The stand out feature of the Norco Range C3 29 immediately catches your eye: the poison green DVO Diamond fork and Topaz shock. The exotic looking suspension fits perfectly into the overall package – but how does it perform?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Love at first sight – 8 enduro bikes under € 4,500 in Review
With 29″ wheels, 150 mm of travel at the rear and potent geometry, the Range 29 is all about downhill performance. On top of that, the complete build of the carbon front triangle and aluminium rear linkage features some exciting components. A unique feature is certainly the DVO Diamond fork, which offers riders’ countless adjustment and tuning options. The SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain scores with high gear range and smooth shifting and the MAXXIS Minion DHF/DHR II tyres are always a winner.
However, we would have liked the softer 3C MaxxTerra compound, at least on the front tyre. The SRAM Guide brakes with 180 mm rotors don’t have enough stopping power for this bike – you’ll have to take an upgrade into account in your budget. The entry-level JD dropper seat post isn’t anything to write home about either, but with 150 mm it offers sufficient adjustment range and can be operated with a light touch on the remote.
Extremely fast and yet very good-natured – the Norco can do both!
The Norco Range C3 29 in detail
Fork DVO Diamond 160 mm
Shock DVO Topaz 150 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide R 200/100 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost JD Tranzx 150 mm
Stem Norco Alu 40 mm
Handlebar Norco Alu 800 mm
Reifen Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5″ / DHR II 2.4″
Hubs SRAM MTH
Rims WTB STP I29
Weight 14.82 kg
Price € 4,199
The clamp at the entrance to the internal cable routing came loose several times so that the cables rattled in the frame
The DVO Diamond needs a lot of patience during setup and can’t keep up with the sensitivity of the new benchmarks set by FOX and RockShox with their new, large negative air chambers, even with the OTT completely closed
With a rider weight of about 85 kg we had the rebound one click from completely open, lighter riders probably won’t find a suitable setup
The SRAM Guide in combination with a 180 mm rotor on a 29″ enduro bike quickly becomes overwhelmed
The SRAM GX-Eagle convinces with a massive gear range and smooth shifting
The geometry of the Norco Range C3 29
| Size (29″) | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 607 mm | 637 mm | 667 mm |
| Head tube | 90 mm | 94 mm | 104 mm |
| Head angle | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° |
| Head angle | 74.5° | 74.1° | 73.7° |
| Chainstays | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 33 mm | 33 mm | 33 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1187 mm | 1217 mm | 1249 mm |
| Reach | 437 mm | 461 mm | 483 mm |
| Stack | 614 mm | 618 mm | 627 mm |
The initial setup of the Norco Range is relatively simple, but if you want to get the maximum performance out of your DVO suspension fork, you will have to take the time to set it up correctly. Despite loving attention to detail, we never achieved a response as sensitive as with the new RockShox Lyrik Charger 2 RC2 or the FOX GRIP2 36. During setup, it became evident that the shock is slightly over dampened. With a rider weight of about 85 kg, we rode with the rebound almost completely open – lighter riders will undoubtedly run into setup problems. The Range climbs reasonably well, although we recommend pushing the saddle far forward. Once you’ve done that, you can sit relaxed on the climbs, and you’re guaranteed to reach every trailhead. Due to the very short head tube, we had to put a lot of spacers under the stem to get comfortable on the bike when descending, without feeling like we were going to go over the bars. Thanks to the potent geometry, at high speeds the Range rides like a freight train. The weight distribution between the wheels is good, which makes the bike feel very predictable and easy to control when cornering. Changing direction requires a little more emphasis than on the more agile bikes in the test field, but we couldn’t call it sluggish. When popping off ledges the suspension offers a lot of support, but it needs a lot of rider input to get the bike off the ground. The reason for this could be the relatively heavy fork and the heavy wheels.
Tuningtips:
– more powerful brakes
– softer rubber compound for the front tyre
Conclusion
The Norco Range is a proper enduro bike which convinces with its super balanced geometry. It climbs confidently and will take anything you throw it at going downhill. Unfortunately, the overdamped rear suspension and some weak points in the componentry cloud an otherwise positive impression.
Strenghts
+ balanced handling
+ good climbing characteristics
+ provides a lot of stability in rough terrain
Weaknesses
– setup of the fork is complicated
– undersized brakes
– likes to stay on the ground
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value for money
Uphill | Downhill | Stability | Agility | value for money
For more information head to: norco.com
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Love at first sight – 8 enduro bikes under € 4,500 in Review
All bikes in test: COMMENCAL META AM 29 Team Replica | CUBE Stereo 150 C:68 TM 29 | Giant Reign SX | Nukeproof Mega 290 Factory | ROSE Pikes Peak 2 EN | Trek Slash 9.7 | YT CAPRA 29 CF PRO
This article is from ENDURO issue #034
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