Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Brisbane Queensland Australia Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Navana
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
The Big Bike Shop (champions)
Strengths:
ya just can't break it.
Weaknesses:
Gears come out of tune easily, but not regularly
Bike Setup:
Suspension: Bomber Z5 (AWSOME SHOKZ) Breaks: Front hayes disc (cable) awosome break Rear: V break, can't recall the brand and all Gears: 16 speed, LX.. good stuff ;)
Bottom Line:
It's a good bike all you lil woosies who say there no good, its just cos you can't ride you need your bike to do it for ya.. grow some balls and get some skills then come back and judge it..
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Kichener,Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hydro Cut
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Bottom Line:
this is an update of my previous review. the bike is still holding up nicely. i got those Time ATACs i was talking about. and i also had to replace my Z5 fork because my LBS screwed it up. so i ended up getting a 2001 X-Fly for $200 Canadian. YA. SWEEEET DEAL. i have found that this is the best handling bike i've ever ridden. the Kona bikes i've tried felt too bulky and not as quick with the handling. this is my perfect bike. eventually i hop i have enough money for a trek elite 9.8. HEHEHE!! later guys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hydro Cut
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
i'm surprised the Z5 fork lasted this long. wicked brakes and brake pads. i still have the pads that came with the bike. grips. coool tires.
Weaknesses:
after 3 years i'm noticing some creaking. i think its coming from my cranks.(STX RC=CRAP!) pedals.rims bend easy. and the stx rc front derailleur
Similar Products Used:
Kona something
Bike Setup:
z5, XT rear, STXRC front.
Bottom Line:
i'm going to be upgrading to Time ATAC pedals this spring. my next upgrade will be the fork or the cranks.
its a great bike for what i paid.
minus 1 chili because i'm a harder rider now that i'm more experienced and its gettin old.
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Submitted by
Ben Keller
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey BC Canada Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
None
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
1812 Cycles
Strengths:
Light as a feather Easy to control Perfect geometry for just about any style riding
Bought original factory setup Modeifications: Raceface NS cranks Raceface DH headset Axiom Stubby stem Axiom riser bar Axiom pedals
Bottom Line:
It's a bad Idea to buy the whole 1999 bike because If you're anything like me and like to ride hard the components aren't up to snuff. The frame however is extremely tough and light and the geometry is perfect. (17.5 inches is great for cross country) (I use the 13 for trials) Deck the frame out with great components and you've got a perfect bike. I've been riding mine for near 3 years (trials stunt riding.) My frame broke because I've been doing huge drops (6-7 drops) for 3 years on it and Norco replaced it without any questions. This is a great all around bike for dirt jumping, freeride and especially trials. A beginner to advandced trials rider should buy just the frame and modify it. A beginner to moderate freerider should buy the whole bike. A dirtjumper, unless they plan to do crosscountry or trials on the same bike, should probably just stick to another bike. This thing is a little too light for hardcore dirtjumping and isn't engineered for it. The 2001 sasquatch however is near perfect for dirtjumping.
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Submitted by
hairybastar yeti
a Weekend Warrior
from guelph, ontario,canada Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bentrim trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
skincycle hut
Strengths:
strong and fairly light for a chromoly frame components are good smoooth ride,good price for what you get
Weaknesses:
rims are a little flimmzy could use a little better derailer (deroe) shocks are okay but they need to be a bit stiffer and stronger,tire they uae could be better,like the fire pros kevlar works wounders with this bike.
Similar Products Used:
rocky mountian, scwhenn moab1 ,giant
Bike Setup:
factory
Bottom Line:
great bike for the price and novice rider that wants to play with the big boys...norco always makes a quality bike and usually stands behind their products...their colur schemes are good.all in all a great bike that lasts and lasts.if you change the tires on this bike to the panaracer fire pro you will be tickled pink with the results.
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Submitted by
Steve Simons
a
from Terrace, BC. Canada Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
My Trail (not named yet)
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Lasts long
Weaknesses:
too little travel on the Marzocchi Z.5's
Similar Products Used:
2001 Kona Scab with Front Marzocchi Z.3's (4 inch travel)
Bottom Line:
I've never rode this bike but I've heard about it. the guy who owns it takes 6-8 ft. wheelie drops with it all the time and rides technical trails and he still has it but he's selling it for $450.00 Canadian Dollars, which is about 10 cents american :P (kidding).
Altogether, probably the best thing about the bike is the durability.
You should buy this bike if you are young (I'm 13) and if you take 3-6 ft. drops and want a really durable bike that will last forever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Cryle
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001
the fork: consistent smooth action Cockpit & handling: not too fast not too slow acceleration: like a bullet durability: It'll last you a good 3 or 4 years. peace of mind: Norco has been a Quality brand for a long time.
Weaknesses:
The shifting: It was impossible to bunnyhop or jump without changing gear. The Front Brake: pads were too hard, no feel or power.
