Norco used to have a line of bikes called "Charger", the models and numbers were all over the place, but they were a just a step above the Storm with slightly better components and a tapered head tube. Now their next step up in the Norco Fluid. I'd say the Storm is a solid beginner choice, if you haven't already been riding modern mountain bikes these will feel amazing. It would take a new rider some time to become "under biked" with one of these.
Thanks for the comment! I wasn't aware of the Charger model but I'm newer to Norco. Yeah its not a bad bike... looks like unfortunately will be discontinued now due to Norco dropping the Storm line to focus on just Fluid HT as the beginner hardtail. Seems like a lot of companies are doing that recently... getting out of the beginner MTB market which stinks but I also get
Marlin 6 good option as well. Storm has been on sale and is being cleared out so availability is difficult right now so it may come down to finding one in your size if you still can, sorry!
The Marlin 4 isn't really a comparison with this bike, the 6 is much closer but $100 more. The 4 has integrated shifter and brakes so if you go to hydraulic you also have to switch out the shifters. Also, to convert it to a 1x drivetrain w/ a clutch you'd have to spend an additional $150-200 before labor so you're better off just getting the 6 or the Norco
Try measuring the head tube angle. Those canadians may be funny sometimes😂 I have a Kona, where they say it is 68 angle, but it is 66 measured. Since I put a 140mm fork on it (was 100mm), I now have a 64’ head angle which is plenty slack for a cheaper bike. But it works great. Only in steep climbs, I need to be a little more forward than before(but still ok, my old bikes were worse at that anyway)
Thanks for the comment. Ha, ok yeah maybe I will measure it then and see if it is accurate or not! Nice, yeah you did slacken it out a good amount! Glad it still works and you are enjoying it. Take care
Wonder if you could machine and press fit a lower wolf tooth. And run taper fork. I did this on my 3ring 2016 doublespeak trail. Run 1x system, dropper. And even it’s 71* I get down on it. 30lb bike yes 135qr rear. But have front reba through axle and “XT” rear skewer hardly and rear flex. This bike is beautiful 68* is sweet spot
I did this with a Trek Marlin 5 I bought off Offerup. Found a lower cup, turned the head tube into a tapered head tube and was able to get more options for forks. Ended up with an older Fox 32 that is still smooth and works well on the bike.
Looks like it was answered, but yes I’ve done that before with other bikes and have talked about it in other videos. Yeah, you just need an EC44/40 external cup and bearing. Wolf Tooth makes them as well as a few other brands. Not sure on this norco but a few other brands I’ve run into some issues where the inside of the frame has a groove that bottoms out the top insert part of the cup before it is flush with the wider part of the cup. You can either use spacers or trim off some of the insert part (may not be according to directions but I’ve never had any issues with it or feel it was compromised). Sounds like your Doublespeak trail is pretty dialed! Thanks for the comment
@@dvs620 Thanks for answering! Glad you could make an older fork work. Sometimes it is a challenge to find a tapered fork that can work with a 100mm quick release (so you don’t have to buy a new wheel). Take care
@@BikingRoots The only straight steerers I could find were Bucklos forks. Then I found this one, but in a tapered fork, hence the external cup modification. It works great.
@@dvs620 Oh ok, yeah that makes sense. If anyone you know does need a straight steerer in the future, rockshox judy and recon do a straight steerer, quick release axle fork along with manitou markhor which we also sell. Thanks!
Good question, I think the frame would probably be fine as it looks like a quality job and welds. Fork would be my only hesitation though as it clearly states on the sticker to be designed only for "leisure cross country riding" so you'd be at your own risk! Could always upgrade the fork to an air fork though that can handle some harder riding
yes you are limited but at least it has quick release front axles so the straight steerer forks like the Rockshox Judy or Recon or Manitou Markhor are straight steerer w/ qr axles so a direct swap. If someone already has or wants a tapered higher end fork, usually they have boost thru axles, so that would require them to have to install a lower cup adapter and a new wheel with thru axle.
I believe these come out of Vietnam factory and are shipped out of either Canada warehouse (I don't remember exactly where) or their UT warehouse (where we usually get them). Toronto looks like a cool place! Never been, maybe someday
@@manolos8230 yeah the seat isn’t super comfortable. If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, it will hurt, but not a bad upgrade to think about. I like the WTB Volt and Speed saddles. They have different widths and padding options
Thanks for the comment and question. We had one come into the shop the other day and the person used it actually just for commuting. Even for that, the tourney 3x7 drivetrain just isn’t very durable from our experience. The issue too is that if you say wanted to change a shifter, you can’t very easily because the brake and shifter are integrated so then you have to buy a brake lever that is separate from the shifter. And if you want them to match you have to do both sides. If someone can budget the extra $250, I think the 1x10 drivetrain and disc brakes is worth the extra expense since the drivetrain and brakes will last longer and have better performance.
