I love my new Forword Progresseon with it's 45° head angle and 90° seat angle, I can roll over boulders, cars, buildings and climb back up without even thinking about it using the optional titanium headtube-mounted winch
Really liking these vids! The best in terms of review out there in my opinion! The picture, production, and editing qualities are all awesome. Simple, clean yet really effective 👍
Same question - versus Spire? My guess based upon review is that Spire is easier to get up a hill but less playful but both descend about the same, maybe Range a bit smoother due to rearward path - but fairly equal descenders. Which is the better ALL AROUND big bike?
Keep in mind his climbing impressions are from climbing on the bike with DD MaxxGrip Assegais front and rear, which add SOO much resistance. But if the Spire was compared with similar tires then it would be a pretty fair comparison.
I'd say pretty similar review however I feel the range would be better in far gnarlier steeper terrain, don't feel this trail shows the ranges potential. So many good bikes on the market. I want to know how this compares to specialized enduro as I might pull the trigger!
@@scottmtb122 I know i'm responding over a month late but the trail he's riding is named "double black" and that connects to "double down" and unless you've ridden it in person (which i have, multiple times) you'd be surprised by how gnarly that trail really is... especially at the high speeds he's riding it at. i can promise you, even though the range probably wants even gnarlier terrain, double black to double down is PLENTY gnarly for 99% of riders.
@@trailreviews3628 can't understand how the Spire would be 'less capable', or why you'd think it's 'not worth it', or really why you'd base your opinion on that of a rep who works for a competing company. If you've ridden both then I'd love to hear about the pros and cons of them both? otherwise I'll wait to hear from a professional reviewer thanks anyway....
@@shaybull4538 plus when Pinkbike goes crazy about a brand you know they aren’t the biggest fan of, you know it’s an amazing bike. Pinkbike doesn’t like the poppy nature of Norco, so I was surprised as they rated it very highly. I haven’t seen negative reviews of this bike and after riding it I can see why
@@trailreviews3628 Appreciate the honest review here. When you say neither bike can jump, are you talking steeper lip dirt jump style trails (like some of Galbraith)? I'd imagine both bike are fine on big flat bike park jumps like A-line?
2 questions: (1) how would you compare the norco to the evil wreckoning, (2) how tall are you? Seems like you generally ride "large" size bikes? Thanks!
I have not ridden the Range, nor the Wreckoning, but have spent some time on the brand new Insurgent which shares similar geo and the same front triangle. At the moment I'm on a Forbidden Druid so I have experienced the characteristics of a high-pivot system first hand. The Insurgent and the Wreckoning are awesome bikes in that despite being very long travel, they have short chainstays. This makes them rather nimble and more fun on less extreme trails. On the other hand, the range has very long chainstays, which due to the nature of a high pivot grow significantly as you go through the travel. As a result, I predict that the Norco feels like a bit of a pig on anything but the most gnarly of trails. I think it's also worth noting that contrary to Evil, the Norco would feel nearly impossible to manual. The Norco also has slightly more extreme Geo, once again...I think it would be in it's element on technical descents. In comparing the two suspension systems, Delta feels more "poppy" yet still bottomless. Where as a high-pivot is less poppy, and you cant push into it in the same way, but eats up chunk like no other. Simply put the the Wreckoning is the type of bike that suits the rider who rides 65-70% DH type trails. Where as the Norco seems like it would better suit somebody who rides park 6 days a week and then pedals up to a double black on Sundays. In regards to sizing, despite manufacturer recommendations I think it's based on personal preference. A larger longer bike is always going to be more stable, and a medium easier to manage and more nimble. I'm 5'10 and often find myself on a large (I swap bikes like every two months lol) but would take the Norco in a medium and the Evil in a large. Hope that helps...
I have asked this on most reviews… range vs enduro!? I know it’s subjective but all the same superlatives (minus the slow climbing) was used for the enduro reviews
Range plows even better than the Enduro but doesn’t feel soft at all while doing it. It’s poppier than the Enduro too. Landing jumps is way more stable / planted. Climbing is a solid 10% slower than the Enduro (compared strava segments… I’m pretty confident in that figure for me at least) but it’s a comfortable position and there’s plenty of traction through uphill tech sections. If you’re a winch & plummet rider where climbing is just a means to an end, I think the Range is for sure the call. If you actually race enduro though, I’d say maybe stick with the Enduro as the Range could really zap you over a full day of climbing unless you’re extra fit. Hope that helps!
