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Submitted by
brendan davidson
a Downhiller
from vernon b.c.
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | spooky | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | skyride | | Strengths: | everthing | | Weaknesses: | front shock bottoms out sometimes | | Bottom Line: | this bike is perfect for crosecuntry and even dwnhill. i recomend t to anyone except for darren bercloth and joshbender, cause there super good. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Rumsey
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | C.O.P | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2399.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle path | | Strengths: | the whole bike rock and would never trade it in | | Weaknesses: | NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Norco , a-line | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks some major ass | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Madness Matt
a Downhiller
from Cairns, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Robson's Track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Brunswick Street Cycles, Melbourne | | Strengths: | good forks, rear shock, bars, running gear | | Weaknesses: | rear wheel too weak, broke 4 spokes in a week. Brakes had seized pistons and kept blowing out the override plugs. | | Similar Products Used: | Craftworks FRM125, Cannondale Gemini 1000, Kona Stinky Deelux | | Bike Setup: | Large frame, Junior T forks, Fox Vanilla R shock, deore running gear, hussefelt cranks, alex rims (upgrading to deemax soon), hayes hfx9 brakes, maxxis downhill tubes, tioga/kenda tires | | Bottom Line: | a champion bike at a champion price. forks need a bit more oil in them but are otherwise very sensitive. can withstand big drops providing you have strong wheels. is capable of winning dh races but is a really good bike for people who are starting out and just want to have fun. is jumpable even with 6inches of suspension. overall a great bike for a great price. Keep it real riders!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keegan
a Downhiller
from Vernon, B.C. ,Canada
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Spankies | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun Country Cycle | | Strengths: | Frames light weight, front shocks are awesome
front rims good, brake levers, brakes are too but they start to where out, handle bars are good | | Weaknesses: | tires,seat(hard as hell!!!!!) back rim to weak get a bigger rim like a alex dx32 or and doulble track!(24")
| | Similar Products Used: | dont no only full suspension i have ever had! | | Bike Setup: | Axion Double Jump Pedals, 26" Doughty 2.60 tire on front and a 26" Stout 2.30 on the back | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks its really smooth and the bottom line is it'S FREAKIN AWESOME!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Shed | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Jubilee Cycle in Burnaby | | Strengths: | - frame (strong and stiff)
- suspension/travel (5"x5" is very smooth)
- weight (light for a freeride squishy...37lbs)
- rims (SingleTracks are staying fairly true)
- levers (Funns are very adjustable)
- 8" Hayes mechs(when broken it)
- cranks (Truvativ are solid so far)
- price/value at only $1800CAN w/tax... w/upgrades
- Canadian Shore design/geometry
- Jubilee Cycle ...Lizard Skin and Axiom stem pad thrown in after the money changed hands :) | | Weaknesses: | Some of these are not weaknesses, just preference...
- changed the saddle (the original was like a rock)
- changed the tires (the new 2.65/2.35 Stick-E Kenda grip everything)
- changed the grips (ODI lock-on Rogues)
- changed springs in Z1 (Ultra Heavy green spring are perfect for my 220lbs)
- changed Fox Vanilla (free upgrade to Vanilla R from a 2002 Shore)
- changed pedal (cartridge bearing JS Konas)
- changed headset (FSA Pig)
- 2002 Z1 cryofit issue (no problems yet)
- 31.8 handlebar and stem are fine, but needs more rise(2").
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized BigHit Comp, Rockhopper FSR, Norco Buzz, Kona Kahuna Deluxe | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the changes mentioned above. | | Bottom Line: | What can say... this bike is just awesome for what I spent~! The guys at Jubilee bent over backwards to set me up. They had this bike hidden away from last year... most shops wouldn't have brought it out... they would have tried to sell me a 2003 ;)
After tweaking the preload/rebound this bike is so smooth and very stable at speed. The ride up isn't that bad either.
