Norco Shore 2 Review
- Price: $4,599
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 27.5 inches
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The ability to handle a variety of surfaces using Norco’s Ride Alignment™ design system and the latest in suspension and ride design.
What we don’t like about it: There is only one paint color, which is difficult to match everyone’s preference.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Norco Shore 2 is a heavy-duty full-suspension mountain bike that features a Horst Link suspension design and integrated idler wheel for enhanced traction and support on twisty trails. It’s designed to excel as a top-tier freeride mountain bike.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Norco Shore 2, as well as compare it to other versions in the latter part of this article. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Norco Shore 2 is a heavy-duty high-pivot mountain bike with 27.5-inch wheels.
It incorporates a high-pivot design with the Horst Link suspension, providing a whopping 180mm of rear wheel travel. I can only imagine the incredible descending capabilities of this bike.
I’ve booked a ticket on Skyscanner to visit my friend Mike at the mountain bike park, where I believe this Norco Shore 2 can truly shine.
The park features more significant drops and plenty of small jumpable berms, and I can’t wait to unleash the full potential of the Norco Shore 2 there.
Climbing
Climbing uphill with this full-suspension mountain bike boasting 180mm of travel on both ends is certainly no easy task.
Thanks to the Norco Shore 2’s idler wheel, it isolates the suspension from pedal forces, and with the combination of a 34T chainring and Shimano Deore M6100 10-51T, 12-speed freewheel, I feel confident tackling the climb.
Additionally, the Maxxis Assegai 2.5-inch front and rear tires provide excellent grip without any signs of slippage. They firmly grip the ground, translating pedaling power into forward momentum.
On flatter terrain, the rebound damping and well-balanced weight distribution, along with the ability to lock the suspension, help conserve energy during the climb.
After some time and effort, I reach the starting point of the downhill section.
Descending
The descent on this trail starts with a large drop, and I lift the front of the bike and send it straight down. The 180mm of suspension travel does a remarkable job of absorbing most of the impact without launching me off the bike.
The subsequent flat section following the drop, with its increased speed, is nothing to mention in the face of the aggressive 63° head tube angle. It plows through like a tank.
As I approach several tight corners at higher speeds, I’m not worried. The 27.5-inch wheel size of the Norco Shore 2 provides ample agility. While it may not offer the same stability as a 29-inch wheel, its maneuverability is unmatched.
Although the Norco Shore 2 is equipped with Shimano BR-MT520 4-piston brakes, which are not top-of-the-line, the combination with Shimano RT-64 203mm front and rear rotors delivers reliable stopping power. It meets my expectations when I need to brake urgently.
Lastly, the dropper post design of the Norco Shore 2 is incredibly convenient on gradual downhill sections, allowing me to raise or lower the saddle as needed without maintaining a half-crouched position.
Specification
The Norco Shore 2 is available in four sizes, from S to XL, with an aluminum alloy frame. It features internal cable routing from front to back, giving it a clean and coordinated appearance.
The inclusion of silent wrapping for the cable housing prevents any noise caused by the housing hitting the inner walls of the downtube.
Additionally, the downtube has a water bottle mounting position that can accommodate a 750ml cycling water bottle, while the top tube features accessory tool mounts.
At the bottom of the downtube, there’s also a pickup truck tailgate protector to safeguard the frame from scratches. The built-in chainring guard on the Norco Shore 2 offers excellent protection against damage from impacts.
Indeed, this bike is relatively heavy due to its full aluminum alloy frame. However, aluminum frames are easy to maintain and require minimal upkeep.
Lastly, the seat tube of this bike is short and straight, with a seat tube angle of 77.7°. This keeps the rider in a centered position on the bike, enhancing climbing comfort and control.
Overall, I believe the Norco Shore 2 is a highly playful full-suspension enduro bike that is well-suited for freeride mountain biking.
Video
Other Versions
The Norco Shore 2 is a full-suspension enduro mountain bike that takes into account some uphill climbing.
But if some riders want a more extreme descending experience, then we offer a dedicated full-suspension downhill mountain bike.
Both bikes share the same frame, with differences in the groupset to create a pure downhill machine.
Norco Shore Park
When comparing the Norco Shore 2 and the Norco Shore Park, their prices are similar, but their intended use and style are completely different. The former offers a more balanced range of capabilities, while the latter is a dedicated downhill (DH) mountain bike.
The Norco Shore Park features a RockShox BoXXer Select RC dual-crown fork and a RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate DH rear shock, combined with finely tuned frame geometry, resulting in a terrifying 200mm of front travel and 190mm of rear travel.
