
I love this frame! I was fortunate to find a seller on eBay who was upgrading and just wanted it out of his garage. $450 is what the rear Fox Shock would have cost me! I'm experimenting with some various front forks. I orginally was running it with the Marzocchi which was a perfect combo for an all-mountain bike that could do some free riding and even some downhill. As of this writing, I'm running my older 2005 Manitou Stance Kingpin which does make it a bit nose heavy. Overall I was very suprised at how well it climbs! I think this has to do with the over all geometry of the frame. It's also very nimble and though it weighs more than your average XC bike, I have taken it on such rides and did rather well. I'm still learning this frame but with each ride I get more confident with it to where it will be like my Specialized frame where "it just feels natural" and I don't have to "think" about it.
Bike Setup: Large frame, Atom lab wheels, Truvativ cranks (two chain rings), e.Thirten bash gauard, MRP LRP (but also have run it with the MRP System 1), Hayes "Nine" (203mm) front and rear, Manitou Stance Kingpin fork (though I also have run it with the Marzocchi Z1 Freeride Bomber), Kenda 2.6 tires (also have Kenda 2.35 for general riding).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Wiltse
a Downhiller
from Concord, NH
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006
Strengths: This review is for the 2005 model: The frame is extremely well built, and it comes with excellent components like the Syncros wheels, Hayes MAG brakes, Fox DHX 5.0 shock, and Marzo 888R fork. The price is right, it looks cool (I've had many compliments on the trail), and the 4-Bar VPS suspension really works great in all conditions.
Weaknesses: Weighs 47 lbs. Comes with unsealed BMX-style platform pedals that wear out quickly when exposed the mud and crud you see in the woods. Adjustable geometry only has one useful setting.
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike, it's made me a better rider in the five or six months I've been riding it. I can't believe it, but it is even better than the 2003 Shore I rode for the past couple of seasons. And I liked that bike a lot! The 2006 Shore inspires confidence in every area of freeriding and is ready to ride hard, right off the showroom floor.
This is an awesome bike. It is very strong and gives the impression you could beat it forever and it would come back for more. Soaks up bumps like they aren't there (with the Marzocchi 888Rs and Fox DHX-5). For a heavy bike it is still thrown around easily on single track, but it loves it when it gets to the drops and jumps too ! The spec list is very impressive for the cost of the bike. Norco wasn't at the top of my list when I was looking to buy - but I am so glad I got this weapon !
Submitted by
Corey Pearson
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria BC
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2006
Strengths: Amazing Build, Top end parts, Dhx 5.0 with vps rear is incredibly smooth, quiet, and this bike doesnt feel the least bit flexy in the back. 66vf2 fork is lighter, and similar performance to 888's, however can spin all the way around on this frame... (doesnt leave dings and allows you to steer tighter than a DC fork). with propedal turned up, the bike actually climbs like a goat (a slower heavy goat), but it also has a granny gear and an e-13 Dual chain guide to allow for easier climbs and prevent the chain from shifting off or sucking inward.
Weaknesses: titec scoper seatpost doesnt totally clamp down tight, seat sometimes moves, but on the bright side... you can use the scoper to figure out the exact seat post size you need then cut a regular one to custom fit the bike... will do this with a syncros seatpost soon.
Bottom Line:
This is the brand new 2006 Norco Shore 1. the frame has significantly changed over previous shores and combined with the lighter wheelset, lighter 66 single crown fork, and the top end build, makes for a very light (39 pounds) all around freeride bike that you can actually pedal uphill. I know that some people will say that 39 pounds is still heavy... for an all around all mountain trailbike it may be (you can buy the norco six one and get a lighter bike), but this is a true freeride bike... it is burly with extra gussets and reinforcement in all key areas to take all abuse you might throw its way. I have taken a few smaller drops and it can make a two footer feel like the curb outside your house, the bike can turn very tight and windy singletrack in the trees is easier with the single crown fork. This bike was designed specifically for the type of trails that BC is famous for, I am learning that the only thing holding me back from what this bike can do is my own fear, but that is shrinking the more I ride this bike... I think with the top end parts that are on this bike it is definitely worth the 4200 canadian MSRP, if you can get your hands on one for a serious test drive... It will leave you with a S#@t eating grin.
Similar Products Used: Specialized big hit, santa cruz vp-free, kona stinky, older Norco vps bikes.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi 66vf2 fork (7"), SRAM X-9 shifters, SRAM x-9 rear derailler, FOX DH 5.0 Rear shock, Syncros wheelset, Syncros Stem and bar, Syncros Mental pedals (replaced the stock dmr v8 pedals), Saint 8" Brakes, Syncros lock on grips, KENDA Nevigal Stick-ee's, Syncros race Headset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Y
a Downhiller
from Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006
Strengths: INDESTRUCTIBLE. The only thing on this bike that I have ever broke was the freehub, and after the second one only lasting a month, a Saint fixed that problem. Can be used to pedal uphill as well, even though it is beefy. Gotta love the Super T's
Weaknesses: price, seat gets bent from the little guys too easily
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike. It can keep up with downhil bikes such as the A-line, but can also be used for freeriding, big drips, etc. My buddys with A-lines will bottom off small drops, but the shore won't off of the big ones (10+ feet)unless your landing on flat.I would recommend this bike to anyone, even though the cost is a little hefty. It will repay you with the reliability. I have beaten mine up a lot, hitting many trees, stumps, rocks, ground, etc. and have still not had to fix anything. I love this bike.
