The fourth-generation Norco Revolver 130 is a short-travel trail and aggressive cross-country bike built around a completely redesigned carbon chassis. Moving away from Norco’s traditional Horst-link suspension, the new frame utilizes a flex-stay layout that sheds significant weight while maintaining durability features like a threaded bottom bracket and guided internal routing that bypasses the headset.
Configured with 130mm of front travel and 120mm out back, this specific variant of the Revolver platform is aimed at riders who want the pedaling efficiency of an XC race bike paired with the geometry and suspension reserves needed for technical, undulating terrain. It suits marathon racers, aggressive trail riders, and those who prioritize a lightweight, highly capable chassis for long days in the saddle over pure, rigid sprinting efficiency.
| Stack | 601mm |
| Reach | 443mm |
| Top tube | 606mm |
| Headtube length | 100mm |
| Standover height | 687mm |
| Seat tube length | 434mm |
The Revolver 130 utilizes a modern, progressive geometry approach tailored for technical cross-country riding. A 66-degree head tube angle sits at the slacker end of the XC spectrum, providing stability on steep descents without making the steering feel sluggish on tight switchbacks. Norco pairs this with a 50mm stem across all five frame sizes, creating a steering dynamic that is highly responsive to rider input. While this setup aids in quick directional changes, riders accustomed to slacker trail bikes might initially experience slight oversteer at higher speeds.
Reach measurements are generous, scaling from 418mm on the smallest size up to 518mm on the largest, ensuring ample room to move around the cockpit. The seat tube angles steepen slightly as sizes increase, hovering around 75 degrees to maintain an upright, centered pedaling posture. Size-specific chainstay lengths grow proportionally with the front center, helping to balance weight distribution regardless of rider height. While the static bottom bracket height appears relatively tall on paper, the active nature of the flex-stay suspension means the bike settles into a lower dynamic ride height on the trail, enhancing cornering stability without causing excessive pedal strikes.
Frameset
Frame
Carbon frame, 120mm travel, UDH, Eagle Transmission compatible, Ride Aligned™
Fork
Fox 34SL Factory Float, GRIP X, 3-position lever (HSC/LSC/LSR), 130mm, 44mm offset
Rear shock
Fox Factory Float SL, 190x45mm
Weight
12.04 kg (26.5 lbs) (size S3)
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano Deore XT Di2 SW-M8250-IR (rear), 12-speed
Rear derailleur
Shimano Deore XT Di2 RD-M8250, 12-speed, SGS
Cassette
Shimano Deore XT CS-M8200-12, 12-speed, 10-51T
Chain
Shimano Deore XT CN-M8100, 12-speed
Crankset
Shimano Deore XT FC-M8200, 32T, CL55, 165mm (S1) / 170mm (S2,S3) / 175mm (S4,S5)
Bottom bracket
Shimano BB-MT501, BSA 73mm
Front brake
Shimano Deore XT BL-M8200 (metallic pads)
Rear brake
Shimano Deore XT BL-M8200 (metallic pads)
Front rotor
Shimano SM-RT66, 180mm, 6-bolt
Rear rotor
Shimano SM-RT66, 180mm, 6-bolt
Wheelset
Front wheel
Zipp 1Zero Hitop S Carbon, 30mm internal width, 29"; Zipp 1Zero Hitop S, 15x110mm Boost, 6-bolt; CX-Sprint
Rear wheel
Zipp 1Zero Hitop S Carbon, 30mm internal width, 29"; Zipp 1Zero Hitop S, 12x148mm Boost, Microspline, 6-bolt; CX-Sprint
Front tire
Maxxis New Forekaster, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, 29x2.40"
Rear tire
Maxxis Rekon, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO, 29x2.40"
Cockpit
Stem
Alloy CNC, 50mm length, 35mm clamp
Handlebars
Race Face ERA35, 760mm (S1,S2,S3) / 780mm (S4,S5), 20mm rise
Saddle
Fizik Terra Ridon, MG rail
Seatpost
TranzX YSI36, 31.6mm, 120mm (S1,S2) / 150mm (S3) / 170mm (S4) / 200mm (S5)
Grips
WTB Wavelength
The Revolver 130 lineup consists of three carbon builds, all sharing the same lightweight frame, threaded bottom bracket, and UDH compatibility. The range splits primarily around suspension sophistication and drivetrain tiers.
The flagship C1 build maximizes the frame's potential with Fox Factory suspension, a full Shimano XT Di2 wireless drivetrain, XT brakes, and lightweight Zipp 1Zero Hitop S carbon wheels. This tier offers the lowest weight and highest performance out of the box.
The mid-tier C2 model presents a mixed value proposition. While it retains the premium XT Di2 rear shifting and utilizes Fox Performance suspension, it cuts costs by substituting heavier Deore-level components for the crankset, cassette, and brakes. It also rolls on a notably heavy set of 32-spoke Stan's Arch D alloy wheels. This creates a significant weight penalty compared to the C1, though the Deore parts remain highly durable and functional.
The entry-level C3 build moves to RockShox suspension with a Reba RL fork and SID Luxe Select+ shock. It relies on a complete Shimano Deore 12-speed mechanical drivetrain and two-piston brakes, paired with WTB alloy rims. Across all builds, Norco specs Maxxis Forekaster and Rekon tires in the standard EXO casing, which suits general cross-country use but may require upgrading for aggressive trail riding.
Reviewers consistently highlight the Revolver 130’s exceptionally active and supple rear suspension, which prioritizes traction and comfort over a rigid pedaling platform. By engineering the flex-stays to act as a pre-loaded negative spring, Norco created a "super smooth, plush feel at the start of the suspension stroke" (YouTube). This design allows the rear wheel to track broken terrain effortlessly, providing excellent climbing grip and reducing fatigue on long, technical rides.
Because the suspension is so eager to move, the bike can feel "more active, particularly out of the saddle" (YouTube) compared to traditional cross-country race bikes. Riders who prefer a firm pedaling feel will likely need to rely on the shock's compression switch during smooth climbs. On rolling terrain, however, the lightweight frame and responsive kinematics make the bike "light and nimble" (YouTube), encouraging riders to pump the trail to generate momentum.
When pointed downhill, the bike handles aggressive terrain surprisingly well for its travel bracket. The plush rear end offers high levels of control, though one reviewer noted that the simpler fork damper on mid-tier builds could feel overwhelmed on extended, rocky descents. Ultimately, testers view the Revolver 130 as a highly capable machine suited for "longer adventurous stage races" (YouTube) rather than short-track sprinting.
