Norco describes their Search XR as an all road bike, lending itself to gravel and adventure rides with a sub-1000g carbon frame. © Cyclocross Magazine
For 2015, Norco makes the adventure push with an enormous lineup of the “all road” bikes they call the Search. At Interbike 2014, we were able to get a close first look at three of the six models: two of their highest-level carbon fiber versions, and their top steel model as well.
Between all six offerings, it looks as if Norco is appealing to all levels of riders, from those looking for a rig to tackle the rough roads of their commute to those demanding high performance for a world event gravel grind.
Norco’s Search includes their GIZMO universal internal cable routing system, which looks to eliminate rattle and contamination. © Cyclocross Magazine
At the highest level, the Search XR makes its presence known in a bright blue and yellow. It looks as if Norco designed a bike to be race ready with Easton EA70 XCT tubeless wheels and Clement X’Plor USH tires. The frame itself has sized-scaled tubing, which allows for a compliant road feel in a variety of different conditions.
The cable routing that integrates into the frame just behind the head tube looks like something akin to H.R. Giger’s Alien creation, and its name, GIZMO, might remind 30-something riders of the Gremlin movies, but the design is intentional on Norco’s part. The housing enters the frame at steeper angles, and coupled with the mounts, it appears to minimize housing contact with the head tube and reduce rattling. Norco suggests their design also keeps debris and water out.
The Norco Search XR comes stock with Easton EA70 XCT tubeless wheels and Clement X’Plor USH 35c, although the frame can handle up to 40c tires. © Cyclocross Magazine.
The Search models are available in six different sizes: 48, 50.5, 53, 55,5, 58, 60.5. The Search XR, priced at $3,700, also comes built with mechanical 11-speed Ultegra, Shimano RS785 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm front and read rotors, with a 15mm front thru-axle and a 12x142mm rear.
Yet another point in keeping with Norco’s mountain bike tradition is their decision to go with the Fizik Tundra M5 saddle.
Norco’s top model Search is built with mechanical Ultegra 11-speed, hydraulic brakes and a rear 142×12 axle. © Cyclocross Magazine
Looking for a top end adventure bike, but picky about the wheels for race-day? Norco has you in mind as well. Apart from the much more subdued paint scheme, every-day wheels, and Fizik Strada saddle, the Search Ultegra is a replica of the top-end XR model, right down to the drivetrain and brakes. The Search Ultegra comes in at $3,150.
Norco’s most affordable carbon build, not pictured here, is the Search 105, which comes with mechanical Hayes brakes for $2,110.
For those who want to save a little green by not buying a bike with race-day wheels, Norco offers a same build with a set of standard Alex Rim clinchers for $550 less. © Cyclocross Magazine
Norco’s Search S1 is the company’s top-of-the-line steel bike, retailing at $1,525 with a carbon fork and thru-axle. Equipped with Shimano 11-speed 105, the S1 also comes with Hayes CX Expert mechanical disc and 160mm rotors along with their in-house saddle. They advertize that their brake housing is Kevlar reinforced, which hopefully means they are compressionless, which would be a huge bonus for mechanical brake users.
The Search S1 is built with Reynolds 520 steel, and comes equipped with a carbon fork that sports the familiar thru-axle. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Search S1 is built with Reynolds 520. Norco’s Search S2 and S3 are less expensive, but use 4130 Chromoly for the frame and fork. The Search S2 also comes with Shimano 105, downgrades the brakes to Hayes CX Comp, and retails for $1,215.
The Search s3 also uses the Hayes CX Comp, although it takes the other components down to the commuter-level with all-around Shimano Sora. The S3 MSRPs for $885.
Norco kept their Search S1 clean with minimal flaring paint. The brake and cable housing runs the full length of the bike unlike the internals of the carbon models. © Cyclocross Magazine
For more information: norco.com
