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Fortunately my RSS reader cached the article before it was taken down. It confirms virtual high pivot, didn't give any graphs though.
As is traditional, there are three builds, starting at €6200. Interestingly all three have a Fox Factory DHX2, at least according to Enduro Mag.
Maybe new Pivot Firebird geo numbers given on teaser case file?
29” wheels, 170/165 travel, 76 STA, 65/64 HTA
Don't get me wrong, this being pre tax would make it stupid expensive, but even with tax it's crazy expensive. More expensive than Specialized. That's saying something.
https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/After-Months-of-Speculation…
Geo is spot on and the looks are sweet.
So many cool bikes finally coming. Can’t wait to see em out on trails.
WHAT IS THE NORCO FACTORY TEAM RUNNING FOR DH?
During the development process with the Range, we recognized that the traits that made the High Virtual Pivot suspension layout perfect for Enduro would also be well-suited to the performance requirements of a World Cup DH bike. While our initial testing of Range as an Enduro platform shaped the starting point for the downhill bike, the feedback we received from the Norco Factory Team riders on the downhill prototypes was instrumental in defining the final kinematics for Range.
The bolt-on rear dropout design offered a unique opportunity to adapt the geometry of Range to be appropriate for downhill without the need to alter carbon frame components, (In fact, that’s why you can see the bottle mounts in all those highly-analyzed video stills after the DH proto debuted at Crankworx last summer!) so we designed linkarms specific to downhill that provided the wheel travel and leverage curves required for the demands of World Cup courses and the Norco Factory Team’s fastest riders.
Through extensive testing and iteration with our team, we arrived at a prototype that was ready to compete at the highest level of downhill racing.
No one believed me.
For example the new norco is sweet but isn't 36 lbs for a carbon frame, carbon wheels and bars on a 10k bike a bit steep?
Edit: Also shore is all aluminium and 38 lbs
Granted, I didn’t try and climb that bike anywhere. If this thing goes uphill reasonably well, I think I’ll be stoked.
Meanwhile at another company they realize that they've finally gotten their alloy frames to stop breaking through proper heat treating processes. Warranty guy says "Keep up the good work!" And they do and their bikes are lighter and cheaper.
But jesus, I knew there was something in the numbers of the teaser. I just didn't think enough to look backwards. I saw the 0029, and knew that was intentional.
Granted reach was 432mm and WB was 1245mm, and it didn't have a dropper seat post, 10-52t cassette and 27.5 wheels/tires but yeah, 36lbs ain't light for a top spec.
In the 'making up the numbers' podcast Todd Schumlick mentioned something about Richie Rude having plans for WC DH in 2022 - could this be something we see in WC DH then?
Source: commencal insta