In 2016 our team switched from Bianchi Methanol bikes to Norco Revolver models. This wasn’t a decision made quickly or easily, and spawned from a quick bike test on one of the Revolver models before they were released in early August 2015.
The Revolver impressed us when test riding 2016 bikes in 2015.
As an amateur sporting team, our bikes are purchased. Sometimes up-front, other times on ‘terms’ of 3, 6, 12 or even 24 months. It’s always been a little but different depending who we have a relationship with. But such is the nature of working out sponsorship arrangements for a small team. None of us are World Champions, but we need to figure out what works best for us, and for those who are able to support us.
Our 2016 bikes were pretty damn versatile.
There are lots and lots of bikes that we could be riding and racing on, in fact there are a myriad of choices if you’re starting to look around for something new. But the Norco Revolver FS bikes ticked the most boxes:
- Light
- Non-Boost spacing (to work with current stock of Fox forks and NoTubes wheels)
- Modern XC geometry
- Easy swingarm/bearing servicing
- Dropper post compatible
- Size range to suit all riders
Our 2016 bikes were pretty damn awesome. We had a couple of dramas early on with bearings, but that was mostly ‘user error’ in terms of torque settings, and not using them! One glaring problem was chain security, as the 2016 frames were 1x only. With Shimano 1×11 group sets used by all our riders, we really had to ramp up the clutch on our rear derailleurs to help keep the chain on, and this detracted from the light action of Shimano XTR M9000.
Shimano XTR M9000 has proven to be highly reliable.
Rolling into 2017 on new Revolvers
But for 2017, the Revolver frames have a direct mount and internal routing for a front derailleur – a boon for hard and long stage races, plus a real help as we can run a chain guide. In 2017, Justin Morris will stay on his 2016 Revolver, but Imogen Smith and I have chosen to upgrade, and also invest in Revolver hardtails.
The stock Norco 9.2 full-suspension bike and hardtail are pretty dialled. They come built with 1x group sets, quality suspension, DT wheels… but they don’t quite match with those who support us, and the parts we have chosen to use due to their performance advantages and reliability. So the long process of stripping and rebuilding begun.
The Revolver 29 FS builds
The Revolver 29 FS is still 142×12 in the back. As we’re well invested into wheels that suit, that’s fine. A new back end with slightly better chain clearance, Di2 compatibility and Boost spacing would be cool.
When everything is internal, it pays to get the housing and hoses done first, when the fork is out. The FS frame has two ports on each side, so you can get your brake routing neat no matter if you’re left or right to rear.
I have been running Di2 in 2016, and in 2017 both Justin and Imogen will too.
The Di2 screen is neat, but if there’s a chance to use the new end cap junction box I’ll jump at it. Justin and Imogen will most likely stick to non-Pro bar and stem.
The new colours are way better in the flesh. They look fantastic. We use Ride Mechanic Zalish to keep our frames looking sharp.
The FS BB shell is BB92, and Kogel have supplied us with units. We’re unlikely to need to take them out for a while.
The blue Kogel units are for sponsored athletes only. Thankfully they had a couple of spares!
The internal dropper post routing is handy, and with a KS Lev Ci fitted (65mm drop) it really changes the character of this XC bike. Depending on what post you had otherwise, this adds about 250-300g. As we say, “If it’s good enough for Absalon…”
The Fox 32 Step-Cast forks shed about 250g from our 32 Factory models.
The 32 SC come stock with Kabolt thru-axles.
Imogen will be running remote lock out on her 32 SC.
Chain guides! They are such a good insurance policy. The Mt Zoom Handy Strap keeps spares out of harms way and nice and low too.
Fox out the back, with the shock up the ‘right way’ for more bidon clearance. The Mt Zoom side mount cages mean we can easily fit 800mL bottles in.
The Norco Revolver FS bikes still have NoTubes Valor wheels come race day, with Maxxis tyres. We typically run Ardent Race 2.2″ tyres EXO EXC 3C TR upfront with the Ikon 2.2″ equivalent out back.
The Norco Revolver 9.2 hardtails
The hardtail isn’t dead. We’ve been over that. For a long time we thought about having hardtails on hand. Living in the west of Brisbane, a lot of our riding is hilly, and reasonably smooth once away from the purpose-built mountain bike trails. So having a hardtail for training makes sense… less maintenance, you keep your race bike fresher as well. It’s a luxury, but one that both Imogen and I saved for over the past few months.
The Revolver frame doesn’t have any flex stay trickery per se, but stripped down it’s a sturdy feeling frame, and the handling should match the ride of the Revolver FS models.
The Revolver HT frames are a ‘mid-modulus’ frame advertised at sub 1000g. That must be for a paint free model in something tiny, as my large was close to 1.5kg with the Syntace hanger and spare bolt.
Not quite as advertised.
But I’m not overly worried, it’s a bike for some local races, training, and larger races where a hardtail will be a true advantage. Mostly though, I expect come race day I will usually be on my FS.
We set out to put a fairly similar build on to our FS bikes, especially for suspension, cockpit and brakes. Basically for a lot of the ‘feel’ points. We had our Fox 32 factory forks from 2015/2016 updated to the current cartridge tune, used spare XTR parts and new 2×11 crank sets, left shifters and front mechs, and some new Mt Zoom parts.
Like all Norco mountain bike frames, the back ends are size specific.
Canada, eh.
More internal routing – it’s neat once done though. Mechanical XTR 2×11 groups have been fitted.
The PF30 shell has a Syntace X-12 hanger bolt above it. Handy spares storage!
The Kogel PF30 to 24mm converter should be quiet and long-lasting.
Details…
Mt Zoom have been a long time supporter, and their small parts from headset spacers, to broad headed alloy bottle cage bolts, bottle cages, Handy Straps, handlebars… they are fantastic.
Another set of Mt Zoom Ultralight bars. I run 720mm, Imogen runs 690mm
The 32 factory forks from the last two years have been freshened up thanks to Fox Australia. Some 32 SC models might make their way to the bikes – next pay day or two.
Kashima Coat – it does feel good. There is a much more supple suspension feel.
A left hand shifter is a novelty. But a broad gear range is a boon for long and hilly training days. Grips are KCNC foam.
There is extra weight is there, but for training, having the right gear range is essential. Plus, 2×11 suits some events.
A Maxxis Ikon – what else?
Imogen has a Speedneedle on both her bikes.
All told, a medium Norco Revolver 29 FS in team build is 10.2kg, and the hardtail is 9.44kg (both based on Imogen’s bike with XTR pedals). These weights are highly resectable, certainly not the lightest, but using parts we know work, and parts we have used in countless races.
We are likely to change some parts through the year – mostly around cassette size, 1x or 2x setup, tyres, and usually different wheels for training. You might as well have your 1.28kg wheels for race day!
If you see us around and have a question about what we use and why… just ask! Or post your question below and we’ll get back to you.
So what’s that – a quiver?