Norco Optic Review - Is it the ultimate short travel trail bike?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 116

  • @christianstewart1066
    @christianstewart1066 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This is one of the best all round reviews I have ever seen. Thank you!

  • @mikem7618
    @mikem7618 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the best review I’ve seen! I ride an optic on similar terrain and have been blown away! This bike really shines when you ride it like an enduro on trail is has no business being.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Definitely one of the most fun videos I've ever made. Love this bike.

  • @verdonrocksphotography3510
    @verdonrocksphotography3510 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I think slack and long geometry with midsize suspension travel is the future in MTB, lovely review.... thank you, cheers V!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Verdon! Always happy to hear from you on these videos.

  • @JeffreySmith1967
    @JeffreySmith1967 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review, fantastic going to the different locations. If you like the silent hub look at Onyx, your tires give so much info if you can hear them.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The Onyx hubs do look amazing. The main reason I shy away from them is cause then you can hear all the other sounds you dont want the bike to make lol.

  • @bfranco1519
    @bfranco1519 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That purple and grey combo is 🔥

  • @mmoreno509
    @mmoreno509 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those wheels offer some next level ASMR, awesome video!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think so too! Glad you enjoyed the video!

  • @MillerRL96
    @MillerRL96 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got my 2020 optic in November and it’s been a absolute blast! I love this bike so much idk how I’ll replace it in a few years because it’s just perfect for where I ride and how I ride!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Right on! Stoked to hear that. wish I could keep this one haha such a phenomenal bike

    • @MillerRL96
      @MillerRL96 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      BlindstuffMTB but also to touch on what you said about the brakes in vid. I put a 200m rotor up front and changed brakes to XT 4 piston with metal pads and changed rotors to be able to use metal pads haha. The bike was just a little to fast for 180 up front for me

  • @kfivemtb
    @kfivemtb 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels like they have never ridden a bike before when it’s summer in Florida! I’ve been struggling lately! Excellent video!🤙 your comparison reminds me of switching from my 5010 to the Hightower. I can relax and let my mind wander slight on the Hightower on the gnarly trails. The 5010 always on alert mentally and physically!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      The start of summer is always the worst, towards the end I usually manage it well, but the start is horrible. Thanks. Great comparison!

  • @lonewolf30531
    @lonewolf30531 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love my Florida trails .
    Thanks for content .

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You bet! Happy you enjoy the channel.

  • @robngoma
    @robngoma 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man,you were hauling at Dupont!!!another great vid!!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Rob! Felt really comfortable on that trail. Tons of fun.

  • @Giftig--Daniel-P
    @Giftig--Daniel-P 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Stefano, I just ordered my first full squish, getting the Fezzari La Sal Peak, it's right in my price range and they're local and have excellent reviews. But I wanted to thank you. I've missed your regular videos, but I'm extremely thankful for what you have posted and all the amazing advice and answers you've given me over time. And you inspired me to go DTCB instead of a big store brand like Specialized. I got $2k more bike by skipping the store and I'm stoked :D
    I hope you and yours are doing well and if there's something going on other than 2020 garbage that everything smooths out for you. And of course I hope 2020 garbage ends soon for all of use :)

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Daniel! I'm so stoked for you, congratulation on the La Sal Peak, its such a phenomenal bike for such a good price. I know a lot of people that are so happy with that bike. Thanks for the kind words, its great to hear I could be of help to you in some way.
      I miss posting regular videos too, thankfully we are all doing well, but my time availability isn't that much so I've neglected this a bit, I'm aware and once I get some time I'll put in some more videos.
      Hope 2020 is being nice to you as well (for as much as is possible), enjoy that bike and happy riding!

  • @chrismackie1760
    @chrismackie1760 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great Review, appreciate the indepth look at different terrain... been considering an Optic and it seems perfect for the type or terrain I ride...

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Happy you found the video useful!

  • @robngoma
    @robngoma 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As usual,a very thorough vid!A one bike quiver?I think so!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think so too! If this fits your style, its a great choice!

  • @btydings
    @btydings 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very interesting video! I had a 2020 Giant Reign I bought in December but I decided I wanted more travel so I sold it and bought a Specialized Enduro Elite and I cannot imagine going back to shorter travel but this video has me curious!! My home trails are more suited to shorter travel than the 170 I currently have but I like the bounce. If I get rich and can have 2 bikes (one for home and one for the mountains) I'd give this one a go for sure! Keep up the good videos! I like the info you provide on trails and gear!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bike fit is always about what works for you. Everyone has different needs and likes. While one bike may have too little travel for you, it may be perfect for someone else. I always try to convey, "who is this bike for", more than "is this bike any good", because now a days, its hard to find a bad bike.

