Norco has been producing some of the industry’s most exciting mountain bikes since the early days of off-roading. For 2019, the Canadian company is set to embrace the future of mountain bike riding, pulling the covers off the all-new Sight VLT electric mountain bike range.
Outfitted with powerful drive systems, enough battery capacity to power you through many wrong turns and an impressive build kit, join us as we take a look at eight things to know about the all-new Sight VLT e-MTB.
- Related Reading: Norco 2019 Range Highlights
1.Power Up, Charge Down
When Norco set about designing the Sight VLT, the Candian company had one goal in mind – “it must ride like a regular Sight”. To achieve this, the geometry, kinematics and handling characteristics have all largely been carried over from current and future Sight all-mountain models. With these characteristics and the addition of the e-MTB drive unit, Norco says the Sight VLT is the definition of a “do it all” bike.
2.Optimised Suspension
As is the case with the majority of 2019 Norco models, the Sight VLT is outfitted with a modern all-mountain suspension package that sees 150mm of frame travel and 160mm at the fork. Both the fork and shock have custom tuned rebound and damping settings designed to make the assisted VLT feel and ride the same as the Sight.
3. Proven Geometry
Looking to the frame figures and the Sight VLT differs slightly from its traditionally powered counterpart. A 75º seat tube angle comes in at 1º steeper, allowing riders to maintain a balanced and aggressive riding position. About 20mm has been added to the front-centre length across the full-size range, with a 50mm stem accompanying the change, too. Finally, bottom bracket height has also been lowered, helping keep the weight of the drive system low and therefore increasing stability on fast and flowing descents.
- Related Reading: Understanding Bike Geometry
4. Robust Drive System Options
A brand synonymous with precision and quality, Shimano provides it’s e-MTB specific STEPS E8000 drive unit to the top-tier VLT Sights. Weighing in at 2.8kg, and providing up to 70Nm of torque, the 250-watt motor is fast becoming a favourite amongst e-MTB manufacturers as a result of the lightweight performance on offer.
Whilst the lesser E7000 is fitted to entry-level options abroad, Australian shipped models all feature the uprated E8000 drive unit.
5. Huge Battery Capacity
Norco has opted to outfit the models destined for local shores with an integrated battery system boasting a whopping capacity of 630Wh.
The battery unit developed by Simplon, is considerably larger than rival e-MTB’s on the market, and whilst no official range figures are quoted, it’s sure to bring more smiles, for more miles.
6. Business Up Front, Party Out Back
All Sight VLT models make use of a carbon fibre front triangle and a robust aluminium swingarm out back. The use of carbon fibre for the front triangle help bring the total bike weight down to a claimed 21.5kgs, undercutting much of its e-MTB competition by around a kilogram.
7. Boosted Tyre Clearance
A common theme with modern e-MTB’s, the Sight VLT is outfitted with Boost spacing front and rear and can swallow tyres up to a gargantuan 2.8” wide front and rear. The Sight VLT is 27.5” specific and rolls off the showroom floor with 2.6” wide tubeless Maxxis rubber.
8. Pricing and Availability
The Norco Sight VLT is set to start shipping globally by the end of November, with models set to hit local shores in the coming weeks.
Australia will score two build options as per below;
- Sight VLT 1: AU$9,499
SRAM GX Eagle, Fox Performance 36 e-bike optimised fork, Fox Float DPX2 Performance shock, Shimano E8000 drive system, 630Wh battery, DT Swiss H1700 wheelset, 27.5x2.6” tubeless Maxxis Minion tyres
- Sight VLT 2: AU$7,999
SRAM NX Eagle, RockShox Pike RC E-Bike rated fork, RockShox Deluxe RT shock, Shimano STEPS E8000 drive system, 630Wh integrated battery system, WTB i29 wheelset, 27.5x2.6” tubeless Maxxis Minion tyres.
On the hunt for an e-MTB and want low-down on the competition? Check out our article on the Best e-MTB’s for 2019 for more.
