Tested: 2006 Norco Six Two

Norco Six-Two / / / $1,795; norco.com

Though it's not widely agreed upon, bikes tend to be more fun going downhill than they are uphill. Those who can't embrace both are missing out, but some otherwise normal cross-country riders cling exclusively to squishier and heavier bikes, because to them, a little more grunt on the uphills means a no-compromise descent. For those riders who want to use and abuse all that squish the way the Good Lord intended but still need to pedal to the top of the hill first, Norco offers the Six line.

Not exactly all-mountain and not quite freeride, the Six series combines 5.7 or 6.5 inches of travel in an overbuilt frame with modified all-mountain geometry. Norco is one of a few brands using (and paying to do so) the Specialized-owned Horst linkage. Essentially, this puts the rear wheel on a straighter vertical path than comparable single-pivot designs, presumably to limit pedal-induced bob and brake jack. The shock linkage interrupts a stoutly buttressed seat tube, yet a surprisingly durable telescoping seatpost allows for ample clearance when stuffed all the way down and can still be brought up to a perfect climbing height. Our Six Two, in the middle of the three Sixes, is reasonably equipped. The Marzocchi Drop Off fork is as stiff as its Italian-made siblings, though not as tunable. The 7-inch rotors keep with the bike’s dual-duty theme, and the Sun Black Eye rims and Truvativ Stylo cranks do their best to chip away at the bike’s barely under 40 pound weight.

That number is a little scary, but those pounds are there for a reason. The bike invited the harsher line or sideways landing as if there were no reasonable choice but to abuse it at every opportunity. The long 45.5-inch wheelbase, low standover height and slackish 67.5-degree head angle on our large test bike inspired dangerous levels of confidence, and the supple, active rear end devoured even the harshest and most violent of compressions. Surprisingly, though, the bike was very stiff under pedaling load. Those who have a good smooth spin will find it to be surprisingly capable uphill.

The fork matched the frame in strength, but was far behind in smoothness. With some thicker oil, it behaved less like a pogo-stick, but still felt a little harsh. Also, the cranks and rims, very much in harm's way on this sort of bike, were a bit underpowered for the frame. Sure, it's nice to save weight cheaply, and this bike is meant to pedal uphill, but if you want the salad, order the salad. If you want the 24-ounce steak, however, don't expect to go for a jog after eating. Very little could, or should, be done to make this a lightweight bike. It's already capable of taking you up to the thin air, but those ear-popping long descents are more potent than on any middleweight all-mountain rig. Be mean to it, and it will thrive.—Travis Engel