Norco Sight VLT 2 first impressions

[briangv99]

With the recent spate of factory e-mtbs hitting the market and the steady improvement in drive systems and higher capacity batteries, the urge to see for myself first hand how a factory ebike compares to the various DIY builds I've done over the years, became too great and I purchased a Norco Sight VLT2, specifically based on the great reviews I read and seen on Flow on YT [youtube]fvgrtHdH90c[/youtube]. The spec sheet also quotes a reasonable 630wh internal battery and there is the aftermarket tunability of the Shimano E8000.

First things first, a 25kph speed cutoff really sucks the fun out the whole riding experience, but a solution is at hand in the form of the EPlus software that lets the user set their own parameters through an app and BT. With the speed limit out of the way, the whole riding experience is substantially improved, but don't get me wrong, this isn't a multi kW point and squirt beast. Having said that the single track experience of having super strong legs is a blast. The first sniff of a hill though will have you clicking down through the 12 speed cassette and crawling up, that is compared to a MXUS 3K. The upside is that the big wheels and low unsprung weight means I can plough through rocks that would make my DH hub bike buck and fear a pinch flat or broken spokes.

Range is very dependent on terrain and how much time you spend on the higher assist modes, but with my modest fitness 50-60km off-road is comfortable.

My initial conclusions are that it is a lot of fun and great exercise, but would I give up my higher power bikes? hmmmm probably not, ripping through a single track with several kWs is an experience that is difficult to replace.

 

[devo1223]

thanks for your review. My goal is a multi kw bike that handles like a factory pas bike. Have you tried a bbhd, mini cyclone, etc...?I demo'd a spitzing, it was fantastic

 

[__mike]

Hi Brian,

Nice bike and hope you’re enjoying it. Had my eye on the sight vlt and I too recently purchased a giant trance e +1. Have been following emtb evolve and built a few hub motor set ups over the years which were great for light off road but horrible for proper mountain biking.

For $5250aus on sale with Fox 36, code r brakes , GX 12spd etc etc It was hard to pass up. I was planning on another build or purchasing a surron. I’m really liking The Yamaha unit, pulls hard for what it is and the speed limiter is hacked for free which is the first modification I did I can maintain 40-45km/hr on flat tarmac with the 36/11 gearing sometimes being the limiting factor.

You’re are correct they don’t replace high power but they have their place and so far enjoying it with urban rides and obstacles

Mike

 

[briangv99]

thanks for your review. My goal is a multi kw bike that handles like a factory pas bike. Have you tried a bbhd, mini cyclone, etc...?I demo'd a spitzing, it was fantastic

I like the sound of that, my search for that right balance of bike and ebike still continues. Sub 25kg and about 2kw with loads of torque is where is like to get to.

I've tried BBSHD (a bit laggy and slightly underwhelming), Tangent 3220 (a blast to ride, but far from ideal chainline,pricey too). The Spitzing sounds like a great combination, styling could be a bit nicer though. A light weight Bafang Max might come close to being the ideal.

 

[briangv99]

Hi Brian,

For $5250aus on sale with Fox 36, code r brakes , GX 12spd etc etc It was hard to pass up. I was planning on another build or purchasing a surron. I’m really liking The Yamaha unit, pulls hard for what it is and the speed limiter is hacked for free which is the first modification I did I can maintain 40-45km/hr on flat tarmac with the 36/11 gearing sometimes being the limiting factor.

You’re are correct they don’t replace high power but they have their place and so far enjoying it with urban rides and obstacles

Mike

Sounds like a bargain Mike and great equipment spec there too.

I agree about them being great as an urban assualt weapon and a great tool to get you between your favourite local tracks. The added bonus is at 22kg, just the right weight to lift over gates and fences.

Top speed for the VLT is similar to yours, gearing limited.

I find riding by myself the power and speed is fine, just trying to keep a more powerful ebike on the more open trails or uphills required a serious amount of effort. Great exercise though

 

[__mike]

Hi Brian,

I think the Giant is a little porkier than the VLT at nearly 24kg with pedals. Yes tailing a multi kw ebike not a great idea soon as it opens up a little can imagine your lungs would be busting

Enjoy your bike
Mike