Ha ha the calm, thoughtful, narration! While casually killing it! I spun the Norco sight recently and loved the feel. Great GEO. Considering the optic now!
These reviews and this reviewer are a perfect mix. The outstanding video work is the icing on the cake. Please keep these coming- I look forward to each video.
Have seen a few tests of this bike now. This is by far the most convincing, given the trails you were hitting. And the 2021 bikes have a slightly easier on the eye paint job I hear. Decision made thanks👍
@@Andrew.B121 I'm just hanging to see what the 2021 bikes will look like. I really want to go top spec (had an order for the 2020 bike but Australia got limited bikes to start with and they were all snapped up), but not sure what that is this year. Had heard it was a khaki/moss green sort of deal, but still to see any on their site. Might go frame only and build the bike what I want, but that depends on availability of components which is currently not so good. Are you currently riding a 2020? Any negatives? or all sweet?
Pete Mac I dont have one yet, looking to pick up one of the 2021 models, still undecided as yet on which one to go with. Check out the 99bikes website for pics. There is a frame only and models with either Rockshox superdeluxe/pike or on the more expensive models Fox dpx2/36 suspension.
I wasn’t a fan of the color scheme for 2020, but the 2021 colors are looking better. I’m curious as to why only the C1 and C2 models were spec’d with Fox and RS for the C Axs, C3 and frame only models.
First your reviews are awesome! I've been waiting for your optic review, I recently bought one and it's rad! Killer on everything but the toughest trails and feels telepathic.
Great review... I own one... and yep, I'm selling my 160mm bike. I simply don't need it anymore. This bike is one of a kind. I've been into MTB for 20+ years... and once in a while something comes along that is a proper change... and this frameset is that change. Such a fun little bike!
My friend rode the Optic when it first released & he really enjoyed it. Def a fun pedal bike, but also cranked pretty decent on the downhill. Perfect Galby bike! This & the new Transition Spur.
Your videos are definitely among my favorite ones to watch when it comes to new bikes. Between this and the Evil the Offering, which of the 2 bikes did you enjoy more. Looking for that one bike to do them all. Live in the Raleigh, NC area with routine trips out to Pisgah. Thanks, Justin
Horst linkage should feel active while pedaling, but efficient. Braking should also remain active and not stiffen up under rear brake forces. Great suspension linkage design. 125mm rear, 140 front is about right for most trail riding. I disagree with 2.35 tires being the best choice on this bike. 2.6 front, 2.5 rear would be my preference. DT350 hubs are a fantastic house however. Agree completely with you on that. The Optic has been on my list to test and review for a bit now. Looks like you were able to ride it real hard. Glad to see the suspension was working really well. Do you remember the rebound and compression settings you were riding? Thanks for sharing this.
What weight are you and what suspension rear shock settings did you run? I love my norco but want to see what similar weight people are running (im 150ish)
Wondering what size you are? I’m 5’10” and the geo of the large seems a bit long even though that’s what Norco recommends. I’ve noticed multiple people my size mentioning going to a shorter stem and I’m wondering if that’s an indication medium might be a bit better. Thoughts?
@@fredmagnin860 the rim tape is 👌👌👌 and the optic is by far the best bike I've ever ridden. I have had tons of yeti, Intense, santa Cruz, Evil. All of them and it is the best
@@grandpa_6.7 sounds great ! I am desperately looking for a bike and maybe a shop not far away has a Optic C2 2021 Shimano, I ll have a look tomorrow..
GMTB hahah I’ve done the SB130LR FYI & also just bought a SB100 and threw a 130 fox 34 Grip2 on and I’m loving it as my trail assassin! Got a Megatower for my big Enduro days
nice review, not sure what's going on with the mic but it's highly sensitive and picks up every gear change click, which I don't pick up on other bike reviews, you also sound like you need an inhaler :-)
problem I have with reviews like these is, if you only praise it you're telling us nothing really. We need to know how it compares to different specific bikes or specific averages (like average short travel bikes, etc). In these comparisons it's important to tell both what it does better AND worse. No 1 bike is amazing at everything, period. So if I only know what you like about it, it doesn't really tell me much about the bike at all. I like the video, and I like hearing a dude talk about a rad bike he loves but it's just not very informative at all without comparison and telling us both the bits it's better AND worse at than specific bike/average X.
Well, now, he kind of did. If you bitch too much, you loose financial backing. So, it pays to mostly talk nice about products. That being said, there were two items mentioned that stuck with me. The first was the comments about the stem. Frankly, stems and bars are a personal thing, so mentioning them is really just being nice to the money people. The second item mentioned was the brake pads - they should have been metallic. In my years of experience, shit is shit, and changing pad on shit brakes won't do much for the rider. Shimano's web-sight clearly states that for trail and enduro riding Deore is the minimum. Why companies keep putting sub par equipment on their trail bikes is beyond me. For those considering this bike, plan on swapping out the brakes for some four pot Deores or SLXs. That will make a world of difference on your bike, and you still use mineral oil, which is better for the environment.
