Sea Otter 2013 - Norco Sight 650b carbon

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This article originally published on BikeRadar

Norco's popular Sight trail bike is getting a carbon makeover, adding features and shedding weight in the process.

The 650b (27.5in) version of the 140mm-travel Sight was shown at the Sea Otter Classic in 2012. The current Sight is available with 26in or 650b wheels. (We have a 650b Sight under test and have been pleasantly surprised by its performance.) For 2014, the 140mm trail bike will also be offered in carbon, but only with 650b wheels.

The carbon Sight's frame geometry is similar to the current aluminum bike. It uses Norco's Gravity Tune frame design with a consistent ratio between the front and rear centers of the bike across all five frame sizes. Norco does this by using subtle changes to the front triangle to lengthen or shorten (depending on the frame size) the effective chain stay length. This maintains a relatively consistent distribution of the rider's weight over the front and rear axles. The end result is a bike that handles the same, regardless of frame size.

Dustan Sept, Norco's PR marketing coordinator, said the carbon frame weighs 20 percent less than the aluminum model. The complete XX1 build on display at Sea Otter had a claimed weight of 25lb.

The carbon frame will come in two versions, one with a direct-mount front derailleur mounting bracket as well as a dedicated 1x frame, with no provision to run a front derailleur. "We're seeing a lot more people running 1x drivetrains; this makes it look much cleaner." said Sept. Both versions of the Sight have replaceable ISCG 05 mounts.

The production model will be available this fall. Exact pricing is yet to be determined. Sept said the price range for the carbon models will likely be between $4,000 and $7,000 (£2,600 and £4,500).

The frame will be offered in a 1x-specific version, lacking a mount for a front derailleur

For all of our Sea Otter 2013 coverage, click here