9/2/2023 0 Comments 2020 norco optic c2![]() ![]() Norco says they wanted the great pedalling characteristics of a short travel trail bike and with no lockout, obviously felt it necessary to bump up the anti-squat. Anti-squat was increased at the start but a more aggressive drop-off was applied to balance it out through the travel. The suspension kinematics were updated and the new Optic features a higher starting leverage rate, again seeking a lighter initial touch for more traction, and a more progressive curve to provide the support needed to meet the bike’s intentions. The Super Deluxe Ultimate DH delivers 125mm of rear-wheel travel, an increase of 15mm from the outgoing 29er model and 5mm more than the old 27.5 model. There’s no climb switch and the shock is spec’d on every model in the range – you won’t find a cheaper shock on the lower-priced models, which I reckon is great. Closer inspection reveals cartridge bearings at the upper hardware of the shock, showing a desire to increase rear wheel traction by minimizing friction. A custom-built RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock is juxtaposed against the svelte lines of the bike and is the first giveaway. Norco still wanted the Optic to be a short travel whippet, but other intentions are revealed by the parts spec. Frame only option available (2,899 CAD).Schwalbe Magic Mary front and Hans Dampf rear w/ Addix Soft compound.X-Fusion Manic Dropper on all models (other than the AXS model).180mm F/R rotors with four-piston brakes.Custom RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH on all models.Conversely, someone who races XC but wants a capable trail bike that isn’t a large departure from their regular bike could be right at home here. Riders who enjoy pushing the limits of a short travel bike, or who race a bit of XC but aren’t interested in a traditional XC bike, are going to be interested in the Optic. Norco noticed this too and the new bike is heavily influenced by these observations customer feedback was woven into engineering developments and refinements. Riders in the Sea to Sky region were keen to use the Optic for more than it was originally intended. When Optics were spotted they were often over-forked, had bigger rubber and larger brakes added. The original Optic wasn’t a bike regularly seen on the trails around Norco’s home region in B.C., at least not in its intended guise. The geometry has matured and the travel has grown but it remains an aggressive XC/trail bike, emphasis on aggressive. Leap forward three years and most manufacturers seem to have settled on a wheel specific to a model line and that’s exactly what’s happened here with the Optic becoming a dedicated 29er. ![]() ![]() Norco released the outgoing Optic model when the industry still wasn’t sure about wheel size. ![]()
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