Looking at getting a new bike. I’m a new rider looking for something to last me a long time (I know these are both probably overkill) I like single track mountain riding. Needs to climb half decent. Which would you go with. Both brand new, $3100 for the C3 and $3500 for the A1. Is the carbon frame worth it with the cheaper components? Thoughts?
by Disastrous_Throat_82
16 Comments
This is kind of a niche bike with the shorter travel high pivot set up. Is there a reason you want this bike specifically?
I would definitely go with the A1. For an extra 400 bucks those components are more than worth it
I would ride an alloy frame with better components every time.
The carbon weighs 1lbs less. I wouldn’t worry about weight. And that’s from norcos website.
The A1 with better parts for sure. Not the lightest carbon frame on those anyways, might as well lean into the short travel bruiser identity
As a new rider, you probably won’t appreciate the returns on higher end components. I’d go with the C3 and as you ride more and components wear out, you can replace or upgrade with what you need at the time. The entry components will be more than adequate to get used to the bike and figure out where you really need the upgrades.
A1 because I’m a slut for a silver Pike ultimate 🤤
Take it from someone who bought the Fluid C2 which is the Optic’s ‘brother’. I tested both the Fluid A1 vs the C2 and there’s minimal difference between the Carbon and Aluminum version, i just ended up getting the C2 on a massive discount (cheaper than the A1). I would get the bike with higher end components if I could do it all over again.
I would pick the better value bike
From a rider who has both high end carbon and alum alloy bikes, the difference is very negligible.
I know I’ll get crucified here for saying this but way too many people focus on the “pissing contest” aspect of riding and less on the actual fun of it…
sometimes these threads remind me of the gun threads…everyone makes it into a dick measuring contest lol.
Between these two though, being that the price difference is only 400 bones go with the higher end components and alloy frame.
Get the one that has the better component spec.
A1
I just bought the A1 in May. Love it. But it also came with better suspension than your pic I think (fox 34 on the front with kashima coating on both). The weight difference between the carbon and alloy was dramatic but couldn’t justify the price bump to get similar components in the carbon. The A1 was on sale so would have been nearly double for the C1.
Personally the A1. Better part spec for the price. Carbon is nice but honestly not really too different on weight to really notice the difference. Cool bike I almost bought one but went with the Forbidden Druid v2 instead just fit my riding style better.
Top spec alloy over bottom spec carbon every single day of the week
I’d advise against the Norco Optic for a new rider. That strange pulley-looking thing next to the chain ring is called a high-pivot suspension design. That design comes with trade-offs (added weight, sluggish acceleration, and more maintenance vs. more traditional suspension designs), and it really only adds a performance benefit on aggressive, long-travel bikes. Nocro broke the rules and put it on the latest optic, which is a short-travel bike. The reviews of this bike have been iffy.
If you know what you are getting into (and ride very aggressive terrain and prefer being under-biked), it could be a good bike for you. However, as a new rider, you would almost certainly be better served by a bike with a more traditional suspension design. I’d also highly recommend buying a gently used bike to maximize value.