August 12, 2008 (Whistler, BC) – Over 40 members of the press left the comforts of home to investigate Norco Performance Bikes 2009 recent product launch at Whistler, B.C. With nearly 150 bike models Canada’s top bike manufacturer is even bigger and better and we were stoked to get the inside scoop on Norco’s 2009 bikes firsthand, and test ride as many as possible.

The full line of Norco bikes is divided into 20 categories, each designed to suit a particular riding style. If you are looking for a new bike your first task is to figure out what category best suits your riding needs. Much has changed for 2009, and Norco’s product launch provided a preview of the excitement of next year’s rides.

The launch began with a sumptuous breakfast, after which we feasted our eyes on over a hundred 2009 bikes. Just a year ago, a display of this size might have confused even a trained eye. But the bike world has met the fashion industry. Norco staff wheeled rack after rack of bikes across the floor, each holding several gleaming new models – this was a first for me, a runway bike show.

The hardcore mountain biker will want to look closely at Norco’s 2009 offerings in the DH, Freeride, Freeride Lite, and Slopestyle categories (see Sidebar 1). You’ll find a weight reduction for all models. Most frames have more stand over, new graphics, and Norco’s new hydrofoam down tubes, which are stiffer and lighter. Distinctive graphics are assigned to each category, with a different colour scheme for each model within. The graphics themselves dominate the front end of the bike, covering the fork legs and the head tube as well as parts of the handlebars and frame. Pedals, hubs, grips, and other component pieces are coloured to match. The resulting look is clean and stylized aka the Shore 2.

Next up on the runway were product lines aimed at the remaining dirt riders: the All-mountain dualies and cross-country bikes. The cross-country bikes include models for racing and sport riding with dual suspension and hardtail options. (see Sidebar 2). Nearly every bike weighs in lighter than in 2008. In addition, the dual suspension models have improved stand over clearance and stiffer linkages.

Rounding off the bike categories for off-road riding are the Dirt/Street bikes and women-specific mountain bikes. The Dirt/Street series are bikes designed for dirt jumping and skate park riding, with each of the five models designed to suit riding styles within this niche. The women-specific category is NEW for 2009. Norco offers four women’s models. The Vixa is a lighter weight version of the Freeride Lite/Six and is the perfect ride for women headed for classic North Shore trails or the bike park. The Ari, Fae, and Koshka are hardtails for less technical trail riding. All models come in XS, S, M and L sizes and all have women-specific geometry and components suited to the female physique. The graphics and colour choices make a feminine fashion statement without looking frilly or soft. Well done Norco!

Most of these mountain bikes were available for test rides so we changed into our bike gear and headed for Whistler Bike Park or local cross-country trails to work off our huge breakfast and enjoy the latest in performance and technology. The consensus was overwhelmingly positive. What struck me most was the attention to detail, with numerous improvements in frame design and component selection throughout the categories. Refer to the sidebars for some highlights.

Norco is an experienced manufacturer with most of its staff passionate about bikes, and it shows. Once again, they have kept a step ahead of trends and market shifts. For 2009 the biggest changes are in categories of bikes designed for urban rides. As gas prices rise so has the demand for these models. All road categories have been expanded and developed, with the exception of the CRR series for high-performance racers.

Of 44 models available in the road categories, a bare six are drop-bar bikes (see Sidebar 3). You’ll find three for cyclocross racing, two for performance road riding and the all-new Kwest for touring. The remaining 38 models are fitted with flat or riser bars. The VFR Asphalt series is for riders who want speed and lightness along with stability and comfort (Fig. 3-VFR2). These include three new models of Cross bikes designed for pavement and dirt/gravel paths with appropriate tires and a bit of front suspension.

There are six models of Urban Commuting bikes. These come ready with fenders, rear racks, chain guards and comfortable saddles. Half the models are for women with a low scooped frame you can step over when getting on and off ie the Corsa). The remainder of the road line is an extensive selection of comfort bikes for pavement rides. Seven of these use the standard 26″ wheels. The remaining sixteen use the larger 700c road wheel. All are entry-level bikes styled to suit a variety of tastes.

Norco has also continued its commitment to the BMX and kids’ market, so moms and dads have plenty to choose from. A new series has been introduced into the line-up: the 29-er, for 29ing. (29-ers have 29″ wheels). Use Google to learn more about this new niche. Norco’s 29er models include two bikes with style and function perfect for the 29-er scene.

Unwelcome news for 2009 is the cost of bikes. Over the last year the price of raw materials increased 15%-30%. Labour costs rose, and so did taxes and freight charges. These increases are passed on to the consumer so expect to pay more for the same quality of bike and components. When a 2009 bike is similarly priced or reduced over the 2008 model it will be because it uses some lower quality components. Still any increases will easily pay for themselves when stacked against the ever-rising price of gas for your car or truck. So take heart – it still pays to get out and ride with major dividends for your health and the environment.

