Fresh on the back of last year’s excellent Valence endurance bike comes this new lighter Valance SL.
It’s something we are starting to see more and more – whereas bikes used to have a lower grade carbon frame as you moved down the model/price spectrum, Norco has opted to use the hi-mod carbon chassis on this cheaper model. It makes the bike suitably light for its price at 7.5kg for a 58cm.
- Highs: Superb handling, smooth riding chassis too
- Lows: Stiff bar feels harsh over poor surfaces
The lightness translates into a bike that’s happy to hit the hills. Norco has cleverly engineered in plenty of compliance too, so the SL feels super smooth on all but the very worst surfaces. The back end is particularly supple thanks to the low-slung top tube and huge expanse of unsupported carbon seat post, which only add to Norco’s ARC (Applied Road Compliance) rear-end design.
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The back end has slender stays that gently curve inwards before flowing seamlessly into the top tube. The chainstays curve upwards towards the dropouts, effectively lengthening them.
Its longer wheelbase adds stability that counters the front ends sharpness creating a bike that’s suitably poised for long days in the saddle, but still nimble enough to allow you to cut through the bends and descend at speed.
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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