First Look: 2017 Norco Sight Carbon

Building on the success of the original Sight, today, Norco announces the launch of the new 2017 Norco Sight Carbon. With a number of updates like improved kinematics, aggressive all-mountain geometry, and metric shocks, the new bike is now available in both 29-inch and 650b-wheeled options. Like the Optic, Norco went to great lengths to keep things consistent in terms of handling, feel, and responsiveness between the 29 and 650b versions of the new Sight. In doing so, the Sight 29 employs a 10mm shorter stem, 10mm less travel front and rear, and the same exact rear-center lengths of the 650b Sight, with a slightly longer reach and half-degree steeper head angle. Slotting in between Norco's Optic trail bike and Range enduro bike, the Sight is aimed squarely at the all-mountain rider who's looking for a bike that's efficient on the climbs and all-day epics, yet still a capable hard-charging descender.

Norco Sight Features

Carbon Frame and Seatstays / Alloy Chainstays
29-inch and 650b Options
Boost 148 Rear Spacing with 12mm Nutted Axle
Rear Travel: 140mm (650b) / 130mm (29er)
Front Travel: 150mm (650b) / 140mm (29er)
A.R.T. Suspension
Gravity Tune Geometry
GIZMO Internal Cable Management
SmoothCore Carbon
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (650b) / M, L, XL (29er)
Frame Only Option
MSRP: Sight C7.1 // C9.1 - $6,499, Sight C7.2 // C9.2 - $4,999, Sight C7.3 // C9.3 - $3,899, Frame Only - $2,599 (USD)

Norco Sight Geometry

Some of the key updates the new Sight sees is a slacker head angle (66.5* for the 650b / 67* for the 29er) and a steeper seat tube angle. Norco has also lowered the bottom bracket by 5mm and increased the wheelbase by 18-32mm, depending on frame sizing. These updates, in turn, should make for a more stable, planted ride. Norco also tweaked their A.R.T. (Advanced Ride Technology) Suspension system to be optimized around RockShox's new metric line of shocks by slightly lessening the rearward axle path and reducing the progressive curve by 1%. This should reduce the level of pedal kickback as well as improve suspension performance while pedaling.

The Sight, like all other carbon Norco bikes, utilizes what Norco refers to as ArmorLite resin, which is said to bond the carbon extremely well and offer excellent impact resistance. Other key tech employed by the Sight is Norco's Gravity Tune, SizeScaled tubing, and an updated GIZMO internal cable management system which allows tension to be put on the cable housing to prevent any rattling. As you may have noticed, Norco doesn't offer the 29er in a small or extra-small frame option. Due to their idea behind Gravity Tune, where the rear-center length stays proportionate to the front-center length, squeezing 29-inch wheels into the shorter rear triangle called for by the smaller sized frames just wasn't possible. With Norco not willing to compromise the handling of the Sight 29er, they simply recommend shorter riders to opt for the 650b versions of the bike.

To further eek out the advantages and small bump performance of the metric suspension, Norco uses fully sealed Enduro Max bearings as well as utilizing a trunnion mount system (mounting bolts fixed lower on the shock as opposed to an eyelet on the end of the shock).

If you've already glanced over the build kits listed below, you may have noticed that no matter the level, Norco has spec'd the entire range with a 1x drivetrain. But, if you're a diehard front derailleur user, fear not, the Sight is front derailleur compatible and can be setup with S3 mount side-swing derailleurs. Other spec highlights include RockShox Boost forks throughout the range, as well as 35mm clamp bars and stems.

Here's what Norco says about the new Sight:

Meet the All-New Norco Sight Carbon

Port Coquitlam, BC (January 25, 2017) – Introduced today, the 2017 Norco Sight Carbon features a new frame redesigned around both 650b and 29” wheels, with updated modern All-Mountain geometry and improved suspension kinematics.

Building on the best qualities of the previous generation Sight, our engineers applied their evolved geometry philosophy to redesign the frame from the ground up, and to introduce a 29er with the same fit and nearly identical handling characteristics as the Killer B. The result is a versatile trail killer with longer, lower, and slacker geometry to suit modern All-Mountain riding styles, and a new A.R.T. Suspension system for improved suspension performance.

To achieve the renowned fit and handling of the Killer B in a 29er platform, the 29er is designed around the same rear center lengths, with a longer front center, steeper head tube angle, shorter stem, and 10mm less travel front and rear to offset the characteristics of the larger wheels. Although the stack and reach measurements of a Sight 650b and 29er will differ, when stem length is incorporated (a measurement Norco engineers call Reach Plus and Stack Plus), the fit between the two platforms is identical.

The Sight Carbon 29er is available in the widest possible size range without compromising the geometry, fit, and handling. Whether you prefer the quick acceleration and playfulness of 650b wheels or the improved rollover and momentum of a 29er - the Sight Carbon offers riders choice without compromise.

Balanced climbing and descending capability combined with grin-inducing playfulness and nimble handling make the Sight the ideal accomplice on any aggressive All-Mountain ride. The dialed spec includes metric rear shocks, 1x drivetrains, integrated frame protection, wide tubeless-ready rims, stealth dropper posts, and other thoughtful details that make the Sight Carbon feel like a custom build, straight out of the box.

For more details, visit www.norco.com