The 2022 Norco Range is a dedicated enduro race bike built strictly for maximum downhill speed. Moving away from the versatile all-mountain character of its predecessors, this generation adopts a High Virtual Pivot suspension design with an idler pulley, delivering 170mm of travel exclusively on 29-inch wheels. The carbon-only frame is visually defined by its low-slung shock placement and rearward axle path, signaling a clear bias toward aggressive, gravity-fed riding. It is a substantial, heavy machine designed to maintain momentum through the roughest terrain rather than pop playfully off small features. Norco positions the Range for riders who view climbing purely as a necessary chore to access steep, demanding descents. It blurs the line between a long-travel enduro sled and a downhill bike, prioritizing absolute composure and traction over low-speed agility or pedaling efficiency.
Where to get it.
1 retailer · size M.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
4 sizes published.
Norco developed the Range using its Ride Aligned system, which scales multiple geometry dimensions to maintain consistent handling across the four frame sizes. Beyond adjusting reach and chainstay lengths, Norco also alters the head tube and seat tube angles for each size. The head tube angle steepens slightly on smaller frames to help shorter riders keep weight on the front wheel, while the seat tube angle steepens on larger frames to keep taller riders centered over the bottom bracket.
This size-specific approach results in a highly balanced, upright seated pedaling position that makes grinding up fire roads comfortable, despite the bike's overall mass. On descents, the long reach and slack front end combine with a dynamically lengthening wheelbase to create a highly stable platform. Because the rear center grows as the suspension compresses, the bike naturally resists pitching forward under braking. This geometry dictates a specific riding style: the Range requires wide, deliberate arcs through corners rather than quick, snappy steering, rewarding riders who stay centered and trust the bike's length to provide grip.
Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.
01Fit geometry6 values
02Component geometry4 values
03Handling geometry8 values
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.
→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.
The lineup.
1 build, ranging $4,749.
The Range lineup consists of three complete builds—C1, C2, and C3—all utilizing the same full-carbon frame. Norco prioritizes foundational descending performance across the board, equipping every model with a Fox DHX2 Factory coil shock and heavy-duty Maxxis DoubleDown tires featuring the soft MaxxGrip compound.
The flagship C1 pairs a Fox 38 Factory fork with a SRAM X01 drivetrain and Code RSC brakes. The mid-tier C2 switches to a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, SRAM GX shifting, and Code R brakes, representing the sweet spot for suspension performance and value. The entry-level C3 uses a basic RockShox ZEB R fork and a Shimano SLX/Deore drivetrain, though its Shimano MT520 brakes are generally considered underpowered for the bike's capabilities.
Wheel durability is a notable weak point in the stock specifications. Reviewers found the e*thirteen alloy rims on the C2 prone to denting under aggressive use. Meanwhile, the premium We Are One carbon rims on the C1 are laced to Onyx Vesper hubs that suffered from bearing preload issues and freehub drag during testing. Riders pushing the Range to its limits may need to budget for wheel upgrades or hub maintenance regardless of the build tier.
From the press.
20 reviews from the cycling press.
Reviewers consistently praise the Range for its exceptional composure on steep, fast descents, often comparing it to a downhill bike. The High Virtual Pivot suspension excels at absorbing square-edge hits, allowing the bike to carry immense speed through rough sections. One tester noted that the bike's suspension can "demolish bumps of all sizes" (NSMB), isolating the rider from trail chatter and maintaining traction even under heavy braking.
However, this downhill focus comes with distinct compromises. The bike's substantial weight and active suspension make climbing a slow, seated affair, with testers frequently relying on the shock's climb switch. In tight, technical terrain or at slower speeds, the lengthening wheelbase requires deliberate rider input. The rearward axle path can also create a momentary "bungee sensation" (Theloamwolf) on slow, uneven drops, where the rear wheel feels like it hangs up briefly before following the front.
Additionally, multiple reviewers pointed out that the low-hanging rocker link is prone to striking rocks during technical climbs, though it is shielded by a sturdy bash guard. Ultimately, the Range rewards an aggressive approach. It prefers wide, sweeping lines over quick directional changes, thriving when riders "let off the brakes, push harder and enjoy the free-flowing sensations" (BikeRadar) of gravity-oriented trails.
Norco Range C2 2022 Review
First Ride Report: The New Norco Range C1
norco range c1 review
2022 Enduro Shootout: Norco Range
Norco Range C1 review - Full-Suspension - Mountain Bikes
TESTED: Norco Range C2 - Australian Mountain Bike
2022 Norco Range C2 Reviewed
LONG TERM REVIEW: NORCO RANGE C1
2022 Norco Range Review | 4 minute First Impressions
2022 Norco Range C2 First Impressions Review
Review: 2022 Norco Range C2
TGR Tested: 2022 Norco Range C1 | Teton Gravity Research
2022 Norco Range Review | Blister
2022 Norco Range - Blister Review
Norco Range C3 2022 first ride test – A pedallable mini-DH ...
Long-term review: 2022 Norco Range
2022 Norco Range Review | A hefty high pivot hooligan ...
NSMB.com - 2022 Norco Range C1
First Ride: 2022 Norco Range - High Pivot Goodness
NSMB.com - The All-New 2022 Norco Range
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Most-viewed comparisons.
