Norco Optic C1 – In our big 2025 trail bike comparison test

Norco count amongst the pioneers of the high-pivot suspension design, and are now bringing the concept to the short-travel trail bike segment with the Norco Optic. But does their bold approach work? Can a high-pivot design truly shine in a bike with less travel and deliver top performance on the trail? We put it to the test.

Canadian brand Norco is known for embracing unconventional concepts, and the best example of this is the new Optic. It’s a short-travel trail bike with just 140/125 mm of travel, and yet it features a high-pivot rear suspension – a technology typically found on long-travel, downhill-focused mountain bikes. Despite its limited travel, the design promises impressive capability on rough terrain.

The high pivot design, which positions the main pivot much higher above the chainring, allows the rear axle (and thus the wheel) to rotate up in an arc with a rearward axle path. As a result, when the wheel contacts an obstacle, it rotates upwards and backwards instead of upwards and forwards like most low pivot suspension systems offering advantages especially in technical and rough terrain. High-pivot bikes are easy to recognize by the idler pulley near the suspension pivot, which compensates for chain growth as the rear wheel moves backward, reducing drivetrain-induced forces.

Tipping the scales at just 14.1 kg in size S4, the Norco Optic is one of the lightest bikes in this test. However, in Europe, it’s only available as a frameset. Our test bike costs 11,499 CAD in Canada, which converts to approximately € 7,800.

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

The Norco Optic C1 in detail

With its sleek yet dynamic design, the Norco Optic C1 immediately catches the eye. The low-profile main frame and even flatter rear-end ensure a fast, aggressive aesthetic. One of the standout features is the elegant paint finish with a subtle glitter effect, enhancing its premium look. The idler pulley is seamlessly and stylishly integrated into the chainstay, making it a true design highlight.

All cables are neatly routed through the frame and, while not clamped at the ports, are pleasantly quiet on the trail. However, the brake hose reappears briefly at the transition between the main frame and swingarm, where it can hit the frame and cause a noticeable rattling noise.

Fortunately, the generously sized seat and chainstay protectors keep the noise down. Additionally, a downtube guard protects the bottom bracket area, while a shuttle guard further up shields the frame when transporting the bike at the back of a pickup truck. The tool mount on the top tube is a practical addition, but we do miss an integrated storage compartment – now almost standard on modern trail bikes. It’s a shame Norco didn’t include one here.

The spec of the Norco Optic C1

The Norco Optic C1 comes equipped with a 140 mm FOX 34 Factory fork. While the GRIP2 damper has since been replaced by the GRIP X2, it still delivers outstanding trail performance and precise adjustability. Though slightly heavier, both the refined tuning and tremendous trail performance more than make up for it. A FOX FLOAT X Factory shock controls 125 mm of travel at the rear.

With 210 mm of travel, the OneUp V2 dropper post provides excellent freedom of movement. However, the brake setup is a weak point: the SRAM Level Silver Stealth brakes, paired with a 200 mm rotor at the front and a small 180 mm disc at the rear, feel underpowered given the Optic’s descending capabilities. Upgrading to a bigger 200 mm rotor at the rear – or even a more powerful brake system – would be a worthwhile improvement.

Shifting is taken acer of by a 12-speed SRAM Eagle X0 Transmission drivetrain, with a direct-mount rear derailleur ensuring butter-smooth gear shifts even under load. The cockpit consists of 800 mm Deity Skywire carbon handlebars and a sturdy Norco CNC-machined aluminum stem.

For the wheels, Norco rely on top-tier We Are One Union carbon rims,Industry Nine Hydra hubs, and MAXXIS tires, combining a Minion DHF at the front and Dissector at the rear, both in the EXO+ casing and harder MaxxTerra rubber compound. This setup works well for dry trails and hardpack terrain, but on muddy or wet trails, the low-profile Dissector reaches its limits. Additionally, upgrading the front tire to the softer MaxxGrip compound would improve grip and control.

Tuning Tip:
– More powerful brakes
– Front tire with softer MaxxGrip-compound

The geometry of the Norco Optic C1

The Norco Optic C1 is available in five frame sizes, 1 to 5, which are based on the length of the frame rather than the height. All sizes share the same short 430 mm seat tube, which allows for excellent dropper post compatibility. Our test bike in size S4 features an exceptionally long reach of 497.5 mm – the longest in the entire testfield – despite being recommended for riders between 178 cm and 188 cm according to Norco’s size calculator. This is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing your size.