Strengths: Built with all the highest level components, frame is bullet proof but not too heavy, forks are awesome, everything is awesome.
Weaknesses: Maybe the tires? nah... everythings good
Bottom Line:
But it, If you can find it for under 2500 just get it, plain and simple. Its the best ride for the money, and one of the best overall. Perfect for the freerider in you, and everyone else. I havn't broken a single component yet, and dont plan on it in the future. BUY THIS BIKE!
Similar Products Used: Older vps bikes, Kona stinkys, big hit, etc.
Bike Setup: All stock, put on ODI lock-on grips cuz the stock grips werent that great, but not bad enough to consider them a weakness... just not to my liking personally.
Strengths: everything this is a very strong bike no problems with it and i have jumped a 14 set to flat, and a two story high roof drop, i have also jumped a 22 to 33 set and landed more than half way down the 33 set
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
this bike is a very strong bike you have to buy it if you can find a better ride for the same price than you must be high
Submitted by
j-roc
a Weekend Warrior
from canada bc
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2005
Strengths: hey this bike is da bomb, it is super strong and is a sick bike, the ride is sweet and it has great components yo
Weaknesses: none on this pimped out ride, this bike is to sick to have any weaknesses
Bottom Line:
this bike is bomb proof, everything on this sick rise is sick, buy this bike or i'll cap your azz halla check this pimped out ride on WWW.NORCO.COM check it out yo, if you don't get this bike at least get a norco norco bikes for life yo
Similar Products Used: norco team shore 04, was going to buy it but this one was a lot cheaper and had a lot of the same components
Bike Setup: stock yo
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Thomas
a Downhiller
from New Paltz, NY
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Strengths: Plush travel, takes a beating, EXCELLENT geometry, pedals very well, conquers hills slowly but surely, great value for the money, no skimping on good quality parts, well built wheels, etc. The bike is near perfect.
Weaknesses: Telescopic seat post is heavy and also useless if you are riding the correct size frame for your height. Truvativ pedals don't grip your feet as well as they could or should. Stock DH specific tires are way too heavy and overkill for a freeride bike, unless you strictly ride at ski areas. Saint rear changer doesn't shift well, bike should come with SHORT cage changer since it doesn't have a big third ring anyway.
Bottom Line:
This bike weighed 44 lbs when I took it out of the box and after getting rid of the useless telescopic seat post and the stock DH tires, the bike now weighs 40! Not too bad for a 7" travel bike that can take all but the largest (read: Bender) hits and drops. I also changed the shifters so I could get my brake levers where I wanted them to be.
Bike Setup: Stock, except for seat post, tires, and X.9 triggers.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Ramacciotti
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005
Strengths: Designed to go fast downhill. The frame is rock solid, no flex at all. The rear suspension (vpp) pedals very well for a 7" travel bike. That was my only concern when I purchased the bike. The configuration of the bike keeps the rear tire firmly digging when climbing with no detectable bob. The breaks are perfect. The Saint derailer is a pleasure, it hasen't missed a shift yet and is quiet. The Saint cranks are just as advertised, bullet proof. The rims are stiff. The stock Kenda blue strip tires are excellent for the terrain here in NM.
Weaknesses: The weight can be an issue but I would rather have the rigidity of the frame and the beefy components and deal with the 45 lbs. It really doesn't feel that heavy to me due to the excellent desigh of the bike.
Bottom Line:
Confidence!! This bike just does what you want it to do. Thinking it and doing it are the same thing. I find myself passing good riders on rough downhills. I am collecting bugs in my teeth from smiling when riding.
I wanted a Santa Cruz VP Free, but didn't want to spend $4200. After carefull comparision, I have no regrets buying this bike. I love riding it!!
Strengths: everything i road this bike hard and nothing has broke i'll break before this bike breaks
Weaknesses: nothing and if u say there is u r wrong because this bike is sweet
Bottom Line:
this bike is super strong i seen a guy in the red bull rampage riding an 04 norco vps shore the name says it all this bike is good at freeriding and shore riding and downhill and is ok for biking places
so heres my problem.
I ride every day at the local freeride spots that consist of gap jumps jumps to flat north shore and large drops.the biggest drop i do is 12ft.i do downhill f Read More »
I recently started MTB about 2 months ago and didn't know a thing about the sport. I bought a Coiler Deluxe and love it. But I started racing DH in sport class (got first at my f Read More »
My son rides a Shore and after riding on Sunday I noticed what seems to be a crack on the left chainstay near the pivot. I would like to know if the rear can be purchased.
[IMG]h Read More »
hi all
im very new to the mountain bike world..and trying to absorb everything i can. im planning on getting my first bike soon. i was gonna get the 2011 felt q520 and then i ca Read More »