I haven't bottomed out the suspension yet, but I've only done 3 to flat and 4-5 to tranny. With all of the upgrades this bike is sweet and I'm having a blast!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shwag
a Downhiller
from Belleville, Ont. ,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Maculay Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1838.00 | | Purchased At: | Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop!!!!!!! | | Strengths: | Awsome bike, handles well, front z.1 soaks up what you give it, light weight, hays 8" discs stop ya good, easy to tinker with. | | Weaknesses: | seat is a little hard on the ol'buttox (if you use your seat), grip shift left has to go!!! | | Similar Products Used: | norco vps 2, P3, Nicolai 2mxtb , Balfa 2step | | Bike Setup: | stock with lizard skin, single front gear (back 8 works fine) funn fullthrottle saddle, sun double wide rimms! best bike I ever had!!! | | Bottom Line: | Kikk'n, anyone looking for a sweet ride without selling their first born, get this bike!!!
Ovcourse you cant get a new one anymore, cause I got the last one from the factory!!!!!!!!! :-P sukka! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
downisbetterthanup
a Downhiller
from brisbane
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dinos | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | TCs bike barr | | Strengths: | a very good lookin bike for the price. front shox are fairly plush and is not a bad bike to jump. | | Weaknesses: | The frame creeks and cracks alot and the saddle gives you a megasoreass. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | single chainring and chain device. maxxis mobsters and hays hydros. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is one of the best on the market for the price. Is you are into downhilling this bike will get you down and back up to the top again. if you are looking at doin downhilling more seriously i would recomend saveing up some more muhlah for a higher quality bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from simcoe on can
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | frame, rear shock, fork, post, bar stem,rims | | Weaknesses: | crank, brakes, tires, pedals | | Bike Setup: | old set of platforms, but otherwise stock, | | Bottom Line: | very strong, but on the very first day of riding i bent the second chain ring on my crank, handles the drops well, i would buy this bike it is a great freeride/ dh bike for a beginer rider, the brakes make a ton of noise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
flyskyhigh
a Downhiller
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Downtown Vancouver =) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Overall this bike is strong, Rear suspension is great, Z1 are a little plush for my liking more noticable when climbing. Tires are good for freeriding take em brake em, then buy maxxis mobster. | | Weaknesses: | Breaks, Saddle. The breaks tend to squeek like hell at first and even after a few good rides they start up again.
They require alot of attention and adjusting before they stop. The saddle is worst then "sitting on a brike" it's more like getting hit in the ass with a 2by4 by your best friend while you ride. Even worst it will bruise your balls on a wicked DH course. Thats what i've experienced with this setup so far. | | Bike Setup: | I added a lizard skin chain guard. Kudo's | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really good for the money, like most of you we bargained and got way better deals then "retail" price so it really was worth it.
I'm convinced VPS is a great ride although my next bike will probably be a VPS DH 2004.
I recommend this bike to everyone, just keep an eye on your breaks and replace the saddle. I freeride mostly and this bike can really kick some dirt, it's great on and offroad =)
Have fun if you got one, buy one if you can't ride. Good bike to learn on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt A
a
from Victoria,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Russ Hayes | | Strengths: | fork is nice, rims are very strong and overall quality of the bike is great havnt broken anythign yet. | | Weaknesses: | pedals, tires, brakes,stem, headset, for was too plush at first before adjusting. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock except, intense lock ons and Kujo DH tires | | Bottom Line: | the is an excellent bike for the price and has taken everything I can dish out from 15 foot drops to numorous casings and so on.... i m very rough on the bike and nothing has broken. brakes need to be adjusted alot and you need to replace the tires and pedals immedeatly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from E-town
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Store | | Strengths: | Very Strong, soaks up everything from the bumps to the 5ft drops to flat, Looks pretty wicked too | | Weaknesses: | Needs a chainguide stock, but ill buy one anyway, seats hard but i dont use it, when i go down i dont sit and when i go up i dont sit either | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall i great value and an awsome ride, i would change a few things though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaymz
