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Submitted by
stuart
a Downhiller
from vancouver canada
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | private | | Strengths: | frame, axle, guessets, everything. the bike rode so ncei and smooth. so veery stiff. never felt any flex. i also liked the tall bb. i culd still rail corners. this bike also catwalk and manuals very easy. | | Weaknesses: | the top tube is high for doing nfc so u need to be really flaxable. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 fluid | | Bike Setup: | 66/888, 5th shock, hayes 9, truvative | | Bottom Line: | but this bike if u wanna do any type of riding | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mauricio pineda
a Downhiller
from Bogota,Colombia
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | metropolitan,bogota | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | pinkbike | | Strengths: | very confortable, hard frame, sexy bike, strong x 9999. | | Weaknesses: | heavy, chain problems i hate that truvativ. | | Similar Products Used: | garyfisher | | Bike Setup: | monster, truvativ, hayes, shimano deore, red color. | | Bottom Line: | just change that great marzocchi fork if you want a have more speed and the chine guide, thats all that u need, enjoy this sexy bike!! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jp guymand
a Downhiller
from montreal
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | rva | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | fuzz | | Strengths: | the price | | Weaknesses: | i dont understand why people say its so strong... in 3 months i broke everything on this bike ... this was my first bike and im a hucker... i blewe the rc and craked th t2 one wheel callapsed . thank god i got a sponsership at the end of the season i cost me way to much in bike repairs.. | | Similar Products Used: | ....... | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | for the price the bike is good for a beginner. but if you wanna huck or race Dh put a bit more money on a good bike
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alan milo
a Downhiller
from israel
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand ebay | | Strengths: | very solid,great feel while riding,boosts your confidence while taking drops,very pardoning when making mistakes in drops(with another bike i would be in the hospital),great monster in front | | Weaknesses: | the grip suck,also the chain guide is not something ,chain keeps on falling , | | Similar Products Used: | my first bike | | Bike Setup: | 24 in rim in back with 3.0 gazz,in front 26 rim 2.7 kenda,axiom seat,the rest is custom | | Bottom Line: | great bike ,it is worth every penny | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from BC
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sharpys | | Strengths: | very strong, nice componants, good hucker/dh bike | | Weaknesses: | heavy,not a very good fork, | | Bottom Line: | I feel that this bike is a good bike for the price but you will end up upgrading it alot like I have found myself doing. I found that it worked the best with a shiver DC up front, the stock springs in the Monster T2 were VERY soft so I suggest you upgrade to a medeum spring.
The hayes comp brakes work Great..but the tires that came on it (kenda kinetics) wore out very fast, and the alexarims would not stay true...after I would true them and they would wobbleright away, the fork swich saved me about 5 lbs and the bike feels alot better with the new fork....the stock seat that came on the bike was uncomfortable and always cought my pants/shorts.. so i upgraded to a Axiom Dj seat..much better.. i also found the grips to wear away fast and they woulds slip quite abit so pick up a set of lock on's....the stand over hieght on it was very uncomfertable.but i dont really mind.. the hussfelt cranks were very reliable and worked perfect, the 9speed rear derailer was great for highspeed riding though the 42tooth chainring up front was great for Dh this is not a climbing bike, this bike is a DH tank, the 7.8" of rear travel worked great, i could hardly feel anything after a 5ft huck, I am using a Med frame and i am a little over 5.5..a bit big so anyone smaller from me should go for a small, I paid 2000 Canadian for the bike and it is worth every penny, when I took this bad boy up to whisler ... and headed down the fabled A-Line..wow it worked perfectly... the truvaitive box guide works great.. but i suggest buying a bashgaurd so you dont smash your chain on the usuall logs,rocks etc. overall i would recoment thie bike to a bigger rider who can muscle around a big bike.. this is a great all around bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lucas Gilbert
a Cross Country Rider
from Portage,MI,USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Gultch WA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | This is a great bike, the price value and the all around flexibility of this frame is amazing. | | Weaknesses: | The weight but its a downhill bike so what do you expect? | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Dominatrax | | Bike Setup: | Set up with tubeless conversion for the wheelset, FSA carbon cranks, Race Face Bashguard, Dirt Jumper I, Swinger 4way SPV, Azonic Love Seat, sete carbon seatpost and riser handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will let you do whatever you choose, leave it stock and rip on some downhill, put some cash in add a couple chainrings up front and take it freeriding, drop some weight and do some cross country. Anything is possible on this thing. Its a strong bike that pedals well, great beginner bike to play on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy rempel
