First Look At The All New Norco Revolver
From racy to rowdy, the new Revolver is redesigned from the ground up
Photos by Cam Mackenzie
The Norco Revolver has long held a place in the hearts of AMB, having reviewed the first generation Revolver almost ten years ago in 2016, followed by its upgraded 2019 release.
A reliable cross country performer, the Norco Revolver was a bike that led the charge as a more capable, fun race bike – departing from the steep and squirrely climbing-only machines of yesteryear.
Today, Norco have announced the launch of a completely overhauled Revolver – the lightest dual suspension Norco have ever released at a claimed 1625g, thanks to titanium hardware and a completely new Flex-Pivot suspension design. Shaving 450g off the previous Revolver, Norco have used raw or tinted clear paint to reduce the grams without compromising durability.
The new Norco Revolver is available in two configurations: the more race-ready Revolver 120 and the do-it-all king, the Revolver 130. Both models roll on 29” wheels. The Revolver 120 runs 120mm up front, with 115mm rear travel while the Revolver 130 features a 130mm fork and 120mm rear suspension. All new Revolver’s are running UDH.
Available in five sizes, S1–S5 for riders from 155–195cm, the new Revolver has increased standover height, which also facilitates longer dropper posts. Sizes S2–S5 also sport two bottle cages in the main frame, important for those who want to ride long. For those who are 155cm – sorry, you may need to ride with a pack.
Even more capable with a 66º/66.5º head tube angle on the Revolver 130 and 120, respectively, Norco has really looked to build the new Revolver not just for business, but for fun, with a trail-ready 50mm stem. Bigger riders will be excited to see Norco have used size-specific seat tube angles, from 75–76º depending on size and chainstay lengths are also size-specific.
Keeping the theme, the new Norco Revolver features custom tuned suspension, with the Revolver 120 featuring the Rockshox SID/SIDLUX and the Revolver 130 speccing the FOX 34SL and Fox Float SL.
Australian options for the new Norco Revolver
In Australia, we will see the highest specced Revolver 120 C1 hit our shores later this year, featuring a SID Ultimate 3-position fork, RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate shock and a Shimano XTR Di2 drivetrain. This model has a claimed weight of 11.7kg and will retail for $10499. The Norco Revolver 120 will also be available as a Frameset only for $4499.
We will see a few more options with the Revolver 130, available in the C1, C2 and C3 models. Retailing at $9999, the Revolver 130 C1 has a claimed weight of 13kg and is running Fox 34SL Factory fork with Grip X damper and Fox factory Float SL. The Revolver 130 C2 and C3 ($7499 and $5499) gets the level down Fox 34SL Performance with Grip 2 damper, and Fox Float SL Performance shock. All Revolver 130 models are running Shimano XT Di2 drivetrains.
Our Take on the Norco Revolver
If you live in certain parts of Australia, a 120–130mm bike can get you around the trails just fine. We love that Norco have taken the race-ready Revolver platform and made it a more capable bike, while whittling down the grams on the frame.
At a claimed 11.7kg for the Revolver 120 C1 that is hitting our shores, the new Revolver isn’t the lightest cross country bike on the market, so if you’re only after fireroad climbing KOM’s on Strava, the new Revolver isn’t for you.
If you love a mixture of technical trails, cross country racing, and long adventures on the bike, the new Revolver looks like it could be the Goldilocks of bikes. The new Revolver is a great option for someone who enjoys racing, but enjoys pushing the limits on technical climbs and descents even more.
We can’t wait to check it out in the flesh!
More info can be found on Norco’s website.