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | freeride mtn sports | | Strengths: | great set up and value for price paid.... | | Weaknesses: | tires and brakes should have been hydro, but they are now... | | Similar Products Used: | 99 brodie enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock except, hayes hydraulics, axiom DH handlebar and stem..maxxis high rollers... | | Bottom Line: | excellent bike for price...just make a few minor adjustments and you got a nice freeride machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jokster
a Downhiller
from Smithers,BC
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | smothy | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | the frame crank and back shock | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Similar Products Used: | ah first mnt bike | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price and the back shock is the same as the drop so all u have to do is up grade the front shocks if u want later on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Max
a Downhiller
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | It's strong, not to heavy, good components for the price, good suspension activity. | | Weaknesses: | Nice orchestra(makes a lot of craking sounds) | | Similar Products Used: | alot of them. | | Bike Setup: | I call it my "Atomik Monster" cuz i have a Atomik frame and a 6.5" Monster-t up front, Michelin 2.5 dh tires, Formula front hub, Easton Monkey Lites CT2 carbon fiber bars, Radical Artos DH, Hayes HMX-1 disc brakes, Funn levers, Xt/Deore shifters and Deore/Alivio derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has a good quality/price and has a good component group for the price again. I change what i didnt like, the tires, handle bars, the fork was good but i wanted better and now I have the hi end one. I'd like to change the rims for Single or double wides when the Single track are gonna be destroyed and i'd like to change the pedals to cuz they are standard. The suspension is pretty smooth and i like it like that. GO OUT AND RIDE OR DIE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Narby | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | VicMTB (sorry, but i can't endorse this shop.... they're just too expensive) | | Strengths: | [This is a follow-up to three previous reviews]
Strengths are: price, general componentry, rear shock has a really nice feel.... not plush per se, but smooth (there is a difference, look it up). forks feel nice too. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres (Kenda Kinetics = worst tyres ever), brakes (I changed em to Hayes hydros, couldn't be happier), the cryofit crown on the Wedges is starting to creak and the fork flexes a lot under braking, the seat is like sitting on a brick, i'd like slightly more rise in the bars (that's just my preference though). | | Similar Products Used: | ah there must be hundreds.... | | Bike Setup: | Stock with these changes: IRC Kujo 2.35 tyres F & R, Hayes hydros, XT derailleur, custom chainguide. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike as a "beginner downhiller", and since getting it, my skills have gone through the roof; unfortunately, to the point where i'm starting to wreck stuff. The rims aren't dead, but aren't dead straight either, the fork creaks like buggery, and the brakes and tyres just flat out sucked. i'm starting to wish for a slightly slacker head angle, but that's a bit retarted for a 5" travel bike. I'd recommend this bike to anyone who's in the market for a 5" travel bike. however, the limitations must be realised: yes, it's hella fun for DHing on, but no, it isn't a WC race sled. nor is it a bender-style drop bike. people who say "oh no, i bottomed it", well that's what happens. if you're never bottoming it, either your spring rate is retartedly hard, or you're not using the bike to its potential. the forks and the rear suspension are SUPPOSED to bottom occasionally.... if you weren't intended to use the full 5" of suspension, they wouldn't give you the ability to. i bottom mine every now and then, if i'm having a bad day i might bottom them 5 times in one run. so what, they're designed to take it. quit whingeing.
and there are a lot of bullsh1tters in this review column. like the guy who said he did a 10ft drop and it "soaked it up like it was nothing", yeah right. to the people who are claiming they've done huge drops/nosedives etc but the suspension hasn't bottomed, i reserve the right to call BULLSH1T. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Sain John NB, canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | darlings island bike shop | | Strengths: | everything. i've wiped out a few times, bad....and the bike was fine. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | great...the 5inch in the front goes great with 5inch in the back | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great. i crashed and it didn't hurt the bike at all. great for stairs, gaps, downhill, freeride, and its also a great bike for long hauls. haven't bottomed it out yet. next is a norco hardtail!!! gotta have a norco! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | loco | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Albion Cycles | | Strengths: | pretty much everything | | Weaknesses: | brake levers;fork is a bit soft | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 fsr pro | | Bike Setup: | stock, but shorter stem and 3 inch risers on the way | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. Handles decent drops and jumps well, not overly heavy. Bounces a bit up hills but that is to be expected. On the bigger drops, especially to flat and not a down ramp, the forks have bottomed out a couple o times.
