[[{“value”:”
Norco launched the new Sight VLT CX in late 2024, and it left a few folks scratching their heads, and Norco has already launched updated Sight and Range VLTs that year. The launch actually coincided with the debut of the new Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 eMTB motor, and Norco engineered what is essentially a completely new bike to pair with the updated drive unit.
We’ve just received a Norco Sight VLT CX for detailed review, but to settle the curiosity of the internet gremlins, let’s run through the details of the Sight VLT CX and some initial ride impressions.
What’s new with the Norco Sight VLT CX?
This is the fourth generation of the Sight VLT, which follows the brand’s current revision of the pedal-powered Sight we reviewed last year. It sports the brand’s VPS-HP suspension platform, which uses a traditional four-bar suspension design but with a higher main pivot to deliver a rearward axle path.
There’s 150mm of squish in the rear, which is paired with a 160mm fork up front. It rolls on a dedicated mixed-wheel platform. The carbon frame has all the nicities we’ve come to expect—internal cable routing that doesn’t go through the headset, sealed bearing pivots, and plenty of frame protection to keep things clean and quiet.
Related:
Motor & Battery
The last iteration of the Norco Sight VLT was powered by the Shimano EP8 motor. Recent releases from the brand, including the Fluid VLT, sported Bosch systems, so we weren’t all that surprised to see a Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 on the updated Sight VLT. From the factory, the CX motor punches out 85Nm of torque and 600W of peak power, but a recent software update launched by Bosch allows users to bump those numbers up to 100Nm and 750W, respectively.
To power the Bosch CX motor, Norco has opted for the largest battery that Bosch has to offer, being the 800Wh PowerTube. It’s secured in place within the downtube and not easily removable. This often leads to a cleaner, sleeker downtube, but this may be a dealbreaker for those looking to charge the battery away from the bike.
To control the system, Norco has opted for a wireless Mini Remote mounted on the handlebars and a system controller on the top tube, which powers the unit on and off and manages battery levels. The top tube cutout is compatible with the newer Kiox 400C LED screen, which would need to be purchased separately.
Geometry & Sizing
The Sight VLT is offered in four sizes, ditching the t-shirt style sizing nomenclature, for a more ambiguous naming convention of S2 through to S5. Reach numbers range from 447.5mm up to 522.5mm, growing by 25mm per size. A note for shorter riders; you might be out of luck here, as the S2 with a 447.5mm reach might be too big for those with a stature of 162cm or below.
All four sizes sport the same 64° headtube angle, and that’s about where the similarities end. Seat tube angles start at 77.25° and grow 0.25° per size.
Each size receives a proportional rear centre length, starting at 432mm and increasing by 4mm per size. It’s also worth noting that due to the rearward axle path of the high pivot suspension design, the rear centre lengths grow by 9mm at sag.
There are no flip chips, geometry adjustments, or kinematic adjustments on the Sight VLT; you get what you get, and you don’t get upset.
Price & Specs
The Sight VLT lineup includes three models, with prices ranging from $9,999 AUD to $14,999 AUD. All models use the same frame, motor, and battery configuration; the only difference is the parts attached to it.
On test, we have the middle-tier C2 model, which retails for $11,999 AUD. This sports a RockShox Select+ suspension package, SRAM Maven Bronze brakes, and an SRAM S1000 T-Type AXS Transmission. Folks with mighty deep pockets might be a little disappointed that there isn’t an option over the $20,000 AUD mark. If that’s your flavour, we’re certain your local shop will be able to piece together a rig to suit your needs.
