Norco Bikes

About Norco Mountain Bikes

Norco develops all their models in-house in their own R&D facility, the "Nest." Testing bikes is a science: it takes labs, a machine shop, a metrology department, and build bays, where engineers design and fabricate custom test equipment to see how far they can push prototype bikes. At the Nest, concepts are designed, lab-tested, and finally trail-tested. All their bikes are analyzed using real-world human measurement data as well as advanced simulation tools to ensure each bike performs as intended in its target terrain. That means everything from structural stiffness to small touches like water bottle placement is considered.

Norco Sizing

Current Norco models use a unique numerical sizing system with sizes from 1 through 5, covering rider heights from 5'0" to 6'6". Past models used traditional sizing from XS through XXL.

The recommended size based on your height for bike models that use numerical sizing is as follows:

• 5'0"–5'4": Size 1
• 5'4"–5'5": Size 1 or Size 2
• 5'4"–5'7": Size 2
• 5'7"–5'8": Size 2 or Size 3
• 5'8"–5'10": Size 3
• 5'10"–5'11": Size 3 or Size 4
• 5'11"–6'1": Size 4
• 6'1"–6'2": Size 4 or Size 5
• 6'2"–6'6": Size 5

Suspension Platforms

Norco has four different suspension platforms designed for various bikes and riding styles.

VPS

VPS, or Virtual Pivot Suspension, is a simple and lightweight suspension system designed for trail-style riding. Norco’s VPS platform is optimized for light to moderately technical trails, with equal focus on climbing and descending. It's based on a Horst-link configuration, which allows the rear wheel to move more independently from the frame under braking. The rear axle and brake are mounted to the seatstay and move around a virtual pivot point defined by the chainstay and upper link. This layout delivers a mostly vertical and slightly forward axle path, offering responsive pedaling, moderate chain growth, and good traction. The upper link also controls shock actuation, allowing for a tunable leverage curve and balanced suspension feel. VPS provides better control over braking forces compared to single-pivot designs and is featured on models including the Fluid FS Aluminum, Fluid FS Carbon, and Fluid VLT Carbon.

VPSHP

VPSHP, or Virtual Pivot Suspension High Pivot, is the next step up and is designed for more aggressive riding than the VPS platform. It corresponds with all-mountain style riding. Building on years of trail and suspension development, VPSHP features a high main pivot that enables a more rearward axle path, helping you maintain momentum and stability through technical sections. The system incorporates an idler pulley to manage chain growth and optimize pedaling efficiency while controlling anti-squat and anti-rise for a balanced feel during acceleration and braking. The VPSHP platform offers confident handling, improved traction, and a responsive ride feel, especially at high speeds and over challenging features. It's used on models including the Sight Gen 5, Optic Gen 3, and Range VLT. Learn more here.

HVP

The High Virtual Pivot suspension platform is built for enduro and big-mountain riding. It's designed for steep, rough descents while remaining efficient enough to pedal uphill. The design features a consistently rearward axle path that helps the rear wheel absorb large impacts and maintain control at speed. A feedback-reducing idler manages chain growth, improving pedaling feel in rough terrain. It also allows fine-tuning of anti-rise to reduce front-end dive during braking. The HVP system is used on Norco’s award-winning Range Carbon enduro bike.

HVP6

HVP6, or High Virtual Pivot 6-Link, is a suspension platform purpose-built for World Cup-level downhill racing. As of spring 2025, it's still in the prototype stage. The design includes six links: a short lower link and seatstay to guide axle movement, plus two additional links dedicated to shock actuation. This allows independent tuning of the leverage curve, axle path, and anti-rise, providing unmatched suspension customization.

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