I went arse over tit on a steep section and the lever bent to about 45 degree, but i bent it back and it is still cool.Brakes took a bit to wear in, but love them now.
I am having more fun on this bike than ever....great value handles everything...now i need to quit working so i can ride more | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny Bananas
a Downhiller
from The east
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Poley... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Taws | | Strengths: | Frame (Beefy), set up... 8 inch disks, pretty good rims (single wide, single track). Seems strong, fairly light, good angles. | | Weaknesses: | Shock (not that bad though), seat post too long, stock pedals you can give to yer gramma | | Similar Products Used: | rm6 | | Bike Setup: | SuperT's and otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | The Super T's make this bike. Without 'em, its just another freeride bike. With the extra travel in the front this bike is the goods. I just got it and took it to the local ski hill and it performed amazingly. The back end is stiff and the Super T's let you go over anything, logs rocks, stumps. The only thing about this is that the shock bottoms out off the larger drops. I've seen a few reviews that say it doesnt bottom out, but dont believe em. The bike handles em real well though. You just have to get used to it. The RM6 i had never bottomed out, but then again I didnt hit the bigger drops with it. I love this bike, dont get me wrong... It just needs a new shock and that's minor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny Bananas
a Downhiller
from The east
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Poley... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Taws | | Strengths: | Frame (Beefy), set up... 8 inch disks, pretty good rims (single wide, single track). Seems strong, fairly light, good angles. | | Weaknesses: | Shock (not that bad though), seat post too long, stock pedals you can give to yer gramma | | Similar Products Used: | rm6 | | Bike Setup: | SuperT's and otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | The Super T's make this bike. Without 'em, its just another freeride bike. With the extra travel in the front this bike is the goods. I just got it and took it to the local ski hill and it performed amazingly. The back end is stiff and the Super T's let you go over anything, logs rocks, stumps. The only thing about this is that the shock bottoms out off the larger drops. I've seen a few reviews that say it doesnt bottom out, but dont believe em. The bike handles em real well though. You just have to get used to it. The RM6 i had never bottomed out, but then again I didnt hit the bigger drops with it. I love this bike, dont get me wrong... It just needs a new shock and that's minor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bertain tsayin
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sherry Sakamoto | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | CyclePath | | Strengths: | 6061 Frame, Z.1 Wedge, Truvativ Cranks, rear fox shocks, disc breaks. | | Weaknesses: | The darn seat. it hurts my balls when i drop 5-6. and just riding to my destination is totaly uncomfy. | | Similar Products Used: | doesn't matter, they all suck, VPS Atomik is the best bike i've take for a ride. | | Bike Setup: | stock.. getting a seat soon. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing, if you even considered to buy it, just go out and get it, thats what i did and i'm darn skippy.. i mean happy. i do cement / trails, it's easy to climb up stairs (hehe.. i like to show off in the university.) and wicked to do drops with 5.1" travel in the rear. and 5.1" travel up front, if you know how to do proper drops you will never bottom out. i haven't yet. JUST make sure if you do stupid stuff like me. to get some body armor. i recommend the Gladiator or the safety Jacket.
i hear Azonic is good but i havn't tried it personaly.
just make sure you save up $100 bucks for a new seat.
i didn't and my balls hurt a bit.
- value is a complete 5.
- overall if it had one more problem it would get 4, but the seat is not that big of a deal to give it one less chilis. so it gets a 5 overall.
good work norco, your an awsome bike company. keep up the good work.
p.s. want to sponsor me to test out your lower end vps series :) email me.. heheh, btw put some better seats on your bikes. my balls hurt dude.
