Norco is back with a new eMTB to add to its solid line of electric mountain bikes, this time with less power than ever. The Canadian brand it tapping lightweight motor specialists, TQ, to make the new Sight VLT TQ feel closer to the Sight experience than ever. Why? So it feels like you’re riding the bike, not just along for the ride.
Norco already has a wide range of full-powered eMTBs, but they’re generally powered by Bosch’s burly motor. TQ slims down the weight of that system considerably, bringing the overall weight of the Sight VLT TQ down with it while still providing an objectively considerable 200 per cent support over pedalling without a motor. How much weight comes off? Well, the bikes range from 19.05-19.96 kg (42-44 lbs) depending on size and build kit. Very solid for an all-mountain bike.
Norco Sight VLT TQ: Some numbers
The Sight VLT TQ brings the same all-mountain design that makes the Sight (and existing Sight VLT models) quite popular. The carbon fibre frame runs 150mm of rear-wheel travel with a solid 160mm fork. Norco’s established its VSP HP high pivot suspension design as a solid contender, even among more boutique brands. That design carries over to the new VLT TQ, so you get every bit of Sight performance, and a bit more.
The “more” comes from TQ’s updated HPR60 motor. After debuting with a 50Nm model, the HPR60 ups that very quiet power to 60Nm of torque for a bit more help on really grunty climbs. TQ gives the sights a 350W max power, for as long as it takes to drain the mid-sized 580Wh battery Norco squeezes into the Sight VLT TQ downtube. This bike also comes with the updated, colourful TQ top tube display.
Norco offers a full run of five sizes (S1-S5), complete with size-specific geometry. That includes an effective seat tube angle that gets steeper per size (from 77-degrees up to 78) and chainstays that grow with the size numbers. Norco’s offered this on its original bikes for a while now, and it’s a big part of what makes those bikes stand out. Bringing that to eMTB design puts the Canadian brand in even rarer air, as few eMTB designs go to this length to make each size feel right.
Mid-power not overpowering?
With Norco already offering an electric Sight, why is the new Sight VLT TQ being released? Well, more and more brands are realizing that more power isn’t the only game going in the world of eMTB. Sometimes enough power…
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