Frame wise - high-pivot "horst" link has been WAY overdue. Have ridden both Appalache Real + Lahar and they are great but the Real without the floating brake was skippy as shit if you even touch the rear brake.
Hey, did you use the ride aligned settings from the start on? or did yu tgry to get you individual settings of the suspension? I am using the ride alligned setttings but i have the feeling they are a little harsch, not that plush and soft, like you descripe it in your video.
What is the name of this trail and where is it? Looks like the greatest trail in the world. I would love to rip down that trail no matter what it takes.
How does it compare to the wreckoning? Sounds like it’s a much rougher climber but climbablity has also been my biggest concern behind getting a wreckoning too.
In the video with the Wreckoning he's very surprised by the climbing abilities. Something that caught my eye was also the speed going up vs how tired he sounded, in this one sounds like he's really getting tired... and also on the downhill section the few uphill sections he encounters starts going super slow really quick. My impression obv.
@@baileycorona1133 that's everyone right now, every time a new bike appears I am trying to convince myself that is better than the Wrecko. The new Pivot Firebird for example, just waiting that one out to drop and then have the same mental game again and again haha.
Hi, I noticed you said that the anti-rise gives a good feel over braking bumps almost like they’re not there. What are the anti rise properties? Does it extent under braking?
Even with carbon frame this thing is 37lbs. That's like an aluminum Commencal or heavier. I can say that the idler on my Druid doesn't really offer any noticeable resistance (1% as tested), so I'd venture a guess you're dealing more with tire and bike heft.
I have one on order! How poppy and playful is the bike? I’m really in between this and the Patrol. I ride lots of fast east coast jank but I also want to be able to really party at the park. Thoughts?
Did you say you ran your rebound full open? I usually run mine a little fast, but I might try opening it up even more with this bike... it certainly is a weapon on the downhills! Did you find your body position felt more stable/centered through technical descents? That was my favorite thing about the bike; like you were always set up to get playful with it, no matter how gnarly the terrain.
Yes, I like running faster rebound on all of my bikes. I think I tend to run a bit more sag and faster rebound. The weight distribution on this bike is killer. You can really mob while being in one position. I rode this on a much gnarlier trail that I can't film on on the Range absolutely devoured it.
37 pounds.....the DD/DH tires account for 3-4 lbs of that over a standard casing DHF/Assegai. The much longer dropper is definitely 100-200 grams more there, then the 38 forks are the heaviest single crown's on the market at just shy of 1200 grams (a 36, or Lyrik is like 200 grams less). Then the DHX2 shock has a standard Fox spring, not the SLS, so there is a few hundred grams...But to be frank, this bike is meant to go DOWN, but has the geo to go UP. So the weight penalty is rather substantiated. Running lighter casing tires, an SLS spring and a Lyrik/36 would probably drop it down to around 31-32 lbs.
Difference between EXO and DD is ~300g each tire, so 600g on the whole. 100g for SLS, 200 for Lyrik/36, you're dropping 2 pounds and selling the bike short on the way down. The spec is pretty much perfect on this build. Just deal with the weight on the climbs. To a point, it's actually a help on the way down, too.
Was a little apprehensive when buying this with the few negative reviews on here, but this was exactly the kind of bike I was looking for. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv I plan to ride it on paved roadways and trails, and wanted a "Grocery Getter" so to speak. After receiving it (without any damage), I had it out of the box, and fully assembled in about 30 minutes. I did not have to look at the manual, and I'm glad because I did look at it after I got it together, and it looks like it's a manual for several different styles. I did have to adjust the breaks and gear shifters, but that's been my experience with every bike I've owned. There was one review in particular that made me nervous, saying it was not meant for someone 6'4", it was too short. Well I'm 6'5" (230lbs) with a 36" inseam, and can tell you this bike fits perfectly, granted the seat is in it's highest safe position. I've only had it for 3 days so far, and if things change I will update my review, but I put 26 miles on it so far, and it rides like a dream. Very comfortable seating position. The front suspension is good for the occasional rock or bump you hit on asphalt, but this bike is not made to be taken off road, and I'm OK with that. I was particularly happy to see the wheels were trued perfectly. I was expecting to have to take them in and have them trued at a local bike shop, as I've had to do with all my past bike purchases, but in this case they were already in great shape. For the money, this is an awesome bike.
