2019 NORCO AURUM HSP 29er 6

Have to say after being on the older Aurum FSR Design for 2 seasons, I was skeptical to jump on the all new Aurum HSP as its a whole new redesign. I love the feel of the older FSR Design. Seeing 29er DH bikes are now becoming the new norm, I decided to go 29er. I have been solely riding 27.5 since the first arrived on the seen being Norco was one of the first to adopt the 27.5 size wheels.

Now ridden the 29er Aurum HSP a few times now, I can say I am very impressed and NORCO designed a winner in my book. First ride, it took about 3 runs down the hill to get used to the feel of the bike (Cornering, Tracking, Playfulness, etc.) The bike was so stable at speed it felt slower than the older Aurum FSR design. Then once I came up to the first berm, I realized just how fast I was going. This thing holds its speed so well, as most 29ers do. Its a big advantage over 27.5 wheels in my book. The high pivot allows the suspension to track the ground over just about any size objects. With a rear wheel axle path you don't get the hung up feeling when booming a rock garden.

When pedaling, the Idler Pulley makes the bike feel like your on a 150mm to 160mm bike. It even pedaled well up hill!

Cornering was not hard to get used to as I have been riding a 29er Enduro bike for some time now. (Check out my 2018 Norco Sight 29er build at the below link). The Aurm HSP you will find yourself getting a little bit more off the back of the bike to get it to corner faster. Took no time to find the balance point. Most High Pivot bikes from the past, you would feel the suspension grow once compressed in the berm. You don't feel that on the Aurum HSP even though it does grow some. The wheel base is already long at 47" for my size Large, but was supersized the bike didn't feel long as it has a chainstay under 17". The older 27.5" FSR design has a longer chainstay.

One thing I liked about the older 27.5 FSR design was how playful it is even though you could plow anything on it. I feel Norco was able to capture both again for the new design. The bike is easy to get off the ground when needed. Once again due to the short chainstay. Jumping this big wheel DH bike was just like another day in the park for me. I was able to whip it around just as much as I could on my older 27.5 Aurum.

I am 5'11.5" tall and 180lbs. I am running a 450lbs spring on my FOX DX2 and was set at about 30% Sag. The FOX 49 was set at 67psi with 3 tokens installed to get 27% Sag. I am running the headset in the middle setting which is perfect reach for my long arms.

I am loving this bike and can't wait to race on it next season. Hope you enjoyed looking over my build!

2018 Sight 29er Build:
https://www.vitalmtb.com/community/fclinder,10944/setup,36431?scope=new…