@@dirtymoney8378 If someone would release a variable ratio cable actuated hydraulic caliper they'd corner the market, no more losing fluid when the cable gets caught on a branch, and it's cheap, light & easy to carry an extra cable. A small variable ratio cam at the caliper would provide every bit as much power as hydraulic levers and be a lot less fragile & messy. Time for technology to progress forward.
just got the 2023 c2.. rad bike indeed. super playful! 100% jib machine with touch of enduro
Ha ha the calm, thoughtful, narration! While casually killing it!
I spun the Norco sight recently and loved the feel. Great GEO. Considering the optic now!
These reviews and this reviewer are a perfect mix. The outstanding video work is the icing on the cake. Please keep these coming- I look forward to each video.
Have seen a few tests of this bike now. This is by far the most convincing, given the trails you were hitting. And the 2021 bikes have a slightly easier on the eye paint job I hear. Decision made thanks👍
You looking at a 2021 with the rockshox suspension or fox setups? Unsure on which suspension setup to choose
@@Andrew.B121 I'm just hanging to see what the 2021 bikes will look like. I really want to go top spec (had an order for the 2020 bike but Australia got limited bikes to start with and they were all snapped up), but not sure what that is this year. Had heard it was a khaki/moss green sort of deal, but still to see any on their site. Might go frame only and build the bike what I want, but that depends on availability of components which is currently not so good. Are you currently riding a 2020? Any negatives? or all sweet?
Pete Mac I dont have one yet, looking to pick up one of the 2021 models, still undecided as yet on which one to go with. Check out the 99bikes website for pics. There is a frame only and models with either Rockshox superdeluxe/pike or on the more expensive models Fox dpx2/36 suspension.
@@Andrew.B121 FOX
I wasn’t a fan of the color scheme for 2020, but the 2021 colors are looking better. I’m curious as to why only the C1 and C2 models were spec’d with Fox and RS for the C Axs, C3 and frame only models.
I love these videos. Looking forward to seeing the new Kona Process X.
Me too🤘
First your reviews are awesome! I've been waiting for your optic review, I recently bought one and it's rad! Killer on everything but the toughest trails and feels telepathic.
Great review. Nothing beats first impressions right as they happen!
I’m looking at the new 2023 C1 XTR build, this video might have pushed me over the edge! Nice riding 👍🏼
You do a great job on these reviews! I had to re-watch this one. I'm trying to get my hands on the 2021 C2 shimano build
Dang those trails look fun!
great bike with an even greater review 🔥🔥🔥 thank you so much guys 🚀🚀🚀
It’s a Norco baby ready for the rough stuff!🇨🇦
Just pulled a trigger on a 2023. Thanks for convincing me.
Great review... I own one... and yep, I'm selling my 160mm bike. I simply don't need it anymore. This bike is one of a kind. I've been into MTB for 20+ years... and once in a while something comes along that is a proper change... and this frameset is that change. Such a fun little bike!
Same here man my dh bike gets no use now the optic is just so fast and stable while still being crazy in the corners!
What size are u riding and how tall are u? I'm 5.9 and seem to be between sizes. Cheers
Grant Wright I am the same and always ran medium frames, but went with a large optic and it's perfect. Defo go for a large! You will love it.
i enjoy your honest reviews. could you possibly review the marin rift zone short travel bikes?. mostly what is ridden in Ontario
As always, excellent review!
My friend rode the Optic when it first released & he really enjoyed it. Def a fun pedal bike, but also cranked pretty decent on the downhill. Perfect Galby bike! This & the new Transition Spur.
So happy I got this bike just yesterday!😭❤️
Your videos are definitely among my favorite ones to watch when it comes to new bikes. Between this and the Evil the Offering, which of the 2 bikes did you enjoy more. Looking for that one bike to do them all. Live in the Raleigh, NC area with routine trips out to Pisgah.
Thanks, Justin
Can you review the revel rail🙏
Great review. Love your channel. How is this Optic compared to the 2021 Stumpjumper expert? Especially climbing. Can't choose between the two.
Would love to know this as well
Absolutely love mine. 🤙
Nice review! I am thinking about getting the Pivot Switchblade, but I think I want to test the Norco Optic as well.
I have the same feeling as you, based on the reviews of the Pivot Switchblade both are sounding really good and now I’m torn between which to go with.
Great vid, very informative. Old mate knows how to handle a cycle. When a Ibis Ripmo vid coming?
I'd love to know how the Transition Spur compare to this!
indeed
Have you tried the Following or Ripley and how do you compare them with this if so? Thanks!
Awesome review and riding!
Would love to see a Transition Spur review
Horst linkage should feel active while pedaling, but efficient. Braking should also remain active and not stiffen up under rear brake forces. Great suspension linkage design. 125mm rear, 140 front is about right for most trail riding. I disagree with 2.35 tires being the best choice on this bike. 2.6 front, 2.5 rear would be my preference. DT350 hubs are a fantastic house however. Agree completely with you on that. The Optic has been on my list to test and review for a bit now. Looks like you were able to ride it real hard. Glad to see the suspension was working really well. Do you remember the rebound and compression settings you were riding? Thanks for sharing this.
