2019 Norco Aurum HSP1 Bike

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During the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions, the Norco Aurum HSP went head-to-head with four other leading bikes. What follows are our thoughts specific to the Aurum HSP. Be sure to check out the main feature for an in-depth comparison video, timed testing results, and more.

Highlights

• Available in 27.5 (tested) and 29-inch models
• Carbon frame with size-scaled tubing
• 200mm (7.9-inches) front and rear travel
• High single-pivot suspension design with an idler pulley
• Metric trunnion shock with bearings
• 225x75mm (27.5) // 225x70mm (29) rear shock
• Gravity Tune: Chainstay length increases proportionately to front-end length
• Integrated frame protection throughout, including shuttle guard
• External cable routing
• Includes 0, 4, and 8mm reach adjust headset cups
• Integrated seat collar
• Press fit bottom bracket with lower two ISCG 05 mounts
• 12x142mm rear axle
• Measured Weight: 35.6-pounds (16.2kg, stock tires, without pedals)
• Size Tested: M/L with stock 0mm reach adjust cup
• Model Tested: HSP1
• MSRP: $7,999 USD
• More Info: www.norco.com

Strengths

When the going gets rough and fast, the Norco Aurum HSP excels. While some of the other bikes failed to provide confidence while pinning a 24-inch-wide, rough ski-run traverse going 30mph, the Aurum calmed the nerves thanks to its high single-pivot (HSP) design. The platform has a very rearward axle path which lengthens the wheelbase when the suspension is compressed, improving stability, bump absorption, and rear wheel traction. The idler pulley isolates the chain, minimizing pedal kickback and creating an ultra-supple, smooth, confidence inspiring machine that loves to point and shoot.

Decisions have to be made, and sometimes there is no other option but to send a feature to flat instead of braking. When huck mode is engaged and the Aurum was fully compressed, it remained composed, ready, and willing to attack the next section. Smooth sailing through the rough stuff allowed us to conserve energy for the rest of the track, and the roomy cockpit provided a balanced riding position.

Norco is head-and-shoulders above the competition when it comes to their suspension setup and tuning guide. Not only did this guide teach us that we're endomorphs, but it also discusses how to dial the bike in for a wide variety of body types and terrain.

On the tech side, Norco's Gravity Tune is compelling. Their bikes are tailored to ensure ideal fore and aft weight distribution by having different chainstay lengths across the size range. This is rarely seen and is a large investment for a company to make, showing Norco’s commitment to its craft and customers. Reach adjust headset cups are included to dial things in even further.

We also dig the shuttle guard on the downtube, external routing for ease of maintenance, gloss with matte finish, dialed build kit, and integrated seat post clamp.

Weaknesses

Norco likes to compare the Aurum HSP to a trophy truck with similar ride characteristics, and we believe this is an accurate description. The coil rear shock affirms the character of the bike. This analogy also makes sense when taking this bruiser into tight, technical sections, and thinking about driving a trophy truck on an F1 road track. The bike's inability to deviate from line choice and adjust direction made for a clumsy, delayed ride when speeds slowed down. In tight, twisty berms and lippy jumps, things felt forced, slow, and sluggish.

This Aurum wasn't a bike that we could just hop on and feel one with straight away. Like any good relationship, there are compromises that need to be made, and riders will have to tailor their riding style to meet the needs of this machine.

Due to the rearward axle path, the bike rides heavier than it is and can be a handful to manual. Though the suspension analysis speaks well of this machine in terms of pedaling performance, rotating all of those chain links certainly isn’t as easy as others. Don’t skip leg day!

Suggested upgrades for a few hundred dollars: Tire inserts and slightly smaller diameter grips

Geometry

Suspension Analysis

Using the bike industry's leading linkage analysis software, André Santos was able to determine a close approximation of the Aurum HSP's kinematics for the purpose of this review. Though they don't always tell the full story, these charts provide great insight into several key factors that impact how it rides.

André's Observations:

• The Norco Aurum HSP has a very progressive rear suspension at 80% progressivity with a lot of ramp-up effect in the final part of the travel. Therefore, this bike will offer a bottomless feeling on bigger impacts.
• Very good pedaling efficiency with approximately 140% anti-squat on all rear cogs with a 34-tooth chainring.
• Virtually zero chain growth and no pedal-kickback due to the idler placed almost concentrically with the main pivot.
• Due to the high-pivot design, the Aurum HSP has a very rearward axle path with a total of 40mm of rearward horizontal travel. The initial part of the travel has a steepness angle of 65º (which matches with the front fork angle).
• Anti-rise is quite high at near 140% due to the high main pivot, meaning that the rear suspension slightly squats with rear braking forces. This will help to reduce forward pitching of the bike during braking.
• Overall, Norco's high-pivot linkage offers a very progressive suspension design, great pedaling efficiency with zero chain-growth, and a very rearward axle path.

Vital's preferred suspension settings for a 175-pound rider on stock components: 21% sag with 400 lb/in spring // Compression 4-clicks from closed

What's The Bottom Line?

The Norco Aurum HSP will thrive on World Cup-style race courses that are flat-out rough with ludicrous speeds. Looking at the aesthetics of this bike, it just screams fast. Search elsewhere if you want a bike that is fun on the whole mountain, as the Aurum HSP is a demanding daily driver that needs extra effort to ride to its full potential. It is a purebred racehorse with only one focus: going as fast as possible. For high-level racers whose focus is similar, this could be the steed for you.

Visit www.norco.com and the Vital MTB 27.5 DH Test Sessions feature for more details.

Vital MTB Rating

About The Testers

Brian Buell - Age: 31 // Years Riding: 25+ // Height: 6'1" (1.85m) // Weight: 180-pounds (81.6kg)

Brian is kind of like Uncle Rico – even though he has a titanium rod in his tibia and is continuously trying to avoid obtaining a dad bod, he delusionaly daydreams of World Cup racing glory. That thought process transfers to the trail. Whether building trail, coaching on them, or just trying to recapture the glory days between the tape, he’s always in search of the racer line. Known for "Buelling" his bikes, Brian sometimes puts a serious hurt on parts pushing them to their limits. Although the Collegiate National Championship sweater vest jersey is collecting dust somewhere, whenever it’s time to race against the clock or perform for the camera you can bet he’s fully pinned putting it all on the line for you!

Brandon Turman - Age: 32 // Years Riding: 17 // Height: 5'10" (1.78m) // Weight: 175-pounds (79.4kg)

"I like to have fun, pop off the bonus lines on the sides of the trail, get aggressive when I feel in tune with a bike, and really mash on the pedals and open it up when pointed downhill." Formerly a mechanical engineer and Pro downhill racer, Brandon brings a unique perspective to the testing game as Vital MTB's resident product guy. He has on-trail familiarity with nearly every new innovation in our sport from the past several years and a really good feel for what’s what.

Test Sessions was made possible with the help of Angel Fire Bike Park, Maxxis, and LITPro. Tester gear provided by Troy Lee Designs, Fasthouse, and Five Ten.

Photos by Sean Horton // Videos by Jake VanHeel and Brandon Turman