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Norco Nitro Bike

MSRP $ 1100.00
Weight
# of Reviews 38
Average Rating 4.55/5
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Description: Norco Nitro Bike



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    Submitted by Trevor George a Cross Country Rider from Windsor
    Date Reviewed: April 5, 2007
    Favorite Trail:The pines
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $340.00
    Purchased At:Avenue Pawn Borker
    Strengths:A very leight bike for more then 10 years old (1996 model)lieghter then my 2003 Gery Fisher Marlin, top of the line parts and still rides like new with very little work.
    Weaknesses:chrome-alloy frame
    Similar Products Used:2003 Gary fisher marlin, 2003 Spealized Hard rock
    Bike Setup:all orignal right down to the tires, other then the front derailer, which is a Deore XT.
    Bottom Line:This is an excellent bike, it held up for 11 years before i purchased it, and it still rides like a modern bike sold today.
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Rahul a Weekend Warrior from Vancouver/Edmonton
    Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
    Favorite Trail:Cut 'yer bars (whistler)
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Price Paid: $1100.00
    Purchased At:Whistler Bike Co.
    Strengths:Well designed frame geometry. light weight, good hybrid between freeride and x-country.
    Weaknesses:terrible seat, soft sun rims (replaced), springy shocks
    Bike Setup:Rock Shock Judy T2, DeoreLX crank set, Sun Rhyno lite bck rim,
    Bottom Line:Really awesome bike. Probably the best bike of its kind and price on the market. The new ones are even better (and more expensive at $1600), but have upgraded components. The frame geometry is well suited for almost all types of riding from x-cntry to freeriding to light dwnhill. This bike does it all!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Mark a Cross Country Rider from Fonthill, Ontario, Canada
    Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
    Favorite Trail:12 Mile Creek/Shorthills
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $20.00
    Purchased At:Garage Sale
    Strengths:Nice and light for a chromoly frame
    Weaknesses:Not enough experience yet
    Bike Setup:INDY rock shox, xtr rear derraileur, velo saddle, remainder - stock parts
    Bottom Line:I bought this bike from a garage sale for dirt - I fixed it up and put a few bucks into it and it seems like a real nice ride. The previous owner did some damage to the components so I have no front derailleur right now but it's working pretty nicely for a beater bike. I would love to know what year it is but I can't find it on Norco's website. If you can help, please send me a message. (The frame is green with white shocks - I believe it's a 21" frame...
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by GM a Weekend Warrior from Singapore
    Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005
    Favorite Trail:anywhere
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $1000.00
    Purchased At:Some bikers shop in Singapore
    Strengths:A very fast and steady bike... it brings me anywhere i wanna go... =D
    Bottom Line:Currently this is my 4th bike... my 1 and only most expensive bike so far... rode on a Giant, GT and a Trek before... But none of it can be compared to my beloved Norco NITRO!!! Upgraded my Giant like crazy and it still gave me lotsa problems... since the day i bought my norco... i only need to change my tire once due to a minor accident i met with... other then that... there's not a need for me to spend a single cent on the bike at all... cos it totally ROCKS!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Steve Guderyan a Weekend Warrior from Nanaimo BC Canada
    Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002
    Favorite Trail:The Abyss
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Purchased At:neighbor gave it to me
    Strengths:very comfortable makes you feel like your one with the bike and gives you the bring it on attitude. I beat the hell out of my bikes and it has held up great
    Weaknesses:mine is a 1996 and the manitou mach5's suck so I put Z1 freerides on it I bend alot of rims but its about the same on any hard tail
    Similar Products Used:norco kokanee, rocky mtn hammer, kona stuff
    Bike Setup:Z1 freerides up front with avid single digit 7 V brakes, ritchey spd, all shimano xt components, wheel tech rims axiom 2" riser bars
    Bottom Line:one of the most comfortable bikes I have ever ridden it feels as if norco had designed it for me the bike rides awesome even befor I put the 5" travel on it I was doing stuff that alot of bikes wouldnt like but it took it like a tank and its still light. I wouldnt trade my nitro for any thing well within reason but I would suggest this bike to anyone it rules
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Geoff Guyot a Weekend Warrior from Penticton, BC, Canada
    Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
    Favorite Trail:The Bog
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $200.00
    Purchased At:Used
    Strengths:Indy XC Long travel really helps for though big jumps and drops.
    Light - Strong frame.
    rapid fire 24 spd.
    Brakes
    Grips
    Weaknesses:The Seat is really hard and is very uncomfortable!
    The straight bars. (need to upgrade to risers)
    Similar Products Used:norco charger.
    Bike Setup:24 spd rapid fire, xt/lx
    17" frame
    1997 model
    Bottom Line:Really good bike for the price i bought mine at! It is a very good freeride bike because it will take the big drops and the extreme jumps. If you buy a Nitro be sure you get one that is a little bit small for you because im 6 foot and a 17" frame is perfect!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Steve a Cross Country Rider from Fonthill On. Canada
    Date Reviewed: December 31, 2001
    Favorite Trail:Shorthills
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $1000.00
    Purchased At:Cycle City St.Catharines
    Strengths:2000 model Excellent geometry, good solid frame, XT rear, Marzzochi Z4 forks
    Weaknesses:The Sun rims are too weak, I am constantly tweaking them back into shape, the stock grips were brutal on my hands, the Deore shifter, lever combo was too slow and would slip in cold weather, the Deore hollowtech cranks give while hammering hard up a hill
    Similar Products Used:Trek 7000, Kona Firemountain
    Bike Setup:Koobi split fit saddle, Ritchey grips, XT shifter brake lever set, Time attack carbon pedals
    Bottom Line:Overall, for the money this is an excellent bike if you don't mind a few up grades. My plan is to step up as things break down. After 2000 klms.,(1300 miles +-), this year alone, this bike is still comes through when I need it.
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Bashir a Cross Country Rider from Nepean, On. Canada
    Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $600.00
    Purchased At:Award Cycle and Sport
    Strengths:-Price
    -Speed
    -Weight(24.75lbs)
    -Frame (3.8lbs alluminum)
    Weaknesses:-Stock tires
    -Stock grips
    -Nothing Big
    Similar Products Used:norco sasquatch
    Bike Setup:Shimano SPD's, Panaracer fire xc pro, Yeti grip. Other than that, stock.
    Bottom Line:Great bike if you like speed and agility. This bike has been through hell and back, and you couldn't tell. Haven't had to put any money into repairs, except for tune-ups.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Teresa a Cross Country Rider from Vancouver B.C, Canada
    Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $900.00
    Purchased At:Carleton Cycles
    Strengths:The bucks you pay for the components, Easton elite frame, shock; z4.
    Weaknesses:pedals, had to change to shimano and the saddle, too hard for me.
    Bike Setup:changed pedals to shimano, the grips and the handle bar. absolutely hated the upright position.
    Bottom Line:this is an awsome bike, it's responsive, compfy and the price is great if you don't have the money to spend. If you're an entry level rider and is looking for a bike to start off with, this is the bike for you. Havn't had a problem with the bike yet and i am just flying through the trails.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by John Ernst a Cross-Country Rider from Yinnar South Victoria
    Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
    Favorite Trail:
    middle creek single tracks
    Duration Product Used:
    1 Year
    Strengths:
    Being a 1998 model (green one) this bike has the Easton Elite frame and is better more direct headstem angle. Light weight, strength and components for money. Good Value!
    Weaknesses:
    Orginal tyres .... to narrow I upgraded to 2.1's by WTB cross-country good for mud and downhill.
    Similar Products Used:
    Norco Bigfoot 1999 model same frame as current Nitro. Don't like steering angle, maybe OK for slalom.
    Bike Setup:
    Standard 1998 model, this has Judy T2's I upgraded these to T3 specs medium damper setting good on compression a bit stif on re-bound. Also use Norco riser bar great move more control and more comfortable on wrists are several hours riding. Seat OK
    Bottom Line:I have used this bike across many miles of dust filled roads in Australias outback as well as the wet and mud in the Gippsland rainforests. Good allrounder at a great price. Beat the pants of my brothers Cannondale F4000.....and is lighter to boot!
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Stuart Hassett a Cross-Country Rider from Bendigo,Australia
    Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999
    Duration Product Used:
    1 Year
    Strengths:
    Excellent frame.Nice neat ,strong welds.Excellent for those with an aggresive riding style.
    Weaknesses:
    The seat.i have had mine replaced three time in about eight months.paint chips easily.The front wheel is a bit drifty.
    Similar Products Used:
    racline expert,specialized stumpjumper ,
    Bike Setup:
    I ride a judy t2 with cs catridge system.Riser bar made by norco.
    Bottom Line:An excellent bike that represents good value for your money.My biggest gripe is the front losing traction.it needs careful weight placement to get up most gnarly hills.Is an excellent bike for dual slalom events.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Nicholas Wiltshire a cross-country rider from Guelph, Ontario
    Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999
    Bottom Line:

