That's a pretty thorough review. All I did was just ride it and didn't give it a close look over. Cable routing in general looks pretty poor too and imagine the bike shop may have left off grommets, etc. I think you raised some pretty valid design concerns.
Hi Mark, I’ve just bought the same bike and have had some issues from the get go. Main pivot bolt was loose and came out in the first week, pedal fell off after a month, speed sensor cable severed due to that poor location. Water went down the cables into the battery cavity and shorted something out. When working, this bike is pretty awesome, but 4 trips to the bike shop in 2.5 months is t really acceptable. Unfortunately I bought from a big chain store in Australia and they have no interest in refunding my money. If I had my time again I would consider a Merida. Would love a specialized but I just laugh at their prices. What did you end up buying instead?
Hi Big, Sorry to hear that yours is also having problems. I am sticking to an acoustic bike this year (Stumpjumper). Covid drove up interest and prices on ebikes here in Canada. I Sent this video to Norco and they offered me 10% off a new bike but their prices were raised mid season so I would have paid more still for the same bike. I will probably pick up a giant trance or reign e+ if I can find one on sale at that end of our riding season (October). I would also consider a specialized Levo but their prices are out of control here for the spec you get.
I agree on all those issues, as i have the same bike. Dont try upgrading any internal cabling as there is no guide sleeve for any cabling and you have to drop everything. Oh , also the e7000 motor destroyed itself (warranty thing) after only 280kms(173miles?). I would NOT get a NORCO E bike simply because of my experiences and all the short cuts they have made on this VLT A2 , although i still have it and will ride it to the ground (unless the motor blows up again)
Had this model for a year ....no problems at all ,hard bikepark use & forest runs regularly,jumps really well climbs desends really well ,again no issues with the bike whatsoever, sadly not all bike assemblers are created equal
Dang! im about to buy one.. good thing i look up on here first for a review, thats bad man! thats totally not nitpicking its just bad.. im not going to look at norco after this lol
Well i actually bought the C1 version, and its totally different the grommet and placement a little different, the power button little different, C1 version feels and looks more refine when i compare it to this video, maybe the people in assembly line that works on this bike messed it up or something?
Never thought of this issues. You are dead right. I think is a poor design and brands are rushing to get out in the market. I have decided to hold 2 more years changing to e bike. There are going to be mayor reclains on e bikes.
Hi Ivan, Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully in two years they have time to sort out these electrical issues. I hope to see marine grade connectors on the electronics in the future and maybe gearboxes included in the motor assembly to improve durability as these current generation ebikes can destroy a cassette pretty quick.
I test rode a carbon Sight VLT (@John Henry Bikes) and I gotta say it was pretty sick. Well built. Your bike looks poorly put together. Maybe built by a shit mechanic from a small shop??? I have an older Norco Range that I still love so thinking of staying with Norco. With what you said re shock pressure. I totally agree. I have a Monarch Plus that’s been problematic but needs to be around 215psi which seems a lot??? I’d take you bike back sighting the build quality.
I ended up getting a refund on the bike. I discussed the build issues with the mechanic at the shop and he noted that 95% of the assembly is done at the factory and they are more or less just putting the bars/fork on and fine-tuning the derailleur and brakes. Given this I think it is a Norco issue not my local bike shop. I can't comment on the carbon sight vlt bikes but, this build quality isn't acceptable on a $6,000 aluminum electric bike. I have had other Norco non-electric bikes and the build has been good.
It seems like specialized has the best motor/drive system in the market with the levo but, they charge a premium and the rest of the bike's specs (brakes tire, suspension) are lacking for the price points they offer. They have noted reliablity issues as well but, they stand behind their product and offer great support. If you are okay with the extra weight and 500wh batteries giant's new bikes are the best bang for your buck and have great reliabilty.
I agree. I had a Stumpjumper 29er and was busting nipples off on a regular basis. I’d be hesitant to spend on a Specialized again that had mediocre parts. I’ve ridden the Levo though and it was a super fun ride. The Brose motor got the best review in a Pink Bike comparison test.
The best review I have ever seen. Please keep on...
I was going to order one of these today for £3300 I'm glad I have seen this, I have now changed my mind,
Thanks
That's a pretty thorough review. All I did was just ride it and didn't give it a close look over. Cable routing in general looks pretty poor too and imagine the bike shop may have left off grommets, etc. I think you raised some pretty valid design concerns.
Thanks for the awesome review. I recently bought a carbon sight vlt2 used and watching this gave me a heads up on things to looks for.
