Optic C1
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$9,099Weight | 32.4 lbs |
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Frame | Carbon |
Suspension | Full, 125 / 140mm |
Fork | Fox Factory Float 34 |
Shock | Fox Float X Factory |
Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
Groupset | X0 Eagle Transmission, SRAM |
Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Seatpost | Dropper |
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Optic model range
View Comparison5'0" – 5'5"
5'4" – 5'8"
5'7" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'0" – 6'6"
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Feb 2024 · Zach Overholt
We've seen more and more high pivot suspension with idler pulleys, but on short travel bikes? The new Norco Sight and Optic look interesting.
Feb 2024 · Peter Walker
The new 2024 Norco Optic relies on a distinctive high pivot suspension design. Does it even make sense on a trail bike?
High fun factor on flowing trails
Doesn’t shy away from gnarly trails either
Ride Aligned system is extremely practical
Undersized brakes
Cables rattle loudly
Feb 2024 · Jamie Darlow
It’s been more than four years since we’ve seen a Norco for sale in the UK, after distribution through Evans Cycles fell apart, but now in 2024 Norco is back with two new analogue bikes, the Sight and Optic. And what a change the US brand’s made, embracing a high pivot idler on its longer-travel Sight and on the 125mm travel Optic. Need to know Carbon frame trail bike with high pivot suspension and idler High pivot suspension design with idler delivers 125mm travel Idler gets around 19 teeth, narrow profile and coating to reduce drag Size-specific chainstays and seat tube angles, that grow with the sizing 29in wheels, or switch to mullet with the Missing Link Kit that swaps out rocker link and shock mount Frame gets space for bottle on each size, gear hangar, sleeved internal routing Meaty chainstay and seatstay protection to quiet the chain C1 Fox Factory build with SRAM XO T-type drivetrain unavailable in the UK C2 build is in the UK, at £6,999 with mix of Fox and RockShox suspension That makes the Optic pretty unique, we’ve only seen the high pivot idler idea used on one other short-travel bike in modern times, aboard the 130mm Forbidden Druid. It took the Canadian brand two goes to deliver the right balance of small-bump sensitivity and support, but by the second generation we rated it as one of the best short travel trail bikes around. It’s a high bar for the Optic to clear then. High pivot proposition There’s a good reason why most brands don’t attempt the high pivot and idler design on the short travel bike, traditionally it’s added more noise, drag and weight. This is less of a problem on downhill or enduro bikes of course, where weight matters less, and which partly explains why there are a shed load of brands sporting the idea, with the Trek Slash the latest to the pile. The other reason is suspension performance, of course. A high pivot design and its rearward axle path is said to make bikes better able to swallow big hits, more composed on rough terrain and generally feel like they’re delivering more travel than the numbers suggest. Norco’s Virtual Pivot Suspension | High Pivot suspension design There’s plenty to talk about with both the new Sight and Optic, but I’ll dive straight into the most interesting feature, the suspension. Norco’s calling it Virtual Pivot Suspension | High Pivot, a design that sends the wheel more rearwards than a conventional low-pivot design… although by how much we don’t know as the brand hasn’t shared this information. The idler is mounted to the chainstay, it’s there to manage the chain growth and stop the pedal-kickback that would plague any high-pivot idler bike if left with a regular chainline. There’s no second idler pulley below the chainring, like on the Trek Slash, and this is because the Optic’s idler is positioned more rearward. In short, there’s enough contact with the chainring not to need …Continue reading »
• Great sizing and standover height, and perfect fore-aft balance with proportional chainstays
• Climbs like an absolute rocket, despite any extra potential drag and weight from the idler
• Suspension is super supportive, holds you flat and stable in the corners
• Fast as a missile down the trails, swallows big hits like a champ
• Rough tracks transfer vibration through your hands and feet
Feb 2024 · Dario DiGiulio
For the right person, someone who wants a little bike that can push beyond its purview when truly ridden hard, the tradeoffs might just be worthwhile.
Impressively composed for travel number
Adaptable and well-considered frame layout
Excellent geometry and scaled sizing
Pedals like a bigger bike
Complication and noise from idler
Jun 2022
The Norco Optic C3 is an aggressively shaped short travel 29er that looks to be a solid all-rounder. Although its progressive geometry is right on the money, the bike’s overall capability and potential to inspire confidence are let down due to lackluster suspension.
Apr 2021
RIding the Norco Optic in Portland, Oregon's Rocky Point trails was a great way to compare it to the Ibis Ripley.
Jan 2021 · Jeremy Benson
Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Norco Optic joined a growing list of bikes in the aggressive short-travel category. Despite a modest 125mm of...
Frame | Optic Carbon, VPS HP, 125mm Travel, UDH Compatible BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Color: Black |
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Fork | Fox Factory 34 FLOAT GRIP2, HSC, LSC, HSR, LSR, LNT, 140mm Travel, 44mm Offset, Fender Included Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
Shock | Fox FLOAT X Factory, 185x50mm Trunnion Travel: 125mm Spring Type: Air |
Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB BSA Threaded |
Headset | FSA #57 E, Sealed Bearing |
Stem | CNC Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp |
Handlebar | Deity Skywire Carbon 800mm, 25mm Rise |
Saddle | Fizik Alpaca Terra, Wingflex |
Seatpost | One Up Adjustable Dropper, 34.9mm, 150mm (1), 180mm (2), 210mm (3, 4), 240mm (5) Type: Dropper |
Grips | DMR DeathGrip |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM X0 AXS Eagle T-Type |
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Crank | SRAM X0 Eagle T-Type, Boost, 30T AL Ring, 170mm |
Shifters | SRAM Pod Controller |
Cassette | SRAM Eagle T-Type 1295, 10-52T |
Chain | SRAM XO Eagle T-Type |
Chain Guide | Norco Idler Guide and Lower Guide |
Brakes | Front: SRAM Level Stealth Silver, 4-Piston, Sintered Pads, Rear: SRAM Level Stealth Silver, 4-Piston, Sintered Pads Type: Hydraulic Disc |
Brake Levers | SRAM Level Silver |
Rims | We Are One Union Carbon |
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Front Hub | Industry Nine 1/1 12x110mm Boost, 6-Bolt |
Rear Hub | Industry Nine 1/1, 12x148mm Boost, XD, 6-Bolt |
Tires | Front: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5", 3C, MaxxTerra / EXO / TR, Folding, Rear: Maxxis Dissector 2.4" WT, 3C, MaxxTerra / EXO / TR, Folding |
Disc Rotors | SRAM Centerline 200mm |
Last updated May 4