No these are not which is fine since it has a quick release front axle so there aren’t really an tapered forks that are quick release. Most are thru axles so you’d have to also then buy a new front wheel. If you are looking for thru axles and tapered headtube, check out the Fluid HT2. It’s also on sale for only $899 and comes w/ a dropper post (we did a video recently about it)
@@manolos8230 you unscrew the presta valve screw thing, then thread on the presta to shrader valve on top of it and boom, ready to go. It’s not too hard to figure out
depending on size, about 32-33 lbs... normal for beginner hardtails in this price range from my experience. They discontinued them since this video was made but may have some new models dropping soon
Norco is discontinuing this one apparently, so if you can find one still, you may like the colors better but as far as a comparison, they are pretty identical minus a few things like 9speed (bobcat) vs 10 (storm). not a big deal though. Bobcat is a tad more slack in geometry. Bobcat handlebars are a bit wider. Other than that, both solid bikes
Good question. The Storm 1 has a nicer crankset w/ sealed external bearing bottom bracket (instead of square tapered on the 2). Also, it has 11 speed vs 10 speed, and comes with a dropper post. It's not on sale right now though so makes the 2 a better value at the moment
no not heavy in comparison to other beginner alloy mountain bikes with 1x drivetrain. I don’t remember if we ever weighed one but I’d estimate about 32 lbs
What color would you choose for your Storm 2? Blue/Grey, Dark blue/black, or green?
Depending on what it really looks like, that green color way looks sweet.
I chose the Dark Blue/Black, great bike!
Norco used to have a line of bikes called "Charger", the models and numbers were all over the place, but they were a just a step above the Storm with slightly better components and a tapered head tube. Now their next step up in the Norco Fluid.
I'd say the Storm is a solid beginner choice, if you haven't already been riding modern mountain bikes these will feel amazing. It would take a new rider some time to become "under biked" with one of these.
Thanks for the comment! I wasn't aware of the Charger model but I'm newer to Norco. Yeah its not a bad bike... looks like unfortunately will be discontinued now due to Norco dropping the Storm line to focus on just Fluid HT as the beginner hardtail. Seems like a lot of companies are doing that recently... getting out of the beginner MTB market which stinks but I also get
Been riding Norcos here in Australia for years .Great Bikes.👍
Thanks for sharing and glad to hear! Nice, would be fun to go down there and ride! I bet you guys have some nice trails
Good bike i was looking at marlin 6 ?
Marlin 6 good option as well. Storm has been on sale and is being cleared out so availability is difficult right now so it may come down to finding one in your size if you still can, sorry!
great bike ride aslo. storm 3 is great ride aslo.
Thanks for the comment. Haven’t seen the storm 3 but trust your judgement! Take care
Just pick up a trek marlin 4 for less than 550 and switch the cable brakes for Shimano pre bled hydraulic brakes for 60 bucks
The Marlin 4 isn't really a comparison with this bike, the 6 is much closer but $100 more. The 4 has integrated shifter and brakes so if you go to hydraulic you also have to switch out the shifters. Also, to convert it to a 1x drivetrain w/ a clutch you'd have to spend an additional $150-200 before labor so you're better off just getting the 6 or the Norco
@@BikingRootsgood point, can't argue.
Try measuring the head tube angle. Those canadians may be funny sometimes😂 I have a Kona, where they say it is 68 angle, but it is 66 measured. Since I put a 140mm fork on it (was 100mm), I now have a 64’ head angle which is plenty slack for a cheaper bike. But it works great. Only in steep climbs, I need to be a little more forward than before(but still ok, my old bikes were worse at that anyway)
Thanks for the comment. Ha, ok yeah maybe I will measure it then and see if it is accurate or not! Nice, yeah you did slacken it out a good amount! Glad it still works and you are enjoying it. Take care
Wonder if you could machine and press fit a lower wolf tooth. And run taper fork. I did this on my 3ring 2016 doublespeak trail. Run 1x system, dropper. And even it’s 71* I get down on it.
30lb bike yes 135qr rear. But have front reba through axle and “XT” rear skewer hardly and rear flex.
This bike is beautiful 68* is sweet spot
I did this with a Trek Marlin 5 I bought off Offerup. Found a lower cup, turned the head tube into a tapered head tube and was able to get more options for forks. Ended up with an older Fox 32 that is still smooth and works well on the bike.
Looks like it was answered, but yes I’ve done that before with other bikes and have talked about it in other videos. Yeah, you just need an EC44/40 external cup and bearing. Wolf Tooth makes them as well as a few other brands. Not sure on this norco but a few other brands I’ve run into some issues where the inside of the frame has a groove that bottoms out the top insert part of the cup before it is flush with the wider part of the cup. You can either use spacers or trim off some of the insert part (may not be according to directions but I’ve never had any issues with it or feel it was compromised). Sounds like your Doublespeak trail is pretty dialed! Thanks for the comment
@@dvs620 Thanks for answering! Glad you could make an older fork work. Sometimes it is a challenge to find a tapered fork that can work with a 100mm quick release (so you don’t have to buy a new wheel). Take care
@@BikingRoots The only straight steerers I could find were Bucklos forks. Then I found this one, but in a tapered fork, hence the external cup modification. It works great.