a Downhiller
from Fernie B.C
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | cypress hole1 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Gravity Sports | | Strengths: | It is all around awesome! I love this bike I have rode it in every condition imaginable and it rips in all of them. some key points are the Monster T2s the Fox Vanilla RC and the price. | | Weaknesses: | I dislike the grips, seat and the fact that it comes stock without a bash gaurd but for only $1900 what can you expect? | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Drop, Specialized P2 and a Norco Shore | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock except for the seat, grips, and bash guard | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome! This is the most bang for the buck you could possibly get. Some people will complain about the weight but I am 13 and I am able to do what most people can do on their light $5000 bikes. If you want an affordable ripper that will eat up anything you throw at it look no further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a Downhiller
from The city of Wind
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | SBC | | Strengths: | the best thing about this bike is the price. It is a great big hit ride for the price. The marzocchi Monster T2's out perform any fork that I have ever riden. Everything about this bike is buttery smooth. This bike definately can handle anything you throw at it (huge stair gapers, drops). | | Weaknesses: | Grips, saddle, wheels are horrible. that is why you need to swap them out before putting a leg over the bike. The wheels have began to separate at the seem. The saddle will give you a mean case of the roids. the grips move all around, and they are uncomfortable. Other than those small problems, this bike RULES. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big Hit DH | | Bike Setup: | Mavic D521's, Azonic Kevlar DH Saddle, ODI grips, Tioga 26x2.35f/r. Monster T2's, Manitou Swinger 6-way, Raceface north shore forged crank, SRAM drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | If you have a limited bugget, or just looking for a good deal, pruchase this bike. It will improve your riding ability. Despite the weight of the a-Line it is relatively easy to pedal. Make sure you are good shape if you want to ride the A-Line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jarret
a Downhiller
from Sherwood Park, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | private | | Strengths: | This bike is indestructable, you can huck anything at this bike. It is a very well built bike, strong frame,thick monster t2, RC. 16' total travel. | | Weaknesses: | This bike is heavy, but is a sacrifice for it's solidness. This is not an urban, trial, or cross country bike at all. It weights 53 lbs. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock except kevlar dh seat, blackspire bashguard, chainstay, 30 mags, 3'tires and odi lock on grips. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike. It will build your strength up, it's a beefy bike that serves it's purpose as a master in freeride for a great price. In order to master this bike you have to be srong, it's heavy and very large, and gotta have balls to ride. it's a tank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zlatan Dujsic
a Downhiller
from Mississauga Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | www.sbcoutlet.com | | Strengths: | The bike is great. I just got it today and rode it for the first time ever and I loved it. Everyone complains about it being heavy, who cares when you ride you dont think of weight! I love the fork and the rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | The only weaknesses were that it has a hard seat that you can change for a tiny price, the grips werent too satisfying. The chain guide (i dont know if they all do this since this is my first real bike) but it makes noises in the low gears. Those are all minor problems that dont bother me much. Oh yea, its not too heavy im 13 and I still throw it around like a little toy. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock out of the box | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I only rode it today my first day to get it and i love it. I went city freeride and a bit of downhill and it worked perfect in both conditions. If your looking for a good real bike to get you into biking, like i was then go with the 2003 A-line its soooooo fun. Great price too, go to www.sbcoutlet.com if your interested in one. happy riding!:) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Lovblom
a Downhiller
