Electric mountain bikes are now becoming both lighter and heavier, more and less powerful, cheaper and pricier. As the eMTB keeps evolving, the riders are also looking for a lighter bike that feels more like a mountain bike, while others will compromise on the weight to get more amps and watt-hours to get on top of the hills faster.
2022 Norco Sight VLT breakdown and review
The 2022 Norco sight VLT is an electric mountain bike with a quieter and more powerful Shimano EP8 motor, an updated suspension, and a new chassis that will fit the huge 900W battery which is the largest internal battery in the MTB industry. The 150mm rear wheel travel, 160mm travel fork, and 29″ wheels are the same.
The drive unit is rotated further up than usual which allows the battery to be positioned lower down in the frame. This allows for a straighter and longer enclosed downtube. The other 2 new Norco Range and Fluid VLT models use the 540W and 720W batteries. The chainstay length is longer from 458mm to 462mm and the 29er specific wheels don’t give you an option for a smaller 27.5″ rear wheel.
What we liked
- Powerful and quiet motor
- Removable battery
- Improved suspension
What we didn’t like
- Heavy battery
Specifications
| Features | Specs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Motor | Shimano EP8 |
| Battery | 900W |
| Drivetrain | 1x12 |
| Wheels | 29” |
Features
Motor and frame
Slight VLT uses the 900W battery with a higher energy density but is quite heavy at 4.57 kg which is a bit heavy for shorter riders. The XL size for the C1 model has a carbon mainframe and seatstay with a 900W battery. The Shimano EP8 motor rotates anticlockwise to give room for the battery to slide out the downtube for charging. This improves the structural integrity and stiffness of the downtube and makes room for 2 water bottles for the large and XL frame sizes.
Geometry
The slack 64-degree head angle and steep 77-78 degree seat angle remain the same, but the chainstay length increases from 458mm to 462mm. this is very effective for tall riders who don’t want to be left far back on steep climbs.
Suspension
The new bike uses a horizontal shock layout on its 4-bar suspension which helps to make extra space to fit water bottles. For the large and XL frames, there’s enough space to fit 2 water bottles.
Who is it best suited for?
The Slight VLT is a great eMTB for any rider seeking to go as fast as possible on the most challenging climbs and descents.
Are there alternatives?
| Model | Meridian eOne sixty | 2021 Trek rail 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Shimano E8036, 630Wh | Bosch powertube 625Wh |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 1x12 | SRAM GX Eagle 1x12 |
| Fork | Fox 38 | RockShox ZEB select+ |
Verdict. So, should you buy the 2021 Norco Sight VLT?
Yes, you should because it’s very comfortable and stable on steep climbs, has high-speed stability, excellent corner traction, and is quiet, powerful, and incredibly seamless in use.
FAQ
What is a VLT bike?
The Sight VLT C1 is a carbon electric all-mountain bike designed with Norco’s quick, confident climbing, descending capability, and the power you need to ride faster and further.
Are Norco bikes good quality?
Norco makes high-quality bikes for all types of riders and they can equally compete with major bicycle brands.