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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | gravity gultch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | store now gone | | Strengths: | solid frame...will not die | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Rocy Mountain Vertex | | Bike Setup: | Judys, LX vee brakes and levers, Crowbar bars, Rhyno lite wheelset, XT ders | | Bottom Line: | Actually, my older but cheaper(and richer) brother now rides this bike. I've owned several much higher end bikes since this one, but few have served me as well as my old Tango. I had the pleasure of riding my old bike a short time ago. It still impressed me with its excellent geometry and ride quality. I now wish I had kept it. It will likely be still going long after my other high end bikes are scrap metal(carbon)...I made the mistake of replacing it with a Cannondale Raven and then Jekyll. I'm now back to a hard tail Rocky Vertex, and very happy...suspiciously very much like my old Tango. I guess Canadians build better bikes eh:)
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicolas
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | a very strong frame, have tested it thoroughly. nice amount of weight, with the right susspension it will stick. Good grip shift shifters. | | Weaknesses: | components and bits that came with the bike were weak.
I snapped the handlebars off a jump, snapped the pedals off a jump, snapped crank. cheap gears. cheap brakes. | | Bike Setup: | I put a trippleClamp Rock Shocks Judy XLC, and audi grips, and new v-brakes. the biggest downhill tires that would fit in the frame. | | Bottom Line: | A good solid bike when customised with new shocks and breaks. I can ride over absolutely anything if I keep my balance right. and i'm not a large guy.
I have crashed off road and on road HARD hundreds of times and the bike keeps comming back for more.
I have been mistreating it since the day I got it, for about 7 years.
It is a solid stable agile bike. would be good for dual slalom possibly, for cross country I suggest adjusting the rear shock quickly before a hill climb; for downhill.. dont fall over the front, it will smack you and it's heavy.
~nic | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary,AB Canada
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Canmore Nordic | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | L.B.S. | | Strengths: | XT/LX Components, fantastic bomb-proof frame, Great on Single Track and long fast descents. Damn light for a steel bike. Worth a look if you can find a used one. | | Weaknesses: | A little whippy for heavier riders. A little light on the front-end on steep climbs (geometry altered slightly with fork). Sun CR-18 torqued after a couple of weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots.... Univega, Trek, Oryx, Rocky, Giant, Mongoose
All Rigid frame '96-97 model year | | Bike Setup: | '97 Judy DH Fork (80mm), LX Crank and gears, XT rear cassette, XT-Disc Hubs, Mavic 521D 36/14 Welded rims, WTB Saddle, Shimano 525 Clipless peddles, Ritchey A-Bite SC 2.1" | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike new in '97. What can I say, it's been the best investment I've made in a long time. I've put thousands of km's on the bike and it has gone through many incarnations. Latest setup has the bike feeling more like a free-ride rig than a xc bomber but is still very capable on single-track and in the mountains. Addition of the front fork was a must to do any serious xc riding. The original cantilevers were a little weak and the Rims were too light for what I like to ride, however I am 220+ lbs, so things always need to be adjusted. Bottom Line Norco=Solid Company Tango=One helluva bike. Too bad they disco'd the line. I would've like to have seen a high-end hardtail instead of the Rigid for '96 and F/S for '97 | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Verbeek
a Cross Country Rider
from Bracebridge ON Canada
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Hills - The Radical | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Like all of the other reviews say : VALUE, VALUE, VALUE
This is an excellent bike, and would be a great deal at $200 more than the $800 CDN I paid for it 4 years ago! | | Weaknesses: | The Norco name. If it matters to you, the name Norco carries no status. If you want all of the local bike geeks to be impressed, buy a GT, Gary Fisher or a Kona. If you want a great ride, buy a Norco - a Norco Tango! | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of other brands at lots of other price ranges! | | Bike Setup: | Changed to riser bars, shorter stem, Vee brakes, Judy forks, and Mavic 222's.