    Cool Bike. I don't own one but my friend does and I rode it a few times. Like most of the Norcos I've tried, you need a long torso to ride it comfortably. Great componentry and an overall smooth ride with the Rock Shox Indy XC. (Good solid shock, but room for an upgrade). If I was taller, I'd give it a 5, but since it's nor comfy for me, 4.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by bob a weekend warrior from edmonton alberta canada
    Date Reviewed: December 5, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I sell this product and extremly happy to do so.
    Any one want to look at 99 bikes check me out
    Canadian bikes are different than american ones.
    Even american people like the traditional sloping top tube.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Leigh a cross-country rider from Ontario, Canada
    Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I am a new biker and have a Norco Nitro. I have read your reviews and don't see too many women submitting their opinions. It is a great bike, easy to handle, smooth to ride and goes where ever I want. It is quick, light and moves with amazing speed. I find that I have no problems with my knees when riding this bike and it I can get in the zone without any difficulty. It is a great bike for those who are not road warriors, like road riding, some moderate trails, dirt roads, sand riding and a very enjoyable ride.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Larry Bearns a downhiller from Way up there
    Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I think that the Norco Nitro is the dumpist piece of crap that I have ever seen. And once I road it I was even more displeased because nuts where brused and battered because the cheap ugly bike is a hardtail, but otherwise I'd say it's a pretty nice bike
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by betamax a weekend warrior from Vancouver
    Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Like everyone, when you buy a new bike, you hope it's worth all the money you just paid for it. I've only had my Nitro for a month now, but so far it's exceeded my expectations. This bike rocks! I've looked at and test-ridden a lot of bikes---and I think that this bike, dollar for dollar, is the best deal around.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Chris Gignac a from Quesnel B.C.
    Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I think this bike is the best i even think it is better than any other bike
    i have ever rode and i have rode alot of bikes and chix too. if you know
    what i meean owwwwww. So i'm saying buy this bike its a great investment
    yuo'll have your whole life and you'll see alot hot chix over that time
    owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ripper Ed a cross-country rider from the happiest place on earth
    Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    This is a great bike if you want to pay more for a piece of shit. I believe that the norco Mocha is by far a supierior deal. You get a aluminum frame and a supierior ride too. Norco's warantie is excellent. I broke the frame on my bike and they let me have a mocha frame instead and I love it. The Nitro is a good bike for the money though so three hot tomales for you!!!!!!
    Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by EDO a cross-country rider from Windsor Ont.
    Date Reviewed: April 7, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    Norco has really come a long way with mountain bikes and it shows with the
    Nitro. Great bike and components for the price. Very light and manuverable.
    Handles great in any terrain. Might want to upgrade to Shimano XTR grouppo and
    Rockface chainring and cranks if your are a more aggressive rider.This bike
    makes me proud to be Canadian !
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jeremy a weekend warrior from Vancouver
    Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I just bought a '97 Nitro. I think it rips! It has excellent components for a sweet price... and it is lightweight. I did upgrade the shocks to the Bomber Z3's though. If you are thinking about buying a new bike, get a Nitro... you won't regret it. Norco kicks ass!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Marvin Penner a cross-country rider from Blue River, BC, Canada
    Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I will note the few bad points about this bike first. The cable placement is bad, (cables under the top tube means it is hard to carry and they get muddier) and the paint chips easily.
    These are minor problems. I bought this bike because a local shop had it on a great sale which made it cheeper than comparible bikes with lesser components. Still I would not have bought it if the ride was not great. I love the way it handles. I can go much farther then I could with my Specialized Stumpjumper. I ride mostly loging roads and bush with no trails. I upgraded the shocks with speed springs and would recommend this to anyone with mach 5 shocks.
    If this bike did not have the cable problem noted above I would have given it a perfect score.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jim Smeldter a weekend warrior from Shawnee, Oklahoma
    Date Reviewed: January 3, 1998
    Bottom Line:

