Norco

OpticC2 MX

Claimed weight15.5 kg (34.1 lb) (size S3)Complete bike

FrameCarbon Frame, 125mm trave…Fox 36 Performance Elite Fl…

GroupsetSRAM Pod Controller, MM…SRAM 1270 Eagle T-Type, 1…

WheelsStan's Flow S2, 32H, 29…Maxxis Minion DHF, 3C Max T…

Tire clearance61 mm

The Norco Optic VPSHP generation reimagines the short-travel trail bike by integrating a high-pivot suspension layout and an idler pulley into a 125mm rear, 140mm front travel platform. This redesign aims to maximize downhill capability and square-edge bump absorption without inflating the bike's travel numbers or entirely sacrificing its pedaling manners. It is built for aggressive riders who want the agility and immediate feedback of a shorter-travel frame, but frequently ride steep, technical terrain that typically demands an enduro bike. Moving away from traditional letter sizing, Norco shifted to a five-size numeric system and introduced the aftermarket Missing Link kit, allowing riders to swap between dual 29-inch and mixed-wheel setups while preserving the frame's geometry and kinematics. The result is a highly configurable, gravity-leaning trail bike that prioritizes descending composure over cross-country efficiency.

Norco Optic

Build

Size

$5,199See deal

01 / Buy

Where to get it.

No retailers stocking size S2 (29).

Size

0 retailers · Size S2 (29)

No retailers carrying size S2 (29) right now.

02 / Specifications

Spec sheet.

Every component shipped with this build.

01Frameset

4 components

FrameCarbon Frame, 125mm travel, UDH, Eagle Transmission compatible, Ride Aligned™

ForkFox 36 Performance Elite Float, GRIP X, HSC/LSC/LSR, 140mm, 44mm offset, fender included

Rear shockFox Float X2 Performance Elite, 185x50mm TR

Weight15.5 kg (34.1 lb) (size S3)

02Drivetrain & brakes

10 components

Shift leversSRAM Pod Controller, MMX Bridge

Rear derailleurSRAM Eagle AXS T-Type, 12-speed

CassetteSRAM 1270 Eagle T-Type, 12-speed, 10-52T

ChainSRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 12-speed

CranksetSRAM Eagle, 32T, CL55, 165mm (S1,S2) / 170mm (S3,S4,S5)

Bottom bracketSRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, MTB WIDE

Front brakeSRAM Maven Silver, metallic pads

Rear brakeSRAM Maven Silver, metallic pads

Front rotorSRAM Centerline, 200mm, 1.8mm thickness, 6-bolt

Rear rotorSRAM Centerline, 180mm, 1.8mm thickness, 6-bolt

03Wheels & tires

4 components

Front wheelStan's Flow S2, 32H, 29in, 30mm internal width; SRAM MTH 716, 15x110 Boost, 32H, 6-bolt; Sapim Race butted 2.0/1.8/2.0, 14G, stainless steel

Rear wheelStan's Flow S2, 32H, 27.5in, 30mm internal width; SRAM MTH 746, 12x148 Boost, HG, 6-bolt; Sapim Race butted 2.0/1.8/2.0, 14G, stainless steel

Front tireMaxxis Minion DHF, 3C Max Terra, EXO+, 29x2.5, folding

Rear tireMaxxis Minion DHR II, 3C Max Terra, EXO+, 27.5x2.4, folding

04Cockpit & contact

5 components

StemOneUp, 42mm length, 35mm clamp

HandlebarsOneUp Aluminum, 800mm, 35mm rise

SaddleErgon SM-1 Enduro

SeatpostTranzX YS105, 34.9mm, 150mm (S1) / 170mm (S2) / 200mm (S3,S4) / 230mm (S5)

Grips/TapeErgon GE1, Slim (S1,S2) / Standard (S3,S4,S5)

03 / Geometry

Geometry & fit.

15 sizes published.