Chainstay length grows with the frame size to ensure balanced handling across all sizes, with our test bike in size 4 rocking 433 mm. While this might seem relatively short on paper, with high-pivot bikes, the effective chainstay length increases as the rear suspension compresses. The seat angle also gets steeper with bigger frame sizes to maintain a centered riding position, even with higher saddle extensions.

The weak brakes limit the bike’s potential on steep, rough trails.

Like all Norco bikes, the Optic comes with an extensive Ride Aligned setup guide on Norco’s website, helping you to fine-tune your bike based on weight and riding style. Our test bike ran a full 29er setup, but with the Missing Link Kit, the Optic can be converted to a mullet bike. This involves swapping the shock linkage to maintain the original geometry and kinematics.

Size	1	2	3	4	5
Seat Tube	350 mm	370 mm	385 mm	430 mm	445 mm
Top Tube	568 mm	593 mm	617 mm	641 mm	665 mm
Head Tube	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head Angle	65.0°	65.0°	65.0°	65.0°	65.0°
Seat Angle	76.5°	76.75°	77.0°	77.25°	77.5°
Chainstay	421 mm	425 mm	429 mm	433 mm	437 mm
BB Drop	32 mm	32 mm	32 mm	32 mm	32 mm
Wheelbase	1159 mm	1193 mm	1226 mm	1259 mm	1292 mm
Reach	422.5 mm	447.5 mm	472.5 mm	497.5 mm	522.5 mm
Stack	608 mm	617 mm	626 mm	635 mm	644 mm

The Norco Optic C1 on the trail

The Norco Optic C1 performs as a firm and efficient climber with an upright pedalling position and a spacious feel, which is mainly due to the long reach. The high-pivot rear suspension has little negative impact on the bike’s climbing qualities, and the Optic actually proves one of the better climbers in this test – though not as lively as the Trek Top Fuel and Ibis Ripmo.

The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, and despite its length, the riding position isn’t doesn’t feel overly stretched. The low, integrated riding position inspires confidence and contributes to the bike’s composure, which is primarily due to its long wheelbase. However, on technical climbs with rocky sections and slippery roots, the Optic requires noticeably more effort. In slow, tight corners, the long frame can feel cumbersome and requires an active riding style. However, once up to speed, this becomes less of an issue, especially since the short-travel suspension adds a surprising level of agility.

The suspension punches well above its travel class, providing strong support and excellent feedback from the ground. The Norco Optic enables precise line choice and can be thrown around with ease. On flow trails, it turns into a rocket, carving smoothly from one berm into the next. While the suspension still holds up well in fast, rough terrain, it quickly reaches its limits on very chunky trails, eventually running out of travel and thus struggling to keep up with most bikes in the test field.

The Norco Optic is built for a small niche of riders – but performs exceptionally well within that niche.

The Norco strikes an excellent balance between composure and agility, delivering a similar performance as the Raaw Jibb and Orbea Rise in this regard. However, some bikes in the test field blend these characteristics even more seamlessly. The Optic is best suited for fast, precise riders but is unforgiving of mistakes, requiring a vigilant riding style and good skills. The underpowered brakes further limit its potential, especially on steep descents.

Who should take a closer look at the Norco Optic C1?

The Norco Optic C1 is a bike for a very specialized niche of riders. It’s the ideal choice for those who want to bomb down high-speed flow trails at mach-10 while still feeling connected to the ground and actively playing with the bike.

If you like bikes that require an active, precise riding style, the Norco Optic C1 delivers an unmatched experience, striking an excellent balance between speed, control, and fun.

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Conclusions about the Norco Optic C1

The Norco Optic C1 is a stylish bike with an exciting concept, though the weak brakes prevent it from unfolding its full potential. The long reach values require you to pick the size carefully,and make it a bike for a small niche of riders – but performs exceptionally well within that niche. The capable suspension, which performs far beyond its travel class, makes it shine as a flow trail rocket that still handles rough terrain extremely well – provided you know exactly what you’re doing.

For more info head to norco.com

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The test field

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker