Submitted by
bikeamusprime
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009
Strengths: Easton/Kinesis tubing. Great to spec out. Top quality.
Weaknesses: They should have had it built with xt/xtr comps. with answer parts like bar, stem, post, fork, and so on. Or even if the used the matching Kenisis rigid fork.
Bottom Line:
For the people who want a xc/race bike this is for them. I have had this bike for a while and have had no problems with it. I bought it with really worn parts and rebuilt it up from a mono tone to the black, silver, blue and purple color scheme.
Bike Setup: Manitou 3. Shimano xt everything but lx shifters and rear hub. Pullstar/sun cr17 front wheel. lx/singletrack rear. Critical racing canti rear. Ringle stem. (Soon some Kooka cranks and Syncros ti post. And possible full XTR m900 upgrade.)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Uncle_Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Strengths: Light, very durable, stiff, geometry was great for aggressive riding, and hey - it looked great.
Weaknesses: Probably not the fastest geometry in the crowd, but worth it elsewhere.
Bottom Line:
Originally bought just the frame, then built it up with both high end and some value/no frills parts(Axiom)... When complete, I basically had a Torrent.
This rig was tough as nails, light, and the geometry seemed to lend itself well to very aggressive riding. I kept it set up very stiff and fast but the bike could go directly from freeriding to competitive level XC racing (with a certain amount of abuse on the rider), and keep on riding great.
The bike lasted 3 years of a >200 pounder XC, Freeriding, Downhill trails, 24 hrs, and continual upgrades. Finally sold it to go to a FS, but still kind of miss it. This was an incredible bike! I have nothing but good things to say about the Norco/Easton frame and Atom Bomb!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Stumperjumper Comp, Rockhopper, Gary Fisher Genesis frames, Ritchey P22, Intense Tracer, etc.
Bike Setup: 18" 1997 Java - Easton Elite Tubing (Polished), XTR/XT ders, Raceface, Time, FSA, Marzocchi Atom Bomb (Super Heavy kit), Axiom straight bar/stem, Fire XC pro's...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2000
Strengths: great Easton frame, geometery works great for me.
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame in August 99 and built the bike up from top spec components to replace my old 30pound CrMo frame Mongoose. Now have a 24 pound hardtail that works great for my riding style. The Easton tube framest is a great bargain and very stiff and responsive.
Bike Setup: Norco Java, Manitou SX-R, RaceFace and Syncros components (proudly Canadian bits), Avid brakes, plus XT where no other choice
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Tennant
a Cross-Country Rider
from Waterloo, Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999
Strengths: Frame is great
Weaknesses: Original Marzocchi Z3 Fork
Bottom Line:
I finally found a good job so I now have money to replace everything that has always sucked on this bike. The suspension has always been a disapointment for me so I got new '99 Marzocchi Z2 Atom bomb fork, which is great. The original Mavic 238 rims didn't take long to wear from the break pads, and the hubs were shot. I replaced them with new mavic X517 citron rims and XT hubs. Also the original Aheadset was cheap, and all the ball bearings were rusted. I got a WTB headset. the frame is the best thing on the bike. I never thought that Norco could make anything that I'd like. The drivetrain is also in great shape after 2 years. With all the new parts the bike runs great.
Similar Products Used: '96 Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: '97 Norco Java Original drivetrain New: '99 Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb fork WTB headset Mavic X517 Citron rims with XT Hubs
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Schofield
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Strengths: This bike is very fast on the downhill. I put a short stem and hell bents on which make it a downhill machine. I recommend this set up if you want your buddies with full suspension to follow you on the downhills. I have a Z-2 on the front, real plush, mixed with mostly XT stuff with occasionally a XTR part. I do have the original LX rear hub that keeps ticking smoothly. I have been trying to find a way to throw it out but it works great even through the mud of winter. Overall, quick on the single tracks. Decent uphiller.
Weaknesses: Not too many. Keeping your weight back on steep decents is crucial. A quick release seat skewer helps make this possible. One would have serious problems with their riding to not like the frame. You do need top end components to really maxamize the bikes potential.
Bottom Line:
Super cross-country bike with some modifications. This frame would be super hot chille in a soft-tail mode!
Submitted by
chris
a cross-country rider
from ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
Norco Torrent... Great frame for technical riding, stiff, responsive been very durable so far. Built mine up custom with solid components (Race Face, Shimano, Titec Ti goodies and the help of a White UL fork (air/air) and an awesome set of wheels weighs in less than 23lbs. The geometry reflects its west-coast, north shore hetitage, The company is well represented in Canada at least, and service through my Dealer Spoke'O'Motion has been excellent. Recommend the Norco frame as one that will give you back more than what you put in but you have to ride it hard and committed. great BIKE!!