  • @suurkonn
    @suurkonn 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Bro if it looks good, it rides good, just LOOK at this bike, it's so beautiful

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      My thoughts exactly!

    • @jinavl
      @jinavl 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BlindstuffMTB when you road black mtn what ways did you go to climb up..ive only ridden lower black..

  • @SmileyBoy84
    @SmileyBoy84 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just got the same bike. Sold my Norco Range C7 2017 and absolutely loving the optic..I agree with the front brake will be swapping the 180 to a 203.. am also so amazed about the optic..so stiff at the top but so supple through the rest of the travel.. even bottomed out so hard but even that was so soft😁

  • @robp3431
    @robp3431 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video ! Honest and refreshing review with great riding on suitable trails, and, without getting caught up on spec's

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad you liked it! Awesome to hear.

  • @kanukalle3393
    @kanukalle3393 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for that test and the great footage about descends. Helps a lot about considering which to chose for the next year :)

  • @angels6865
    @angels6865 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review and the color on that thing is 👌

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Angel! And yeah, the color is amazing, wasn't so sure of it in the official pictures, but in person it so much better.

  • @ShiftMTB
    @ShiftMTB 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just sold my 2018 Optic for a 2020 Jeffsy! I loved the Optic so much.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice! As an all-arounder, I'm still partial to the Jeffsy, but was really surprised with how great the Optic turned out to be.

    • @williamdistasio9358
      @williamdistasio9358 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah this model is also $6,200 and if you get the next model up, you're looking at over $8000
      Just the frame by itself is around $2500 which is more than a base Jeffsy. Crazy
      I mean, unless you're a competitor, how much difference can this bike make over the WAY more affordable Jeffsy, which btw. Has what, three or four options?
      I think realistically, a regular person is not going to be able to notice a difference between bikes at this level. Whatt they WILL notice is the price. Especially when Covid is making a second surge, and Congress is ending the $600 stimulus added to American unemployment benefits etc...
      Idk, I LOVE seeing these posts and these bikes but I'm starting to get angry about the outrageous pricing. And yeah ppl can try to justify it but it's still outrageous.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@williamdistasio9358 as soon as you move away from the direct to consumer segment, comparing prices directly is just impossible. No traditional sales brand can compete. They are still bought a lot, so I feel like the comparison has to acknowledge this yet center on other factors.

    • @williamdistasio9358
      @williamdistasio9358 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@BlindstuffMTB no, I understand why, it still just makes me like grrr lol
      Regardless, regular ppl cant afford a bike like this one.
      But im not knocking the bike or your review or channel....
      I love seeing your videos

    • @williamdistasio9358
      @williamdistasio9358 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Also, I'm waiting on a base 27.5 Jeffsy.....
      But I ordered a GX groupset to replace the SX for when my bike arrives.

  • @mrrims
    @mrrims 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice riding and review man. If that short travel bike can handle pisgah, it can handle anything! But I'm with you, I prefer a little more travel for when things get nasty. Looks like I need to get up to pisgah for a ride.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks CJ! Was a ton of fun to make this one. You definitely should get up there.

  • @MonoRider
    @MonoRider 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice review, looks ruff on black mountain. Great for Markham.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Diego. It was great on black mtn, really loved the bike. At Markham it was perfect.

  • @MTBGarage
    @MTBGarage 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It's a sweet looking bike, but I feel like no one acknowledges the transition smuggler did the exact same thing a few years ago! I think geo and good suspension parts is more important than actual travel numbers. The weight is the counter argument for these style bikes though, as you end up saving all that much once you put rowdy parts on your short travel bike, so it makes the question, why not just go for more? You did a great job with this video, as always I miss Pisgah again every time I see you riding there! maybe this fall it will be ok to travel again.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Goes to show how important marketing is. I was unaware the smuggler had such a similar recipe. Looks real interesting.
      So for this one, I really think it just needs a bigger front rotor, aside from that, it can be ridden super hard as is. Granted, this is a high end build, but I think they really nailed that balance between making it feel light and being able to handle bigger days. While I'd personally choose a bigger bike, I get why a lot of people would be happier on this.
      Happy you enjoyed the video! Indeed hope it become more simple again to move around.

  • @snat6299
    @snat6299 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great review like the trails verity, looking to go FS vs the HT I’m riding now on the North/South Carolina trails. Been looking at the Ripmo AF, YT Jeffsey, and the Optic. Thank you for your review

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on! Happy you found it useful.

  • @XCBen
    @XCBen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's a sexy bike. Glad you took it to Markham auu!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Had to send morning wood on it, test wouldn't have been complete without!

