At the 2010 Norco launch in Vancouver, British Columbia, Norco signaled their return to the high-end road market with the official launch of the Norco CRR. After struggling to make a mark on the high-end road market, Norco took a step back in 2009 and didn’t introduce any new models. For 2010 Norco is back with the CRR line and results are impressive. Road Bike Action was on hand and took a look at some of the standouts from Norco’s 2010 line. We also took an exclusive first ride on the CRR 1.

Back In The Game: The CRR Line
The 2010 CRR line is composed of four models. The CRR SL, CRR 1, CRR 2, and CRR 3. The SL ($4,895.00) sits at the top of the line and comes complete with SRAM Red, Ritchey WCS cockpit and Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels. The CRR 1 ($3,175.00) shares the same frame, but is outfitted with SRAM Rival, Ritchey PRO components and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels. The CRR 2 ($2119.00) features a frame with the same geometry and manufacturing process as the CRR SL and CRR 1 but with a slightly different, and heavier, carbon lay up. The CRR 2 is comes with Shimano 105 components mated to an FSA crankset and Ritchey Comp cockpit. The CRR 2 rolls on Shimano RS10 wheels. Finally there is the CRR 3 ($1,850.00), which features the same frame as the CRR 2 and also comes with Shimano 105 shifters and derailleurs mated to an FSA crankset and Tekro brakes. Norco branded parts make up the cockpit and wheels.

The heart of the new CRR line is the new propriety frame that features a monoque carbon fiber frame. The frame is constructed using what Norco terms EPS (Ethyl Poly Styrene). EPS is a stable Mandrel system. The single mandrel system helps create consistency frame production by eliminating internal wrinkles that can result in stress fractures. This allows for less material to be used in high stress areas such as the bottom bracket and head tube junctions. In addition to the EPS manufacturing process, thermoplastic mesh is added to key stress areas such as the head tube and bottom bracket. The addition of the thermoplastic mesh adds strength and increases the torsional rigidity.

With all the new innovations in the production process, Norco then set out to design a top of the line frameset that would be competitive at the highest level of racing. To accomplish this Norco carefully studied industry trends and implemented several features into the CRR line to increase performance. Some of these include the 1.5 to 1.125-inch tapered head tube, the integrated seatmast, internal cable routing, and BB30 bottom bracket. Norco finishes off the CRR SL and CRR 1 with a full carbon fork.

First Ride: 2010 Norco CRR 1
After cutting the seatmast and making other fit adjustments it was time to take the CRR 1 out for a ride around the city of Vancouver. In the saddle it is clear that the CRR frame is made for racing. The massive oversized frame is incredibly stiff, both in power transfer to pedals and steering. Due to the stiff frame there was no wasted energy in sprints or in pushing a big gear. The geometry on my extra large frame featured parallel 73-degree seat and head tube angles attached via a 57-centimeter top tube. The seat tube length measured 55-centimeters center to center, although this is deceptive and the frame felt larger due to the oversized nature of the tubes. The long top tube and 110-millimeter stem provided a comfortable race ready position and gave the bike a Euro road racing feel. The handling of the CRR could be described as neutral. The bike is a great all around handler, but doesn’t have a particular area in which it stands out above others. The long top tube makes the CRR 1 stable at speed and descending solid and predicable. Gradual and steep climbs on the CRR 1 were handled equally well in or out of the saddle. With the massively oversized frame and integrated seatmast there is always the chance of a harsh ride, but the CRR is quite smooth over most surfaces. It is only over larger bumps or sharp cracks that the frame fails to fully isolate the rider.

The parts mix on the CRR 1 was solid and price point wise was pretty much what we would expect for a $3000.00 bike with a full carbon frame. The SRAM Rival group worked well and has proven to be a sturdy and reliable group. Like the Rival group the Ritchey PRO components and Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheels worked well and both are known for taking large amounts of abuse.

First impressions of the CRR 1 are good and the time that Norco has spent developing the bike shows. The performance is solid and craftsmanship appeared first rate. The new graphics are clean and striking, adding to the professional look of the bike. The CRR is a giant step forward for Norco and should be added to ones list for consideration when looking for a new high-end race bike.

2010 Norco Standouts

CCX SL
The CCX SL ($2385.00) is Norco’s top of the line cyclocross bike. It features a scandium frame with triple butted main triangle and seatstays. For the wet and muddy northwest conditions the CCX SL features a semi-integrated headset, extended rear derailleur shift cable housing and lots of mud clearance. The CCX SL comes equipped with a mixture of Shimano Ultegra and 105 components mated to TRP Euro X cross brakes and Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels. Ritchey WCS components make up the cockpit, while Norco wisely included fender and rack friendly dropouts.

The CRD 1 ($1195.00) is the top model in the CRD series. The CRD series is designed for entry level racing, fitness riding and commuting. The CRD 1 frame is constructed using lightweight double-butted aero tubing and mated to a carbon bladed fork. The front triangle features smooth double pass welds for added strength and a cleaner look. Norco equips the CRD 1 with Shimano Tiagra shifters, 105 rear derailleur and SR10 wheels. A Norco branded stem, handlebar, seat and seatpost round out the component package.

VFR 1
The VFR 1 ($975.00) is intended for serious commuters. It features a double-butted aluminum frame with aerodynamic shaped tubing, a semi-integrated headset and vertical compliant seatstays. The frame is then combined with a carbon bladed fork and a flat bar with carbon fiber bar-ends for a more upright position. The drivetrain is a mixture of Shimano RD-F440 trigger shifters, 105 rear derailleur and FSA 50/34 compact crankset. Formula hubs mated to Mavic CXP 22 rims make up the wheelset, while Avid Single Digit 5 brakes handle the stopping duties.

Indie SS
The Indie line is designed to get the most from urban riding and commuting without drawing attention to ones self. All the bikes in the Indie line come in matte colors with minimal decals and branding. The pinnacle of simplicity in the Indie line comes in the form of the Indie SS ($495.00). The all black Indie SS features a double butted aluminum frame, vertically compliant seatstays, and fender/rack compatible dropouts. The Indie SS features Formula hubs, Norco branded cockpit and Hayes MX-4 mechanical disc brakes.

The Spade ($865.00) is Norco’s urban fixie bike and comes with a double butted chromoly frame with a chrome plated chromoly fork. To add a bit of style, Norco added blue anodized parts wherever possible, including a Formula flip flop rear hub and deep section wheels.