| | Bottom Line: | With a few upgrades this bike will kick some major GT, Gary Fisher, and Kona ASS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J
a cross-country rider
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a Tango for three years and it's a great riding bike. When I first got it nothing else for the price could match it's parts and performance. I've upgraded it with Rockshox, nicer wheels, shorty stem, and riser bars to handle the root infested trails around the area and it's held up great. It's handling is predictable in singletrack and bombing drops, but does lose some finesse if you put a fork with more than two inches of travel on it, due it's older design and geometry. Canadians do know how to build good bikes for the northwest. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Paris
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got a leftover '97 Tango. This is my 4th full suspension bike. The Tango is great in the Bang for the buck department. With upgraded pedals, riser bars, and V-brakes, my Tango cost $700 Cdn ($475US) The back suspension works well-maybe a little overdamped, but okay. The forks (Quadra) stink. I did a homemade long travel mod (email danparis99@hotmail.com for info) to them. Now, with 2.5 travel up front, it's way better than stock. Still, I'd like to upgrade to better forks when I can afford it. It handles pretty good-I do lots of BMX type stuff, and love the quick turning. It doesn't climb so great though-too short a wheelbase and/or swingarm I think. Very little biopacing, decent components-overall an incredible value! Highly recommended! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Harris
a weekend warrior
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding more and more in recent years and I'd outgrown my Norco Mountaineer SL, which was very department store-like and extremely heavy. I was searching around for a reasonably-priced bike that could take whatever I dished out. That bike was a '96 Norco Tango. For a mere $600 (Canadian) I got a bike with components (XT rear derailleur, GripShift 600, etc.) often found only on much more expensive bikes. I'd originally wanted a better-known brand, like Rocky Mountain or Gary Fisher, but in the end I stuck with Norco because it was better for my riding and my wallet. I highly recommend the Tango. It's a shame Norco discontinued it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Murphy
a cross-country rider
from Niagara Falls Canada
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
WoW!!! I like this new FS design. You see, I have the old school Norco Tango ,the hardtail design. I must say, I love Norco. I bought my baby back in 96, and she has performed flawlessly for the last 2 years. I was a great deal, for $700, cause it had all xt and lx stuff. I popped on a Q21r fork last year and that really set this baby in motion. However, I just sold it last week. June 10, or whatever. My new bike is an absolutely gorgeous Voodoo Bantu. Anyone who is going to considder getting a new bike, take a look at Voodoo's. They are very reasonable.I'm not dissing Norco, because I think they make great bikes. Anyways, if you get the Tango, enjoy it, because it's one hell of a bike!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a downhiller
from regina sask.
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I found that you got a lot of bike for you buck.I have up graded to full
lx and I want to get marzohy bomber z-2. I have also but on lx V-brakes.I have to say that this is one of the best bi9kes that I have every riden. I love this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Reimer
a racer
from Wasilla, Alaska
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an awesome bike. I got my Tango in mid April of last year. Whaen I got it I immediately upgraded to a Marzocchi Bommer Z3 fork, a XT rear derailer, Sun Rims, grip shift 600 and much more. So far I have been very happy with the way it rides.
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Submitted by
american
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i love this bike. it is a very well built bike outa canada.it is not too expensive, and i would say that it rides better than my lts1
it was very hard for me to find this bike in america, however i found a dealer in WA, and now i am very happy.the lts1 is was sold s that i could buy this new pretty ass bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug & Bob McKenzie
a
from The Great White North
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Heh, how come all these reviewees are from Canada? How about some donuts and Molsen, heh?
Take off you hosers! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Wong
a cross-country rider
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Canada hit home with the best bike in the world. Canada is number one, yet again.This is the most bike for your money!!! I LOVE IT> I LOVE CANADA | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Metzger
a racer
from Victoria, B.C.