Norco Sight VLT CX C1
- Frame | Carbon Fibre, 150mm VPS-HP Suspension
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 100Nm, 750W
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 800Wh
- Fork | RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, Charger 3.1 Damper, 160mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate, 205x60mm
- Wheels | CrankBrothers Synthesis Carbon Enduro, 29in Front, 27.5in Rear, Boost Spacing
- Tyres | Continental Kryptotal-F Enduro Soft 29×2.4in Front, Continental Xynotal Enduro Soft 27.5×2.4in Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX AXS T-Type Transmission, 10-52t SRAM 1275 Cassette w/ Praxis Carbon 165mm Cranks
- Brakes | SRAM Maven Silver, SRAM HS2 Rotors, 200mm Front, 180mm Rear
- Bar | One Up Carbon, 800mm Wide, 35mm Rise
- Stem | Norco Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp
- Seatpost | TransX TSI08FL RAD+, 31.6mm, 125mm (S1), 150mm (S2), 170mm (S3), 200mm (S4, S5)
- Claimed Weight | 21.7kg (S3)
- RRP | $14,999 AUD
Norco Sight VLT CX C2
- Frame | Carbon Fibre, 150mm VPS-HP Suspension
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 100Nm, 750W
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 800Wh
- Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select+, Charger 3.1 Damper, 160mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select +, 205x60mm
- Wheels | WTB KOM Team Rims, DT Swiss 370 Rear Hub, Bear Pawls BMB-003 Front Hub, 29in Front, 27.5in Rear, Boost Spacing
- Tyres | Continental Kryptotal-F Enduro Soft 29×2.4in Front, Continental Xynotal Enduro Soft 27.5×2.4in Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM S1000 AXS T-Type Transmission, 10-52t SRAM 1270 Cassette w/ Praxis HD Aluminium 165mm Cranks
- Brakes | SRAM Maven Bronze, SRAM Centreline Rotors, 200mm Front, 180mm Rear
- Bar | Norco 6061 DB Alloy, 800mm Wide, 25mm Rise
- Stem | Norco Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp
- Seatpost | TransX TSI08FL RAD+, 31.6mm, 125mm (S1), 150mm (S2), 170mm (S3), 200mm (S4, S5)
- Confirmed Weight | 22.3kg (S3)
- RRP | $11,999 AUD
Norco Sight VLT CX C3
- Frame | Carbon Fibre, 150mm VPS-HP Suspension
- Motor | Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5, 100Nm, 750W
- Battery | Bosch PowerTube 800Wh
- Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select, 160mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select, 205x60mm
- Wheels | WTB STi30 Rims, Bear Pawls BMB-007 Rear Hub, Bear Pawls BMB-003 Front Hub, 29in Front, 27.5in Rear, Boost Spacing
- Tyres | Continental Kryptotal-F Enduro Soft 29×2.4in Front, Continental Xynotal Enduro Soft 27.5×2.4in Rear
- Drivetrain | Shimano Deore M6100 1x12spd, 10-51t Cassette w/ Praxis HD Aluminium 165mm Cranks
- Brakes | TRP Slate Evo, TRP RS01E Rotors, 203mm Front, 180mm Rear
- Bar | Norco 6061 DB Alloy, 800mm Wide, 25mm Rise
- Stem | Norco Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp
- Seatpost | TransX YSP23, 31.6mm, 125mm (S1), 150mm (S2), 170mm (S3), 200mm (S4, S5)
- Claimed Weight | 22.67kg (S3)
- RRP | $9,999 AUD
First Ride Impressions
Our time aboard the Sight VLT CX has been brief thus far, and a full review will follow once we clock up some serious miles. However, to appease those eager for some initial impressions, we have some thoughts worth sharing.
The first thing to highlight is just how much grip this bike delivers — it’s almost silly. Even in the most heinous conditions we’ve ridden in all year, both the front and rear of the Sight VLT hook up with a stupid amount of traction. Part of this is due to the grippy Continental tyres, but the insanely sensitive and supple suspension feel is to thank here.
On the suspension feel, the initial and mid stroke is super soft and gooey, almost fluttery, and paired with the rearward axle path, delivers a bump-deleting ride. We haven’t played with different pressures or volume spacers yet, but the ramp-up at the end of the stroke feels quite firm. The overall feel of the shock is somewhat akin to the Specialized Genie on the current generation Levo.
We’ve been experiencing some wet weather down in Hobart recently, which has revealed how easy this bike is to clean. Everything is quite open, and there aren’t too many ‘nooks’ for mud to collect, making it easy to wash and maintain.
One last comment — this bike is dead quiet on the descents. There are no rattles, clangs, clicks or clacks; just the sound of rubber on dirt.
The post On Test | The fourth generation Norco Sight VLT CX is a Bosch powered high-pivot e-MTB appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.
“}]]
[[{“value”:”Norco launched the new Sight VLT CX in late 2024, and it left a few folks scratching their heads, and Norco has already launched updated Sight and Range VLTs that year. The launch actually coincided with the debut of the new Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 eMTB motor, and Norco engineered what is essentially
The post On Test | The fourth generation Norco Sight VLT CX is a Bosch powered high-pivot e-MTB appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.”}]] Read More Flow Mountain Bike
#flowmtb #mtb