Such travel is more than enough to handle any downhill trail.
In terms of drivetrain, the Norco Shore 2 utilizes the Shimano Deore M6100 12-speed groupset, while the Norco Shore Park is equipped with SRAM GX DH paired with an 11-25T 7-speed freewheel.
This allows the former to have some climbing capability, while the latter can be considered purely downhill-oriented, without any climbing ability.
For braking, the Norco Shore Park opts for the more aggressive SRAM Code R 4-piston brakes paired with SRAM Centerline 200mm rotors.
Finally, the Norco Shore Park does not feature the dropper post setup found on the Norco Shore 2, as a DH bike does not require a dropper post.
In summary, if you desire a bike with a well-rounded set of capabilities, the Norco Shore 2 is the choice, whereas if you seek a pure downhill experience, the Norco Shore Park is the way to go.
In the following section, we will provide detailed specifications of the Norco Shore 2 and list some other full-suspension mountain bikes from different brands with similar price ranges for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- The Norco Shore 2 has a plush and supportive suspension, providing a comfortable riding experience.
- The high-pivot Horst Link suspension design and integrated idler offer excellent traction and support.
- The Norco Shore 2 has a sturdy frame that is easy to maintain.
- The dropper post design allows for easy adjustment of the riding position during the ride.
- The inclusion of a chain guide and chainring guard prevents chain drops and damage during aggressive riding.
- The accessory tool mounts on the top tube allow for carrying additional tools, enabling longer rides.
What don’t we like about it?
- The paint color options are limited and may not cater to everyone’s preferences.
FAQ
- What kind of wheelset does this bike use?
The front wheelset is Shimano Deore HB-M6010, 15x110mm Boost, Center Lock. The rear wheelset is Shimano Deore FH-MT510-B, 12x148mm Boost, Micro Spline, Center Lock.
- What kind of people is this bike suitable for riding?
It is suitable for riders with a certain level of cycling experience and good bike handling skills who want to purchase a freeride mountain bike at an affordable price.
- How do I choose the right size?
We provide a size chart for your reference, but it’s not necessarily the only standard to follow. The best way to find the right size is to try it out for yourself.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’1″-5’5″ | S |
| 5’4″- 5’9″ | M |
| 5’8″- 6’0″ | L |
| 5’11”- 6’4″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Aluminum Freeride, 180mm Travel, UDH, Hangerless Interface Compatible, Ride Aligned™ BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Color: Purple / Pink |
| Fork | RockShox Zeb R, Charger, 180mm Travel, 44mm Offset |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Ultimate DH, Custom Tune 225x70mm, 400lb/in (S), 450lb/in (M), 500lb/in (L), 550 lb/in (XL) |
| Bottom Bracket | e*thirteen 30mm, BSA Threaded |
| Headset | FSA #57E Sealed Bearing |
| Stem | e*thirteen Base, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp |
| Handlebar | Norco 6061, 800mm, 25mm Rise |
| Saddle | WTB Volt 250 Sport |
| Seatpost | TranzX YSP-105 Adjustable Dropper, 34.9mm, 150mm (S), 170mm (M), 200mm (L, XL) |
| Grips | SDG Thrice Lock-On, Thin (S, M), Thick (L, XL) |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore RD-M6100 |
| Crank | e*thirteen Helix, 30mm, 34T, 170mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore SL-M6100-R |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore CS-M6100-12, 10-51T, 12 Speed |
| Chain | Shimano Deore CN-M6100 |
| Chain Guide | Norco Idler Chain Guide and Lower Guard |
| Brakes | Shimano BR-MT520, 4 piston, Metallic Pads |
Wheels
| Rims | e*thirteen LG1 DH 27.5″ |
| Front Hub | Shimano Deore HB-M6010, 15x110mm Boost, Center Lock |
| Rear Hub | Shimano Deore FH-MT510-B, 12x148mm Boost, Micro Spline, Center Lock |
| Tires | Maxxis Assegai 2.5″, 3C Maxx Grip/DD/TR |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT-64, 203mm |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click to view | Drivetrain | Frame material | Brake Type | Damping stroke |
| Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy | Click view | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 150mm rear, 160mm front |
| Trek Slash 8 | Click view | 1 × 12 | Aluminum | Hydraulic Disc | 160mm rear, 170mm front |
| Scott Contessa Genius 920 | Click view | 1 × 12 | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 150mm rear, 160mm front |
| YT Industries Capra CORE 3 29 | Click view | 1 × 12 | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 170mm rear, 170mm front |
Norco Shore 2 vs Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy
Comparing the Norco Shore 2 to the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy, we can see differences in their geometry and the travel of their front and rear suspensions. The latter has a more versatile overall capability, while the former excels in downhill performance.
