I really appreciate these honest and relevant reviews. I don't get the sense that these reviewers are scared they will get blacklisted by manufacturers for negative critique. I don't know anyone who got to test a range before they sold out and no way am I buying a 9k bike without some input. Also, I second Josh's comment that we need to know what personal bikes you are comparing these bikes with.
Thank you very much. We appreciate that and that brands are willing to work with us! We don’t take reviews lightly as we know lots of passionate people out their hearts into designing them, but also that people have to work their assess off to save thousands of dollars to buy one!
I think a big thing to be mentioned is the mental aspect of climbing a bike like this. I owned a norco range for about 10 months before selling it and getting a rocky mountain altitude. The range was AWESOME in most scenarios but it was not as versatile as I believed it would be when i bought it. The mental aspect, for me, riding a bike like the range just made me feel awful on the climbs and too good on the descents. I'm a good rider overall and am comfortable jumping and going fast BUT my mind works faster than my body can at times and I found that having a bike that inspires as much "go fast, don't care" attitude as the range does was bad for me because I kept putting myself in situations I knew I could handle but they were unnecessarily risky. being on the altitude, I'm still able to ride fast and jump well(arguably better actually) but I feel more of a "limit" when i'm REALLY pushing because the bike is less stable and has more reserved geo. It's just like driving a trophy truck that can plow through the rocky desert at 100+mph like it's a flat road vs being in a rally car that is intended to go fast but needs maybe a bit more finesse to stay alive
Great insight. I have been tempted to buy a range but like the idea of a more balanced enduro bike as I don't shuttle or lift often. Where were you riding the Range?
@@cben86 also if you're looking for a balanced enduro look into the Pivot Firebird. Bought one this summer, climbs like a trail bike and descend like an enduro. Best of both world!!
@@cben86 Thanks! I ride in the PNW mainly. I had about 10 days at whistler in the summer, plenty of shuttle laps at some gnarlier trails in my area etc so I was somewhat able to justify owning a range but about 50% of the time i'm not riding the gnarliest trail on earth(which is pretty much what the range was built for) so i'd always find myself falling behind my friends who were riding more versatile bikes such as an sb150 or altitude etc. if you're in great shape and like the grind of climbing, get a range and youll probably be happy. I, for one, hate climbing but i do it because it's part of the sport.
I Got to say ! Dario is a very very impressive MTB Co-Host / Rider. He Hits on Alot of Detail on the Product at hand , as well as the human Body and how the bike Affects it. I know you already did I think 2 Videos on my 2021-22 Santa Cruz Nomad CC XO1 Coil V5 With the Fox Factory Suspension platform . Would love to watch a video with Dario’s Thoughts on it,You Guys are Awesome and the video picture quality on my 4k tv is super !!
Good review! I agree 100% on every point! For this reason I sold the Range after 6 months again...The rear end is incredibly good, but there are other also fast but more versatile enduro bikes
Strange you guys are running into so many shifting issues. I've been beating on my bike for 7-8 months with zero shifting issues. I'm currently running a SLX Shimano drivetrain but have been thinking about swapping the drivetrain over to SRAM because I really like the GX AXS on my trail bike. I've been waiting for the SLX to fail or wear out first though. Feel like it will be a long time before that happens though. I have the C3 version of this bike with a bunch of upgrades. Onyx hubs with Nobl Carbon wheels, Fox 38 with Grip 2 damper Deity carbon bars etc. I have a couple different bikes in my quiver but find I'm grabbing this one most often when going for a ride.
I've owned a few Norco bikes and found the Ride Aligned settings to be a bit on the stiff side, almost like they're tuned for racers. I've noticed some reviewers mention that they run their Fox suspension wide open. In this video, it seems like the riders are blowing through the travel, which suggests they're using softer settings. For a high-pivot bike like this, I'd recommend sticking with Norco's settings, even if it means sacrificing a bit of extreme suppleness. This way, you'll get more support and pop, helping the rear end avoid fully extending on medium hits, which might be why the reviewers here say it struggles with drops and corners.
Solid points! Cole here, I actually owned the Range from before the launch up until 2023. I found the bike to not be progressive enough for what I wanted, a progressive spring helped a ton as well as a custom lighter valving on the shock. Overall still one of the most impressive bikes when things get rowdy. I needed a 550# for bottom-out support and 425# for proper sag. That progressive spring totally changed the bike, I just wish I did not wait so long to try it!
I'm working on a short travel version of the high pivot design for a gravel bike, I think it's much better suited to high speed gravel than technical woods
Or the bikes were ask for to keep as our personal bikes could speak volumes…? But, we put objectivity very high on our reviews because we realize they’re not cheap and people have to drop big coin…although we also realize just because we like a a bike for our terrain and style, it won’t be for everyone.