The way the dropper cable is routed it likes to tap on the bottom of the seat tube (unless you're really careful with routing). I change my post insertion depth often so I just put a little bit of that Jagwire housing foam on it and the noise went away.
I love my new Forword Progresseon with it's 45° head angle and 90° seat angle, I can roll over boulders, cars, buildings and climb back up without even thinking about it using the optional titanium headtube-mounted winch
Really liking these vids! The best in terms of review out there in my opinion! The picture, production, and editing qualities are all awesome. Simple, clean yet really effective 👍
Dude, I know it's a cliche but your ride reveals are next level.
Thanks for the review.. you are one the best riders I've ever seen.. so talented
Two questions: (1) what's rattling? (2) How do strong together cogent sentences while travelling at warp speed through those ferns? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Its the chain.
sounds like it could be cable rattle inside the frame, but that could be solved with some foam tubing around the housing
Same question - versus Spire? My guess based upon review is that Spire is easier to get up a hill but less playful but both descend about the same, maybe Range a bit smoother due to rearward path - but fairly equal descenders. Which is the better ALL AROUND big bike?
Keep in mind his climbing impressions are from climbing on the bike with DD MaxxGrip Assegais front and rear, which add SOO much resistance. But if the Spire was compared with similar tires then it would be a pretty fair comparison.
I'd say pretty similar review however I feel the range would be better in far gnarlier steeper terrain, don't feel this trail shows the ranges potential. So many good bikes on the market. I want to know how this compares to specialized enduro as I might pull the trigger!
@@scottmtb122 I know i'm responding over a month late but the trail he's riding is named "double black" and that connects to "double down" and unless you've ridden it in person (which i have, multiple times) you'd be surprised by how gnarly that trail really is... especially at the high speeds he's riding it at. i can promise you, even though the range probably wants even gnarlier terrain, double black to double down is PLENTY gnarly for 99% of riders.
@@dash0173 And he just casually gives reviews as he's shredding down as if he were sitting on the couch with his feet on the coffee table. Unreal!
Thoughts about this compared to the Spire?
came to ask exactly the same question!
@@trailreviews3628 can't understand how the Spire would be 'less capable', or why you'd think it's 'not worth it', or really why you'd base your opinion on that of a rep who works for a competing company. If you've ridden both then I'd love to hear about the pros and cons of them both? otherwise I'll wait to hear from a professional reviewer thanks anyway....
Id say this because high pivot is amazing
@@shaybull4538 plus when Pinkbike goes crazy about a brand you know they aren’t the biggest fan of, you know it’s an amazing bike. Pinkbike doesn’t like the poppy nature of Norco, so I was surprised as they rated it very highly. I haven’t seen negative reviews of this bike and after riding it I can see why
@@trailreviews3628 Appreciate the honest review here. When you say neither bike can jump, are you talking steeper lip dirt jump style trails (like some of Galbraith)? I'd imagine both bike are fine on big flat bike park jumps like A-line?
Anyone else notice how his saddle is slammed forward beyond its limits
Nice ride and review, sweet bike
Hi. Can you please make a review on a Nukeproof Mega 290 or Giga 290?
Love the word game at 10:12 😬🤣👌
2 questions: (1) how would you compare the norco to the evil wreckoning, (2) how tall are you? Seems like you generally ride "large" size bikes? Thanks!
I have not ridden the Range, nor the Wreckoning, but have spent some time on the brand new Insurgent which shares similar geo and the same front triangle. At the moment I'm on a Forbidden Druid so I have experienced the characteristics of a high-pivot system first hand. The Insurgent and the Wreckoning are awesome bikes in that despite being very long travel, they have short chainstays. This makes them rather nimble and more fun on less extreme trails. On the other hand, the range has very long chainstays, which due to the nature of a high pivot grow significantly as you go through the travel. As a result, I predict that the Norco feels like a bit of a pig on anything but the most gnarly of trails. I think it's also worth noting that contrary to Evil, the Norco would feel nearly impossible to manual. The Norco also has slightly more extreme Geo, once again...I think it would be in it's element on technical descents. In comparing the two suspension systems, Delta feels more "poppy" yet still bottomless. Where as a high-pivot is less poppy, and you cant push into it in the same way, but eats up chunk like no other. Simply put the the Wreckoning is the type of bike that suits the rider who rides 65-70% DH type trails. Where as the Norco seems like it would better suit somebody who rides park 6 days a week and then pedals up to a double black on Sundays.
