THE LAB The 160/150mm (f/r) travel, 29” wheeled Norco Sight VLT is built with the same DNA as the other VLT eBikes. Norco uses the Shimano STEPS EP8 drive unit powered by a removable battery that’s available in three capacity options: 540Wh, 720Wh and 900Wh. Norco has opted to give every rider the ability to select the battery size that is most appropriate for their needs. With each different capacity comes a different balance of agility, range and price. The smallest 540Wh battery weighs in at 3,190g and costs $899, whereas opting for the largest 900Wh battery gives a battery weight of 4,750g and price of $1,299, making a significant difference to the handling but scaling up the range considerably in the process. Each battery has a 1.5lb weight change for those looking to blend weight and range. If you’ve got the budget for it, this customizable battery size offers riders the option to purchase multiple sizes and switch between them depending on what ride is on the menu. This is a level of tunability we really appreciate, and it certainly sets the Norco VLT range apart from the competition. Although we’d love to see either the battery or bike prices drop a bit for a more affordable entry point.
Shimano’s EP8 motor is a solid performer that offers a customizable 85Nm of maximum torque and up to four times the input power, topping out at 500W peak. Using Shimano’s E-Tube Project app, riders can customize two power delivery profiles to suit their preferences, dialing in the amount of assistance generated and the maximum torque output. In this way, the climbing performance can be matched to the group you’re riding with, or some extra range can be eked out by reducing the assistance for those big epics. Of course, you can also opt to deliver the maximum power to get you back up the hill as fast as possible.
Norco is offering the Sight VLT in both carbon fiber and aluminum frame options to cater to different budgets, with a choice of two different spec levels for each. This gives a range of pricing from $5,499 for the A2 to $8,999 for the C1, without a battery. The aluminum frame adds weight and reduces the price tag, but crucially retains all the features of the carbon fiber model, so riders on a tighter budget can share the same ride experience. The frames feature an IP67 Rosenberger charge port; integrated speed sensors; Super Taper headtubes for 1.8”-1.125” steerer tubes; Boost axle spacing; and clearance for up to 29×2.6” wide rubber.
The Sight VLT makes use of Norco’s Ride Aligned fit system to optimize the geometry and suspension performance of each frame size, to produce the most consistent ride characteristics across the board. This comes with a bike setup guide to dial in the initial suspension settings easily and get every rider feeling comfortable on the trail in quick time. We opted for the size large and while we’ve been a bit hesitant with Norco’s push for very long reach numbers, especially on eBikes, we are more comfortable with the 485mm reach than some of their longer bike models. The 64-degree head tube angle is a nice blend of stability without muting out the faster handling required on flatter trails or while climbing steeps. The size large’s 77.7-degree seat tube angle also helps keep the weight over the front end as we tried to navigate steep hill climb challenges everywhere we could. While Norco’s geometry isn’t right for everyone or all terrain, the Sight VLT is slightly less polarizing and we’re happy about that.
In line with other VLT eBikes, the Norco Sight VLT sees the shock moved to sit horizontally and attach to a mount that’s connected to the top tube, a move that allowed Norco to obtain the kinematics they desired and fit at least one large water bottle within the front triangle on every size. Progression was increased to handle the bigger hits more confidently, and anti-squat values were dropped compared with the non-electrified Norco Sight to offer more grip when climbing chunky terrain.
We tested the carbon fiber framed, C1 build with each of the three battery options to decipher exactly how it performs, with accompanying price tags of $9,898 to $10,298. This features their carbon fiber front triangle and seatstay with a more damage tolerant aluminum chainstay. Up front is a 160mm travel, E-rated Fox 36 Factory fork with 1.8” tapered steerer which is paired with a Float X2 factory to control the 150mm rear end. There’s a SRAM GX Eagle 12spd drivetrain with XO1 derailleur for shifting, and SRAM Code RSC brakes with 220F/200R rotors for stopping. The cockpit is handled by a 35mm diameter Deity Skywire Carbon bar mated to a 40mm CNC stem, and a OneUp V2 dropper suspends an Ergon SM-10 eMTB saddle. Rounding out the spec are the DT Swiss E1700 wheels that are wrapped in a Maxxis Assegai/Dissector DD combo.