    • @XCBen
      @XCBen 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ha! I saw that and I smiled. Hehe

  • @TeamCykelhold
    @TeamCykelhold 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid, thanks for that.

  • @jasonlowe8011
    @jasonlowe8011 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review! I've been considering a Jeffsy 29 vs the Optic. Seeing your thoughts about the 2 bikes on the types of trails you ride is definitely steering me towards the Optic as it's the flowy trails I ride 90% of the time. I'd love to see the YT Izzo over the same trails to see what you think of that.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Really happy you found it useful Jason! I'd love to get my hands on an Izzo, just hasn't been possible yet. Next time I get a chance to head to NC I'll reach out to YT to see if its doable.

    • @oman636
      @oman636 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah I’m in the same boat considering jeffsy vs short travel long slack trail bikes like the optic. I think you did a good job of displaying what type of trails the optic excels on . I think I’m like you and 90% of the trails I ride would suit the optic but I like having the peace of mind that I can steamroll a rock garden if need be. I wonder if you’ve had any warranty issues with the jeffsy ?

  • @Edub-em3rr
    @Edub-em3rr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I road DuPont a few weeks ago. I’ll never experience anything quite the same!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      An absolute amazing place. But there's a ton of other good stuff too, you'll find more and more great riding

  • @sikadpartners
    @sikadpartners 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    great review of norco optic bro. 👌🚵🏻

  • @Giftig--Daniel-P
    @Giftig--Daniel-P 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey what camera do you use when you're riding? It's such a smooth experience as a viewer. I've been going through your videos again. Such quality content. You were the first person I really watched consistently and I've branched out a lot and watched dozens of others, but usually only a video or two. Your style just sits well with me. And your riding feels like it's actually achievable. Watching the pros is fun but can get discouraging because I then go out and struggle with things tiny by comparison.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Daniel! I've always strived for authenticity, that means including the things I'm good at and the things I struggle with. Happy to hear you've enjoyed that about the channel.
      My video equipment has changed a bit over time. Everything up to about a year ago is a Hero 4 Black + a EVO SS Gimbal on a chest mount. From there I've alternated a bit between that and a chinbar mounted hero 7 / hero 8. This video in particular is all done with the Hero 7 Black mounted to the chinbar of my full face helmet.

    • @Giftig--Daniel-P
      @Giftig--Daniel-P 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BlindstuffMTB What about the Engineer Mountain videos?

    • @Giftig--Daniel-P
      @Giftig--Daniel-P 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nvm that was two years ago not last year. Awesome, thank you. Dude do you have more you're working on? I know covid has royally jacked everyone's lives up, just really miss seeing your name pop in my notifications for a new video.

  • @renedomine7869
    @renedomine7869 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review of the Optic thanks.
    I'm in the process of upgrading my Norco FS 1 and initially thought about a Sight but having seen a few Optic reviews I'm not so sure i should get the Sight?
    Would you consider the Optic and Fluid being too similar a bike?
    Your comment about improved Strava times were interesting. I'm also always pushing to beat my PR on Strava and will be hoping that an upgrade will give me fastet times.
    I prefer smoother trails not the chunky stuff.
    Any advice?
    Thanks

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on, good problems to have haha!
      I can't tell you what to do, in the end all these bikes are absolutely awesome. In my opinion, it really depends on what type of riding you like.
      I've had a lot more time on my Jeffsy and the Optic since I made this video. They're better at different things, there's no doubt when the trails get super rocky and techincal the added supsension of the Jeffsy is better. But for most trails the Optic is a nice overall do it all bike. I still haven't ridden anything where the Optic didn't work, it just requires more finess.
      Having an Optic and a Sight would be a killer combo, but an Optic and a fluid maybe too similar.
      You should be really honest with your intentions. If you're gonna ride mostly smooth singletrack and pedaling a lot, the sight may not be the best choice. But if you want to progress into crazier stuff, then by all means go for the enduro bike.

    • @renedomine7869
      @renedomine7869 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for the advice.
      I think with a Sight I would be "overbiked" and big jumps aren't really my thing (can't afford any time in hospital ha ha).
      I can really only afford one bike so I think I'll sell my Fluid and aim for the Optic.
      Thanks again and look forward to seeing some Optic vids 👍🏻

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@renedomine7869 for 2021 they fixed the brake situation on the bikes. The C2/C3 are now absolute monsters of a bike. For a single bike owner that like what you're mentioning it's a great choice

    • @renedomine7869
      @renedomine7869 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      The only problem here in Australia is that all bike shops have no bikes. Next shipment is due end December and most bikes are already pre ordered. MTB is just gone crazy here. May have to keep my eyes open for a second hand one.