Evil Following V3 next ? 🙏🙏
I'm interested in the new Commencal Meta AM, they got way longer and slacker.
how about a head to head test with 2020 norco optic vs 2021 pivot trail 429?? that would be a great comparison
What weight are you and what suspension rear shock settings did you run? I love my norco but want to see what similar weight people are running (im 150ish)
Great review. love to know how you feel the Norco was compared to the Mojo 4 as a fun allround bike?
Now there's a great question - because - I was just wondering that, just too short to like the 29er feel. I didn't enjoy my SC HT LT at all.
Man... how can you talk and elaborate a review while shredding like that Haha
Lol that what I was thinking too
Would love for you to do a review of YT Izzo, Jeffsy or the Capra if your able to get a hold of any of the 3. Thank you!
Trek EX9 or this bike? Which is your preference in all honesty as far as ride capability and overall geometry characteristics? Thanks!
Wondering what size you are? I’m 5’10” and the geo of the large seems a bit long even though that’s what Norco recommends. I’ve noticed multiple people my size mentioning going to a shorter stem and I’m wondering if that’s an indication medium might be a bit better. Thoughts?
Spencer our reviewer is 5'10'' and often puts shorter stems on bikes. The bike we reviewed was. a large.
And I was thinking of byeing a trek fuel ex 7 but dam Think I might do a switcheroo I did look at slight The other day
Wow this trail looks fun af.
Wow! Thanks
Thoughts compared to the fuel ex 9.9 that you rode ?
How is it compared to Trek Fuel EX ?
nice review
Optic or Tallboy 4?
Blamb MTB Occam
I'd love to see a review on the marin rift zone carbon 2 since it's so similar to this bike.
I walked into my local shop today for rim tape and they had a 2021 Optic C2 shimano build. I walked away with rim tape and a new bike. 😂
@@grandpa_6.7 so, what do you think about the rim tape ? oh sorry, I mean the Optic
@@fredmagnin860 the rim tape is 👌👌👌 and the optic is by far the best bike I've ever ridden. I have had tons of yeti, Intense, santa Cruz, Evil. All of them and it is the best
@@grandpa_6.7 sounds great ! I am desperately looking for a bike and maybe a shop not far away has a Optic C2 2021 Shimano, I ll have a look tomorrow..
@@fredmagnin860 go for it. Best $5k you will ever spend. Let me know how it goes.
Where are these trails at?? Amazing
Galbraith MTN in Bellingham WA
I wish they made it in AL Deore.
can you review the Yeti SB6?
GMTB SB115
@@bike_somm idk just do a yeti
lol
GMTB hahah I’ve done the SB130LR FYI & also just bought a SB100 and threw a 130 fox 34 Grip2 on and I’m loving it as my trail assassin! Got a Megatower for my big Enduro days
Hey man, mind telling us your GoPro settings?
Hero 7. Superview, low sharpness, and auto shutter for the woods
Awesome review. Hell of a rider.
or better yet..... 2020 norco optic vs 2021 pivot trail 429 vs yeti sb130 lr
wow!!!
This or Following v3?
damn this guy rides well
nice review, not sure what's going on with the mic but it's highly sensitive and picks up every gear change click, which I don't pick up on other bike reviews, you also sound like you need an inhaler :-)
It’s doesn’t matter what your talking about or how it’s used the combination of ‘my’ and ‘butt’ will always make me giggle.
👌
Are you a pro racer?
nice
Too bad this bike is only in carbon for a high price :(
Jesus. He was flying down the track and still narrating.
Bummer, I missed it. I only saw Spencer
problem I have with reviews like these is, if you only praise it you're telling us nothing really. We need to know how it compares to different specific bikes or specific averages (like average short travel bikes, etc). In these comparisons it's important to tell both what it does better AND worse. No 1 bike is amazing at everything, period. So if I only know what you like about it, it doesn't really tell me much about the bike at all. I like the video, and I like hearing a dude talk about a rad bike he loves but it's just not very informative at all without comparison and telling us both the bits it's better AND worse at than specific bike/average X.
Well, now, he kind of did. If you bitch too much, you loose financial backing. So, it pays to mostly talk nice about products. That being said, there were two items mentioned that stuck with me. The first was the comments about the stem. Frankly, stems and bars are a personal thing, so mentioning them is really just being nice to the money people. The second item mentioned was the brake pads - they should have been metallic. In my years of experience, shit is shit, and changing pad on shit brakes won't do much for the rider. Shimano's web-sight clearly states that for trail and enduro riding Deore is the minimum. Why companies keep putting sub par equipment on their trail bikes is beyond me. For those considering this bike, plan on swapping out the brakes for some four pot Deores or SLXs. That will make a world of difference on your bike, and you still use mineral oil, which is better for the environment.
@@dirtymoney8378 If someone would release a variable ratio cable actuated hydraulic caliper they'd corner the market, no more losing fluid when the cable gets caught on a branch, and it's cheap, light & easy to carry an extra cable. A small variable ratio cam at the caliper would provide every bit as much power as hydraulic levers and be a lot less fragile & messy. Time for technology to progress forward.