2015 Norco Range 7.1 – NSMB Intern Bike

Ah, the 2015 murdered out Norco Range in all it’s glory. The 7.1 is the top end aluminum model, with the more expensive carbon models getting a little more bling.

The Range comes kitted with a Pike RC. Although it’s the low-end model, it still lives up to the Pike hype.

Mmm, Charger Damper. The compression dial goes from balls out descent to locked out climb mode.

Fox Float Evolution with CTD out back rounds out the Range’s suspension.

The Range come stock with the KS E-Ten post. At $175 it’s a very affordable dropper. I personally would have preferred at least 125mm of drop (the E-Ten is 100mm).

If you choose to run an internally routed aftermarket dropper, the option is there.

Gone is the welded HolloForm rocker, replaced by a bolted version. I haven’t noticed a stiffness compromise when compared to the 2013 model.

Direct mount Shimano Deore brakes with a 6″ rotor out back handle stopping duties.

A Shimano SLX derailleur with clutch manages the 10 cogs. After riding a bike without a clutch derailleur for half a year, it’s quite a relief to be clutched again.

RaceFace Evolve cranks keep things moving, with a 2x SRAM X-5 front derailleur. I’ve had my fair share of woes with the 2x system, and I secretly wish the bike was a 1 by. I guess it’s no longer a secret.

…however Shimano shifters for both the front and rear keep me happy. I’m a fan of Shimano’s index finger shifting option, and I find myself using both my thumb and index finger to trigger independent shifting duties.

Details like Norco’s in-house bars and stem help keep the price attractive. The aforementioned 780mm bar was too much for me – but cutting a bar is a lot easier than making it longer. There aren’t many companies spec’ing a bar this wide on a bike like this – especially at this price point. Well played Norco.

Sun Inferno 27’s matched to the shore favourite Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires.

There is ample room for a bottle cage on the medium frame.

A low pivot 4-bar linkage for the rear end. Norco calls this the ART (Advanced Ride Technology), and each model has a different pivot location to suit its riding purpose.

I’ve had some problems with the cable actuator not returning to it’s original position, resulting in the seat slowly dropping as I sat down. It’s gotten better with a little WD-40, but alas this wasn’t a permanent fix.

Norco’s in-house grips lasted about 3 weeks, but grips are meant to be changed.

Taller riders will rejoice at the XL option.

There you have it. This model (the 7.1) comes in at $3580. The affordable aluminum Range 7.2 is $2550, while the carbon models range (hehe) from $4015 to $8240 – with the carbon framekit sitting at $2995. Expect to see these hit the shop floor at the end of October.