NORTHSHORE BABY :) - gotta get some roach. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
teeter
a Downhiller
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | UBC | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Wicked setup all round, breaks are wicked, no need to waste $200 on hydrolics, it just takes a few good rides to "break" them in. wicked front shocks 5" i read ppl complaining about the seat, but when i DH, i don't sit on the seat, and when i ride back up the hill i stand up on the pedals, so wasting money on a seat i barely use is a waste, just my riding style i guess, this is the best full suspension bike on the planet that i could find from my price range.
i'm going to be one happy guy :) can't wait to pickup my bike next week. | | Weaknesses: | pedals i will complain about.. plastic stubs cmon in wet mud your shoes will slip right off and you can hurt yourself
spend the $50-100 bucks on a good set of pedals or see if the store will give you an upgrade to leave the "new" pedals behind and leave with a nicer pair. NO CHAIN GUARD. man thats gonna hurt the guys learning to jump up picnic tables. | | Similar Products Used: | BMX's up the wazoo. | | Bike Setup: | stock, just have to replace the pedals and get a chain guard. | | Bottom Line: | Make sure you take the bike for a few good rides before wasting money to upgrade it, make sure you deffinately aren't happy with the current stock setting, i belive it's a great bike just adding another $100 to the price, not a big deal for the price the complete bike comes at already.
Disc breaks take a while to break in, thats the main reason for this, also make sure you really need to change something. like spending $50 for rebound control... i don't care for that too much myself. if i replaced the rear shock i'd go all out with a vanilla rcl.
front shocks are great, no need to replace them unless you plan on nose diving off a drop. or you seriously are crazy going off 12'+ onto flatland which i've seen people do in videos before. i give it 5 flamin'Chilis value and overall. it's got to be the best bike in it's range no doubt, and it's CANADIAN EH!
maybe i'll see you at north shore some time :) keep an eye out for the idiot throwing himself down the mountain riding an atomik.
p.s. protection was the deciding factor between the atomik and the drop. wear it at all times you never know when that damn tree will smack you in the face. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh G.
a Weekend Warrior
from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | around town | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Spoke O Motion | | Strengths: | Very Strong, Good shocks both front and rear, pretty good components. | | Weaknesses: | -The Tires
-The Seat | | Similar Products Used: | Norco VPS Drop, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Norco Atomic with 2002 Marzocchi Jr. T's and Maxxis Mobsters tires. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a great freeride/downhill bike and you dont want to spend lots of $$$$ then this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jody
a
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Follow up to previous posts | | Bottom Line: | Still loving it!!! Highly recomend it for the $$$, just get hydraulic brakes for it and change the crap tires and pedals.
Now if my injuries would just heal up.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DHUTAHBIKEGUY
a Weekend Warrior
from PARK CITY UTAH (HELL YEA)
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer valley Devo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Golsans | | Strengths: | EVERY THING ABOUT THIS BIKE RULES. BRAKES, FRONT SHOCK, looks the coolest thing ever | | Weaknesses: | need a cover for the chian stay but only if ur doing the really big stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock cept for the seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and it kicks A$$. I took it off a 10 foot drop the other day and it shed it off like it was never there. i did the utah state downhill course too and it was hard but this bike sucked up the big stuff. dont buy this bike if ur looking for a xc bike cause its slow for anything but DH. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart the DHer
a Downhiller
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Martock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | THE WHOLE $#*&$%# thing!!!!!!! the peddals the Fork the disc brakes the grips the shifting... | | Weaknesses: | Just the tires, they shold put on Kevlar beaded. | | Similar Products Used: | VPS Drop, VPS Fluid, VPS Launch | | Bottom Line: | I reccomend the bike highly for any one who likes freeriding and DHing. GET THE BIKE IT IS THE BEST FOR IT'S PRICE, if this ain't good get the bigger brother to this bike the Drop. don't buy this bike for cross country. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blizzzardpapa
a
from Burnaby, BC
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Jubilee Cycle | | Strengths: | The Standover height, quality component, price, the brakes, | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Kona xc type FS, Giant NRS-2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the Pedals | | Bottom Line: | I am new to full suspension and this bike rocks. ALthough, It took me more than a few weeks to get used to the ride, but I am having a blast flying low in the forest. It's tough to climb but I eventually got used it and the bike just ripped the down hill. I am able to do stuff that I couldn't do before. The lay out of the bike is perfect for riding fast and technical trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MaD_MaX
a Downhiller
from Québec
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This is an update to my last post. This Bike Freakin' Rocks!! Strong, light, plush!! This bike is freakin' aswome!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Kenda Tires sucks, immitation of michelin 2.8 tires, handle bar is too low, seat is hard, grips sucks a$$, gripshift suck too. | | Similar Products Used: | None, a unique bike!!! | | Bike Setup: | Norco VPS Atomik, Stratos S5(Triple crown with 6") Michelin WildGripper 2.5 24.1 Soft, Formula 20mm hub, Funn Serial Killa Stem, Funn FatBoy Slim bars, Funn Launch Pad seat and seatpost, Hayes hydro brakes, The fender,Odi Lock-On Yeti Hardcore grips,Shimano Xt rapidfire left, rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike for 2002, check out the price!!!and the stuff on it!!What an acceleration with this bike!! I set up mine for shore/urban/DH/jumpin bike and I payed it half of the bigger bike but with the same quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOdy
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This is a follow up. | | Bottom Line: | Change the stem to a Short DH FUNN Serial Killer and slap some 3" riser bars on it, get a bigger fork and a 24 inch rear wheel, different pedals and you'll be smiling all the way down! Trust me. This bike freakin' Rocks (after all the changes) especially for the bucks.
