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NorcoTactic 1TO MOSTCYCLISTS, NORCO IS PERHAPS BEST KNOWN for itsNorth Shore-inspired mountain bikes, but the Canadian brand was,in fact, first established in 1964 to build road bikes. Today, modelswith skinny tires, including road and commuter bikes, makeup about halfofits line. The Tactic is the company's latest highperformanceoffering and its only race bike.orco's previous road racer, the CRR, was a stiffmodel designedwith input from the Continental Symmetric pro team that competedon it. But many modern road bikes are more thanjustunyieldingrocketships like the CRR; these days, frames are also designed tosmooth rough roads. Rather than update the older model, Norcodecided to replace it with the Tactic-a model that addresses comfortin a way that the old frame did not, without giving up any speed.To add compliance in the places it's most needed, the company'sPRICE $3,280WEIGHT 16.2 lb.(58cm)SIZES 48, 50.5, 53,55.5,58 (tested),60.5cmFRAME46Tsuper-highmoduluscarbonFORK 30T highmoduluscarbonCOMPONENTHIGHLIGHTSEaston Aerowheels, EA50handlebar, EA50stem, EA30 seatpost;FSA SL-K LightPF30 crankset;Shimano Ultegrashifters, derailleurs,brakes; Fi'zi:k ArioneMg saddle, Microtextape; ClementStrada LGG 60tpi25c tiresINFO norCO.comBUY IT IF You wanta fairy-tale ride: abike that is nottoostiff, or too sluggish,but just rightengineers borrowed the curvedseatstays from Norco's Valenceendurance road bike and adaptedthem for this racier model. Theresult: stays that absorb someroad chatter while still rapidlytransfering power to the wheelthebike eagerlyjumped aheadwhen I pedaled hard.Norco didn't only emphasizecreating a comfortable ride-theTactic 1is also lighter than theCRR, and its chassis is stiffer.The company didn't change thegeometry. Both models sharethe same sharp angles, includinga short 17cm head tube (on our58cm test bike). The low frontend lets riders get into an aggressiveposition to help them cornerconfidently and hide from thewind. Anyone who would likea more upright stance shouldconsider the Valence or use anup-angled stem.There are six versions oftheTactic, built around two frames.What sets each frame apart from ~MAY 2013 IillmII 91

the other is the type ofcarbon material used in its construction. This bike, theTactic 1, has a frame that weighs 880 grams (claimed) and is built ofa 46-toncarbon materiaI. The lower-cost frame weighs 1,040 grams and is built of 24-toncarbon, a difference that should result in a slightly different feel on the road (wehaven't ridden the heavier version).The Tactic's frame has an airfoil-shaped seat tube and other designs intendedto improve efficiency in a strong wind, an increasingly common trend on highendroad bikes. Indeed, the company claims that the frame moves through theair more efficiently than the older CRR. But the bike looks less slick than provenaero bikes like the Scott Foil, Cervelo S5, Specialized Venge, or BMC Time­Machine TMROl. We can't say for sure, though-Norco used computer modelingto assess the bike's aero characteristics, but has not tested the Tactic in a windtunnel. On the road, itwas difficult to tell the difference between this bike and anonaero road frame.But the bike's aerodynamic efficiency-or lack thereof-should not affect yourenjoyment on the macadam. The Tactic does an admirable job ofsmoothingbumps while remaining responsive to input from the rider. It's not the stiffestbike in its class, but it delivers a crisp, smooth ride that I never foundjarring.Regardless of road surface, I could slice down descents without wavering. Infact, the Tactic reminded me of the widely lauded Cervelo R3-a well-balancedbike that is stable yet easy to maneuver in a pack or on fast group rides.This model is also a great value. The Tactic 1 that I tested comes withbetter than expected components for the price, including Shimano's Ultegradrivetrain, Easton wheels, Fi'zi:k's Arione Mg saddle, and cushy ClementStrada LGG 25mm tires. The parts are worthy of racing, but also appropriatefor all-day recreational rides. In that respect, they are ideally suited to theTactic-a fast, comfortable, mild-mannered bike that many different kinds ofriders ca n enjoy.-MattAllyn