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ummm, Scarborough Road? | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Solutions Beaches | | Strengths: | soooo strong, vanilla rc, hayes hydros, monster t2, 02 team dh frame, pedaling efficiency, price is outstanding, eats up everything, beast of a bike | | Weaknesses: | cant adjust monster t2, rims arent that good, no bashguard, grips. people cry about it being heavy......WAKE UP! Its an 8" travel DH rig for like $3000! | | Similar Products Used: | nothing like this bad boy | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Norco A-line Red, Monster T2 (might change to a shiver), Vanilla RC, Azonic Chubby handle bars, Arrow Racing stem, XT rear derraileur, Black Spire DH bashguard and chainguide, (looking to switch my rims to maybe Mavic 321s or maybe a 24" wheel for the back) | | Bottom Line: | such a nice ride, i cant believe how solid it feals, it makes you stronger, i rode my friends Launch and i realized how much my muscles got stronger cuz i was able to move his bike around like nothing. its great for guys (like me) that want to ride NOW and upgrade as you go, ive already started upgrading some specs and im going to race this thing this summer. i think a shiver or stratos S*8 will be a nice match for this tank, so if you buy it, think about upgrading it after a few months it will be soooo worth it. I'm going to ride this bike for years! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Downhiller
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Excellent value for money, the budget has been used on areas that matter such as rear shock (Vanilla RC). You get the same setup as the Team DH frame from the previous year for a lot less money. True Four Bar Linkage | | Weaknesses: | Very heavy as stock. Slack angles with stock forks. | | Similar Products Used: | None owned but various tested | | Bike Setup: | Shivers, XT Disc Brakes, EA70 bars and Truvativ stem, SDG Saddle, Maxxis High Rollers. Rest as stock | | Bottom Line: | For the money you cant get much better, ok the bike isnt light but sell the forks off and stick on something lighter, it makes a huge difference to weight and angles giving the bike a totally different feel. Norco have specced the bike well and put the good parts where it matters, I would rather get a nice shock and put up with a Deore mech. The bike pedals really well, better than some enduro style XC bikes I have tried!
As a first DH bike it has been a great choice and got me into the sport, will soon be making way for something bigger and better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Vernon BC
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Silver Star | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This thing is built like a tank, and rides like cadillac. People complain its too heavy, well it is, get used to it, its meant to take a 20 ft drop, and be hucked into a tree, but still be able to ride it home. The bike also inspires confidence too, i immediately take it off a 4 footer as soon as i got in the saddle. The suspension is very plush, even though the monster T2 is not adjustable, you can still change the oil/springs to make it stiffer.. ect. The bike is designed in mind for people who want a tank DH racer/hucker, and just plain riding up down the street-this bike turns heads! And it also make u look like an authority just cruzing around, people get out of your way! Its specs are just right for the price, for the quality ofthe specs and the price you can't beat it! | | Weaknesses: | There aren't many but, its a price minded gravity racer. The only things that i didn't like were the truvativ cranks and that it had no bash guard. Also the weight cna be a factor, but hey, you definately gonna get in alot better shape alot faster then driving some south cal made lightwieght bullit. other than that this thing is bullet proof. | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit RM7 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, i changed out the cranks and BB for the MRP bones crank combo, which is very high quality, this is about the only upgrade, other than putting a 24 inch tire in the rear, which I like the feel of alot. | | Bottom Line: | This thing was built for BC, if your from some where else I recommend getting something else, The VPS's are our secrets. This is the best bang for the buck, definately ahh downhill machine, but i also pedal this tank uphills, which has improved my over all strength! Its just a joy to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from Saint John N.B.
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Darlings Island Bike Shop | | Strengths: | monster t2 eats up every thing on the trail without any flex,handling is amazing at high speed,the suspension is balanced and eficeint on the flats | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | norco atomic,giant ac2 with boxxer team,norco launch,Rocky Mountain RM6,kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is unbeatable for the coin . You get the ride of the team dh at a fraction of the cost.Once the bike is up to speed its 50 pound weight is not an issue .
If you want a ready to go dh bike that works like a dream there is nothing better for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dodge everything
a Downhiller
from swindon, wiltshire, england
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the one in my back garden. i am rich. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | dads bike shop | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | big hit(is crap) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | lush! if you want a bike to ride downhill on and also a bike to take massive drops then this is the one. the monsters are brilliant and brakes stop instantly!