Anyone looking for any crappy used parts ;0) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | TC's | | Strengths: | Frame, brakes (eventually..) forks, rims | | Weaknesses: | Bars, stem, brake levers, seat | | Similar Products Used: | See bellow... | | Bike Setup: | 38 tooth Blackspire single front ring, Blackspire chain guide, Avid Speed Dial 5 levers, Azonic risers/stem, Setlaz DH seat, Snafu pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Had the bike 6 months now, finally got it set up the way I want. The brakes took aagggeees to wear in, but they feel damn nice now. Changing the leavers over to Avid Speed dial 5 levers helped tremendously. Got rid of the triples, you just can't beat a single front ring for screwing around on it. Changed the bars/stem/grips which made the riding position a fair bit better. A Setlaz DH seat makes it like a lounge chair to ride around on now. The sun ringle rims seem to be holding up exceptionally well - only one very small flat spot in the rear from smacking the edge of a conrete wall damn hard. No buckles at all, even with some pretty heavily landed drops. The stock pedals were pretty sh1te, Snafu's have made a big difference to riding feel and confidence.
I also had to replace the rear changer cable, the stock one pulled out at the deraileur and frayed the cable.
Forks and rear end feel beautiful, the frame is very confidence inspiring to ride on with very little flex.
Overall very very happy with the bike, and would highly recommend it to anyone. Just have to change a few things to get it the way you want it... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any going down hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | VicMTB | | Strengths: | this is an update to two previous posts. pretty much the same stuff is good, but i've decided the tyres suck. | | Weaknesses: | the TYRES! they pinchflat all the time, at 50psi! that's really pathetic... they don't even grip all that well (i was comparing them to my old 1.95s), compared to most other brands they're about as grippy as axle grease.
also, i had one major issue which i think all owners need to watch out for;
when the rear suspension takes a large hit, it can push the derailleur housing up through the cable routers. however, when the suspension extends again, the housing can jam between the last router on the mainframe, and the first one on the rear triangle (look at the angle it's at, that's why). this means that it pulls the housing away from the derailleur. usually, this will just rotate the derailleur backwards, and cause some ghost shifting. however, if your derailleur hanger is bent, and your suspension takes a large hit, the effect may be great enough that the housing pulls out of the derailleur, and effectively shifts gears violently. if your hanger is bent, the derailleur may be able to hit the spokes, and get caught, resulting in derailleur, chain, and spoke carnage. that happened to me, if you have a question about this, or want more details, email me.
also, what i listed last post as a broken axle, turned out to be a broken freehub, apparently the bolt wasn't tight when i got it, so it stripped out when i was riding. all fixed now though.
