Norco's all-mountain classic "Sight" was already a great bike in the old version and the Canadians have gone one better with the new one. But not everyone can or wants to afford a carbon frame, which is why Norco has added two interestingly priced aluminum models. The A1 in size M and with 29-inch wheels looks practically the same as its carbon fiber brother. Only its welding scars and slight differences in the shock mount give away the light alloy core. However, Norco has managed to transfer the curves of the carbon frame almost completely to the aluminum frame.

The A1, the more expensive model of the two light alloy Sights, comes with Sram's GX1 Eagle groupset and Float Performance suspension elements from Fox. The latter offer the bike 130 millimeters of travel at the rear and 140 at the front - not too much for an all-mountain bike. The Sight is also equipped with an Aeffect dropper post, Aeffect stem and Turbine handlebars from Race Face as well as STP aluminum rims from WTB, which are covered with Maxxis Minion tires. All in all, a rock-solid and reasonably priced set of equipment, which, together with the frame, results in a total weight of 14.7 kilograms.

Surprise on the climb

Of course, more than 14 kilograms is not a particularly good weight for an all-mountain bike, but you shouldn't let that put you off. The riding position of the Sight is very comfortable and thanks to the 74.5 degree steep seat angle, the power from the calves also reaches the wheels. You still can't get rid of the weight, but at least it feels like less. Longer climbs are therefore just as feasible as technical trails uphill. Only when it gets steep does the body's center of gravity have to move a little more forward to keep the front wheel on the ground.


The Sight A1 is affected by the drive, albeit only slightly and at a high cadence. Uphill, however, they are hardly noticeable. Sensitive pedal riders will find that closing the shock will calm the system down sufficiently. Interestingly, accelerating out of the saddle has even less influence on the suspension, which has a very positive effect on propulsion. The frame is also sufficiently laterally stiff, although not quite comparable with the carbon version.

Less is more

Like all Norco bikes, the Sight also has pronounced downhill genes. The fact that the bike only has 130 millimetres of suspension travel is completely forgotten. The Fox DPX2 shock is also very well tuned. More than the negative suspension travel - 20 percent at the front and rear - and the rebound do not need to be adjusted. The suspension feels like it offers significantly more travel, as it irons out more than you might expect. The fact that there is only 130 millimeters of travel is particularly noticeable when you need the counter-pressure when jumping or riding berms. The rear suspension supports the rider with harmonious end progression from the last third of the travel.

We rate the response of the rear suspension as super. It responds very sensitively to every bump, no matter how subtle, and can also easily cope with fast sequences of hits. The Fox Float 36 suspension fork from the Performance range doesn't have many adjustment options, but in terms of functionality it has nothing to hide. The fork should only have a touch more progression ex works.
Despite its weight, the Sight A1 rides playfully and is easy to maneuver. At the same time, the 29-inch wheels give you a bit of confidence - for example on rough terrain. But the all-mountain bike also holds up well in fast sections.

Conclusion

With the Sight A1 29, Norco shows that even an inexpensive bike can, or rather should, have great suspension. Apart from the deductions due to the weight and when riding up steep hills, there is nothing to complain about: A cool all-mountain bike that doesn't have to shy away from tough descents.

Specifications

Manufacturer: www.norco.com, www.indiansummer.ch

Test report published in issue 01/2018 of Ride Magazine.