@@dvs620 Oh ok, yeah that makes sense. If anyone you know does need a straight steerer in the future, rockshox judy and recon do a straight steerer, quick release axle fork along with manitou markhor which we also sell. Thanks!
would this bike be able to withstand jumps? Not insanely big jumps but decently big jumps and drops?
Good question, I think the frame would probably be fine as it looks like a quality job and welds. Fork would be my only hesitation though as it clearly states on the sticker to be designed only for "leisure cross country riding" so you'd be at your own risk! Could always upgrade the fork to an air fork though that can handle some harder riding
So is that a straight neck? Isn’t that a lot harder to find forks for vs a more modern tapered neck?
yes you are limited but at least it has quick release front axles so the straight steerer forks like the Rockshox Judy or Recon or Manitou Markhor are straight steerer w/ qr axles so a direct swap. If someone already has or wants a tapered higher end fork, usually they have boost thru axles, so that would require them to have to install a lower cup adapter and a new wheel with thru axle.
Norco...where in Canada are they produced? Cheers from Toronto 'area'!
I believe these come out of Vietnam factory and are shipped out of either Canada warehouse (I don't remember exactly where) or their UT warehouse (where we usually get them). Toronto looks like a cool place! Never been, maybe someday
I got me a Marlin 4 back in like June , but I couldn’t pass the good deal so I got me a norco 🎉
Oh nice! Congrats, hope you have fun with it
@@BikingRootslol man I just it recently I did layaway I couldn’t afford the whole amount tho I got it for 649 plus tax
@@manolos8230 no worries, glad you could get into it and get into the sport! I hope you enjoy it
@@BikingRoots I been on 2 times already just seat is uncomfortable but again I only ride it twice
@@manolos8230 yeah the seat isn’t super comfortable. If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, it will hurt, but not a bad upgrade to think about. I like the WTB Volt and Speed saddles. They have different widths and padding options
Blue/Grey 🎉
What makes you not recommend the 5? I am just looking for a cheap commuter kind of bike, nothing technical!
Mechanical disc brakes are useless and cheap 3x7 drivetrain. Would do the job for your purposes
Thanks for the comment and question. We had one come into the shop the other day and the person used it actually just for commuting. Even for that, the tourney 3x7 drivetrain just isn’t very durable from our experience. The issue too is that if you say wanted to change a shifter, you can’t very easily because the brake and shifter are integrated so then you have to buy a brake lever that is separate from the shifter. And if you want them to match you have to do both sides. If someone can budget the extra $250, I think the 1x10 drivetrain and disc brakes is worth the extra expense since the drivetrain and brakes will last longer and have better performance.
Can u use a regular air compressor?
Need a presta to shrader adapter ($3) but yes you could with adapter... just dont pop your tube!
Are the headtube tappered?
No these are not which is fine since it has a quick release front axle so there aren’t really an tapered forks that are quick release. Most are thru axles so you’d have to also then buy a new front wheel. If you are looking for thru axles and tapered headtube, check out the Fluid HT2. It’s also on sale for only $899 and comes w/ a dropper post (we did a video recently about it)
So is this considered XC then?
Yes w/ 100mm travel it is considered XC
@@BikingRoots thanks
I have this bike but I gotta question can u still use a regular air compressor but with the adapter?
yep you can use with the presta to shrader adaptor. just be careful to not over inflate
@@BikingRoots I know it’s 65PSI
@@manolos8230 I usually shoot from 27-33 psi depending on trail conditions in our area
@@BikingRootshow do u use it I never used it before
@@manolos8230 you unscrew the presta valve screw thing, then thread on the presta to shrader valve on top of it and boom, ready to go. It’s not too hard to figure out
How much do they weigh?
depending on size, about 32-33 lbs... normal for beginner hardtails in this price range from my experience. They discontinued them since this video was made but may have some new models dropping soon
Whats better this or the Bobcat 4?
Norco is discontinuing this one apparently, so if you can find one still, you may like the colors better but as far as a comparison, they are pretty identical minus a few things like 9speed (bobcat) vs 10 (storm). not a big deal though. Bobcat is a tad more slack in geometry. Bobcat handlebars are a bit wider. Other than that, both solid bikes
@@BikingRoots awesome, just ordered me a bobcat 4 can’t wait to hit the trails!
@@ismaeladame3492 Oh awesome! Congrats. Where did you order it from?
@@BikingRoots I ordered from Alaska bicycle center
@@ismaeladame3492 oh fun! Have fun with it
What’s the difference between this and the 1
Good question. The Storm 1 has a nicer crankset w/ sealed external bearing bottom bracket (instead of square tapered on the 2). Also, it has 11 speed vs 10 speed, and comes with a dropper post. It's not on sale right now though so makes the 2 a better value at the moment
@@BikingRoots ok thx
Are they heavy
no not heavy in comparison to other beginner alloy mountain bikes with 1x drivetrain. I don’t remember if we ever weighed one but I’d estimate about 32 lbs
like 2022...in ukraine another colors