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Advanced Ride Technology
Advanced Ride Technology, or A.R.T., is the direct link between
engineering and experience. More than a single suspension platform,
A.R.T. is a system that we optimize for each intended use. Norco’s
engineering team strategically manipulates pivot locations to precisiontune
suspension kinematics, ensuring that every full suspension
bike will excel in the environment it was designed for. For downhill
applications, we increase rearward axle path for a more controlled ride
over gnarly, unpredictable terrain. For cross-country we increase pedaling efficiency and small
bump compliance for a faster, smoother ride.
A.R.T. delivers four major benefits to riders: enhanced pedaling efficiency, increased squareedge
bump compliance, improved braking performance and progressive suspension
characteristics. These benefits are balanced in different proportions based on intended use,
creating a ride experience unique to each model.
Enhanced Pedaling Efficiency
A.R.T. is designed to effectively manage chain growth to create anti-squat forces that counteract
the forces responsible for suspension bob. The result is an incredibly efficient pedaling platform,
superior power transfer and unmatched climbing ability.
Increased Square-Edge Bump Compliance
Rearward axle path describes the rear wheel’s trajectory as a bicycle moves through its travel.
A.R.T. uses a pronounced rearward axle path that enables the wheel to travel both rearward
and upward, up and out of the way of obstacles.
Improved Braking Performance
A pronounced rearward axle path also allows a bike’s suspension to remain fully active when
pressure is applied to the brakes. A.R.T. delivers powerful, predictable braking with fully active
suspension and superior traction at all times.
Progressive Suspension Characteristics
A.R.T. suspension uses a progressive leverage ratio curve, meaning that the forces required to
engage the shock increase progressively as the shock moves through its travel. The first part
of the stroke is very supple and effectively absorbs small to medium-sized impacts. Toward the
end of the stroke, the shock becomes progressively stiffer, resulting in a ‘bottomless’ feel. To
the rider, this progressive curve is experienced as consistent, predictable suspension at every
point in the travel.
Gravity Tune
With traditional frame designs, engineers adjust front-centre lengths
for each frame size but use a single, fixed rear-centre length. This
approach leaves riders of certain body types in a poor position when
standing. Poor body position leads to uneven weight distribution and
negatively affects traction, control and overall performance and ride
characteristics.
A simple solution to a complex problem, Gravity Tune fixes the front-centre/rear-centre ratio
across all frame sizes, effectively optimizing geometry for every bike in the line. As a result,
weight is always optimally distributed – regardless of rider height. Available only on Norco Bikes,
Gravity Tune means equal ride characteristics and unrivalled control for all.
Holloform Link Arm
Norco’s Holloform linkarm is a hyper-rigid, one-piece linkarm that
provides two distinct benefits to riders. First, it provides lateral
support to the seat stays and stiffens the rear triangle, keeping the
bike tracking straight and true through any terrain. Second, it prevents
torsional forces from affecting the rear shock, reducing stiction and
increasing shock life..
Hydroformed Tubes Norco’s hydroforming process uses high-pressure hydraulic fluid to
form tubing into precise, structurally superior shapes with strategic
curves and tapers. The process allows our engineering team to
design tubes and complete frames that will behave exactly as
intended. Hydroforming also enables engineers to increase strength
in key areas and incorporate functional features such as stand over
clearance into designs. The result is a visually striking frame that is
functional, light and extraordinarily strong.
Integrated Dropout Design
Norco’s integrated dropouts combine a number of traditionally
independent features into a stronger, more efficient rear dropout
system. Our integrated dropouts combine axle retention, post-mount
brakes, rear suspension pivots, derailleur hanger attachment and
frame gussets into a single structure. The result is a stiff, strong and
light dropout system.