    I love it!!! This big takes a pounding, handles great is well built and has a very high fun rating. I ride real agressively and am not a small guy at 220lbs -- this bike can take all I give it. Our good friends in the north have done a great job of building a great bike at a great price. Well done, Norco.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Andrew Bangs a weekend warrior from mattawa.ontario.canada
    Date Reviewed: December 28, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I have owned a norco freestyler for about 4 months and im pleased whith the tires on my bike .I mostly use it on the ramp but i usually do some BMX i have used it in numeros competitions and im having fun. Last weeked i took it in the trails for some jumps and i was very pleased.
    thanks!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by gary a weekend warrior from London,Ontario, CANADA
    Date Reviewed: December 7, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Mine is a '97 NITRO and is my second mtn bike and it is magic. I have been able to do things that were not possible on my other bike. Is it me or my bike? All I know is my NITRO is rippin'. NORCO has put together an excellent bike for an excellent price (no big brand name to jack up the price), well done NORCO.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ryan Crate a racer from Keswick Ontario
    Date Reviewed: November 24, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    This bike is cool my friend has a gt timberline and this bike puts it to shame!
    Im jokin jeff
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Martin Ryan a cross-country rider from Melbourne,Australia
    Date Reviewed: October 27, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    My Norco Nitro frame has an excellent feel, quick steering yet stable. There is little weight over the front wheel giving the impression of being considerably lighter than it's true weight (27.5lbs ready to ride with mini pump,tool bag,full w/bottle,stx rc) The compliance of the chrome molly tubing gives a more comfortable ride on rough tracks although giving an unwanted springiness at speed that results in the bike moving about beneath the rider. Best suits single track rider who enjoys the lively feel of chromo. Not a bike for lazey riding, it performs best when ridden aggresively.
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Hammerman a cross-country rider from NS Canada
    Date Reviewed: October 12, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I ride a Norco Magnum , not Nitro, but very similar components. Except my frame is Alum . I have upgraded to ( due to wear & tear) Bomber Z2 , Shimano XT fr derailer, Sachs M-55 chain, Titec DH-kti saddle, V-Raptor 44/50 kev tires.Put
    Specialized Alum shorty bar ends on, & Tektro V-brakes.
    This bike cooks , I mean extra hot Picante` peppa's . She smokes up hills, sometimes I think I'm going up hills faster than down. Not that down is a prob., it bobs & weaves like on rails.Well done Norco, great price , great bike.This bike is hotter than the hinges of hell ,what only 5 peppers, errrrrrrr! Loved her before the upgrades , now it's an obsession , I am possessed . Hail the Norco Gods !
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by jason a weekend warrior from washington
    Date Reviewed: September 24, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    my 1995 nitro is a great bike! it climbs great and really is a rocket when i sprint. it has great components except i do not like the marzocchi x-51 fork that came on it, and has given me no headaches. i would reccomend it to anyone.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by kyle a weekend warrior from canada
    Date Reviewed: July 26, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I love this bike
    it is light
    affordable
    great shocksnorco rules
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jeff a cross-country rider from Coquitlam BC Canada
    Date Reviewed: April 11, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    I have owned this bike for about 1 year and it has never given me any problems. For the price of $1100.00 Canadian and the components that come with it it is an excelent vaule I would recomend this to anyone.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by William Penney a weekend warrior from halifax,N.S.,CA
    Date Reviewed: March 4, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Never broke on me yet. Although parts have been replaced, i.e. chain, sprockets, rim, and Marzzochi shock. But this parts are not built by Norco.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Chad Singleton a cross-country rider from Victoria, Australia
    Date Reviewed: February 26, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Good bike for the beginner. As I became more experienced in the Cross Country events I found that I needed more travel in the frontend.
    I have given it a good hiding for 6 months in mud and dust and nothings gone
    wrong!
    Heaps of good parts for an overall good value.
    What a pearler!
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Rodd LAing a weekend warrior from canada
    Date Reviewed: February 23, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Awsome bike!!!! Good comfortable ride. The shox's are great!!!!
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by MeadJA a from LIMA,OHIO
    Date Reviewed: February 4, 1997
    Bottom Line:

    Mountian Bike For Police Use . This is for a School Project, in Law Enforce-
    ment.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Joe Marko a cross-country rider from CANADA B.C VANCOUVER
    Date Reviewed: November 2, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I loved the performance or the norco nitro. It had almost no flaws and it rode great in tight single trak
    even though I returned it and bought a norco mocha instead I bought the mocha becouse of the weight difference and
    lets face it since it is aluminum it offers a much more supeirior ride
    Right on to norco for giving us such well made bikes for such a good price!!
    Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Ken a cross-country rider from Canada Vancouver
    Date Reviewed: October 18, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Economy priced but you get very well handling bike with xt/lx srt-600 gripshit
    and lower end Mach v's.I have a pair of SX's and it works great. This bike
    is made locally so it handles beautifully on TIGHT single track. The tubing is
    Tange Prestige double butted very clean welds with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame.A great bang for the buck!Make sure you wax the paint job when you
    get it though the paint scuffs easily.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Leo Medellin a cross-country rider from Chihuahua, Chih. México
    Date Reviewed: October 16, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    I Bought my Norco Nitro after seen an ad in a mag. I'm impressed with the overall performance of it, it's light, stable on downhills and excellent climbing. I ride almost all week long beetween 10-14K on a trail that has step hills, single tracks, rocks, sand traps, etc. Hats off to norco.
    Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Graydon a weekend warrior from Ottawa, Canada
    Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
    Bottom Line:

    Bought a second Nocro after my first (Sasquatch) was stolen. My riding is mainly road, bike-paths with some off-road and hill climbs.


    I have ridden the Trek 7000 series as a police patrol bicycle, for comparison.


    The Nitro has upgraded (xt/lx) components, Manitou Mach 5 shocks, Vette seat and axiom bars, posts. Overall the bike is significantly improved over the Sasquatch.
    It is similar to the Treks, but I feel offers a more comfortable ride, better shifting, and feels lighter.
    I upgraded the tires to Conti Town & Coubtry, which makes a huge difference on road riding.


    During my recent purchase, the choice was this bike, a Giant XT890 or Trek 8000. I made the right choice.
    Overall Rating:4






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