a very affordable bike and graet for the money. buy one if you get the chance. the people that say the bike is to heavy are wimps. it is just slightly heavier than most other bikes but i found it still reletively huckable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Downhiller
from Renton, Wa, US
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | A line | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | This bike is so sweet... If you are looking for a great dh bike at a very cheap price go with this bike. When i tried it i thought it was gonna be very heavy but it wasnt that bad, as of what everyone was talking it up to be. Great bike, love the monsters.... | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Big Hit Expert, Kona Stab | | Bike Setup: | Stock A line | | Bottom Line: | The best bike u will ever ride for the price, and you can pretty much huck anything and everything. Well enjoy if you get this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIke master Mike master
a Downhiller
from Leeds england
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | fort bill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | stiff | | Bottom Line: | Hi i want to know something please. I want a good freeride rig and have thought abou the Rocky mountain RM7, Specialized big hit expert and the Norco A-line. Which should i go for they are all ace bikes but i dont know which is best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Robson
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Home made in home town of Hinton, Ab, in the mountains. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2550.00 | | Purchased At: | Ernies Sprots Experts | | Strengths: | Everything. I love it. The Monster 2s and the best. The componants are awsome! | | Weaknesses: | Weight, but its tolerable. The grips are horrible. and it needs a bash guard. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 norco drop. 2001 Cannondale Jeckal 3000. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | AWSOME BIKE!!!!!!!!! Its worth every penny! Im so happy with it! BUY IT, ITS GREAT!!! Extreme Freeriders and downhill riders, its a must have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DANIEL
a Downhiller
from Whistler, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | A-LINE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | the net | | Strengths: | Very stable at speed, Some great components like Marzocchi Monster T2 8" travel, FOX Vanilla RC, 2 Hayes 8" HFX 9 hydraulic 2002 Team DH frame. | | Weaknesses: | none. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Team DH. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Norco A-Line White with added Sun Intense Mag 30 RIMS, Blackspire Bash Guards, Funn Launch Pad SADDLE, Funn Serial Killa STEM and Maxxis TIRES.
| | Bottom Line: | The bike begged to go fast and when I got it up to speed, handling lightened up a bit and the high stand-over became less of an issue. Nonetheless, this bike does not feel like a very very nimble racer but it feels powerful and Very stable. Excellent on big or smail drops and ripen. One other thing This bike ROCK!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yannick Bilodeau
a Downhiller
from Coaticook, Québec, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Strengths: | C,est un tres bon bike a part qu'il est tres pesant.La Monster T travail tres bien mais elle est tres pesante.La Fox Vanilla travail aussi bien avec c'est 8 pouces. Les rims aurait pu etre mieux.Excellent frame. | | Weaknesses: | Il est un peu pesant mais quand tu fait de la descente c'est bien correcte pour le free riders il est trop pesant. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco drop, Specialized Big Hit | | Bike Setup: | Norco A-line frame, Monster T, Fox Vanilla | | Bottom Line: | C,est le meilleur bike que j'ai rider a date et je n'est aucun regret de cet achat.Si vous hésiter a vous sen acheter un n'hésiter pas. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dorny
a Downhiller
from White rock,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | everyone favorite trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | my home shop | | Strengths: | What a great bike.The Fox vanilla r/c allows the 8 inches of rear beast. and the monster t2 is excellent. the hayes stop great and the gazzolodi tires were good but i put some michlens on there.the rims will take a beatin too.U wanna a bike for huckin this is the bike it will take anything you throw at it. i rode off a 15footer and the landin was so nice so plush thanks to the 8" up front and in the rear. | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy but who care when ur ridin down like a psycho.didn't like the grips on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | norco drop, specialized big hit, santa cruz bullit | | Bike Setup: | norco-aline frame,monter T2 mostly stock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this bike is well worth the money i know i sure have no regrets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Kid
a Downhiller
from North Shore, Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | CBC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Jubilee Cycle | | Strengths: | I love the finish! My bike has about 50 coats of wax, my friends. The graphics have been clear-coated over and teh shine is SWEEEEET! The fork absorbs everything. The rear Fox is ultra-plush, the Hayes stop on a dime and the alex rims are bomb-proof! | | Weaknesses: | The grips are a little light. I still use them but they twist every time I ride. I may upgrade. The frosn chain ring NEEDS a bashguard for shore riding. I just bought it and it works with the Truvative Boxguide. I also switched the Front tire to a Michelin Comp 32 2.8. It sticks a little a little better and it's wider than the stock 2.6 Kenda. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialied FSR. Brodie Diablo. Balfa BB7. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the wax job and the front tire. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike! Some people say it's not a shore bike but I ride it there exclusively. I do not find the weight to be an issue as we shuttle up and gravity down.