Similar Products Used:
norco 125cc: better and cheaper
Bottom Line:
satisfactory bike, but not much more. A bike designed for North Shore style riding shouldn't have such elementery faults. Buy a Norco 125cc instead, It comes with rapidfire shifters, sunn rims, and a sweeeeeeet frame
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Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The great outdoors
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Great value, hot red color, tires good unless track is muddy, quick though the trees (cut at least 1" off handle bars, otherwise too wide), climbs well
Weaknesses:
Not a very sturdy bike if you are into jumping and pounding the drop-offs. I am continually having to true the rear wheel. The stop seat is as hard as nails and i have broke it twice. The pedals are fragile,twice broken.
Bike Setup:
Stock, with shimano pedals and a velo seat.
Bottom Line:
Great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Squamptom Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Powersmart, Entrails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good entry level cross country bike. Reasonably light and nimble with a LX/ XT drivetrain. V-brakes are nice and colour scheme alright.
Weaknesses:
Z5 fork doesn't cut it for more serious trails that have bigger drops etc.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for shimano clipless flats.
Bottom Line:
I rode this bike fairly hard for about a year and it did the job. But as my riding abilities improved and the trails got gnarlier the fork just couldn't keep up. I broke many parts on this bike including the seat 4 times, the pedals, the original wheel set, and finally the frame (but of course Norco graciously warrantied it). This bike is ideal for a beggining rider or a weekend cross country rider who likes to good for a good spin; not a heavier rider who's lookin' to push their limits on steeper terrain.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
???
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
tires- real nobby frame- good for climbing fork- excellent value rear derailleur (xt)- shifts great in any conditions
Weaknesses:
rims- i bent one easily handlebar- a tad too wide] tires- throws gravel at your face front derailleur (stx rc)- doesn't shift good when pedaling hard.
Similar Products Used:
my friends kona
Bike Setup:
Bomber z5, xt rear, stx rc front, cro moly frame
Bottom Line:
this is the best bike i've ever owned. the handing is very good in mud and in the bush. the tires vibrate a lot on the road though. i would recomend this bike for anyone who wants to mountain bike and maybe do a few races. if you want to race a lot the only thing you'll need to upgrade is the fork. it aint the strongest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Johnston
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gatineau Park/Mt Tremblant
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush Forks Sweet seat Components Looks good
Weaknesses:
Weight Flimsy Rims Front Derailleur/Crank didn't come with clipless pedals
Similar Products Used:
Similar Rocky Mountain
Bike Setup:
Stock Components
Bottom Line:
Excellent for a first serious MTB!!! Mainly good components.
Easy to control through up and downhill sections.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Sarauer
a Cross Country Rider
from Saskatoon, Sk Date Reviewed: July 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
waterton
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price Chromoly Frame Marzocchi Z-5 forks
Weaknesses:
wieght
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 Schwinn Gary fischer
Bike Setup:
Deore 9 speed rapid fire shifter with deore derailleur
Bottom Line:
the best chromoly frame i could find for the price, nice ride that leaves your back in good shape after riding unlike most alluminum bikes that i've ridden. Had to cut the handle bars down, way to wide for the trails that i ride.
This is a great bike for those of us who cant afford a full suspension bike, but still want a nice smooth ride. Plus its one of the best looking bikes on the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sudbury, Ontario Date Reviewed: December 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Every trail around!
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
xt rear derailer Avid brakes stop real good Z.5 is really nice WIDE handlebars pedals are real nice Looks awsome!
Weaknesses:
WIDE handlebars STX-RC shifters and front derailer suck hard core ass Rims a tad bit too heavy but it's liveable
Similar Products Used:
GIANT (cheap bike that was suped up real nice) DIAMONDBACK (a nice bike)
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
Love the bike! It fit my budget real nice. It climbs great and rides smooth. I used to ride full suspension and though i'd never go back to hardtail. I WAS WRONG! This bikes rides real smooth and you don't feel the bumps in the back. The Z.5 could be a bit better, it only moves on the big bumps and it pogo's a bit.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Walsh Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cross Country
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Colours Excellent Handling Rear Derailleur
Weaknesses:
Sun Rims Rock Shox Indy
Similar Products Used:
Giant Iguana
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Indy C Rock Shox Indy S
Bottom Line:
Superbe handling. Definate Reccomendation.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kenora, Ontario, CANADA Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999
Nice light bike, it climbs great, although the Z5's only absorb the large bumps and stay rigid on the small ones. Smooth ride, nice seat. Love the wide handlebars, dont know what the rest of you are b1tchin about. For the price it is a great bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
value- I looked around for months b4 buying and nothing came close, not even remotely close to it. (Thats in Australia anyway). I reckon if I wanted to get the same in another manufacturers bike I'd have to pay anywhere between an extra $500 to $1000. And I oughta know, I missed out on the last '98 Sasquatch which was AUS$1200 and had to pay another AUS$400 to get the '99 model. I went over budget and wasnt all that comfortable about it.