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I wanted a Norco Tango for about a year but quickley found out that the best choice for me was a Norco Java. The stiff frame and XT/LX grouppo made the Java a very well made cross-country weapon. I know the bike doesn't make the rider but I soon learned that it has a certain amount of truth in that saying. With the amount of races I did and the amount of times I came top five(not to meantion I came 2nd in the B.C. cup finals the first time I ever rode the Java) I would say the Java was a good choice for me but for the older people in cycling (the Tango has a more forgiving frame than my Java) and the weekend warriors the Tango would be a good selection for the simple reason that the balance between price and quality is almost unmatched by any other Norco. And with that I give the Tango a very respectable 4 stars for an entry level racer and excellent weekend warrior but I would have to say the Norco Java wins hands down (5 stars) for the best bike for a teenage racer like me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Mason
a cross-country rider
from Terrace, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: February 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Tango! It's an awesome bike! I had a Kona Fire Mountain at the start of last year, but it got stolen so I bought a Norco Tango. The Tango is way better! I paid the same price, but got a much better bike. My Tango was a super bike when I first bought it, but now, with Rock Shox Indy XC's, Dia-comp Aheadset, Control Tech stem, Tek-tro brakes, and Shimano 535 clipless pedals, IT RULES! I spent $800, Canadian, on it (after trading the Tioga Pyscho tires for some kevlar Panaracer magic's, and paying a little extra). It came with an XT/LX drivetrain, Bontrager Winnenman rims, DT swiss spokes, Grip Shift 600's, Sugino Impel 300 crank, Tange cro-mo frame, 6061 aluminum handlebar, and a Vetta TT tri shock saddle. Not only is the Norco Tango an excellent deal, its also a top-riding bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Minh Nguyen
a cross-country rider
from Montreal, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Norco Tango last year, for a bargain $750 Cdn ($560 US); it comes with a Tange double butted cro-moly frame, XT/LX derailleurs, Vetta saddle and Grip-shift SRT600 shifters. Great value, and fits me just right. A few gripes: the threaded steerer, which I will change (I ordered a Rockshox Indy XC, Dia-compe SA headset, Specialized TI stem), the cheap brakes (flex under load - I also ordered Shimano LX-Vbrakes), and the oddball spider (SR: 94mm/56mm, doesn't fit standard granny 58mm rings - weird!). But overall, I love it, and would recommend the purchase. After all, with my upgrades, I still come under $860 US! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bon Clarke
a weekend warrior
from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had a Norco Tango for a month now and I think that it is great value compared to other bikes at around the same price here in Australia. The level of the components is very good. The only cheapie is the Norco front hub but the rims are Mavic 238 with eyeletted spoke holes, which is excellent. The frame is very stiff and responsive. A lot of vibration gets through to the hands and arms and I will seriously consider suspension forks when funds permit. The vetta saddle also came apart after one fall. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Audie D. Baluyot
a cross-country rider
from Scarborough, Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Norco Tango is a good bet for the price $800. The components are
comparible with most of the high end non-suspension bikes. The specs can be found in
can be found in the bike catalog. I've looked at other bikes with
the same components and the cost is almost no contest. The best bike
to have for any kind of ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Fullerton
a weekend warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Norco Tango Bike
Value, Value, Value, that's what Norco has suceeded in delivering with this bike. For $800 CDN you get XT rear der and an STX fronf der, Sun Rim CR18 rims, Grip Shift 600 shifters, LX hubs, and a Vetta Trishock saddle on a Tange double butted chromo frame. Delivery weight is 25.5 pounds. The package sounds like a hodge podge, but it works great. I have logged about 900 km. on it (30% single track) without a complaint). I shopped around a lot before deciding on this bike and couldn't find a bike with the quality of components for under $1,200 CDN. I wouls advise anybody who is in the market and not a pro to save some money and stop paying for glitzy ad campaigns and look at a company that really tries to deliver value for your $$$. P.S. thats under $600 US. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Burke
a cross-country rider
from Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the best you can get for the money. If you live in Canada, any Norco bike will get you great components and proformace for an affordable price. The Tango, ($800 CAN) gets you LX/XT drive train, Bontrager rims, cool Vetta saddle and a sweet Tange Cro-moly frame. It sure beats the Trek 850SHX that I was going to get for about the same price. I think it's a great bike for the money, and as soon as I get myself a suspention fork, I'll be ridin' with the big boys...
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