The eight inches of travel is everything that I need. Very, very plush. I have not had any "real" problems with the components on this bike.
Great choice for anyone who rides DOWN! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from RedDeer Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | I like them all. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Red Bike | | Strengths: | Killer fork and frame,very reasonable price. | | Weaknesses: | I didn't like the tires,or the grips. | | Similar Products Used: | RM7,Big hit | | Bike Setup: | Stock set up except for a 3inch gazz. up front and some lock on grips. | | Bottom Line: | You feel like your bullet proof on this bike,just point it down the hill and go.The frame and fork suck up everything you can throw at it including 6ft. to nose dive.The parts are low grade but work flawlessly.Even though its a tank,it dosn't pedal to bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tricky
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Not too bad for the money but a bighit is far better | | Weaknesses: | It's BLOODY heavy (62lbs), It feels dead to ride!, it looks cheap (the head stock is identical to a Saracen for gods sake), it's made in Vietnam and it shows! The rear mech hits the chain stays in such a way that it mangles mechs. It's a tacky bike! | | Similar Products Used: | Foes, Intense, Yetti, Specialized, Nicolai, Tomac, santa cruz, Karpiel | | Bike Setup: | Foes Mono, ultegra, stratos, profile, MrDirt, king | | Bottom Line: | For the money it's not too bad I guess, but there are other bikes out there that can take this on like the Speccy Bighit! which is more resonsive and has that "zing" to it that makes it feel more responsive through the technical stuff. The A-line is only designed to be dropped! It accelerates like a snail and feels like a corpse to ride. You need to be bloody arnie to pull this one up! It's not due to the excesive weight either as I've ridden heavier bikes before that pull up like a dream. It's the whole geometrey of the bike feels wrong. I personally think the bike is heavy due to it's bad frame design (if there is one!) in the sense that they don't know where to shave weight off the less stressful areas and instead have gone for a "think tubes and lots of gussest" approach!
This bike is maybe for you if you are not serious about riding, jumping and racing your DH rig but more so if you enjoy droping off kerbs to impress your poorer mates and the slappers in town. Seriously If you want a good DH bike, keep away.... | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Klein
a Downhiller
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Majura | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5500.00 | | Purchased At: | Maladjusted Bicycle Emporium | | Strengths: | The Norco A-line's strength are many if you are one of the privaledged few who can put common sense and fear aside and bomb full speed down the side of a mountain or huck yourself off a 4 metre drop-like myself. The frame is bomb, terrain and psycho proof-its indestructable. The marzzochi monster 2s soak up the most brutal of terrain and the fox shock is perfect. Also the hayes hydros stop insantly. | | Weaknesses: | The only problem with the A-line is that it is heavy weighing the best part of 50 pounds or about 20 kilos. But unless you are stupid/crazy and intend to ride to the top of the mountain before coming down then there is no problem. The bike's responsive handling makes up for the weight and if it really bothered you that much all you would need to do is put different forks on. | | Similar Products Used: | This bike is similar to an Intense M1, Foes Fly and Mono DhS although it obviously isnt as strong or reliable because it is much less expensive. | | Bike Setup: | The bike's components and setup is flawless, althought you will always have to customise it to you personal needs. | | Bottom Line: | The norco A-line is a beast. I you are looking for a nimble north shore bike than this is not the one for you, if you want a light Dh bike than this is not for you- but if you wnat a bike that can kick ass downhill and be taken out to the local "pyscho playground" the next day than this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from B.C.
