Finally got around to taking a decent photo of my custom Norco Search Carbon build now that it has a few massive, dusty block hours on it.
The goal was to build a rig that perfectly balanced crisp performance with bombproof reliability for long, technical days in the saddle.
The Build Specs:
Frame: Norco Search Carbon
Drivetrain: Shimano Di2 12-Speed Wireless
Wheelset: DT Swiss 350 hubs laced to DT Swiss XR361 asymmetric rims
Tyres: Panaracer GravelKing X1 Limited Edition
(British Racing Green / Tanwall)
Total weight stops right at 9.5kg with pedals and cages, which feels incredibly light given how rugged the wheel build and electronic setup are.
The Shakedown:
Instead of a gentle pavement cruise, I properly threw this thing into the deep end. Started off with the BQ event up at Pomona, and just backed it up with a massive local technical loop: climbing up Mount Coot-tha, dropping down the back via Channel 8 track into Gap Creek, descending Lower Creek, and then doing laps of the climbing trail to session Rocket Frog twice before the long, steep grind back up Channel 8 to get home.
Initial Impressions:
12s Di2: The shifting logic on rough terrain is flawless. Having those tighter gear steps on the steep, punchy pinches climbing out of Gap Creek made maintaining a smooth cadence so much easier.
The Wheels & Tyres: Lacing 350s to the XR361 rims makes for an incredibly stiff, confident wheelset. The new Panaracer X1 tread pattern absolutely hooks up on the loose-over-hard sections, and they felt surprisingly predictable on drop bars going down Rocket Frog.
Stoked with how this project turned out. For anyone else riding a Search or running the new X1s, how are you finding them long-term?
by johnatuna
2 Comments
Love to see another Norco search in the wild. I have an alloy one that I love and beat around with. The geo feels amazing
Beautiful