Norco’s Ride Aligned geometry philosophy shapes the Optic around a balanced, centered rider posture that adapts across its five numeric sizes. The frame pairs a slack 65-degree head tube angle with an effective seat tube angle that progressively steepens from 76.5 degrees on a Size 1 to 77.5 degrees on a Size 5. This keeps taller riders properly positioned over the bottom bracket during steep climbs.

Reach measurements are generous, stretching to 497.5mm on a Size 4, which creates a roomy seated cockpit and a long, stable wheelbase. To maintain handling consistency, Norco utilizes size-specific chainstays that grow incrementally with each frame size. It is worth noting that the high-pivot design causes the rear center to lengthen dynamically as the suspension compresses. This rearward axle path increases stability during deep impacts but requires riders to adapt to a shifting center of gravity, particularly in tight corners or heavy compressions. The short seat tubes across the size run allow for long-travel dropper posts, giving riders the flexibility to size up for high-speed stability or size down for a more agile, maneuverable feel.

Reach × Stack · size S2 (29)mm

Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.

01Fit geometry6 values

Stack617 mm

Reach447.5 mm

Top tube593 mm

Headtube length110 mm

Standover height677 mm

Seat tube length370 mm

03Handling geometry7 values

Headtube angle65°

Seat tube angle76.75°

BB height346 mm

Trail128 mm

Offset44 mm

Wheelbase1193 mm

Chainstay length425 mm

Which size should I buy?

Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.

Your height

5'8"173 cm

5'0"5'5"5'10"6'3"6'7"

Recommended sizeS2 (29)Based on stack, reach & ETT for your height · score 89/100.

→Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.

04 / Other builds

The lineup.

6 builds, ranging $3,399 – $6,799.

The Optic lineup spans six builds across carbon and aluminum frames, with suspension and drivetrain specifications scaling to match the price points. The flagship C1 build features Fox Factory suspension, a SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission, and We Are One carbon wheels laced to Industry Nine hubs. Moving down the carbon tier, the C2 and C2 MX models shift to RockShox Select+ or Fox Performance Elite suspension and SRAM GX Eagle Transmissions, offering a strong balance of performance and durability. The C2 MX specifically swaps to a mixed-wheel setup and equips heavy-duty SRAM Maven Silver brakes.

The C3 serves as the entry point for the carbon frame, utilizing a RockShox Pike Select fork, a Shimano Deore and XT mixed 12-speed drivetrain, and Shimano MT520 four-piston brakes. For riders preferring metal frames, the A1 and A2 builds mirror the aggressive intent of the carbon models. The A1 features Fox Factory suspension and a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission, while the A2 provides a more accessible entry with a RockShox Pike Base fork and a Shimano Deore drivetrain. Across the range, Norco specifies aggressive Maxxis Minion DHF and Dissector tires, ensuring the contact patch matches the frame's descending capabilities.

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05 / Reviews

From the press.

12 reviews from the cycling press.

Reviewers agree that the high-pivot design fundamentally alters the Optic's descending character, allowing it to absorb impacts far better than a typical short-travel bike. The rearward axle path excels at smoothing square edges, having "sliced them down to a fraction of their size" (Theradavist), creating a ride that remains remarkably "calm and composed" (Theloamwolf) through fast, choppy sections. Despite this stability, the bike retains a lively demeanor, encouraging riders to "generate plenty of speed by pumping through rollers" (Enduro MTB).

On climbs, the steep seat tube angle and active suspension provide excellent traction on technical ascents. However, the idler pulley introduces a distinct tradeoff. While some testers found the drivetrain drag negligible, others noted a spongy feel under hard pedaling and experienced chain retention issues in rough terrain. The bike's lengthening rear center under compression also drew mixed reactions; it enhances high-speed stability but can feel slightly vague or cumbersome in tight, slow-speed corners.

A recurring critique across early test models centered on the stock braking power, with multiple reviewers finding the originally specified cross-country brakes inadequate for the bike's aggressive descending capabilities. Ultimately, the consensus points to a highly capable, gravity-focused trail bike that rewards precise, dynamic riding, provided the owner is willing to maintain the idler drivetrain.