Hi Mark, I’ve just bought the same bike and have had some issues from the get go. Main pivot bolt was loose and came out in the first week, pedal fell off after a month, speed sensor cable severed due to that poor location. Water went down the cables into the battery cavity and shorted something out. When working, this bike is pretty awesome, but 4 trips to the bike shop in 2.5 months is t really acceptable. Unfortunately I bought from a big chain store in Australia and they have no interest in refunding my money. If I had my time again I would consider a Merida. Would love a specialized but I just laugh at their prices. What did you end up buying instead?
Hi Big, Sorry to hear that yours is also having problems. I am sticking to an acoustic bike this year (Stumpjumper). Covid drove up interest and prices on ebikes here in Canada.
I Sent this video to Norco and they offered me 10% off a new bike but their prices were raised mid season so I would have paid more still for the same bike.
I will probably pick up a giant trance or reign e+ if I can find one on sale at that end of our riding season (October). I would also consider a specialized Levo but their prices are out of control here for the spec you get.
How much do you weigh? I'm 95Kg and on my normal Sight I have to run the Fox X2 at 290psi 😳
I agree on all those issues, as i have the same bike. Dont try upgrading any internal cabling as there is no guide sleeve for any cabling and you have to drop everything. Oh , also the e7000 motor destroyed itself (warranty thing) after only 280kms(173miles?). I would NOT get a NORCO E bike simply because of my experiences and all the short cuts they have made on this VLT A2 , although i still have it and will ride it to the ground (unless the motor blows up again)
Sorry to hear that you are also having issues.
I was about to buy one! Glad I didn't. Cheers.
Had this model for a year ....no problems at all ,hard bikepark use & forest runs regularly,jumps really well climbs desends really well ,again no issues with the bike whatsoever, sadly not all bike assemblers are created equal
Mine must have been built on Friday at 4:55. Glad to hear you don’t have any issues.
I have an opportunity to buy this new with 2.6 tires and a new saddle for 4k out the door.... pull the trigger or keep looking?
I really wouldn’t advise getting one.
That derailleur cable should be held in place my the mounting points shown in the video, just use some cable ties and fix it in place.
Dang! im about to buy one.. good thing i look up on here first for a review, thats bad man! thats totally not nitpicking its just bad.. im not going to look at norco after this lol
Well i actually bought the C1 version, and its totally different the grommet and placement a little different, the power button little different, C1 version feels and looks more refine when i compare it to this video, maybe the people in assembly line that works on this bike messed it up or something?
Never thought of this issues. You are dead right. I think is a poor design and brands are rushing to get out in the market. I have decided to hold 2 more years changing to e bike. There are going to be mayor reclains on e bikes.
Hi Ivan, Thanks for the feedback.
Hopefully in two years they have time to sort out these electrical issues. I hope to see marine grade connectors on the electronics in the future and maybe gearboxes included in the motor assembly to improve durability as these current generation ebikes can destroy a cassette pretty quick.
I test rode a carbon Sight VLT (@John Henry Bikes) and I gotta say it was pretty sick. Well built. Your bike looks poorly put together. Maybe built by a shit mechanic from a small shop??? I have an older Norco Range that I still love so thinking of staying with Norco. With what you said re shock pressure. I totally agree. I have a Monarch Plus that’s been problematic but needs to be around 215psi which seems a lot??? I’d take you bike back sighting the build quality.
I ended up getting a refund on the bike. I discussed the build issues with the mechanic at the shop and he noted that 95% of the assembly is done at the factory and they are more or less just putting the bars/fork on and fine-tuning the derailleur and brakes. Given this I think it is a Norco issue not my local bike shop. I can't comment on the carbon sight vlt bikes but, this build quality isn't acceptable on a $6,000 aluminum electric bike. I have had other Norco non-electric bikes and the build has been good.
It seems like specialized has the best motor/drive system in the market with the levo but, they charge a premium and the rest of the bike's specs (brakes tire, suspension) are lacking for the price points they offer. They have noted reliablity issues as well but, they stand behind their product and offer great support. If you are okay with the extra weight and 500wh batteries giant's new bikes are the best bang for your buck and have great reliabilty.
I agree. I had a Stumpjumper 29er and was busting nipples off on a regular basis. I’d be hesitant to spend on a Specialized again that had mediocre parts. I’ve ridden the Levo though and it was a super fun ride. The Brose motor got the best review in a Pink Bike comparison test.
Honda makes a CRF250F that’s cheaper than most emtbs 😂😂😂 I’m considering buying a dirt bike for my next trail bike!
@@Mark-gq5vl the new levo belts are blowing left , right and center,, definitely an issue as well
Those are Allen screws.
Agree with your assessment. I wouldn't buy this bike.
Those are torqus screws. Learn your screws