Norco Sight VLT C1 – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

The Norco Sight VLT C1 with its Shimano EP8 motor comes equipped with a huge 900 Wh battery. But is the Canadian powerhouse just a bike for long tours or can it also impress on the trail? Read our review to find out how the Norco fared against the competition in our 2022 eMTB group test.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

Norco rely on a flexible battery concept for all their full-suspension eMTBs, allowing you to choose from three different battery configurations with a 540 Wh, 720 Wh or 900 Wh capacity. While outside the EU customers can choose the battery that best suits their requirements, in the EU the choice is limited: the flagship € 9,999 Sight VLT C1 is only available with a 900 Wh battery. Needless to say, the biggest battery in the entire test field contributes significantly to the high 25.52 kg weight of the Sight (size L). However, at 120 kg, the maximum permissible weight is very low, leaving just 94 kg for a fully-kitted rider – the lowest payload in this group test. The Shimano EP8 motor is tilted upwards by about 45⁰, allowing Norco to position the battery deep and low in the down tube, right in front of the motor. To charge the battery externally, you can slide it out of the bottom of the down tube. The charge port sits right in front of the bottom bracket and is protected by a magnetic cover. Unfortunately, when pedalling hard it’s all too easy to inadvertently disconnect the plug connecting the battery and motor with your foot, shutting down the motor. Moreover, the cable routing is rather messy, reflecting the overall untidy integration of the motor system.

Robust components for tours and trails – The spec of the Norco Sight VLT C1 in detail

The spec of the Sight is well-suited to for trail riding and includes high-quality FOX Factory suspension. This consists of a 36 GRIP2 fork and X2 shock controlling 160/150 mm travel at the front and rear. For heavy riders, a stiffer FOX 38 would ensure more precise handling on rough descents, particularly given the heavy battery. The shock is offset and the stanchion rotated to facilitate setup and keep it out of the way when pedalling. Talking of which, Norco’s user-friendly setup guide will help you dial in your suspension for riders of all abilities. SRAM CODE RSC brakes with a big 220 mm rotor at the front ensure reliable deceleration. Unfortunately, the stiff remote of the 170 mm OneUp dropper post requires strong fingers. A 12-speed SRAM GX drivetrain with an expensive (and superfluous) X01 rear derailleur does the shifting. The 29” MAXXIS ASSEGAI front tire in the robust DoubleDown casing ensures excellent traction, which the shallow tread of the DISSECTOR rear tire can’t match.

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The geometry of the Norco Sight VLT C1 in detail

On level ground, the relatively steep seat tube angle ensures a forward-biased pedalling position but a couple of spacers under the stem will move your weight backwards. The plush suspension contributes massively to the outstanding touring qualities of the Norco. Compared to the equally-comfortable FOCUS, the Sight VLT has a much bigger battery and lets you carry two water bottles on the down tube (size L and above), making it the ideal companion for long days in the saddle. Unlike most of Norco’s analogue mountain bikes, the Sight VLT relies on the same chainstay length across all sizes: at 462, they’re rather long, which becomes particularly evident uphill.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	567 mm	596 mm	624 mm	652 mm
Seat tube	395 mm	415 mm	440 mm	455 mm
Head tube	100 mm	110 mm	120 mm	130 mm
Head angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	77.0°	77.3°	77.7°	78.0°
Chainstays	462 mm	462 mm	462 mm	462 mm
BB Height	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm	350 mm
Wheelbase	1,224 mm	1,258 mm	1,292 mm	1,327 mm
Reach	425 mm	455 mm	485 mm	515 mm
Stack	616 mm	625 mm	634 mm	643 mm

A tame pony rather than a fiery stallion – The Norco Sight VLT C1 uphill

The steep seat tube angle and long chainstays ensure a central pedalling position, which keeps the front wheel tracking the ground on steep climbs. Unfortunately, the shallow tread of the rear tire struggles to generate traction on technical climbs, spinning out of control on loose and slippery terrain. On winding climbs with flowing turns, the Sight VLT is predictable and good-natured, allowing inexperienced riders to wind their way up the mountain in wide circles and only requiring more significant physical effort through tight turns. The Norco is just too sluggish to playfully drift from one corner into the next.

Around the world on two wheels – the Norco Sight VLT is a comfortable tourer with a massive range.

Dropping into the valley in a straight line – The Norco Sight VLT C1 downhill

On technical descents, the Norco stays firmly planted on the trail. The plush suspension swallows up big hits and generates plenty of traction while ensuring excellent composure. The downside: spontaneous direction changes require significant physical effort, particularly through tight corners. On steep trails, the front wheel literally sucks itself into the ground, making it hard to lift over obstacles.

Ploughing your way into the valley in a straight line is the Norco’s credo. Once the Sight VLT C1 picks up speed, it’s hard to stop!

The Norco isn’t too agile on flowing trails either, where the plush suspension doesn’t generate enough pop to change direction spontaneously. In return, the Norco holds the line with stoic composure through long open corners, regardless of your riding skills. With its beginner-friendly handling, the Norco reminds us of the SCOTT Ransom, ironing out stutter bumps and conveying huge amounts of confidence. The one drawback is that both bikes only deliver fun at high-speeds.

Tuning tip: upgrade the rear tire to a model with a more aggressive tread and the tough Doubledown casing when the first tire change is due

Conclusion

The Norco Sight VLT C1 excels at the two extremes of the spectrum. The comfortable suspension, balanced riding position and huge battery make it the ideal eMTB tourer while the composed and intuitive handling make it a great fix for high-speed junkies and an excellent companion for inexperienced riders. However, the sluggish Norco can’t keep up with the lively all-rounders on winding trails and thus falls back to the middle of the field of our 2022 eMTB group test.

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You can find out more about at norco.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

All bikes in test: FOCUS JAM² 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10k (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.E375 PRO (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX CORE 4 (Click for review)

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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Robin Schmitt, Julian Lemme