Norco's engineers have not hesitated to internalize the 650b wheel innovation and introduce new bikes with it. According to Norco, 650b - or 27.5 inch - wheels are the golden mean, especially in the all-mountain and enduro segment. With the "Range Killer B" and "Sight Killer B", the developers have redesigned the frame and kinematics from the ground up and adapted them to the new wheel size. Canada's number one also claims that handling and acceleration are better than on the 26-inch model and that the wheels with medium tires offer higher speeds and rollover characteristics, almost like the 29er.

160 millimetres on the Range
There are three versions of the "Range Killer B" to choose from, each with a hydroformed aluminum frame. The 1 and 2 models have a Fox 34-650b fork in the tapered head tube and the shock also comes from Fox. The cheaper 3 model uses suspension elements from X Fusion. All three models are equipped with a double crankset and a chain guide. At 66.5 degrees, the steering angle is clearly downhill-friendly, the X12 thru-axle on the rear wheel provides stiffness in the rear triangle and the front derailleur is bolted to the seat tube using the direct mount method.

140 millimetres on the Sight
The "Sight Killer B" offers a choice of 140 millimetres at the front and rear for brilliant trail rides. The new bike rolls off-road in three versions. The steering angle of 67.5 makes the bike agile, and the frames are each made of elaborately hydroformed aluminum. Bionicon's C-Guide chain guide is used to ensure that the drivetrain remains calm even on rough downhill terrain, unless the inexpensive 3-seater model does without it.

For a first look, Norco can be found at Eurobike 2012 in Hall B4, Stand 403.

www.norco.com