Weaknesses:
bad colour and pooncy racing stickers all over weight The gearing is not suited for road, its got that stupid granny gear and too much gradient on the rear cassette for road.
Similar Products Used:
KHS Crest. Good bike.
Bike Setup:
I almost bought it without the Marzocchi Z5 standard front shock but in the end got it. Swapped the pooncy red wall tyres for black Slickasaurus WTB for the road. Swapped clipless peddles for flat ones because I havent got the special shoes.Handlebars are flat, not standard risers. Everything else standard.
Bottom Line:
If money was no object I could have got a better bike,mostly just lighter components and front shocks, but thats just a money factor. I have no genuine complaints, I would have preferred a yellow or orange and the granny gear's stupid but heck,its unreal to ride. I'm pleased I spent the extra money. I'll give it 2 ratings, compared with the money I spent 5 out of 5 and one against all other bikes 3.5 out of 5, (which is like a perfect bike rating) By the way, the younger audience swear like troopers.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vernon, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Spanky's
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
price climbs well weight isn't to bad (cro-moly)
Weaknesses:
bars are to wide (fixable)
Similar Products Used:
Brodie Infinity Giant Rocky Mnt cardiac
Bike Setup:
Z.5 LX/XT
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the buck. Lighter than any rocky for the same price. Flex isn't to bad. Good bike for doing trials. The Z.5 is a nice touch.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria (Canada) Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
fast ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Setup for Climbing Comfortable Price
Weaknesses:
Stx-Rc Rims (cheap ass Sun) stock fork Z-5
Similar Products Used:
99 Caldera 99 Muni-Mula
Bike Setup:
I put on an Manitoa Sx-Ti fork (sweet) and Sugino Impel 530
Bottom Line:
Well i only pais $1300 (Canadien) and I got the $900 fork so I can't complain, I paid cost because I got hooked up with a dealfrom my friend's store. I race it in my school league and did really well. This bike climbs like a dream and is really fast accelorating. For those of you who say the bar is to wide, CUT IT, thats why its long, so you can cut it for your preference. I like the bars handling (stock length) but it does get caught in the trees alot.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna BC Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Crawford
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price Price Price!!! Solid Components and a good fork
Weaknesses:
Too Red
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Rocky Mountain
Bike Setup:
Full Stx (xt rear derailer) Marzochi Bomber Fork
Bottom Line:
For the money.......nothing can touch it from my shopping trips. I borrowed a bike for a long time and being broke had to go cheap. The price is but the bike is not. It climbs everything that trek and Rocky can for many hundreds less. And the woman who complained about the flex....just how much do you weigh. I'm 190lbs and find it solid but plush. You can't touch this bike for under $800. We aren't all rich!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. XXX
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, B.C. Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Severed Dick
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks ass for the price. The frame has a sweet feel and the bike rides well in tight gnarly singletrack of the west coast. It rides well, even when full of mud. Anyone who wants to get a bike with excellent value should consider buying the Sasquatch.P.S. It also has a wicked paint job.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Janice
a Weekend Warrior
from Barrie,Ont Date Reviewed: March 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cheap Easily tuned shock
Weaknesses:
Bumpy Ride Slow Ugly The frame flexes
Similar Products Used:
Several Mtn Bikes
Bike Setup:
Full STX with XT rear Z.5 Alloy Air
Bottom Line:
My husband gave me this bike for my birthday when I turned 34. At the time I was excited. But after my first ride I went back to my old bike(97' Rockhopper). The front end of the Norco was too high to control on climbs and tight single tracks. I couldn't fit the handle bars through some trees and the frame wasn't stiff enough to climb fast. I like how easy the z.5 Alloy Airs were to tune. One Star for a good price and easily tuned shocks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Tompson
a Racer
from Winnipeg,Canada Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood hils
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Good Price
Weaknesses:
Handle bars Weight Ugly STX
Similar Products Used:
Norco Nitro Norco Bigfoot Norco Rampage
Bike Setup:
Z.5 Alloy Air XT/STX
Bottom Line:
The big is god for the price. My friend recently bought one. However the bike is ugly, the handle bars are to wide(26 inches) and the STX performs terrible under harse conditions. It is an okay bike for trail riding but does not belong in the race series of Norco's mountain bike line. I have tried the Norco Rampage, Nitro and Bigfoot. The Rampage and the Nitro were good bikes but the Sasquatch has no place at the race scene. One chilly for the good price.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TimBits
a cross-country rider
from Kincardine Date Reviewed: November 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
I Just saw the 1999 Norco Sasquatch for the first time at my LBS. Man is it ever sharp looking this year. The one I saw was a dark red with black components and redwall tires. It looked awsome. My wife and daughter both have Norco Nitros and the sisterinlaw has a Sasquatch, all the Norcos that I have seen and tried have been solid and sweet performers and large bang for the buck. I want to trade in my Stumpjumper for a Team TI. A large five chilies cause you know its going to be a winner....
$ 699.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