@@TheLoamWolf fair point. just to be clear, I wasn't dissing the objectivity in your reviews at all. you guys put out great content. just making a statement about brand/shop relationships and the influence those can have on gear choice.
Totally understand and no offense taken Nate. And you are right to be skeptical, there is a LOT of pay to play out there and the waters are muddy. But, luckily we're in a place where our crew gets the choice to hit up a brand and request a bike/frame (doesn't always happen but usually) to keep for the season to use as a test bed/platform for basis...This gives me a good idea for a video, maybe we create an "Editor's Bikes" video and showcase what our personal rigs are for the year?
We did not do an intro video for this series. But the video was filmed in Bend. Testing took place from Thousand Oaks, CA to Bellingham WA and in-between.
I may have missed this earlier, but where are y'all filming these videos? Is this Bachelor? I've ridden Bend a handful of times but this doesn't look familiar. Looks fun!
Hi, some feedback, at times the two speakers are speaking at the same time and over each other and it's difficult to hear what either is saying sometimes, thanks
@@TheLoamWolf Yeah, the GT bike is the same category. Like you said in the last of series, 80/20 90/10 split between park and 'open country' riding. nice series btw
It's not that we're not a fan... We love the bike in certain scenarios, but based on where we live and what we ride, it's just not the best bike for us. Not to say it wouldn't be the best bike for others because it does have good qualities.
I really appreciate these honest and relevant reviews. I don't get the sense that these reviewers are scared they will get blacklisted by manufacturers for negative critique. I don't know anyone who got to test a range before they sold out and no way am I buying a 9k bike without some input. Also, I second Josh's comment that we need to know what personal bikes you are comparing these bikes with.
Thank you very much. We appreciate that and that brands are willing to work with us! We don’t take reviews lightly as we know lots of passionate people out their hearts into designing them, but also that people have to work their assess off to save thousands of dollars to buy one!
Loving your guys’ reviews together you both have that kinda matter of fact no sugar coat style I feel like we learn a lot about these bikes!
Thank you! That’s our goal.
I think a big thing to be mentioned is the mental aspect of climbing a bike like this. I owned a norco range for about 10 months before selling it and getting a rocky mountain altitude. The range was AWESOME in most scenarios but it was not as versatile as I believed it would be when i bought it. The mental aspect, for me, riding a bike like the range just made me feel awful on the climbs and too good on the descents. I'm a good rider overall and am comfortable jumping and going fast BUT my mind works faster than my body can at times and I found that having a bike that inspires as much "go fast, don't care" attitude as the range does was bad for me because I kept putting myself in situations I knew I could handle but they were unnecessarily risky. being on the altitude, I'm still able to ride fast and jump well(arguably better actually) but I feel more of a "limit" when i'm REALLY pushing because the bike is less stable and has more reserved geo. It's just like driving a trophy truck that can plow through the rocky desert at 100+mph like it's a flat road vs being in a rally car that is intended to go fast but needs maybe a bit more finesse to stay alive
Great insight. I have been tempted to buy a range but like the idea of a more balanced enduro bike as I don't shuttle or lift often. Where were you riding the Range?
@@cben86 Just wait, Norco sight 2024 apparently will be high pivot and hopefully less of a slug on the climbs
@@gnar_tar I have heard the same rumors! 🤞
@@cben86 also if you're looking for a balanced enduro look into the Pivot Firebird. Bought one this summer, climbs like a trail bike and descend like an enduro. Best of both world!!
@@cben86 Thanks! I ride in the PNW mainly. I had about 10 days at whistler in the summer, plenty of shuttle laps at some gnarlier trails in my area etc so I was somewhat able to justify owning a range but about 50% of the time i'm not riding the gnarliest trail on earth(which is pretty much what the range was built for) so i'd always find myself falling behind my friends who were riding more versatile bikes such as an sb150 or altitude etc. if you're in great shape and like the grind of climbing, get a range and youll probably be happy. I, for one, hate climbing but i do it because it's part of the sport.
I Got to say ! Dario is a very very impressive MTB Co-Host / Rider. He Hits on Alot of Detail on the Product at hand , as well as the human Body and how the bike Affects it. I know you already did I think 2 Videos on my 2021-22 Santa Cruz Nomad CC XO1 Coil V5 With the Fox Factory Suspension platform . Would love to watch a video with Dario’s Thoughts on it,You Guys are Awesome and the video picture quality on my 4k tv is super !!
Thank you very much!
Thanks John! Lots more coming down the line.
@@dariodigiulio3758 Hey Dario, Do you have Private messenger where We can chat ? Wanted your opinion on some tire combo etc.
@@dariodigiulio3758 what’s the best performing Rear suspension design technology in your opinion as far as Square Hits?
I can't bunny hop a milk crate, but I watch and agree with your synopsis.
You guys are doing a great job. Thank you for your honesty.
Our pleasure!