I hadn't had much experience with Norco until about 6 months ago when I bought my Norco Java. This bike kicks ass. With LX/XT components, and a Easton frame, you can't get much better value. It rides well, and is suited to technical trails. The only thing I was dissapointed with, was the Marzocchi Z3's on it. The front end was a pogo-stick. I upgraded to Marzocchi DH3's and now the bike feels very sweet (Well it did until someone stole it)!!! If I ever catch the person who stole my bike. I shall strike down upon thee, with great vengeance and furious anger (probably disable the )! remember, if you ever ride this bike into town, LOCK IT UP, even if you are only leaving for a few minutes. Overall this bike WAS very nice.
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a racer
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
Further to my review from February, my frame cracked at the weld between the seat tube and seat stay. I really felt bad about it as I had come to love the handling of this frame.The good news is that Norco, without hassle, gave me a new frame in less than a week (it had to be shipped from Vancouver). Now I have a new Torrent Easton Elite aluminum frame which is superb.My hat is off to Norco. A company shows its true colors when things go bad and this company, if my experience is normal, is superbe. I will now always look to Norco when deciding on a new bike as they stand by their product.
Submitted by
Andrew Morris
a weekend warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
The only original item left on my Java is the frame, which is sweet-as...Upgraded the forks to Z2's, full groupo to XT, with Mavic 221 rims... Serfas ARC saddle, and 747 SPD's....the frame just kicks so much ass, the Program 3 tubing rocks...Its magically quick on technical single track, and relatively easy to push up most hills (although I'm REALLY unfit)...wish they still made this frame...
Submitted by
Patrick Pickett
a cross-country rider
from B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
This Frame trully kicks ass. I can see why norco does not make this Bike anymore because of the awesome Frame. Mine is a 1997 with those wickedly looking stiff A.F.S. Stays. This Frame can play with the big boys. Easton Program 6 Tubing is the ticket on this baby. The Marzocchi Z3 was the only disappointment because of the elastomers & Springs ( No Oil ??????). So I simply put on a Z2 Atom Bomb, Problem Solved !!!!! LX V's to Maguras. Handlebar & Stem, and Kick-ass Rims are next. The Java is an excellent starting point because you would have to spend Big dollars to get a better frame.
Submitted by
patrick perreault
a cross-country rider
from quebec city, que, canada
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
Java frame are mostly the best. Light, beautiful, resistant: I love them. Mixed with XT front-rear derailleur, manitou 4 shock and LX V-brake, it do the job. For 2 year, it still working . I hope it will stay clean all life long, because it is one of the best frame I have ever seen. Thank to you, Norco, for the Java!
Submitted by
Blazer
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
Bought a closeout Java in 97. Has Marzocchi Z3 shocks; adjuster was siezed right out of the box, but Norco fixed ASAP. Also, seat SUCKS BIGTIME! Selle Italia Future made for people with no ass or something. Bike is great; lotsa good stuff (LX/XT, dealer swap Rapidfires, Panaracers, Easton Frame) for about $300 less than anything from GT or Trek. Quite happy with bike; best for technical trails, very whippy and controllable. Doesn't like high speed descents. Overall, 4 peppers.
The only stock piece of equipment on my Norco Java is the frame. I have replaced the fork with a Marzocchi DH3, Downhill bars, and other things that make me go faster. I use my Java as a dual slalom machine. Not to mention it also really tears up the singletrack. The only gripe i have about my frame is the lack of a replaceable derailleur hanger. Other than that the quality kicks ass. I went from a full suspension sloppy bike to the fast responsive Java with no regrets. Ride hard.
Submitted by
Andrew
a weekend warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought a 97 model last year and upgraded to Judy XCs and XT rapidfires and some better tires. The bike handles tight single track and climbs well. I compared it with a Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race: same tubing, and components but $200 more. Couldn't get better value from any bike around. Have to agree that the pedals are crap.
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a racer
from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
Great technical tight twisty trail bike as found in the east. Higher bottom bracket gets over logs, flicks right and left to match any trail. Excellent racing.Frame details excellent. Good routing of cables, looks good.One drawback is that you may go over the handlebars more easily on steep descents if you don't get your weight back. Not as forgiving. I went over the bars a couple of times in the first week before I got the feel.
Okay. So I recently took a vacation to Colorado where my brother introduced me to a brewery called "Southern Sun" based out of Boulder. (With a sister brewery called Mountain Sun o Read More »
Here is a scan of the piece about the Sycip Java Boy that California Bicyclist Magazine ran in their coffee issue, September 1995.
[url]http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/V Read More »
Why in god's name does Java require multiple updates every week or so? Jesus H. Budda on a flaming rocketship. They need to get their stuff right and stop hitting me with updates Read More »
