This is a big benefit at higher speeds as it creates a very stable stance. Like all high pivot bikes, the suspension still does stiffen under braking, but braking aggressively with precision plants the bike firmly onto the ground without pitching the rider forward and gives huge amounts of traction and confidence. Each frame size has had its pivot locations specifically designed to match the overall design kinematics, which is no small feat when the rear ends are different on each bike. The idler is still required to accommodate the chain growth as the rear wheel follows it's rearward axle path, without rotating the cranks backwards (which is the pedal kickback you might feel on other bikes). How active the suspension is under braking is what puts the High Virtual Pivot ahead of the HSP design of the Aurum. The result is exactly what you want, active suspension on rough terrain, that settles the bike under brakes, and doesn't get hooked up on square edge hits or give lots of pedal kickback making it smooth when riding flat pedals. The anti-rise is still higher than most bikes at sag keeping the bike planted when braking rather than pitching the rider forward. The pivot point is not fixed which means Norco can have a rearward axle path without the chain tugging on your pedals - or pedal kickback - and still have lower levels of anti-rise, which is how the braking impacts the suspension. This is a virtual high pivot, and yes it does look very similar to the Norco Aurum HSP (High Single Pivot). The linkage itself is beautifully machined and something you would expect to see on a bespoke offering, almost a shame it's down and nearly out of sight covered with high impact plastic strike plates and dirt.

The Range climbs very efficiently for a 170mm front and rear rig which weighs more than it feels like on the trail. The quality of the idler and its guide are good, working quietly in the stand and on the trail under high loads and soggy conditions. First things first, its another high pivot with an idler but unlike some, the Norco has a virtual linkage driving the rear coil shock.

Norco bikes