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2016 Norco

Optic A9.1

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension crosscountry bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$3,199
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 110 / 120mm
ForkFox Performance Float 34
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetGX
BrakesSRAM Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Optic A9.1
Other Crosscountry bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

28 mph

Optic A9.1

27 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

Summary

The Norco Optic is a versatile cross-country bike that excels in balanced geometry and efficient pedaling, making it a joy on both climbs and descents. Its A.R.T suspension technology and nimble handling are frequently praised, though some reviews note limitations in suspension travel and climbing efficiency on technical terrain. The bike's ability to handle a variety of trails with confidence is a common highlight, despite some critiques on component choices and geometry in extreme conditions.

Pros
  • Balanced geometry for playful ride

  • Efficient A.R.T suspension technology

  • Nimble handling

  • Versatile for various trail conditions

  • Good pedaling efficiency

Cons
  • Limited suspension travel for downhill-focused riders

  • Slack seat angle hampers climbing

  • Somewhat heavily damped suspension

  • Component choices may not suit all riders

Key Quotes
The Optic has proven to be far more capable than it ought to be.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
It’s a vicious loop of awesomeness.
Flow Mountain Bike logoFlow Mountain Bike
Norco’s Optic C9.2 aims to make pedaling uphill almost as fun as hitting flowing single-track descents.
VeloNews logoVeloNews

Feedback?

View all reviews

VeloNews
Norco Optic Carbon 9.2

May 2017 · Emily Schaldach

Norco’s Optic C9.2 aims to make pedaling uphill almost as fun as hitting flowing single-track descents. Its balanced geometry creates a playful ride on

Read Review

Revolution Mountain Bike Magazine
[R]eviewed: Norco Optic C7.2

Mar 2017 · Ben Goff

Norco have come a long way since their early days of building huck master free ride machines. This is the Norco optic C7.2, a 120mm rear, 130mm front, 27.5” trail bike with super sexy lines. It’s more than a little aesthetically pleasing and let’s face it, when you are riding something that you look at and think to yourself, damn that’s a nice bike, your confidence and ability just seem to go up. Out of the box this bike’s colour […]

Read Review

BikeRadar
Norco Optic A9.1 first ride review

Mar 2017 · Guy Kesteven

5 and 29er versions of the Optic head to head previously, the bigger wheels definitely boost small bump smoothness and hold momentum more than the 27.

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
Review: Norco Optic 29

Jan 2017

Long, stable, bargain-priced, XC-race refugee seeks rider tired of categorization. Here's our review of the Norco Optic 29.

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
NORCO OPTIC C7.1 TEST

Dec 2016 · McCoy

It’s a trail ripper

Read Review

Singletrack World
Review: Norco Optic C7.2

Nov 2016 · Wil Barrett

The 2017 Norco Optic is available in 27.5in and 29in versions. We put the Optic C7.2 to task to see whether less might actually be more.

Read Review

MTBR
Outerbike Test Sessions: Norco Optic

Oct 2016 · Benjamin Slabaugh

Good memories of the original aluminum Norco Sight moved us to take a cruise on the new Optic, an 110mm rear, 120mm front 29er setup that leans to the XC side of the trail bike category. - Mtbr.com

Read Review

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Norco Optic C7.2 Review

Jul 2016 · Christoph Bayer

Norco Optic C7.2: Norco claim it’s a trail bike with cross-country pop and all-mountain adventure, but how will it fare away from its home turf?

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Optic Aluminum 110mm travel

Fork

Fox 34 Float Performance 29 110x15 120mm travel

Travel120mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

110x15 120mm travel REAR SHOCK

Travel110mm

Bottom Bracket

Race Face 73mm

Headset

Cane Creek 10 Series

Stem

Alloy 3D forged 50mm length

Handlebar

Norco 6061 DB alloy 760mmx25mm

Saddle

SDG Circuit Mtn

Seatpost

KS E-Ten Integra Stealth w/remote 31.6mm

TypeDropper

Pedals

N/A

Grips

Norco lock on grip

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

Race Face Affect w/32T

Shifters

N/A

Cassette

SRAM XG 1150 10-42T

Chain

SRAM PC 1130 11sp

Chain Tensioner

N/A

Brakes

Front: SRAM DB 3 hydraulic disc w / 180mm rotor, Rear: SRAM DB 3 hydraulic disc w / 160mm rotor

TypeSRAM Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM DB 3

Wheels
Rims

Alex DP23 double wall 29er I23 tubeless ready

Front Hub

SRAM MTH 716 15x110mm

Rear Hub

SRAM MTH 746 148x12mm XD

Tires

N/A

Disc Rotors

N/A

Rider Notes
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First added July 10

Last updated July 10

Not listed for 3,250 days