All about the 2024 Norco Range VLT and Sight VLT e-bikes
The 2024 Norco Range VLT and Sight VLT are here. New support, new frame layouts and new suspension - but their goals are the same.
Off the back of the 2024 Norco Sight and Optic and the 2024 Norco Fluid VLT, the latest bikes from the Canadian company are new Sight and Range VLT models. These full-power designs have a new frame layout, new kinematics and a switch to Bosch for their support system.
There are three new Range VLT models and one Sight VLT landing in Australia, with options for alloy or carbon frames depending on which model you choose. Each bike uses the highly-regarded Bosch Performance CX Smart System motor with 85Nm of torque asnd 600W peak power, backed by a 750Wh battery. Norco already released their own version of the Bosch Flow App with the Norco Fluid VLT. This means you can use your phone for unique setup on your Bosch-equipped Norco; from tuning torque, speed, power and pedal sensitivity as well.
Each bike uses Norco's virtual high pivot design with a chain stay mounted idler, licensing the i-track design straight outta South Australia. This allows the wheel path to move up and back to soak up square edge hits with ease, while offering very little kickback to the rider. Through extensive testing and use of prototype mules, Norco's engineers are said to have tuned the dynamics of the suspension so the anti-squat provides very efficient pedalling and high responsiveness to pedal input in and out of the saddle.
Like the outgoing Norco Range VLT and Sight VLT models, the motor is rotated for more ground clearance and to let the battery sit lower in the frame. This aids the weight balance of the bike, keeping more of the battery weight closer to the bottom bracket – which really improves handling and balance.
Just like all the new Norco 2024 bikes we have seen, the new Range and Sight VLT come in 5 sizes, with a bit more overlap between each size so you can really get the right fit. It is great to see Norco continue with size specific geometry, with a rear centre that grows or shrinks depending on the frame size.
Go big on the Range VLT
Leading the, err, range, is the Norco Range VLT. This is the 180/170mm super bike, with the travel to tackle the jankiest terrain and the rowdiest lines. With the 750Wh battery riders can tackle the hardest descents and the most technical climbs. Sure – you could throw a Range VLT on a shuttle but you're missing the point. Norco worked hard to make a long travel, highly capable bike that can pedal and attack wildly technical climbs just as well. Get on and ride!
Matt MacDuff, a Norco Team rider, has been suitably impressed with the Range VLT. “Love this bike. The Range VLT is the ultimate tool for exploration and fun. When I ride it, I look for an entire trail network or zone and often have to tap out before the bike does.”
The Norco Range VLT is a MX or mullet wheel setup, with a 63 degree head angle through the 5 sizes. Reach is 467.5mm on a size 3, and seat angle is 77 degrees. All bikes have 165mm cranks and can fit a full size bottle.
Norco offer 3 Range VLT models, with the VLT C1 leading the charge at $13999 and the C2 coming in at $11999. The Range VLT A1 sells for $10999. Check in with your local Norco dealer and the Norco website for detailed specs.
Norco Sight VLT
Matching the recently released Norco Sight, the 160/150mm Norco Sight VLT is designed for the rider who hunts out technical trails that go up and down. It suits riders who want a highly capable bike ready to charge demanding trail networks at speed. This is a full-power all-mountain bike for riders who want to find their limits.
The geometry is slightly more agile than the Range, with a 'steeper' 64 degree head angle and a reach about 5mm longer per size. As such on a size 3 the reach is 472.5mm, and the seat angle is 77.5 degrees.
Norco Team rider and Product Engineer, Kirk McDowall has spent some serious hours with the new Sight VLT – through testing, development and as a training tool for the World Cup season ahead.
“The Sight VLT is fast, fun and maneuverable on the descents, and the Bosch CX system is sick – it keeps me smiling the whole way back up the hill for another lap!”
There is just one Norco Sight VLT model, and the C1 sells for $15999. Norco have a claimed weight of 25.2kg in size 3. This build has a SRAM XO Transmission group set, with a Lyrik Ultimate RC2 fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock. WTB take care of the wheels with their CZR carbon rims and hubs, while Continental keep you gripping and ripping.
When can I get a new Norco?
Right now you can expect to see the new Norco Range VLT and Sight VLT models landing in July or August. If you're interested in knowing more about any of the bikes, get in touch with your local Norco dealer to talk sizing, spec and landing dates.
