News: Norco Sight VLT TQ – Canada’s New Lightweight All-Mountain Machine

With the new Norco Sight VLT TQ, the team from North Vancouver are injecting some fresh momentum into their e-mountain bike lineup. With 160/150 mm of travel, a TQ HPR60 motor system and a high-pivot rear end, it promises serious trail performance, paired with a natural ride feel. So what does this first high-pivot TQ bike bring to the table? Here’s everything you need to know.

Alongside the new Range, Norco are also unveiling the Sight VLT TQ, adding a 160/150 mm electric all-mountain machine to their line-up. While the Fluid VLT is powered by a Bosch SX drive system, the new Sight VLT TQ packs in a bit more travel alongside a TQ HPR60 motor.

With 60 Nm of torque, a peak output of 350 W and support of up to 200 percent, the Sight VLT TQ’s intended use is clear. You’ll get a noticeable boost on the climbs compared to an analogue bike, while on the way back down it aims to feel as close as possible to the non-assisted Norco Sight. You can find out how the TQ HPR60 performs in detail in our big motor group test.

For now, here’s what you need to know. The compact mid-drive motor uses a harmonic pin ring transmission to provide pleasantly quiet, natural-feeling assistance – if you are expecting a brute force torque monster, you should probably look elsewhere. If, however, you value an organic ride feel, you will likely feel at home within the first few pedal strokes.

To boost downhill performance, Norco rely on their VPS HP rear suspension platform. Behind the acronym sits a high-pivot layout with a virtual pivot point, and an additional idler pulley to manage chain growth. Geometry and kinematics closely mirror the analogue Norco Sight, so its character on the trail should feel reassuringly familiar.

But even the best suspension design only gets you halfway there: the setup is what really unlocks performance. This is where Norco go one step further with their Ride Aligned system. Head to their website, enter your height, riding style, preferred terrain and your position on the bike, and you receive tailored recommendations for suspension settings, tire pressures and cockpit adjustments. These are the fine details many riders overlook, often leaving free performance on the table. Our colleagues at ENDURO magazine have already put the system through its paces with the analogue Sight.

Norco quote a weight of 19.05 kg for the Sight VLT TQ, making it the lightest mid-drive all-mountain bike in their current range. Look beyond the all-mountain category, and things get interesting. The Fluid VLT trail bike is lighter still, though it comes with less travel and a clearly different brief.

Norco position their new assisted all-mountain bike firmly in the premium segment. In Europe, the Sight VLT TQ is available in two build options, C1 and C2. Both models are available now.

Sight VLT TQ C1 – €9,990
Sight VLT TQ C2 – €8,790

The New Norco Sight VLT TQ C1

The C1 version is aimed squarely at performance-focused riders who refuse to compromise on suspension. Up front, you get a FOX 36 Factory with the GRIP X2 damper, the clear winner in our sister magazine’s enduro fork group test. At the rear, a FOX FLOAT X Factory shock completes the package.

Shifting comes courtesy of the latest Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain. The wireless setup keeps the cockpit clean and uncluttered, and the remote sits neatly under your thumb with excellent ergonomics.

One detail that stands out is the mechanically operated TranzX dropper post. At just shy of €10,000, you might reasonably expect the bike to come with a wireless option. That said, mechanical systems are proven, dependable and free from battery worries. The last thing you want is an unexpected surprise before, or worse, halfway through your after-work ride.

For the wheels, Norco spec a set of Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon. Impressively compliant for a carbon wheelset, they offer a touch of flex that translates into grip and control on the trail – they are firmly among our favourites.

The New Norco Sight VLT TQ C2

If you are looking to spend a little less, the C2 comes in at €8,790. Up front, it features a FOX 36 Performance Elite fork with the GRIP X2 cartridge. In terms of performance, it is virtually on par with the Factory version, the only significant difference being the absence of the gold Kashima coating.

At the rear, a FOX FLOAT X Performance shock takes over, though it does without external compression damping adjustment. Shifting is handled by the new Shimano DEORE Di2 drivetrain, also wirelessly controlled and paired with an ergonomic remote. The TranzX dropper post is the same as on the top-spec model. The only other notable change concerns the wheels, which are aluminium rather than carbon on this build.

With the Sight VLT TQ, Norco expand their range with a compelling eMTB that has a clearly defined brief. Serious downhill capability, the natural feel of the TQ motor, and a high-pivot rear end as the technical centrepiece. Two build options, premium price tags and a consistent focus on ride feel rather than brute force power should make this bike particularly appealing if you’re after a light, agile eMTB with subtle support. How the new Norco Sight VLT TQ truly performs on the trail is something our first ride review will reveal.

For more information, visit Norco.com

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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Norco