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2018 Norco

Search A Sora

An aluminum frame gravel bike with mid-range components and tektro md mechanical disc brakes.

Manufacturer Price

$899
FrameAluminum
SuspensionRigid
ForkAluminum
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 9
GroupsetSora
BrakesTektro MD Mechanical Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Search A Sora
Other Gravel 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)

38 mph

Search A Sora

36 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Norco Search gravel bike family is celebrated for its versatility, comfort, and performance across various terrains, making it a top choice for gravel enthusiasts. With options for carbon or steel frames, it accommodates a wide range of riding styles from bikepacking to racing. The bike's design emphasizes durability, with features like ample tire clearance and multiple mounting options, though some components like the PF86 Press-fit bottom brackets and drivetrain noise are noted drawbacks.

Pros
  • Versatile for various gravel riding genres

  • Comfortable for long days in the saddle

  • Lightweight with high-end components

  • Ample tire clearance and multiple mounting options

  • Stable and reliable handling

Cons
  • PF86 Press-fit bottom brackets may be a concern

  • Drivetrain noise and dropped chains

  • Steel frame version is heavier

  • Limited gear ratios for heavy bikepacking loads

  • Not as swift on paved roads as dedicated road bikes

Key Quotes
Not a delicate carbon race bike that needs to be pampered, and can handle some surprisingly rough terrain with ease
BIKEPACKING.com
Norco has done a fantastic job with the Search XR. The bike is a very capable gravel bike that offer buyers plenty of options.
Cycling Tips logoCycling Tips
Do it all and do it well with Norco’s Search XR Ultegra
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The new Norco Search XR is a beauty, both in terms of presentation and the way it performs.
Flow Mountain Bike logoFlow Mountain Bike

Feedback?

View all reviews

Road Bike Action
Bike Test: Norco Search XR

Sep 2018 · Troy Templin

Canadian character and purpose brings a dose of dirt-worthy readiness

Read Review

BikeRadar
Norco Search XR Ultegra review

Apr 2018 · Russell Eich

Norco's Search XR Ultegra is one of the most versatile gravel bikes available. Buy if your gravel exploits run the gamut from racing to adventure riding

Highs
  • Versatile, comfortable, fast, gorgeous fade paint

Lows
  • Shimano drivetrain bangs around, it's too pretty to get dirty

Read Review

Cycling Tips
Norco 2018 Search XR gravel bike review: carbon versus steel - CyclingTips

Apr 2018 · Matt Wikstrom

Norco has been in the bike business for over fifty years, however there are some markets that are still unfamiliar with the brand despite the extensive catalogue of offerings and wide range of appeal. But if Norco has a strength, then it surely lies with its off-road bikes. The Search XR is Norco’s new gravel […]

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
Norco Search XR Carbon Ultegra Review

Feb 2018

We review the 2018 Norco Search XR Carbon Ultegra, the latest gravel weapon from Norco. With sleek looks that disguise its abilities as a multi-day adventure machine, we were very impressed by its versatility, practicality and finish. Read the full review.

Highs
  • A good looking adventure sled.

  • Confident, stable handling without feeling dull.

  • Plenty of tyre clearance.

  • Great spec at a good price.

Lows
  • Our butt and the Norco's saddle were at war.

Read Review

BIKEPACKING.com
Norco Search XR Carbon Review, Force 1

Jan 2018 · Miles Arbour

We took the Norco Search XR Carbon on rugged desert tracks and beyond to see what a top-of-the-line ‘adventure-road’ bike can do. Here's the review...

Lows
  • PF86 Press-fit bottom brackets will likely be a gripe for many people interested in this bike, but we had no problems.

  • 3 bolt anything cage mount in the main triangle is of little use due to the small triangle, would have been nice to see those on the downtube.

  • Gearing might be a little high for some loaded up for bikepacking, so a chainring swap or cassette expander may be needed.

  • Dropper post is slightly awkward to use with the longer, stock stem.

  • Not cheap. Although I do think you get what you pay for, and that includes a drop-bar bike capable of taking on most types of terrain right out of the box. Check out the XR Steel and XR Carbon Apex models for cheaper alternatives.

  • A bit sluggish on pavement without pumping up to a higher pressure, as expected for 650b x 2.1” tires.

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Canadian Cycling Magazine
The Norco Search XR, gravel adventures in carbon and steel

Sep 2017 · Rob Sturney

Need five water bottles for your escapade? The Search can haul 'em.

Read Review

Velo
Norco Search C Ultegra

May 2016 · VeloNews.com

The Norco Search Carbon defines what a great gravel bike should be. It feels like a race bike — stiff and responsive — but it’s incredibly comfortable

Read Review

VeloNews
Reviewed: Norco Search Carbon

May 2016 · William Tracy

Norco's Search Carbon defines what a great gravel bike should be. It feels like a race bike — stiff and responsive — but it’s comfortable.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Search X6 Double Butted Aluminum

Fork

Search Airformed Alloy

Bottom Bracket

FSA MegaExo BB-4000

Headset

Angular Sealed Cartridge Bearings - Tapered

Stem

Norco SL Alloy - Black

Handlebar

Norco Flare - Black

Saddle

Norco Sport - Black

Seatpost

Norco 27.2mm - Black Stealth

TypeRigid

Grips

Norco UltraComfort - Black

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Sora RD-R3000-GS

Front Derailleur

Shimano Sora FD-R3000

Crank

FSA Omega Adventure 48/32T - Black

Shifters

Rear: Shimano Sora ST-R3000 9spd, Front: Shimano Sora ST-R3000 2spd

Cassette

Shimano CS-HG200 11-32T 9spd

Chain

KMC X9

Brakes

Front: Tektro MD-510 Mechanical Disc - 160mm, Rear: Tektro MD-510 Mechanical Disc - 160mm

TypeTektro MD Mechanical Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Sora ST-R3000

Wheels
Rims

WTB SX19 - Black

Front Hub

Alloy hub - Black

Rear Hub

Alloy cassette hub - Black

Tires

Front: Schwalbe Delta Cruiser32c w/K-Guard and Reflex, Rear: Schwalbe Delta Cruiser32c w/K-Guard and Reflex

Rider Notes
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First added April 14

Last updated September 10

Not listed for 2,458 days