Norco CRR 2
An enthusiastic ride from an enthusiastic company
Norco is a Canadian bike brand that started back in 1964, and over the years the company has continued to show a certain relish for all forms of cycling. Although more popular in the mountain bike world, they are an up and coming brand on the road as well.
Team H&R Block
Thanks to their relationship with elite road teams, such as the Canadian-based H&R Block team, Norco’s 2011 line of entry-level carbon bikes are enhanced with the perpetual “trickle down” effect from elite-rider input and use of advanced materials. And, keeping their carbon bikes affordable has been a priority, because they believe that bikes selling around the $2000 price point should serve as a good foundation worthy of future upgrades and still provide a great riding experience from the get-go.
THE FRAME
Norco offers four carbon fiber models in their CRR road line. And contrary to its numeric nomenclature, the high-modulus CRR 2 is the third most expensive at $2065, right behind the SL ($4770) and 1 ($3020) models. All CRR carbon frames feature Norco’s exclusive High Toughness Resin (HTR) carbon—except the $1585 entry-level CRR1, which uses lower-spec carbon.
When used in Norco’s carbon layup methods, HTR provides a 20-percent increase in impact resistance and overall durability over previous model years, as well as a reduction in weight. A rather straight forward silhouette is broken up by a triangular downtube, in addition to thin seat stays that curve inward toward the rear wheel.
Forgoing traditional frame measurements in favor of more generic “small, medium, large” designations found on the tags of jerseys or bib shorts, Norco offers the CRR 2 in five sizes. Our medium test frame was equivalent to a 51-centimeter frame. It featured a 52.7- centimeter top tube, a relatively tall 14-centimeter tapered head tube, 72-degree head tube angle and 74- degree seat tube angle. Like the frame, the fork features Norco’s HTR and includes a full-carbon steerer tube.
The CRR 2’s silhouette is highlighted by thin seat stays and a thick downtube
THE PARTS
The CRR 2 is built up with SRAM’s Apex drivetrain-however, Norco chose not to spec the CRR 2 with Apex’s signature 11-32 cassette and instead opted for an 11-26 version. Coupled with FSA’s Gossamer 50/34 compact crankset, the setup still provides the CRR 2 with ample gearing suited for a variety of road conditions, including some tough mountain routes. Mavic supplies hoops in the form of their entry-level Aksium wheels wrapped in Continental Ultra Sport 23c tires. A Ritchey Comp 4-Axis stem, Comp Curve handlebar and Comp seatpost make up the CRR 2 hard-parts selection. Norco topped the Ritchey seatpost with their own Race model saddle—decked out in black, silver and yellow—to complete a color-coordinated build.
A selection of parts from SRAM, FSA, Ritchey, Mavic and Continental complete the build.
THE RIDE
From the first roll out, this new CRR 2 proved comfortable and pleasant to ride, which was significant, if not surprising. That’s because not all carbon fiber is created equal, so the carbon you’ll find on a bike at the CRR 2’s price point will not perform in the same manner as the carbon found on bikes selling for thousands more. And that’s precisely the fact Norco intended to emphasize. Because what the CRR 2 lacks in stiffness, it more than makes up for in vertical compliance. The chewed up roads surrounding the majestic RBA offices threw some nasty ruts, rocks and refuse at the CRR 2, but the plucky Canadian took the bulk of it in stride. An abundance of vertical compliance often comes with a reduction in stiffness, and such is the case with the CRR 2.
The same characteristics in the carbon fiber that allow the frame to soak up road chatter also cause a noticeable amount of flex during powerful pedal strokes, particularly in out-of-the-saddle efforts.
The mixed Apex and FSA drivetrain provided great all-around gearing for a variety of ride types and distances, and a combination of Mavic wheels and Continental tires rolled smoothly without any trouble. However, at this price point and based on the bike’s intended demographic, we feel that larger 25c tires would have been a better choice in order to fully emphasize the bike’s comfort and versatility. For example, while the CRR 2 proved a confident descender in fast turns, it would have had even greater cornering fortitude with larger tires by virtue of the larger contact patch on the road.
THE VERDICT
While the CRR 2 didn’t astound in any one particular area, it proved more than capable in most. From fast-paced RBA lunch rides to leisurely excursions along chewed-up asphalt, from 12-mile climbs averaging 6.5-percent grades to speedy switchback descents—the CRR 2 carried us through them all. It’s precisely the bike Norco set out to build; and it’s one that we’d recommend to someone who understands the value of a good platform that’s worthy of upgrades.
Some larger tires would be our first upgrade in order to improve the bike’s versatility and cornering prowess, and SRAM’s Apex drivetrain could be upgraded to Rival or Force. Also, weight weenies might be tempted to procure some additional carbon components to further lighten things up
PUNCH LINES
• Entry-level carbon provides a compliant ride
• A do-it-all bike at a great price
• Easily upgradeable
STATS
Price: $2065
Weight: 19.4 pounds
Sizes: S, M (tested), L, XL, XXL
Norco Bikes
Reprinted from the July 2011 issue of Road Bike Action Magazine
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