Except for the aluminum chainstay, the frame is made entirely of carbon. It even offers space for a bottle cage, but this should be accessible from the side. The damping is provided by a Rock Shox "Lyric RC SA" with 160 millimeters, while the Rock Shox "Super Deluxe RC3" rear shock ensures peace and quiet. Deceleration is provided by Sram Guide RS brakes, while the Eagle X01 groupset ensures fast and worry-free shifting. Other details that caught our eye and impressed us: The cable routing and attachment is top notch - nothing rattles or rattles. The down tube as well as the chain and seat stays are fitted with robust impact protectors, the carbon frame is grateful. The rebound on the RS Deluxe shock can be easily adjusted while riding via a large dial on the top. This is pleasing and invites you to try it out.

The setup: We rode the "Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 WT" and "Minion DHF 2.5 WT 3C Maxx Terra" tires at 1.65 bar. The rear shock was given 25 percent negative travel and the fork 28 percent to make optimum use of the travel.

Peace of mind lies in speed

Sit up and drive off, finally! The steering angle of the Range is slightly slacker than its predecessor, the wheelbase is longer and, as with all new Norco models, the so-called "Gravity Tune" has also been implemented here. With this, the rear triangle becomes five millimeters longer as the frame size increases. But can you feel all this when riding? We can answer this with a counter question: "Have you ever tried to do a wheelie with the Range?". It takes a strong pull on the handlebars and a courageous shift of weight to the rear to move the front wheel towards the sky. The bike is definitely designed to run smoothly at high speeds. Nevertheless, you also feel comfortable on trails with quick changes of direction. There is no trace of sluggishness.

The weight of 14.45 kilograms including pedals is more than acceptable for a bike of this type. If you had to estimate the weight, it would be closer to 13.5 kilograms. To our astonishment, this bike climbs very well. Even longer climbs are not difficult. The Range also converts powerful acceleration into good propulsion. When pedaling out of the saddle, you'll be glad of the adjustable suspension elements. When pedaling in a seated position, however, you only feel a slight bobbing - even with the shock completely open - so that it usually remains open for the benefit of traction.

Strong chassis

The bike shows its true strengths in the Range's showpiece discipline: destroying vertical meters. It flies elegantly over obstacles and steps, circles around corners and often leaves the brakes untouched where they would otherwise be pulled frantically. On steep sections, we find ourselves shifting our weight far back, even though the bike doesn't yet demand it. The reserves are huge, but we learn quickly, adopt a more aggressive stance and enjoy the descent.

The shock is particularly noticeable. The shock absorbers from Rock Shox had already impressed us with their fine response. However, the new Deluxe shocks have taken another significant step forward. In the range, the Super Deluxe RC3 harmonizes perfectly with the A.R.T. suspension system and delights with a high degree of sensitivity and suppleness as well as a perfectly tuned end progression.

Conclusion

The Norco Range 9.2 (9.2 = 29 inch, second best model) is definitely a blast. Just as visually impressive as it is in use. No real weaknesses: No real weaknesses, and the price of 5,899 francs is also perfectly acceptable. So if you're looking for an enduro bike with which you can manage longer bike tours without shuttles and lifts and still let it rip downhill, you'll be more than happy with the Range 9.2.

Specifications

Manufacturer: www.norco.com