Sight A1 150 MX Gen 5

The fifth-generation Norco Sight is a 150mm-travel all-mountain bike that leans heavily into enduro territory. The defining shift for this generation is the adoption of Norco’s Virtual Pivot Suspension high-pivot layout. By integrating a raised main pivot and an idler pulley, the frame delivers a rearward axle path early in the travel to absorb square-edge impacts while managing chain growth.

Beyond the pivot placement, Norco significantly updated the suspension kinematics. The leverage curve is now notably more progressive, moving to a longer-stroke shock to provide better bottom-out resistance and a wider tuning window for both air and coil setups. Designed around a 160mm fork, the Sight is built for riders who prioritize downhill composure and momentum retention in rough terrain, yet still need a platform efficient enough for long pedal-driven approaches.

$4,699Gen Gen-5
Norco Sight A1 150 MX Gen 5
Build
Size
Stack618mm
Reach422.5mm
Top tube565mm
Headtube length105mm
Standover height673mm
Seat tube length350mm

Fit and geometry

Norco utilizes a reach-based sizing system for the Sight, spanning sizes 1 through 5 to offer tighter overlap and accommodate a wider range of rider heights. The geometry is distinctly gravity-oriented, featuring a slack 64-degree head tube angle and a steep seat tube angle hovering around 77 degrees to keep the rider centered during seated climbs.

The frame's footprint is substantial. A size 3 features a generous reach and a long wheelbase, dimensions that prioritize high-speed stability. This stable foundation is amplified by the suspension kinematics; the rear center effectively lengthens as the bike pushes into its travel, adding mid-corner balance under compression.

Cockpit setups are tailored to maximize control and clearance. The builds feature short 40mm to 42mm stems paired with wide handlebars, alongside size-specific dropper posts that offer up to 230mm of drop on the largest frames. While the stock configurations utilize a mixed-wheel setup, the frame hardware allows riders to swap to a full 29-inch rear wheel without altering the intended geometry or suspension curve.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Aluminum Frame, 150mm travel, UDH, Hangerless Interface Compatible, Ride Aligned™

Fork

RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Charger 3.1, 160mm travel, 44mm offset, fender included

Rear shock

RockShox Vivid 2 Ultimate Air, 205x60mm TR

Weight

17.5 kg (38.6 lb) (size S3)

Groupset

Shift levers

SRAM Pod Ultimate Controller, Discrete Clamp

Rear derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle AXS T-Type, 12-speed

Cassette

SRAM 1275 Eagle T-Type, 10-52T, 12-speed

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle T-Type, 12-speed

Crankset

SRAM Eagle, 32T, CL55, 165mm (S1-S2) / 170mm (S3-S5)

Bottom bracket

SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, MTB Wide

Front brake

SRAM Maven Silver, metallic pads

Rear brake

SRAM Maven Silver, metallic pads

Front rotor

SRAM HS2, 200mm, 2.0mm thickness, 6-bolt

Rear rotor

SRAM HS2, 180mm, 2.0mm thickness, 6-bolt

Wheelset

Front wheel

Stan's Flow S2, 32H, 29", 30mm ID; DT Swiss 350, 15x110 Boost, 32H, 6-bolt; DT Competition butted 1.8/1.6/1.8 black stainless steel (spokes/nipples)

Rear wheel

Stan's Flow S2, 32H, 27.5", 30mm ID; DT Swiss 350, 148x12 Boost, XD driver, 6-bolt; DT Competition butted 1.8/1.6/1.8 black stainless steel (spokes/nipples)

Front tire

Maxxis Assegai, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO+, 29x2.5, folding

Rear tire

Maxxis Minion DHR II, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, 27.5x2.4, folding

Cockpit

Stem

CNC alloy stem, 40mm length, 35mm clamp

Handlebars

e*thirteen carbon bar, 800mm, 25mm rise

Saddle

WTB Volt

Seatpost

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

Grips

Ergon GD1 (Slim: S1-S3 / Standard: S4-S5)

Builds

The Sight lineup is split between carbon and aluminum frames, offering five distinct builds that prioritize durable, aggressive components. The flagship C1 Carbon and A1 Aluminum models feature SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrains and powerful SRAM Maven Silver brakes. Suspension on the C1 is handled by a Fox Factory 36 fork and Float X2 shock, while the A1 utilizes RockShox Ultimate-tier components.

Mid-range and entry-level options, such as the C3 and A3, shift to reliable Shimano Deore 12-speed mechanical drivetrains and Deore four-piston brakes. These models utilize RockShox Lyrik Base or Select forks paired with Vivid or Deluxe rear shocks, maintaining the bike's intended descending capability at a lower price point.

Across the entire range, Norco maintains a consistent approach to rolling stock. Every build is equipped with aggressive Maxxis rubber, pairing an Assegai front tire in the MaxxGrip compound with a Minion DHR II rear in MaxxTerra, both utilizing EXO+ casings. This ensures that even the most accessible aluminum models deliver the traction and puncture protection required for heavy all-mountain riding right out of the box.

Reviews

Reviewers consistently note that the high-pivot design transforms the Sight’s descending capabilities, allowing it to absorb trail chatter and "carry speed like nothing else" (YouTube). The rearward axle path effectively moves the rear wheel out of the way of square-edge hits, creating a remarkably smooth ride in rough sections. Despite the complex linkage and extra pulley, the drivetrain remains "amazingly silent" (Ambmag) on the trail.

On climbs, the bike relies on clever idler placement rather than a firm lockout. The system generates gear-dependent anti-squat, providing a natural "climb switch" feeling (Silverfish-uk) in lower gears that minimizes pedal bob without sacrificing traction. While the suspension platform pedals efficiently for its weight class, the bike's sheer length requires deliberate handling on tight ascents. One tester noted that the long wheelbase can be "a bit of a handful in the turns" (YouTube) when navigating technical switchbacks.

Ultimately, testers agree the Sight favors high-speed stability over low-speed agility. It rewards riders who stay off the brakes and push hard into rough terrain, offering a momentum-carrying ride that mitigates fatigue on long descents.

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