  • @StarrDaniel
    @StarrDaniel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic

  • @roman-bq3iy
    @roman-bq3iy 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, thanks for the review.. if you don't mind me asking, how tall are you and what size did you ride? Trying to decide on the size for 5.9 rider. Norco recommends Large, but the reach is so lomg. Whould Medium be ok in your opinion? No bikes in LBS event to try on parking lot. Thanks.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey, I'm sorry to say I can't help much with sizing. I'm 5'11" and rode the Large. My brother is 5'10" and also love this bike.
      You have to think about expectations. A shorter bike will be easier to move around if you're really big into jumping for example, I personally tend to prefer a long bike just because of how stable they are.
      Norco's ride aligned tool is probably the best on the market. I'd trust it. If not, try to find a bike with a similar geometry to sit on. Remember that as stems have gotten shorter and seat tubes steeper the longer reach numbers sit more naturally.

    • @roman-bq3iy
      @roman-bq3iy 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BlindstuffMTB Thank you for the suggestion.👍

  • @fcbotieno
    @fcbotieno 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good day, Izzo or Optic?
    Thanks!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I haven't ridden the Izzo to know yet. Hoping YT can let me borrow one soon. On paper they seem very similar, the Izzo has the definite cost advantage.

  • @DirtyWabbit
    @DirtyWabbit 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do you think is the rear shock what makes that bike so good? You dont see that type of shock on trail/short travel bikes

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great question! I think the shock plays an important role on how the whole system behaves. Linkage design plays a huge role, its clear Norco made it work great with this particular shock. Its one of those the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

    • @DirtyWabbit
      @DirtyWabbit 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      BlindstuffMTB do you think the norco rides better than the yeti 115/130?

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DirtyWabbit honestly no idea. I haven't gotten my hands on a Yeti in a long time, nor have I detailed the geo charts on it.

  • @kjrayo18
    @kjrayo18 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I only go to markham if it’s at 8 am, any later and you will get tired 0-100!

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, no other way in summer!

  • @simonpisljar8028
    @simonpisljar8028 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Would you consider this bike as all around bike, can u paddle efficiently uphill.I am thinking of buying 2021 C2 with Xt build which seems to correct issues with last year model. (better brakes etc..)

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely, the setup on the 2021 xt is so awesome.

  • @ammoisking
    @ammoisking 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Which go pro do you use? And what mount? Thanks

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hero 8 zip tied to the chinbar of my helmet.

  • @benoitbrunet6669
    @benoitbrunet6669 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    this was a great review but you're comparing 2 different bikes, the Jeffsy's equivalent would be the Norco Sight and the Optics equivalent would be the Izzo, but good job for this video,

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's the whole point, the Optic is "less bike" yet it can do everything a Sight / Jeffsy can if you live with the tradeoffs.

    • @benoitbrunet6669
      @benoitbrunet6669 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BlindstuffMTB good point keep the good job

  • @jepser7
    @jepser7 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    With 140/120 it’s really not a shorter travel bike. I would consider this a trail bike.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I also consider this a trail bike. I try to explain that around 1:07. 125mm rear is short travel with what we've seen in the last few years as bikes have gained more and more travel.

  • @Giftig--Daniel-P
    @Giftig--Daniel-P 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you stand on your way down?

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes. Sitting down only to pedal, any other time, attack position it is.

  • @Giftig--Daniel-P
    @Giftig--Daniel-P 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dude Stefano how do you find the time for those 12 hour drives???

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Remote work, we take turns driving and working.

  • @jinavl
    @jinavl 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Other than the color seems like a really nice bike..a little noisey though

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Totally fair. I actually really dig the color. When I saw the official pictures it looked odd, but in person its a very cool shade. Definitely notice the noise with the silent hubs.

    • @jinavl
      @jinavl 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BlindstuffMTB still a really cool bike that really blurs the line🤙🤙

  • @BMfins
    @BMfins 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    YT’s are good value for money but the customer service scares me away.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I can only speak of my experience in the US. Here I've never had a bad experience. My previous Jeffsy has an issue in the rear triangle and they replaced it free of charge. A bit slow as the part had to come from Germany, but no issues.
      I have no idea if other countries are the same.

  • @bfranco1519
    @bfranco1519 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ride Nov-March go fishing Mar- Oct.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ironically, once you get used to summer heat and fall rolls along, you're insanely fit so I do my best to push through the weather.

  • @kevinross7565
    @kevinross7565 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    140 mm isn’t short.

    • @BlindstuffMTB
      @BlindstuffMTB  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      125 mm rear is short for a trail bike, regardless of what fork is on there.