Norco has always been high on my list for trail bikes that really interest me and with the previous Range being a Dirt 100 pick there is no need to question why this 29er is here in the Dirty Dozen..

Words: Ieaun Williams, Sean White  Images: Ieuan Williams

With the likes of Bryn Atkinson, Jill Kintner and the DH team of Joe smith and Sam Blenkinsop there are some real names to help with the development of the new Range 29er and any other new bike that is to come from Norco.

For 2018 Norco has addressed sizing with the new much more up to date fit. The extra large size bike’s reach at 483mm is a welcome revision compared to the previous model, which only ran up to a size large. The 29” wheels are also a new addition to the latest Range model (and run alongside the 27.5″/650B option) and the 150mm travel frame is paired with a 160mm fork. A 65.5° head angle, size specific chainstay lengths and 40mm stock stem lengths give strong hints on this bike’s intentions. This fits nicely into what we here at Dirt feel is a modern enduro bike. Long travel, good chassis size and 29” wheelset.

With three sizes on offer from medium to extra large the height range seems to be covered. Our size large test bike feels spot on for riders around and just over the six foot mark.

There are also three specification choices bit this seems to change depending on where you are buying the bike. Three specs in Canada and the US then over in Europe only the mid range bike and top build can be purchased. In the UK on the other hand Norco only offers one build and this is what we have here. With a full round up of SRAM equipment being backed up by some E-13 hoops it’s not lacking that’s for sure.