HMX-1 brakes aren't as good as they're made out to be... they're ok, they have excellent modulation, but lack the raw power of V's | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, FRM125 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | this really is a great bike, especially for the money! i was just unlucky with what happened to me i think. i would advise anyone to buy one, they are awesome. change the tyres tho, the stock Kendas are pretty poor. also, to anyone who already has one, i would advise strategically placing a few zipties to stop the gear cable moving, so that you don't have the catastrophic (and unwarrantied!) failure i had. despite it's few flaws, i would recommend this bike to anyone who can't afford to spend $3000 on a frame alone, it's great value, and with maybe $100 of upgrades, it's got no real weaknesses.
top stuff Norco
P.S. Norco customer service is pretty good too, very helpful. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Petey
a Weekend Warrior
from Wenatchee, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sage Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | -Beefy frame
-The travel, 5.5 in. | | Weaknesses: | -Hard seat
-The weight, 35 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Big Hit | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you don't mind workin' up a little extra sweat to get to the top, comin' down is worth it! The looks of this bike are like no other. The VPS series is cheap, and well worth it. So go buy one! This is the best freeride bike ever made! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any going down a hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | VicMTB | | Strengths: | this is an update to the review i posted below: refer to it for strengths and weaknesses, plus some i've noticed since:
- the Kenda tyres are really nice, quite grippy
- the bike carries speed extremely well over rough stuff
- stable at speed | | Weaknesses: | - broke the rear axle already....? although the LBS assures me it was a dodgy axle, and will not be a worry like that again.
-Z.1 forks are a little lightly sprung, i run them with full preload and they're ok, but i'd like heavier springs for a couple of reasons, firstly so i can have more adjustment in preload (i like firm forks), and secondly to improve the pedalling a little (not that it's bad as it is though, just the fork bobs a bit).
- Seatpost has to be cut down a lot so you can put the seat down enough to jump/DH/drop, otherwise the linkage smacks it, i put a dent in my seatpost finding that!
Nothing that can't be easily remedied. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky (briefly), Marin Alpine Trail (more XC oriented), Intense Tazer (not very nice ride, especially considering the price) some others i can't remember. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i've only had the bike for a week, and i broke the axle in the rear Deore hub, doing some 4-5 foot drops to flat. The LBS is fixing it, so it's not really a worry, but it's kind of disappointing to do that kind of damage so quickly. I weigh about 76kg, so i'm not a super heavy rider. anyway the bike shop assured me that the hub/axle i got must not have been assembled or whatever properly, meaning that the axle had too much stress on it and broke. anyway i'm being looked after, so it doesn't really matter.
anyway, over the week i've had it i've noticed a few things since the last review:
- the tyres kick arse! i didn't really appreciate how much grip they had (my old bike was an XC bike with 1.95 tyres so that's what i'm comparing it to) until i decided to test them a bit by really pushing the grip, swerving down hills etc. i was quite surprised how much traction they offer, it really helps my confidence.
- The forks are a little lightly sprung, i run them with full preload and they're fine, but i would rather have the option of being able to firm them up further, and run less sag, because when i'm standing up on the pedals, the sag is about two inches, meaning i only have three inches left to soak up hits. sitting though, only runs about 1 1/4 inches of sag. ideally, standing sag would be about 1 1/2 inches, sitting sag a bit less than an inch. i am also thinking about a heavier spring rate on the back, although it is almost perfect now (600lbs) i would like a bit of extra insurance against bottoming.
Overall i am very pleased with the bike, the broken axle is the only downer so far. My "to-be-replaced" list however, includes the seat, seatpost (i want one of the Axiom telescopic posts), springs, pedals (the ones it comes with aren't particularly grippy, not real bad but not real good either), and probably the bar (and stem if need be) eventually too. I was originally going to sell the fork and get some Dropoffs, DJ1's, or Fox Forx, but after riding it a bit, the Wedges are bloody excellent! nice and plush, smooth, and i've only bottomed them once, when i nosedived off a 4' drop.
the best bit though, is the PRICE! only $2500AUD ($1250US) for a bike like this, which has literally almost identical spec to a Stinky, is unbelievable!
6 flaming turds for Value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spence
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC, UT, U.S.
