2020 Norco

Search XR C2 650b

A carbon frame gravel bike with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes.

MSRP$3,799
FrameCarbon
SuspensionRigid
ForkCarbon
Wheels650b Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 11
GroupsetGRX 800, Easton
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Search XR C2 650b
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)

30 mph

Search XR C2 650b

36 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews
Bikerumor
Norco Search XR A Suspension gravel bike finds a home for the new 50mm travel SR Suntour GVX fork

Oct 2020

Want a gravel bike with suspension? The Norco Search XR A Suspension is one of the first to use the SR Suntour GVX Fork!

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Norco Search XR C2 gravel bike on test - Canadian all-rounder or gravel specialist

Mar 2020 · Philipp Schwab

The Search XR C2 is Norco’s take on a do-it-all bike, meant to excel in every discipline from gravel to commuting and bikepacking. Will this bike make the fleet in your garage redundant? Read on for all the details.

Highs
  • Very stable and composed

  • Dropper seat post

  • Stiff frame capable of hauling heavy loads

  • Numerous bosses and attachment points

Lows
  • Lack of agility and acceleration

  • Mediocre comfort

  • Chainring is too big for long climbs and bikepacking

Read Review

BikeRadar
Norco Search XR Apex 1 review

Aug 2019 · Simon Withers

Not wowed by the looks, but a lovely and plush steel and wide-tyred all-rounder

Highs
  • Well kitted out for all sorts of adventures, good gears and an excellent ride over poor surfaces both on and off-road

Lows
  • Slightly lower top gear than a road bike

  • Mechanical rather than hydraulic disc

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Road Bike Action
Bike Test: Norco Search XR

Sep 2018 · Troy Templin

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

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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 […]

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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.

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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.

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Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

High-Modulus Carbon

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Fork

High-Modulus Carbon

Bottom Bracket

Easton PressFit BB86

Headset

FSA Orbit No. 42

Stem

Norco SL Aluminum

Handlebar

Easton EA70 AX Aluminum, 16deg Flare

Saddle

Norco SL Race, CrN-Ti Rails

Seatpost

X-Fusion Manic Gravel 50mm Dropper, Shimano Remote

TypeDropper

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano GRX RD-RX812

Front Derailleur

Norco Integrated 1x Guide

Crank

Easton EA90 40T

Shifters

Rear: Shimano GRX ST-RX810 11 speed, Front: Shimano GRX ST-RX810 w/Dropper Remote

Cassette

Shimano SLX CS-M7000 11-42T

Chain

KMC X11

Brakes

Front: Shimano GRX BR-RX810 Hydraulic Disc, Rear: Shimano GRX BR-RX810 Hydraulic Disc

TypeHydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano GRX BL-RX810 Hydraulic

Wheels
Rims

Easton EA70 AX Wheels, Tubeless Compatible

Front Hub

Easton EA70 AX 12x100mm TA

Rear Hub

Easton EA70 AX 12x142mm TA

Tires

Front: WTB Resolute TCS 700x42c, Tubeless Compatible System, Tanwall, Rear: WTB Resolute TCS 700x42c, Tubeless Compatible System, Tanwall

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Last updated September 22
Not listed for 1,278 days