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Monster T2
Rock Solid Frame
Truvativ Chain Guide | | Weaknesses: | First I must say that the Wellgo pedals
really sucked. They blew a bearing on the first
big drop I took. I don't know for sure if they are weaknesses but I did replace the kenda tires with
gazzolodis and the seatpost and seat with a Axxiom
downhill seat and Thompson seat post.
| | Similar Products Used: | Does trying bikes in the parking lot really count? | | Bike Setup: | 2003 A-line , Red frame, Alex rims, 3.0 gazz front 2.6 rear, Thompson seat post, Axxiom seat and handle bar-stem,
hayes(comp)8inch hydros, Truvativ cranks and splined BB, Truvativ chain guide, Shimano Deore rapid fire and rear derailer, Marzocchi Monster T2 front fork, Axxiom hubs,
LPZ pedals, SRAM chain and rear casette
| | Bottom Line: | Awesome downhill bike for most riders. But this bike is perfect for big freeriders with enough upper body strength to throw this beast around. I weigh 225lbs and this bike balances my weight almost perfectly. It catwalks unreal
and is a great freeride bike if you are strong enough.
I can definately say that this bike sucks up the big drops like nothing. It also is very stable in the air over big dirtjumps and gaps. I will also be purchasing a 36 tooth front sprocket for those days when a little riding up is required cause the 42 tooth is for shuttling or lifts only. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | I love all trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1770.00 | | Strengths: | -Frame is super burly
-Monster T 2 is really strong and plush (looks killer to)
-Fox Vanilla RC shock works really well and balances well with the Monster | | Weaknesses: | The parts pick on this bike is decent but it definetly could use some improvements. The Truvativ cranks are the worst and weakest cranks I have ever seen. My first ride I rolled over a dead/almost rollen piece of wood and the chainring folded under the bottom bracket. This chain ring is way too thin for this type of bike so if you are planning on buying one save your self the troubles on the trail and switch it over to a race face ring. Also the threaded steel insert in the arm of the crank pulls out of the arm when you try to take your pedals out. Again save yourself the agony and swap out this piece of junk for something stronger. One small note to mention is that when I ordered the bike in November 2002 the parts spec for the brakes says that the bike came with the new Hayes HFX 9 brakes and when I got the bike in December 2002 the bike have Hayes Comp Hydros, which use flexy plastic lever bodys instead of the good steel ones. Not a real big deal but still enough to tick you off. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized big hit, Rocky RM7 | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept for XTR rear derraileur and a 44 tooth race
face chain ring. | | Bottom Line: | This is a confidence-inspiring Bike for the up and coming freerider. The bike is strong and the 8 inches of front and rear travel won't ever let you down. The only really weakness comes form the crank and if you sweet talk you dealer (mine is a dork) he/she will maybe help you out with this crappy component. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BC Rider
a
from Maple Ridge, BC - Canada
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Stale Bend | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend purchased it ( I borrowed) Now Im getting one | | Strengths: | 2002 Norco Team dh body (with some improvements) and a lower price, still got some heavy set gear on this monster! | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Norco Team Dh | | Bike Setup: | Oem setup | | Bottom Line: | For the gear setup and the price this is well worth it! If you thought the 02 Team Dh was a tough one, then this is
definitley a worth while purchase! The Monster T 2's absorb everything they touch. Another great bike at an unbelievable price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Stevson
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | woodlot gold | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3700.00 | | Purchased At: | caps cyles in coquitlam | | Strengths: | wicked component setup,strong ass frame
flys in air and comes back for more | | Weaknesses: | rims bend a little easy | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 vps team dh
2001 santa cruz super 8 | | Bike Setup: | everything stock except blackspire ns1 chainguide | | Bottom Line: | this is a sweet bike. all you pussies out there who think this wont last on the shore cuz its to heavy should go to the gym once in there pitifull lives. Or at least actually try and ride it. This bike slays every shore stunt ive put it up to and that basicly everything. Suspension setup is so smooth. Handled diggers rock like a dream. Definatly buy this bike if your a serious freerider who like to go big | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike smillie
a Downhiller
from calgary,alberta,canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Poo Pass | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | bow cycle | | Strengths: | this bike is great for everything. its fork, monster t s, is great for downhill and drops, and more. If you are looking for a new full suspension bike for dowhill, get this one! | | Weaknesses: | none, this bike is great | | Similar Products Used: | norco team downhill, brodie 8 bal | | Bike Setup: | fork is monster t 2's- great bike | | Bottom Line: | GET THIS BIKE!!! IT IS THE BEST DOWNHILL BIKE EVER!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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