Norco six-1 vs R/M switch 2

Of the two bikes, I would pick the Norco. Solid, reliable, good bang for the buck.

If I may make a suggestion, take a look at the Cannondale Gemini 600, or 900. Both are in the 35 pound range (for a 7-7), are wonderful going up or downhill, and have an excellent price point ($1799USD, and $2299USD MSRP). I recently purchased a 900 over the Norco and RM, and couldn't be happier with it.

If you're going to climb a fair bit (sounds like it) then you might want to stay away from frames with interrupted seat tubes like the switch and six. I do lots of climbing on big and small bikes, and I find that proper leg extension is just as important as weight, probably even more important. Telescoping seat posts certainly help but I find they don't work all that well and usually still don't give full leg extension.

Just my 2 cents.

I disagree.

I've got telescoping seatposts on both my Six and Team DH, both bikes give me full extension for climbing. It's a non-issue.

I disagree.

I've got telescoping seatposts on both my Six and Team DH, both bikes give me full extension for climbing. It's a non-issue.

You beat me to it Dave. A telescopic post gives all the adjustment you need.

davet - that's good to hear. It may not be an issue for for Mike H. either, but it's something worth considering before plopping down $3k.

Mike - I'm a Canuck who's ridden South Mountain trails too and am about 160 lbs. Here's my review of the Norco Fluid One. With a beefier set of tires it will do what you want it to do and aid you in cleaning the waterfall

http://www.nsmb.com/gear/norco_fluid1_06_06.php

Lee,
I had actually already read your review.
I'm not sure that bike is what I'd like to move into.
I'm looking for something a little more descent oriented.
Something that'll take the constant pounding of Geronimo and morman.
As you know, these trails are more of a regged hiking trail, with zero maintaince… and are classified as pretty much unridable in sections.
My plan is to cruise up easier trails, then hook up and descend into my back yard, where both these end.

Thanks to all for the help.

Thanks for all your help guys.
I ended up purchasing a Rocky Mountain Switch 2.0 in a 16.5[HTML_REMOVED]#8221; frame.
I liked the weight of the Norco better, but, no dealers in Az. made me worrisome, as, I will defiantly need help with disk brakes and suspension[HTML_REMOVED]#8230; been a long time since I bought a bike.
I rode the Iron Horse 7point5 and the RM and the RM just felt right underneath me. Bonus was, Canadian made.

The review article on this web site was most helpful.

Thanks again.

Wow, I had no idea the switch was that heavy… Not a big fan of the slayer.

its not that heavy, i just weighed my switch S1 with a new 66 thats heavier than the dropoff it came with, and it was 39. i just got new DH tires tho, so that definitely makes it heavier, but its definitely not 46.

PS good choice :) have fun

its not that heavy, i just weighed my switch S1 with a new 66 thats heavier than the dropoff it came with, and it was 39. i just got new DH tires tho, so that definitely makes it heavier, but its definitely not 46.

PS good choice :) have fun

Weird..because I weighed mine with a digital scale that is accurate as accurate gets, and it was 46 lbs.

66VF, Bomber tires (awful) and bone stock.

hmmm… this made me very curious, so, I weighed mine.
picked up the bike, stood on the scales… 204.4lbs.
set bike down, got back on the scales….. 161.2lbs.
only modification is ritchy clipless pedals… 43.2lbs bike.

Bathroom scales are horribly inaccurate. I can get a 5lb difference just by shifting my weight from my heels to my toes, and ours is a good digital scale.

Corey weighed his on this:
http://www.ultimatesupport.com/s.nl/it.A/id.2851/.f?sc=21[HTML_REMOVED]category=61
I'd take it as being pretty accurate.

The weight will depend on the version - there can be up to a 2lb difference in frame weight.