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Golsan Cycles | | Strengths: | I like the cool lookin' frame and how everything on it is black. I also liked the grip shift so you can adjust it if the chain starts rubbing against the chainstay. | | Weaknesses: | rear shock and especially the saddle cause it's so dang hard. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike cause it was so dang cheap and it has been great for all my freeride/big hits. So if your a freerider and don't want to pay a lot of money, you should check this awesome bike out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything down a hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | VicMTB | | Strengths: | Looks, strong, the front fork, the brakes, adjustable travel, plush suspension, oh so stable!
Torque Twisters RULE!
and SOOO cheap! | | Weaknesses: | the SEAT! its about as comfortable as sitting on a barbed wire fence | | Similar Products Used: | nothing much | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike rules! i can actually pedal it, it's plush, good brakes, everything except the saddle rules. will post another review in a month or less, when everything's broken in.
Love those brake levers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
franc the man
a Weekend Warrior
from brisbane, qld, Aus
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Daisy hill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | sweet to ride, value for money, smoothness on downhill, front fork, bike geometry, having an adjustable rear shock, tyres | | Weaknesses: | not much peddle power although what can you expect from a dually, rear shock not too top quality | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | if your into freeriding this is a pretty awesome bike for the money tis able to take a fairly good beating but make sure your mostly goin to be doing freeriding unless you've got motorlegs to peddle the thing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MaD_MaX
a Downhiller
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Taz | | Strengths: | Stiff, strong, look bad(black, everything!) good travel, brakes(8 inch hayes) fork, rims, light, hubs(deore, axiom) brake levers, NORCO(made in Canada) VPS!! | | Weaknesses: | Grip shift shifter, tires... | | Similar Products Used: | None so far! | | Bike Setup: | As stock | | Bottom Line: | One of the best bikes for the price and you can do your show off all the time with it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jody
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | DaDump for local riding | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Russ Hays | | Strengths: | The Frame | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Wheels, lousy rear shock, sucky slippery tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Been riding mountain bikes for 12 years, nough said. | | Bike Setup: | New Wheels, 6" Boxxers, Vanilla with Rebound for the rear, new tires | | Bottom Line: | Switched my killer parts off my Brodie big shot and onto the Atomic. Wicked rider now, but the front end still seems a little low... the 2" upper extra tall crown from Rock Shox runs freakin' $289- Canadian so I'm not sure if I'm going to get a riser stem or bars, or just get the other part. Nonetheless, you can't beat the bike for the $$$. Just make sure to replace the tires and rear shock. Should be another $50 Canadian for rebound control. I was going to buy just the frame, but when they told me it would be about $1300- it didn't really make much sense. May as well get the whole bike for $2150- I'm only giving it 5 stars because of the new part I switched over to it. Highly recomended if you are thinking about doing the same. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light weightfor a freeride bike, triple chainrings | | Weaknesses: | Rims, brakes, rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Norco team DH, Mountain cycle shockwave | | Bike Setup: | as stock, but with new Fox vanilla rear shock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is not bad for a budget freeride bike. The light weight allows me to keep up with my cross country buddies uphill and smoke them on the way down. The rims are basically crap. In my first few weeks of owning this bike both were flat-spotted. One of the drops on which I flat-spotted my rear rim also blew out the rear shock, requiring that I purchase a new one at a cost of $500. Brakes take ages to run in. If you're thinking about buying this bike I recommend you keep some money up your sleeve in case of breakages, or save a bit longer and get a real freeride bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | TC's | | Strengths: | Great frame and component mix. | | Weaknesses: | Hard seat, risers are a bit low. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona stab, Ironhorse G-Spot, Santa Cruz heckler | | Bike Setup: | Standard at the moment - Z1 wedege's, fox vanilla rear, truvativ hussefelts, hayes HMX-1. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the money. A setlaz DH seat is on the way to make it a bit more comfy, and will possibly replace the risers and grips. Rides sweet as so far, although things are still settling in. Will review again when i've hald it 6 months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lonnie Stefaniuk
a Weekend Warrior
from Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | redbike | | Strengths: | Great frame, great place to start for a first freeride bike. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, replaced with solijam vipers (florange) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Factory spec except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great value bike for $$$$ and parts will be upgraded when broken | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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