2009 Mace Apparel and Gear
Mace designers took a whole new approach to their line of apparel and armour. Beginning with raw materials all fabrics are now died using a water-based process and, for certain items, bamboo fibres have been woven into the fabric for aroma control. Both changes reduce the use of chemicals considerably and show that Mace is making a commitment to a more “green” manufacturing process. Kudos to the Mace design team.

Mace designers also created three new lines of apparel and armour designed for three distinct styles of mountain biking: Slopestyle, Dirt Jumping and Epic. The Slopestyle jerseys use a fabric that wicks away moisture and stretches around your armour. A mesh panel on the back provides some airflow so you don’t suffocate in the heat. Riders have long and short sleeve options. Graphics and colours coordinate with the Slopestyle shorts and ipod pockets are included for rocking on the slopes.

The Dirt Jump jerseys are totally unique. They are made from a single layer of material, yet are fully reversible for two completely different looks. These “Mirage” jerseys are designed to coordinate with the Mace Dirt Jumping shorts. There is also a polo style shirt and women’s sizes for both jerseys and shorts.

The third new line of Mace gear is the Epic wear. These jerseys have bamboo fibres woven into the material for wicking and odour control and mesh panels under the arms for ventilation. There is a new lightweight short in this line that is water resistant, stretchable, with mesh venting and a centre pocket in the back. Both items come in women’s sizes.

All Mace shorts and pants have velcro straps replacing the older, and rather bulky, buckles for waist synching. Materials have improved in quality and fabrics are more breathable. None of the shorts come with liners, although liners may be purchased separately.

Completing Mace’s offerings are gloves, also in three styles: Slopestyle, DJ and Epic. Again, jerseys and shorts match in colours and graphics. Both Slopestyle and DJ gloves come in a premium quality model and a more budget friendly option.

New for 2009 is a certified ‘CE approved’ tag,on Mace hard shell armour. This includes Swat jackets, hard shell kneepads and knee/shin armour. Helmets are upgraded to an improved fit using the same manufacturing moulds that are used in production of most high-end helmets. Helmet graphics will match the Mace apparel. Tees, hoodies, jackets and bags complete the Mace line.

In 2009, Mace gets a huge overhaul that shows us this company is willing to manufacturer with greater respect for the environment while also providing high quality apparel and armour to the hard core mountain biking community.

Hardcore Mountain Miking – 5 categories, 20 models

DH series: For downhill racing
– Rear axle now Maxel compatible
– Lower centre of gravity
– Integrated headsets for lower front ends
– New- size large
– New frames

Freeride: For ‘freeriding'” and bike parks.
– Includes the “Shore” models.
– New hydrofoam down tubes. New graphics. – More standover. Lighter.

Freeride Lite: Also for ‘freeriding’ and bike parks.
– Includes the “Six” models.
– All models use 135 mm rear spacing
– NEW model – “STRYK” – and entry-level bike
– New hydrofoam down tubes. New graphics. – More standover. Lighter.

Slopestyle: * New category. For Slopestyle and 4X racing.
– NEW model (Fig.5-EmpireS): with Ben Boyko’s specifications.
– The 4X 09 model is lower, lighter and stiffer.
– Shore Hardtail: Simple and durable for hardcore “Shore” style riding.

Adventure, Cross-country and Sport mountain biking – 7 categories, 33 models

All Mountain: For epic/adventure riding.
– Includes the “Fluid LT” (long travel) models and the “Fluid” models.
– More frame clearance for rear tires. – Integrated headtubes (Fig 8-new 1.5 integrated headtube).
– Fluid LT models have 6.2″ or 5.4″ options for rear travel
– Fluid models have 5.5″ and 4.5″ options for rear travel
– All frames with new down tubes. All models lighter and stiffer (Fig. 7-New Fluid LT link arm).

Cross Country
– For cross-country riding – race and recreation.
– Includes the “Faze” series of dual suspension bikes.
– All models are lighter with stiffer linkages and more stand over clearance.

Cross Country Hardtail
– Also for cross-country riding; race and recreation but with front
suspension only.

Adventure Hardtail
– For easy cross-country rides. Often called sport riding.

Adventure X
– Similar geometry and style to Shore Hardtails but lower price points.

Women’s Specific MTB
– New Category
– Four new models: three hardtails and one freeride light dualie.
– Dirt/Street: For dirt jumping, skate parks and urban riding.
– All models with lower BB heights, integrated headsets, and shorter chain stays.

2009 Bikes for the road and cross bikes for road and path – 6 categories, 92 models

Cyclocross
– New high-end cyclocross model with a scandium frame.

VFR Asphalt
– 11 flat bar models provide options for V-brakes or discs, road only
or road/path, double or triple crankset

Urban Commuting
– Bikes come with racks, fenders, chain guards and models with cassettes or internal gearing.
– 26″ Comfort and 700c Hybrid/Comfort
Simple and affordable.

29er Hardtail
– New Category.
– Two models. For smooth road cruising and the 29″ wheel experience.

2009 BMX, BMX Race and Kids bikes
– approx. 45 models