2008 Norco Team DH Review
Big bikes are dead - at least that's what some people would have you believe.
The Norco Team DH is definitely a "big bike" 9" inches of rear suspension, 8" up front, a 64 degree head angle and one chainring.
Now that we have bikes like Specialize Demo 7s, Norco Shores what is the purpose of a dedicated DH sled? Those bikes will handle most of what we see on a regular basis - so why lay out the cash ($5500 + tax) for something that makes riding to the shops hard? That was a question i was asking myself as I rode uphill to the trail head this morning - what had I got myself into?
I have ridden big bikes - I have run through a pair of Specialized Demo 8s, a Specialized Big Hit 3 and a Brodie Devo - so it's not like I didn't know what to expect. However the Team DH is perhaps the ultimate incarnation of the uber-plus DH bike. Maybe it was getting up at 6:20am to make the ride that was accentuating all the downsides to the DH bike.
Once we reached the trailhead and dropped in I was instantly reminded why I was on the Team DH - I had set myself the goal of having a World Cup level downhill bike for this season - and this years Team DH is definitely "all that". With a parts spec that challenges you to try and find somewhere to improve - even for a seasoned bike shop "parts whore" the only parts that I could switch out were those based purely on preference, not performance. Even the small details have been sweated - a Chris King headset, the new SRAM PG 970 downhill specific cassette (solid cassette sprockets so no more bending teeth), even the pedals are the awesome DMR V12 Magnesium. That's right, $100 pedals! Every part is from the brand leader in that area, every single piece is fully thought through.
My first ride on the bike, and I promise a further review after more time in the saddle, I was riding a trail that I had never ridden before, which is always a challenge even on a bike that you know like the back of your hand. I was able to check out the Team DHs abilities on almost every aspect of the riding that it will encounter - steep gnarly rock chutes, gaps to chunder landings, off camber sections; oh and plenty of corners.
Through all of the above I was in control and confident. The bike was stable when it needed to be, but it's light weight (41.75lbs with pedals in a Medium size) means that it is very maneuverable when the speed that it encourages you to carry gets you deeper than you want to be.
I was in tune with the bike almost from the beginning - but just like my awesome Border Collie "Sprocket" it begs to go faster. Getting to open the bike up to high speed is really a treat - and where the bikes slack angles and long wheel base become the key to success. Drifting through loose corners knowing that everything is hooked up is a joy, launching into rock sections, slamming through berms and roosting your way out of them is so sweet that I was literally hooting and hollering.
Man I cannot wait for Garbanzo to open.
Until then, you will see me getting my fix at least once a week all winter long, whether it's lit up with an HID or making the early morning ride happen.
"Boss - I will do my best not to be any later than necessary, but sometimes it may just need to happen. The bike made me do it."
Memorize this line, You will need it.
Long live "big bikes" and long live the Norco Team DH.
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Live to ride.
Duncan Mortimer
Minoura VFS Trainer Review
MINOURA VFS REAR WHEEL TRAINER:
It is that time of year again. You know, when you look out the window mutter some expletive under your breath (or not) about the weather and that piece of equipment that has been collecting dust in the corner of the basement. Ah yes, that old “friend”. The substitute for sunshine and heat.
I have had several years of that very same scenario. Working on my base fitness and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity while sitting at home sweating and thinking that this just doesn’t feel right.
Last year, I got my hands on a new trainer, the Minoura VFS Trainer. The VFS stands for “Variable Fluid System”. In a nutshell it is basically the best of both worlds. Fluid will give you the correct resistance to simulate road conditions while the magnetic will eliminate the “dead spot” that can be associated with fluid. What does it all mean? Real roads feel while staying dry and warm. Nice….
You can stand, sit, and grind with this bad boy and it will just give it right back to you. The harder you push, the more it pushes back. For those of you who attended “Stairway to Purgatory” last year can attest. I like to do those long sessions of simulated climbing. On my old trainer, I had a hard time with this due to the unevenness of the resistance.
This chart shows how high you wattage can go given your speed. The power curve is very linear. No sudden spikes in resistance. This is the closest simulation you can get without electronic assistance.
Setup on the unit was a breeze. One box with all the goodies and tools. The unit was already assembled and needed to just be installed onto the base. One Allen wrench made quick work of that. Better than Ikea….
