NORCO SIGHT VLT C1 review. A capable All-Mountain EMTB.

Since receiving our Norco Sight VLT last July as part of our Dissected Feature on the entire Norco VLT eBike line, our crew has been throttling this thing relentlessly. The Norco Sight VLT is likely the most versatile eBike in the lineup and the one most people will jive with best. Designed to be an all-mountain crushing eBike to do it all, the Norco Sight VLT is a 29-inch wheeled eMTB with 160mm of travel up front, redesigned 150mm of travel our back and can be purchased with three different battery sizes, part of Norco’s eBike philosphy of letting the customer pick the right battery size, weight and range for their needs. Let’s dig into our experiences and what happened during our testing of the Norco Sight VLT C1.

The 160/150mm (f/r) travel, 29” wheeled Norco Sight VLT is built with the same DNA as the other VLT eBikes. Norco uses the Shimano STEPS EP8 drive unit powered by a removable battery that’s available in three capacity options: 540Wh, 720Wh and 900Wh. Norco has opted to give every rider the ability to select the battery size that is most appropriate for their needs. With each different capacity comes a different balance of agility, range and price. The smallest 540Wh battery weighs in at 3,190g and costs $899, whereas opting for the largest 900Wh battery gives a battery weight of 4,750g and price of $1,299, making a significant difference to the handling but scaling up the range considerably in the process. Each battery has a 1.5lb weight change for those looking to blend weight and range. If you’ve got the budget for it, this customizable battery size offers riders the option to purchase multiple sizes and switch between them depending on what ride is on the menu. This is a level of tunability we really appreciate, and it certainly sets the Norco VLT range apart from the competition. Although we’d love to see either the battery or bike prices drop a bit for a more affordable entry point.

Shimano’s EP8 motor is a solid performer that offers a customizable 85Nm of maximum torque and up to four times the input power, topping out at 500W peak. Using Shimano’s E-Tube Project app, riders can customize two power delivery profiles to suit their preferences, dialing in the amount of assistance generated and maximum torque output. In this way, the climbing performance can be matched to the group your riding with, or some extra range can be eeked out by reducing the assistance for those big epics. Of course, you can also opt to deliver the maximum power to get you back up the hill as fast as possible.

Norco is offering the Sight VLT in both carbon fiber and aluminum frame options to cater to different budgets, with a choice of two different spec levels for each. This gives a range of pricing from $5,499 for the A2 to $8,999 for the C1, without a battery. The aluminum frame adds weight and reduces the price tag, but crucially retains all the features of the carbon fiber model so riders on a tighter budget can share the same ride experience. The frames feature IP67 Rosenberger charge ports; integrated speed sensors; Super Taper headtubes for 1.8”-1.125” steerer tubes; Boost axle spacing; and clearance for up to 2.6” wide rubber.

NORCO RIDE ALIGNED:

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:05 Spec
4:09 Geometry
7:28 Ride Impressions
8:29 Final Word

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[raffypebenito]

I've had my VLT Sight C1 for almost 2 months now with the 900wh, best investment ever. I was hesitant on getting an ebike but when I did, i never looked back. Just be courteous when passing someone on the climb👍👍👍

[rickweber]

I have the Sight C2 VLT and love it. I am usually a longer travel bike kind of guy but have had no issues with 150mm rear travel and I ride the gnarly BC trails. It definitely feel like a longer travel bike the way it soaks up the chatter. Excellent in the steep stuff and big drops as well. Maybe not the best jumper out there but neither am I lol. I am looking at swapping out the air shock for a coil. This is my first air shock but prefer the feel of a coil.

[alex]

Really great review. This would be an ideal bike for me and looking to purchase this. Prices seem more reasonable vs competitors and I also like the design a lot...handsome bike. Maybe if I get the smallest battery, won't be as heavy. Keep up the amazing work

[malanalan]

When it comes to geometry it is a very unique ebike. Great downhill and great uphill capabilities. I wish it had a better motor though.

[loteq]

Just bought a norco sight C2 with sram axs upgrade and the big battery. Was nervous about all this battery tech but just decided to leap. I rented a A1 out in Squamish for a couple rides and had a blast riding straight up the mountain. Have never enjoyed climbs before so that was new 😂

[oxirosmusic]

Got the range with the 900w battery. Best purchase ever.

[eBikerHowie]

I love when you said you had a "bit of a problem" when the battery fell out. 😂

[thim]

Awesome bike, I looked at it, but went with a yt decoy mx. The chainstays are to long for my liking on the vlt. Saving up for a gen 3 levo next.

[AB-NZ]

Another great review guys. Keep up the fantastic work.
How far are you away from your long term review of the revised Trek Rail?
Cheery. Andrew

[asiiii]

sight vlt c2 2023 vs specialized levo alloy 2022, which should I buy?

[LoganCarbaugh]

Awesome! Do you guys have a video on the Scor 4060 yet?

[aaron___]

"Not enough Loctite!" - bobber breakdown

[ballunix]

is it legal to run twenty6 pedals on a 29er? 😉

[stevecabrera]

Any plans for q deep dive into the range vlt?

[chadstellwagen]

Not sure if I missed it but did you guys list a weight on it?

[joelnewton]

why does noone talk about the relativity between long reach numbers and steep seat angles, you say the reach on this can be an issue but you probably ride your other bikes with a similar virtual top tube length and not even notice. Reach means nothing when its not considered against the seat tube angle.

[mustclime]

Zero interest in an e bike over $6, 000. You can buy a really well specked all mountian bike for $4, 000. Add $2, 000 for the motor and battery and thats the number for E bikes. Anything over this is just profit taking by the bike maker.

[LoganCarbaugh]

Awesome! Do you guys have a video on the Scor 4060 yet?