The Norco Sight has long been lauded as a versatile and high-performing all-mountain bike, and the 2023 A1 model is no exception. Initially drawn to the buzz around the upcoming 2024 release, I stumbled upon a deal on the 2023 Norco Sight and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to experience this highly-regarded machine. Having recently pushed my shorter-travel bikes to their limits on increasingly demanding trails, the Norco Sight promised to be the ideal upgrade – a bike capable of conquering technical descents while still offering efficient pedaling for uphill climbs. This review dives into my first impressions of the Norco Sight A1 2023, covering everything from aesthetics to ride feel and component performance.
Initial Aesthetics and Finish
Online, the Norco Sight 2023 appears to sport a striking chrome finish accented with gold highlights. However, upon unboxing, the reality is a touch more understated. The frame presents as a dark grey, and the gold logo is subtle, catching the light beautifully only at certain angles. While not the flashy chrome I initially envisioned, the darker aesthetic is still undeniably appealing and premium-looking. To preserve the sleek finish and protect against trail debris, I immediately applied a Ride Wrap kit. This protective film is an invaluable addition for any serious mountain biker looking to keep their investment looking pristine, deflecting scratches and minor impacts effectively.
Norco Sight A1 2023 dark grey frame with subtle gold logo, protected by Ride Wrap.
Ride Feel, Sound, and Frame Quietness
One of the first things I noticed was the remarkable silence of the Norco Sight. Compared to my other bikes, which had gradually become noisier over time, the Sight was impressively quiet on the trail. This initial tranquility highlighted how much accumulated rattle and chain slap I had become accustomed to. However, this near-silent performance was unfortunately short-lived. After a few rides, a creaking sound emerged, particularly when the pivots encountered dust and grime. Thankfully, a thorough cleaning and re-torquing of all pivot points to the manufacturer’s specifications resolved the issue, at least temporarily. Moving forward, I plan to perform a complete strip-down, clean, and re-grease of the bike. Rumors circulate within the mountain biking community that some bikes leave the factory with insufficient grease on pivot points, and proactive maintenance in this area seems prudent to ensure long-term silent and smooth operation.
Suspension Performance: RockShox Lyrik Ultimate and Super Deluxe Ultimate DH
The suspension package on the Norco Sight A1, featuring a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork with 160mm of travel and a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate DH rear shock delivering 150mm, has been nothing short of transformative. This combination has instilled a newfound confidence on challenging, technical trails, encouraging higher speeds through rough sections that previously felt daunting. However, achieving this optimal performance required some initial setup adjustments, particularly with the rear shock. Following Norco’s Rider Aligned setup guide proved to be significantly off for my weight and riding style. To achieve the desired 30% sag, I had to inflate the rear shock to its maximum recommended pressure. Despite the initial setup discrepancy, once dialed in, the suspension performance has been exceptional. Looking ahead, I intend to experiment with adding volume spacers to further fine-tune the rear suspension’s progressivity and bottom-out resistance for even more aggressive riding scenarios.
Norco Sight A1 2023 dark grey frame with subtle gold logo, protected by Ride Wrap.
Contact Point Comfort: Grip Upgrade and OneUp Dropper Post
As a taller rider with larger hands, one of the first personalizations I made was to replace the stock grips with a thicker profile option. Larger diameter grips significantly reduce hand and arm fatigue, especially on longer rides, contributing to overall comfort and control. Furthermore, the inclusion of a 210mm OneUp dropper post has been a revelation. Having previously ridden bikes with 170mm dropper posts, the extra travel offered by the OneUp post is a game-changer for my longer leg length. This extended drop provides enhanced maneuverability on steep descents and technical terrain. The OneUp dropper operates flawlessly, with smooth and consistent action, quickly becoming my preferred dropper post and setting a new benchmark for future bike setups – I won’t be going back to anything shorter than 210mm.
Early Verdict on the Norco Sight A1 2023
While still in the initial phase of ownership and requiring more extensive trail time to fully evaluate its long-term performance, my first impressions of the Norco Sight A1 2023 are overwhelmingly positive. Although the setup process required some deviation from the manufacturer’s recommendations to achieve optimal suspension performance, and minor maintenance was needed to address initial frame creaking, the bike has delivered on its promise of being a capable and confidence-inspiring all-mountain machine. Once properly dialed in, the Norco Sight transforms into a truly fantastic ride. I’m eager to push its limits further and explore its full potential on a wider variety of trails and riding conditions.
Want to See the Norco Sight in Action? Watch the Video!
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