In regards to sizing, despite manufacturer recommendations I think it's based on personal preference. A larger longer bike is always going to be more stable, and a medium easier to manage and more nimble. I'm 5'10 and often find myself on a large (I swap bikes like every two months lol) but would take the Norco in a medium and the Evil in a large.
Hope that helps...
what camera was this shot on
Hero 7 with karma gimbal on chest mount. 4K 24fps, Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.
How does it compare to the spire or specialized enduro?
I have asked this on most reviews… range vs enduro!? I know it’s subjective but all the same superlatives (minus the slow climbing) was used for the enduro reviews
Range plows even better than the Enduro but doesn’t feel soft at all while doing it. It’s poppier than the Enduro too. Landing jumps is way more stable / planted. Climbing is a solid 10% slower than the Enduro (compared strava segments… I’m pretty confident in that figure for me at least) but it’s a comfortable position and there’s plenty of traction through uphill tech sections. If you’re a winch & plummet rider where climbing is just a means to an end, I think the Range is for sure the call. If you actually race enduro though, I’d say maybe stick with the Enduro as the Range could really zap you over a full day of climbing unless you’re extra fit. Hope that helps!
@@shanecurnyn4612 wow perfect answer man thank you! Definatly seems like a bike i want to try.
Whats that sound its like the bike is breaking up
I want one!!
Rear end sounds clunky?!?
I hope you will review Santa Cruz Nomad ...
Ohlins meta am . Gonna love that 🤩
Dream bike
Frame wise - high-pivot "horst" link has been WAY overdue. Have ridden both Appalache Real + Lahar and they are great but the Real without the floating brake was skippy as shit if you even touch the rear brake.
New bronson!!!?
It’s coming! A few weeks out.
Can you do a mondraker superfoxy or foxy review
What’s with the saddle position ? Frame too large for the rider ?
I would really like to see a review on the new bronson mx?!
Stay tuned...its coming real soon!
Awesome flowy trail...where is it?
Hey, is that chainsap heard in some sections? Can it be silenced appropriately? Tnx
Hey,
did you use the ride aligned settings from the start on? or did yu tgry to get you individual settings of the suspension?
I am using the ride alligned setttings but i have the feeling they are a little harsch, not that plush and soft, like you descripe it in your video.
What is the name of this trail and where is it? Looks like the greatest trail in the world. I would love to rip down that trail no matter what it takes.
What trail was this? Looks amazing. Thank you.
How does it compare to the wreckoning? Sounds like it’s a much rougher climber but climbablity has also been my biggest concern behind getting a wreckoning too.
In the video with the Wreckoning he's very surprised by the climbing abilities. Something that caught my eye was also the speed going up vs how tired he sounded, in this one sounds like he's really getting tired... and also on the downhill section the few uphill sections he encounters starts going super slow really quick. My impression obv.
@@fabian12369139 Felt the same way... At this point im just trying to talk myself out of a wreckoning until I can actually find one to buy
@@baileycorona1133 that's everyone right now, every time a new bike appears I am trying to convince myself that is better than the Wrecko. The new Pivot Firebird for example, just waiting that one out to drop and then have the same mental game again and again haha.
How would you compare this to Transition Spire? And which one do you prefer?
nice!!!! would you share your gopro settings, the video itself looks awesome!!!
Hero 7 with karma gimbal. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.
@@freehubmag fps?
How would this compare against the yeti sb150??
Hi, I noticed you said that the anti-rise gives a good feel over braking bumps almost like they’re not there. What are the anti rise properties? Does it extent under braking?
Hey dude, where are these trails?
These reviews are shot in Bellingham WA. This trail is double black to double down.
A Great Bike for the Price
Can i just ask, what are your go pro settings?
Feels balanced on the blind? Why is your saddle slammed forward?
Hi!
Have a question but not about he bike. Which go pro you guys use, and do u sue ND filters and a gimbal?
Thanks!
Cheers
Peet
Hero 7 with karma gimbal. 4K 24fps. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods. we do use ND's as well
@@freehubmag thank you🍻
Wow! So beautiful trail! Where it is? :>
Even with carbon frame this thing is 37lbs. That's like an aluminum Commencal or heavier. I can say that the idler on my Druid doesn't really offer any noticeable resistance (1% as tested), so I'd venture a guess you're dealing more with tire and bike heft.
