2021 Norco Optic Review: A Fun Mid-Travel Trail Bike [Mid-Travel Mashup]

Norco's latest rendition of the Optic takes the 29-inch wheeled trail bike to 125mm of rear travel with a 140mm fork, available in carbon only with aluminum chainstays. For the Mid-Travel Mashup we tested a medium Optic with the C2 build, equipped with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, Shimano 4-piston brakes, Vittoria tires, a RockShox Pike fork and a Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock for $5,000. This lightweight bike weighed 30.3 lbs (tested). The Optic proved to be a fast and efficient climber that trades a supportive feel for some sensitivity. The bike floats up buff climbs but doesn't track as well as some others going up rocky trails. Suspension feel going downhill felt similar and we had the most fun with the Optic on fast flow trails. Steering is sharp for a fun, fast, and agile bike that encourages play. People who want a trail bike that will handle near everything, and love jumping, carving, and manualing will love the light, poppy, and supportive feel of the Optic. Pros -Very supportive pedaling platform makes it an efficient climber -Lightweight and do-almost-everything trail bike -Great looks and fun on flow trails Cons -Not the best bike for real rocky or technical trails -Brakes could be better -Suspension can feel too progressive at times 0:00 Introduction 0:37 Geometry 1:23 Climbing 3:28 Descending 5:10 Build Kit 6:13 Who This Bike is For Read the detailed bike review at: https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear... See the other trail bikes we tested here: https://www.singletracks.com/MTM #Norco #bikereview #mountainbike -- Follow Singletracks: On the Web: https://www.singletracks.com/​​​​ Facebook:   / singletracksmtb​​​​   Instagram:   / singletracks​   Twitter:   / singletrackscom​​​​   Get Merch: https://shop.singletracks.com/