Norco drops its new Aurum downhiller... and it's amazing

This is the new Norco Aurum HSP downhiller, and it's a big departure from anything the Canadian company has done before. In fact, it represents the absolute cutting edge of Norco's abilities, according to the company.

A full carbon frame offers 200mm of rear wheel travel, along with an adjustable front-centre measurement via adjustable headset cups, a single pivot rear end with an idler pulley, and it will be offered with both 29- and 27.5-inch wheels.

As with all other Norco duallies, front and rear centre measurements are unique to each frame size, while the carbon layup for each size is also tuned to make the ride of the smallest bike feel the same as the largest. It's 250g lighter than last year's Aurum frameset, too and is only available in carbon.

Norco claims that its centre-to-rear measurement is designed to be perfect at the bike's sag point, and the rear end shortens when it's unloaded to help it turn better. Its high single-pivot then lengthens that rear end under compression for more stability.

The idler pulley that's tucked away above half way up the seat tube - easily the most distinctive element of the Aurum - is designed to isolate the chain from the suspension action, and is designed to minimise pedal kickback.

The Aurum also designed to only run a coil rear shock, too, which is designed to add mid-stroke support and small-bump grip. Luckily, Norco will sell each Aurum with a comprehensive set-up guide.

It's also designed the bike around a seven-speed DH-specific drivetrain, as well as external cable routing and a unique locking mechanism for the main pivot bolt for easier race-day maintenence.

There's loads more to it, as well, including a full complement of frame protection.

M to XL riders can choose 29-inch wheels, while 27.5-inch wheels are available across the line from XS to XL. The 27.5 will use a 142mm x 12mm rear, while a 148mm rear end gives a 29-inch wheel build more triangulation.

The bike's already won in 2018 under Kiwi Sam Blenkisop, who took out the Crankworx DH title earlier this year.

Norco Australia says it'll be available in two models as well as a frameset when it drops around November, and it will offer both wheel size variants, too.

Prices aren't locked in stone yet, but the ballpark numbers we've seen are impressively competitive, especially for a full-house turn-key race bike that looks like a perfect rig for a privateer racer looking to find more speed.

 Check out more info here