NORCO REVOLVER SL 9
I've never felt more confident on a race bike, than I have on this hardtail.
At the beginning of this season, I had my eyes on the Revolver 9FS. I gave it a quick test ride around the Bikers Edge parking lot and sort-of fell in love. And that was in the parking lot. I couldn't wait to get this bike on the trail and feel it's buttery smoothness, and see just how responsive it really felt. I quickly put one on order and during the process, the Revolver SL 9 became available. I struggled with the idea to wait a a bit longer or just roll with the hardtail. It's been a few years since I've had a full suspension race bike and was looking forward to getting back on one, but I'm a sucker for a good hard tail... So I pulled the trigger.From the gun, this bike felt amazing. Quite a bit better than any hardtail I've ever ridden; and I've ridden a few. It was quick and really playful. It seemed to really excel in technical, tight situations on both the climb and the descent. Norco uses their Power Chassis Design, that utilizes oversized tubing to add stiffness. And it shows. I noticed right away on a few familiar climbs, where the trail was tight and took more finesse than fitness, the Revolver slipped right through and up the trail. There were times when I've had to come to a complete stop on a climb and change directions entirely. The Revolver was quick to snap back and go exactly where I needed it to.
On the descent, this bike was flawless. The only issues I've had were my inability to keep up with what the bike was able to do. It tracks the trail so well, that everything I've put this bike up to, it jumps a the chance to make me proud. I've never felt more confident on a race bike, than I have on this hardtail.Norco put a lot of time into designing this frame. It's their lightest and stiffest hardtail they've ever produced. I have mine built up with the following parts kit:SRAM XX1 crankset, rear derailleur and shifter. SRAM Rise 60 carbon wheelset. SRAM Level Ultimate brakes. ENVE carbon bars, carbon seatpost, Truvative stem. Shimano XTR pedals.Bottom line: I absolutely LOVE this bike. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great hardtail race bike or trail bike.