Norco Bikes

[cheese4brains]

I was in Erik's over the weekend, and one of the sales guys was recommending the Norco Charger as a good bike in the $500-800 range. He also recommended a Cannondale F400 and non-specific level of Specialized Rockhopper.

First question - has anyone had first-hand experience with Norco? I'd never heard of Norco, but apparently they are very well known in Canada, and have a reputation for building solid, sturdy bikes.

Second question - F400, Norco Charger or Rockhopper - which, in your opinion, is the better bike? I'd ride all three before making a decision, but I doubt they'll let me take it out for a 3 hour ride, so opinions are always welcome. :)

[danger!]

I've got a Norco VPS 4by4that I bought a couple of months ago. I first heard of them by combing pinkbike and dropmachine forums, and started noticing that almost everyone in Canada was riding Norcos. I don't know about the model you are looking at, but the VPS FS bikes use the FSR rear link suspension design licensed from Specialized, so, they are basically Canada's version of Specialized. i have been very happy with my bike so far, norco seems to spec their bikes with really good parts, and the frame is very burly, and nicely built. I would not hesitate to get a Norco if you like the way it rides. One thing to consider: if you find that you want to get the Norco, you can find a bike shop in Canada to order it from, that way the exchange rate is in your favor. I ordered mine, and got an originally $2300 bike for $950(it is a 2002 model) .

Hope this helps.

-Dan

[cheese4brains]

Originally posted by danger!
I've got a Norco VPS 4by4that I bought a couple of months ago.

Thanks, Dan. What model do you have? I don't see a 4x4 on Norco's website:

http://www.norco.com/bikes/2002bikes/northshore.htm

I work for a Canadian company and occasionally make the trip up to Ottawa. Erik's carries Norco's locally, but they only carry one model and it appears as they are the exclusive distributor regionally. I may just take a few for a spin next time I'm up in Ottawa - and purchasing there may be a good option if I'm happy.

Thanks for the advice!

[Kingbozo]

but they only carry one model

They have more than one model at the St Louis Park store

[danger!]

It's in the "supercross" section of the site:

http://www.norco.com/bikes/2002bikes/vps4by4.htm



Originally posted by cheese4brains
Thanks, Dan. What model do you have? I don't see a 4x4 on Norco's website:

http://www.norco.com/bikes/2002bikes/northshore.htm

I work for a Canadian company and occasionally make the trip up to Ottawa. Erik's carries Norco's locally, but they only carry one model and it appears as they are the exclusive distributor regionally. I may just take a few for a spin next time I'm up in Ottawa - and purchasing there may be a good option if I'm happy.

Thanks for the advice!

[manual63]

I know NORCO for their Freeride line which is one of the best out there with a large selection of Hardtails, like my P.2, and FS freerides.

As for their other bikes, I would guess they would compare with any other quality brand. Your decision should be based on how you feel on the bike and quality of componets. NORCO is as good a brand as Specialized or Cannondale, but they also make inexpensive low end bikes, like Specialize and Cannondale, too. When I was in Canada, I saw a ton of NORCO's, but none would be one any of us would want to ride. The $500-800 range is a borderline price range, unless the bikes have a good discount, between some not so good and durable Shimano components, but good enough as an entry level mountain bike for off-road use.