Druid FTW
My commencal meta with cushcore and a coil shock is 38 pounds lol. Its an absolute beast though
I have one on order! How poppy and playful is the bike? I’m really in between this and the Patrol. I ride lots of fast east coast jank but I also want to be able to really party at the park. Thoughts?
Could you give us the specs on the forks ??
hit the link for the full review and specs: freehubmag.com/reviews/norco-range-29
Did you say you ran your rebound full open? I usually run mine a little fast, but I might try opening it up even more with this bike... it certainly is a weapon on the downhills!
Did you find your body position felt more stable/centered through technical descents? That was my favorite thing about the bike; like you were always set up to get playful with it, no matter how gnarly the terrain.
Yes, I like running faster rebound on all of my bikes. I think I tend to run a bit more sag and faster rebound. The weight distribution on this bike is killer. You can really mob while being in one position. I rode this on a much gnarlier trail that I can't film on on the Range absolutely devoured it.
Awesome review. Thoughts on the rattling sounds?
gopro settings please :-)
Hero 7, 4K 24fps with karma gimbal. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.
Clips or no clips bro?
Is your team able to go back and review older bikes? Specifically the SC Hightower v2 and compare to new bikes or is it new bikes only?
Your a psycho. I love it. If at all possible can u plz to the new meta tr? That is if u can get one. 🤙
please do a dreadnought review!
Awesome review!
One question for you: How tall are you? I see that you’re riding a large and am curious how you thought the fit was.
He is 5” 11
The DD casing fees like a basketball
What is your camera setup? There is no shake or flop! Great stuff!
Hero 7 with karma gimbal. 4K 24 fps. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods.
@@freehubmag Thanks for the info! Which chesty mount are you using?
@@seankillary5403 The newest version of Gopro chesty
@@freehubmag Thanks!
37 pounds.....the DD/DH tires account for 3-4 lbs of that over a standard casing DHF/Assegai. The much longer dropper is definitely 100-200 grams more there, then the 38 forks are the heaviest single crown's on the market at just shy of 1200 grams (a 36, or Lyrik is like 200 grams less). Then the DHX2 shock has a standard Fox spring, not the SLS, so there is a few hundred grams...But to be frank, this bike is meant to go DOWN, but has the geo to go UP. So the weight penalty is rather substantiated. Running lighter casing tires, an SLS spring and a Lyrik/36 would probably drop it down to around 31-32 lbs.
Difference between EXO and DD is ~300g each tire, so 600g on the whole. 100g for SLS, 200 for Lyrik/36, you're dropping 2 pounds and selling the bike short on the way down. The spec is pretty much perfect on this build. Just deal with the weight on the climbs. To a point, it's actually a help on the way down, too.
Was a little apprehensive when buying this with the few negative reviews on here, but this was exactly the kind of bike I was looking for. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxn_jUDSlprMIeubd9rHdEAnv59nKfjcKv I plan to ride it on paved roadways and trails, and wanted a "Grocery Getter" so to speak. After receiving it (without any damage), I had it out of the box, and fully assembled in about 30 minutes. I did not have to look at the manual, and I'm glad because I did look at it after I got it together, and it looks like it's a manual for several different styles. I did have to adjust the breaks and gear shifters, but that's been my experience with every bike I've owned. There was one review in particular that made me nervous, saying it was not meant for someone 6'4", it was too short. Well I'm 6'5" (230lbs) with a 36" inseam, and can tell you this bike fits perfectly, granted the seat is in it's highest safe position. I've only had it for 3 days so far, and if things change I will update my review, but I put 26 miles on it so far, and it rides like a dream. Very comfortable seating position. The front suspension is good for the occasional rock or bump you hit on asphalt, but this bike is not made to be taken off road, and I'm OK with that. I was particularly happy to see the wheels were trued perfectly. I was expecting to have to take them in and have them trued at a local bike shop, as I've had to do with all my past bike purchases, but in this case they were already in great shape. For the money, this is an awesome bike.
Sounds pretty noisy to me 🥲
status 160 pleaaaaseee
Unbelievably Noisy!
The way the dropper cable is routed it likes to tap on the bottom of the seat tube (unless you're really careful with routing). I change my post insertion depth often so I just put a little bit of that Jagwire housing foam on it and the noise went away.
loud bike eh
First
Tbh, Nor would I want it. #when a bike company can’t even come up with a cool name for themselves… sad times