Good review! I agree 100% on every point! For this reason I sold the Range after 6 months again...The rear end is incredibly good, but there are other also fast but more versatile enduro bikes
Thanks for sharing and always great to hear other people/owner's feedback.
Enjoying the reviews !! Thanks for the hard work guys !!
Thank you!!
Thank you for the honest and detailed review. That made me actually order the bike 😅
Hope you enjoy it!
very well reviewed!
Strange you guys are running into so many shifting issues. I've been beating on my bike for 7-8 months with zero shifting issues. I'm currently running a SLX Shimano drivetrain but have been thinking about swapping the drivetrain over to SRAM because I really like the GX AXS on my trail bike.
I've been waiting for the SLX to fail or wear out first though. Feel like it will be a long time before that happens though.
I have the C3 version of this bike with a bunch of upgrades.
Onyx hubs with Nobl Carbon wheels, Fox 38 with Grip 2 damper Deity carbon bars etc.
I have a couple different bikes in my quiver but find I'm grabbing this one most often when going for a ride.
Fezzari La Sal Peak for me as well as the Jekyll among the high pivots and for the most versatile bikes in the shootout
Love the reviews!!!
I've owned a few Norco bikes and found the Ride Aligned settings to be a bit on the stiff side, almost like they're tuned for racers. I've noticed some reviewers mention that they run their Fox suspension wide open. In this video, it seems like the riders are blowing through the travel, which suggests they're using softer settings. For a high-pivot bike like this, I'd recommend sticking with Norco's settings, even if it means sacrificing a bit of extreme suppleness. This way, you'll get more support and pop, helping the rear end avoid fully extending on medium hits, which might be why the reviewers here say it struggles with drops and corners.
Solid points! Cole here, I actually owned the Range from before the launch up until 2023. I found the bike to not be progressive enough for what I wanted, a progressive spring helped a ton as well as a custom lighter valving on the shock. Overall still one of the most impressive bikes when things get rowdy. I needed a 550# for bottom-out support and 425# for proper sag. That progressive spring totally changed the bike, I just wish I did not wait so long to try it!
I'm working on a short travel version of the high pivot design for a gravel bike, I think it's much better suited to high speed gravel than technical woods
Great review. Depends if you ride more Darrington or Galby choose wisely….
Darrington bike for sure
I'd like to see thoughts/reviews of your personal bikes for us to see what you're comparing against.
these dudes probably get free bikes so objectivity most likely wouldn't be possible.
Or the bikes were ask for to keep as our personal bikes could speak volumes…? But, we put objectivity very high on our reviews because we realize they’re not cheap and people have to drop big coin…although we also realize just because we like a a bike for our terrain and style, it won’t be for everyone.
@@TheLoamWolf fair point. just to be clear, I wasn't dissing the objectivity in your reviews at all. you guys put out great content. just making a statement about brand/shop relationships and the influence those can have on gear choice.
Totally understand and no offense taken Nate. And you are right to be skeptical, there is a LOT of pay to play out there and the waters are muddy. But, luckily we're in a place where our crew gets the choice to hit up a brand and request a bike/frame (doesn't always happen but usually) to keep for the season to use as a test bed/platform for basis...This gives me a good idea for a video, maybe we create an "Editor's Bikes" video and showcase what our personal rigs are for the year?
@@TheLoamWolf I’d love to see something like that.
Have you guys done a review of the latest Megatower? Would like to hear your critique on it.
Are you reviewing the Scott Ransom??
love the reviews, did i miss the intro vid? where are u testing? Bend?
We did not do an intro video for this series. But the video was filmed in Bend. Testing took place from Thousand Oaks, CA to Bellingham WA and in-between.
I may have missed this earlier, but where are y'all filming these videos? Is this Bachelor? I've ridden Bend a handful of times but this doesn't look familiar. Looks fun!
Correctomundo. We filmed/shot everything at Bachelor a couple weeks before closing.
Hi, some feedback, at times the two speakers are speaking at the same time and over each other and it's difficult to hear what either is saying sometimes, thanks
Noted
@@TheLoamWolf Right on, great reviews as always btw!
I was thinking of this bike, mostly for park bike riding.
Yeah, it'll rip!
@@TheLoamWolf Yeah, the GT bike is the same category. Like you said in the last of series, 80/20 90/10 split between park and 'open country' riding. nice series btw
Range for Windrock? Y/N
Would be a bad ass bike for Windrock.
9:10 Damn these Ohio jokes are coming to the MTB world
Just curious why you didnt consider using an air shock to compare to the other enduro bikes. The x2 on my range runs great
Thanks
Carl stop it
Forbidden Dreadnaught is a way better deal.
Like well, you just talked me out of buying one of these.
Wow, not a fan huh?
It's not that we're not a fan... We love the bike in certain scenarios, but based on where we live and what we ride, it's just not the best bike for us. Not to say it wouldn't be the best bike for others because it does have good qualities.