EUROBIKE 2015 | Light and fast – the new Norco Revolver FS
After three years in development, Norco used the Demo Day at EUROBIKE to launch their all-new 100mm fully, the Revolver FS, to the public. Both the suspension and the geometry are primed to compete on the world’s XC race routes, and the bike has already notched several national victories onto its belt.
Coming in four model options, the Revolver will enter the market with both 27.5″ and 29″ wheels, and features an exclusively carbon frame that is reputedly the lightest and stiffest XC race frame that Norco have ever created. The A.R.T rear end, which is essentially Norco’s optimized version of a four-pivot suspension system, intends to unite pedal efficiency with great traction on climbs.
The Revolver’s orientation towards XC is visible in the geometry: the 70.5° head angle and 74.5° seat angle are testament to its climbing prowess. The Gravity Tune technology enables the length of the rear to be altered to various frame sizes, ensuring that the rider is always centrally positioned on the bike. A longer reach provides a nicely stretched-out position, while the long wheelbase ensures stability on descents.
Geometry Norco Revolver 29 FS:
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube horiz. | 574 mm | 601 mm | 628 mm | 655 mm |
| Chainstays | 437 mm | 439 mm | 442 mm | 444 mm |
| Steering angle | 70,25° | 70,5° | 70,75° | 71° |
| Seating angle | 74,75° | 74,5° | 74,25° | 74° |
| BB drop | 38 mm | 38 mm | 38 mm | 38 mm |
| Seattube | 410mm | 445mm | 485mm | 530mm |
| Reach | 415 mm | 435 mm | 455 mm | 475 mm |
| Stack | 604 mm | 622 mm | 636 mm | 650 mm |
Geometry Norco Revolver 27.5 FS:
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube horiz. | 537 mm | 564 mm | 591 mm | 618 mm | 645 mm |
| Kettenstreben | 422 mm | 424,5 mm | 427 mm | 431 mm | 435 mm |
| Steering Angle | 70° | 70,25° | 70,5° | 70,75° | 71° |
| Seating angle | 75° | 74,75° | 74,5° | 74,25° | 74° |
| BB drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Seattube | 380 mm | 410 mm | 445 mm | 485 mm | 530 mm |
| Reach | 387 mm | 409 mm | 430 mm | 452 mm | 474 mm |
| Stack | 558 mm | 568 mm | 579 mm | 589 mm | 600 mm |
The spec that Norco have chosen means they’re covered for a lot of bases, and it’s virtually the same for the 27.5″ and the 29″ models – with wheel size and tyre choice being the only differentiating features. Interestingly, Norco have kitted each model out with a 1×11 drivetrain and RockShox forks. The Canadian company has decided to offer the 27.5er in five sizes (XS/S/M/L/XL), while the 29er has just four (no XS in this case).
The 9XX and 7XX are the top of the range models, both featuring high end parts such as lightweight RockShox RS-1 forks, a DT Swiss XRC 1200 Carbon wheelset and SRAM Guide Ultimate brakes – all of which keep the weight below 10 kg, and the lightweight SRAM XX1 drivetrain definitely does its part to help here. The second-tier and more affordable model, the 9.1 FS and the 7.1 FS, features RockShox SID RLT forks, SRAM Guide RS brakes and the slightly heavier SRAM X1 drivetrain.
The Revolver 9.2 FS and 7.2 FS comes kitted out with RockShox SID RL forks and the new Shimano XT groupset, including brakes and drivetrain. The cheapest Revolver model is the 9.3 and 7.3, which takes RockShox Recon Silver TK front forks and a Monarch RL. SRAM’s new GX drivetrain is responsible for shifting.
Prices: Norco Revolver 29 FS:
- Norco Revolver 9XX FS: 7.999 €
- Norco Revolver 9.1 FS: 5.199 €
- Norco Revolver 9.2 FS: 3.999 €
- Norco Revolver 9.3 FS: 3.099 €
Prices: Norco Revolver 27.5 FS:
More info can be found at norco.com.
Words: Martin Stöckl Pictures: Klaus Kneist
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