Strengths: Cool looking frame, easy to get used to, nice to fling around.
Weaknesses: Haven't discovered any, but I did just get the frame so I'm unsure what stock components were like.
Bottom Line:
I got this frame under warranty when I cracked my saquatch. I like the way it handles, especially with a shorter stem, I haven't ridden it off road a lot as I have another bike but it rides well.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Z2 atom 80, short stem ,riser bar, flat pedals, mostly deore components.
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Submitted by
pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Strengths: Good value, some good components, nice ride. nice price.
Weaknesses: Some cheap bits - chain, brake levers, very long wheel base on 22" model.
Bottom Line:
I got a pre release 2002 model from a friend who has a dealership, I was a little uncertain about whether to get the 22" or the 20". As I'm 6'2" and have ridden an old 21" bike for years (which felt small), the 22" nitro seemed to be the right choice.
Negatives First of all the chain was never smooth and quiet, after a week it became worse. I had several frozen links in the chain, I tried oil, a link extractor....everything but they kept on seezing up. Eventually I just went out and bought a new chain. On close inspection the nitro has a SRAM 9 gear cluster and chain, I put a shimano chain on seems OK.
Next was the ride position, I am quite tall but have a long back rather than legs and arms. I found the ride position quite odd, my centre of gravity seemed too far forward. The symptoms were odd handleing on high speed flat corners. First I moved that wonderfull saddle back (actually have to say that I don't mind the saddle), and got a shorter stem. This improved things alot for me, I now feel alot more in control ready to lean into those corners. The 22" is a very large bike, its nearly 200mm longer than my old bike!
Another cheap bit are the brake levers, man those things are tacky, they rattle alot and are just plain cheap, I should really just swap the ones from my old bike.
I ride to work everyday, do the odd bit of downhill when I'm out of town. I noticed that there are quite a few chips and marks in the white paint - maybe I just notice them more cos its white? Broke a spoke the other day, hope this is not the start of wheel probs.
Positives. This is a smooth bike, after the cornering probs and chain had been sorted out I feel like I have a very slick machine. This is machine is so much faster than my old bike, and the long wheel base makes it really good at the bumpy stuff.
Just put some risers bars on, (been meaning to do this for a while), and took the bike for a spin around the local BMX track. Feels better, more upright and again more solid cornering. A bike like this makes you want to ride and attack some hills.
After a shakey start I have to say that I am warming to this beast, its a good solid platform. I have thrown it down the hills and come out smiling. I like the look of it and despite the problems I like riding it.
I love the gears, XT is good, - I sometimes wonder why I have a SRAM cluster and not a shimano?? Seems to do the trick no real complaints here.
I used the tyres for a while, for a compromise tyre seems fine, now have some michelin slicks for city stuff and some beefy ones for off road.
I would think twice before buying another, but am now happy with the one I have got.
Similar Products Used: Ridgeback '89 model, done at least 50,000kms and going strong.
Bike Setup: I have now replaced the bars (put risers on), the stem (the 22" frame is big why do you need a 120mm bar stem too?), the chain - frozen links in the SCRAM.
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Strengths: Nice mix of components, disc ready frame and hubs, price
Weaknesses: Selle Italia seat, v-brakes
Bottom Line:
I got this bike back in January and have ridden it hard through some gross weather out here on the 'wet' coast, and it's come through with flying colours. The geometry of the frame is great, allowing you to fly up hills with ease. Norco got it right by putting an XT on the rear derailleur while sticking with Deore for the front. It's a cheap upgrade later. Finally, I'm not a light or short guy at 6'4" and 210 lbs, this bike has held up just fine. I credit Norco for making it in a 22" frame, great for us tall guys.
Now, the negatives. First of all, I'm not sure why any cross-country bikes don't have disc brakes on them nowadays. While I still have the v's on mine, I go through pads almost every week due to wet weather, etc. However, the frame and hubs are completely disc ready, so it's just a matter of slapping down some dough and having them put on.
Second, the Selle Italia Trimatic 2 saddle. What the hell were they thinking? This has got to be the worst saddle design in history. One ride, and I toasted that sucker and switched over to a Specialized.
Finally, after I bought my bike, I went and looked at the spec list on Norco's website. Guess what? They don't match up entirely! Instead of the Axiom stem, it's got an Uno stem and instead of an FSA headset, it's got a Cane Creek Aheadset. Basically, the same quality components, but not what they say on their website. I know that bikes aren't always spec'd to what is said on the web, but it still frustrates me!
Overall, this has been a great bike so far, and I look forward to many years of riding. The price can not be beat, as other companies are usually charging hundreds more for the same set-up. The fact that it's a Canadian company always makes me happy too, it means they understand the conditions out here!
Bike Setup: Stock (but see below!), Specialized saddle
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Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Kilsyth, Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2002
Strengths: Very Responsive bike with plenty of strength, whilst keeping the weight to a reasonable level
Weaknesses: Selle Italia seat has to go
Bottom Line:
I don't know much, but I know what I like, and as someone that tips the scales at over 100kgs, I have found that it handles the load very well. For bigger riders though, make sure you change the standard 5wt fork oil to a heavier weight (15 or 20).
