Interbike - Norco

By Dain Zaffke

The new EXC 1.0 HT

Although Norco is synonymous with freeride and downhill, the new EXC 1.0 HT proves the company is pulling out all the stops on the cross-country front too. The new $3,900 hardtail uses a full carbon frame with Venus C7 ovalized tubes and box chainstays for lightning-fast acceleration, razor-sharp handling and ultra-low weight. The top-notch frame is accompanied by a Manitou Skareb Platinum 100mm-travel fork, SRAM X9 and Race Face drivetrain, Hayes HFX Carbon hydraulic disc brakes and rolls on DT 240 hubs laced to Mavic XM-819 tubeless rims. Other high-end goodies, including Crank Brothers Egg Beater pedals, Titec bar and stem, Selle Italia saddle and tubeless Hutchinson Python tires, make this solid choice for your next XC race weapon.

Another standout in the '05 lineup is the 416 Reynolds. It's a street-riding hardtail constructed of Reynolds 853 steel with slotted dropouts and a derailleur tab, downtube gussets for grinding, three-position disc mounts, dual V-brake mounts to accommodate 24- or 26-inch wheels and geometry setup for 4- to 5-inch travel suspension forks. The 416 Reynolds should be a favorite among street riders and will cost $650.

The 4BY

The 4BY isn't entirely new for 2005, but worth mentioning anyway. It's one of the few full-suspension bikes designed for dual slalom and dirt jumping. It has a super-low stand-over height, 4 to 4.5 inches of adjustable rear travel and super-tough construction with a hydroformed main tube, forged chainstay yoke and 150x12mm dropouts. To match the rugged frame, the parts spec includes a Fox Float R rear shock, Marzocchi Z1 FR3 QR-20 120mm-travel fork, SRAM X7 drivetrain, TruVativ Hussefelt cranks with a single chainring and Black Spire chainguide, plus Hayes HFX-9 hydraulic brakes with 8-inch rotors. The 4By will set you back $2,320.