The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy features the SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, which offers a crisper and more responsive shifting experience compared to the Shimano Deore RD-M6100 groupset found on the Norco Shore 2. The Shimano drivetrain on the Norco Shore 2 provides a smoother shifting feel. The SRAM NX rear derailleur on the Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy performs better in terms of chain tension than the Shimano M6100 equipped on the Norco Shore 2. However, the inclusion of a chain guide and the high-pivot design on the Norco Shore 2 result in fewer chain drops during aggressive riding compared to the Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy.
Lastly, the 29-inch wheelset on the Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy offers better traction and stability compared to the 27.5-inch wheelset on the Norco Shore 2. Conversely, the latter provides greater agility.
Choosing between these two bikes is easy. If you prefer intense downhill riding, the Norco Shore 2 is a good choice. If you enjoy traversing forest trails, the Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy would be more suitable.
Norco Shore 2 vs Trek Slash 8
They are both classic full-suspension mountain bikes from their respective brands. Both bikes feature aluminum alloy frames and utilize internal cable routing, enhancing the overall cleanliness of their appearance and facilitating easier cleaning.
However, there is a difference in wheel size between these two bikes. The 29-inch wheelset on the Trek Slash 8 offers better stability and improved traction for downhill riding. On the other hand, the 27.5-inch wheelset on the Norco Shore 2 is more suited for freestyle riding, providing greater agility.
In terms of drivetrain, the SRAM GX groupset equipped on the Trek Slash 8 offers a smoother experience compared to the Shimano M6100 on the Norco Shore 2.
Furthermore, similar to the previous point, the Trek Slash 8 does not come with a chain guide or chainring guard. This is something that I find slightly lacking in attention to detail.
Overall, I prefer the riding experience provided by the Norco Shore 2.
Learn More: Is Trek Slash 8 Worth Buying? [Trek Slash 8 Review]
Norco Shore 2 vs Scott Contessa Genius 920
When comparing the Norco Shore 2 and the Scott Contessa Genius 920, the latter’s hidden rear shock gives the bike a more integrated look. However, it also makes maintenance and upkeep more cumbersome.
Additionally, Scott has always been a top contender in the XC bike realm. Therefore, the Scott Contessa Genius 920, carrying on the family tradition, boasts stronger climbing capabilities. However, when it comes to descending and performing aerial maneuvers, the Norco Shore 2 excels.
In terms of braking, the Scott Contessa Genius 920 features Shimano Deore M6120 4 Piston Disc brakes, one level higher than the Norco Shore 2. This provides greater braking power.
Lastly, in the drivetrain department, the Scott Contessa Genius 920 utilizes a higher-grade groupset compared to the Norco Shore 2. This translates to improved transmission efficiency, smoother operation, and stronger rear derailleur tension.
Ultimately, the Scott Contessa Genius 920 does have a more impressive appearance. However, the Norco Shore 2’s geometry determines its greater potential and versatility in terms of riding styles.
When choosing between these two bikes, the Scott Contessa Genius 920 leans more towards being a long-travel XC mountain bike with strong climbing abilities. On the other hand, the Norco Shore 2 offers greater upgrade potential and a wider range of riding styles.
Norco Shore 2 vs YT Industries Capra CORE 3 29
Between these two bikes, I have to say that I prefer the design and paint job of YT.
Moreover, the YT Industries Capra CORE 3 29 features a carbon fiber frame, which makes it lighter than the former. In terms of drivetrain, the latter uses the SRAM GX AXS shifting system, which is indeed more user-friendly than the Shimano Deore SL-M6100 on the Norco Shore 2.
Both bikes have similar braking capabilities, capable of handling various road conditions. There are some differences in the wheel sizes. The former utilizes 27.5-inch wheels, which offer greater maneuverability compared to the 29-inch wheels on the latter. However, the latter provides better stability and traction.
As for choosing between these two bikes, it’s indeed a tough decision. YT’s specifications are ideal, and it uses a higher-grade groupset. However, the Norco Shore 2 offers a more enjoyable riding experience.
Summary
Above is my review of the Norco Shore 2. In our opinion, it is a versatile and capable full-suspension mountain bike with excellent downhill performance and great potential for exploration. That’s why we give it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension endurance race bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes with various price points, all of which are quite interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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