Once all assembled and my rear wheel QR swapped out for the supplied steel on, I was ready to get the bike mounted. No problems there. A quick centering of the rear wheel via the one time right side adjuster and then a quick tighten on the left crank I was set. Set the pressure for the roller under the wheel and then use the handy foot pedal to lock it into place. Again a onetime adjustment. Nice.
Of all the trainers that I have had in my dungeon, this was the quietest. No banging on the floor from upstairs for disturbing the yoga sessions. I could even turn down the Pete Tong hot mix playing through the MP3 player. Always a plus around the homestead as Erin hears that 4-5 times a week during the off-season.
So after a solid season of beating on this thing like a schoolyard bully looking for lunch money, I can honestly say I am the one without money for the tuna sandwich. Thanks to my trainer….
- PROS: Insanely easy setup. One time centering and foot pedal for the roller. 85% prebuilt. Reasonably light. Not overly costly unit.
- CONS: Had a small amount of residue one time from the rear unit. Happened only when new and never occurred again.
- WARRANTY: Minoura has a 2 year limited warranty on the resistance unit and a 5 year warranty on the frame
- PRICE: $379.99 plus tax
What Is Spinning And How To Buy A Trainer
You have put it off for long enough. Quit being a procrastinator. You can wait no longer. Have you seen the weather? It is not going to get any better friend. Suck it up and get ready for the real season of concentration and calculation. There is no peleton. No drafting. No sandbagging and, definitely no coasting!
For those of you already in the know, you know what I'm talking about so stop reading and get spinning. For those of you wondering how all those people seem to be faster than you when the weather is dry here is your carrot.
Spinning whether by yourself or with a group will allow you to work on various aspects of you cycling that you may need to improve on through the off season while in the "comfort" of the indoors.
Purchasing a home trainer will let you hit it whenever the mood strikes as well as give you the familiarity of your own bike. But how do you choose which is the best? A few things to ponder.
TYPES OF TRAINERS:
- REAR WHEEL: For most of the public, the best option is that of a rear wheel device. Something that allows the bike to be mounted via the rear axle and apply the resistance to the tire or rim.
- ROLLERS are used for those looking for the extra challenge of balance and to "clean up" their pedal stroke. Not necessarily the best for group sessions as there are no supports. Both wheels are moving as if the rider were outdoors.
- STATIONARY MACHINE: These units are what most will see at a fitness facility. Nice units, but usually quite expensive and will not necessarily put you into your proper position on a bike.
So now that we have that down. Let's focus on the best option for all of us. A rear wheel unit will be the most cost effective and portable unit for home. You require no more room than your bike needs. Most higher end units are quite quiet and will last for years. You can spend up to $1000 for the most advanced electronically aided unit, but I will more than likely last for at least 5 years. For most, fluid is the nice way to go. It will give you progressive resistance and a smooth road like feel. Magnetic will generally have a large heavy flywheel which may take a bit to get going but will then give the impression of flat land riding with even the option of the occasional coast (not recommended). A hybrid will give the best of both.
Once you have got your trainer home and have it set up what now? You may not realize that in order to get the most out of the experience it could require some extra motivation. Things like music, videos and specifically formulated sessions will only do so much. The best additions will be things like a Heart Rate Monitor and a cadence equipped computer.
One of the most affordable and useful pieces to the puzzle is a cycling computer with cadence and a rear wheel speed sensor. Most outdoor computers will use front wheel speed sensors so it is obvious why to use a rear one for indoors. Use a wired one as well. The real reason is to eliminate feedback from other computers when in a group session. My recommendation is to look at Kurt Kinetics cycling computer specific to trainers. It will also give you estimated wattages while riding on the trainer. Nice feature for those days that require specific power work.
Cadence is the most important unit when spinning. Try to maintain a cadence of between 80-100 rpms for the majority of your session. Focus on pedal stroke and heart rate as well. A good pedal stroke will make your cadence faster and will not cause sudden jumps in heart rate. Remember, at the end of the day this is for your benefit and fun. Keep it that way. If you have a hard time motivating yourself, join a group session and get into a rhythm of at least once a week of a solid 60 minutes. It will take a couple of weeks to get into the swing and admit to yourself that the rain is staying for a while longer. Try one of the Spin Sessions at John Henry. The early season will be an intro to spinning. Good way to start….
More to come in the next installment, including how to make the ultimate spin room at home and how to stop pedaling blocks.
Jay Irwin
Ride and Spin Session Leader
John Henry Bikes Pedals and Pints
Spin sessions should not be conducted in this manner.
