Norco has been around since 1964, and while the image of mountain bikes typically come to mind, likely because of their rugged British Columbia home, they've been crafting road bikes since 1975. Norco's first road team sponsorship was in 2000 and they've sponsored numerous road racers and continental teams since, and the Norco Tactic models are the Canadian brand's take on the high-end, high-performance road machine.
Norco makes a range of Tactics, from the fully-loaded SLR model with its 800g frame to the SL disc model that we have on test with a 910g frame, and the less expensive 1,050g frame made from mid-modulus carbon.
The carbon tubes are large but do feature aero shaping to slice the wind, which Norco claims results in 10% less drag. The DT Swiss R32 wheels have a bit of dish to also cut through the wind, and are spun to life through an 11-speed Ultegra mechanical drivetrain.
Norco Tactic SL Disc Ultegra spec overview
- 910g disc-compatible, thru-axle frame
- Full carbon fork w/12mm thru-axle
- ARC race seatstays
- Size-scaled tubing for consistent ride throughout size range
- Gizmo cable routing compatible with mechanical and electric drivetrains
- Shimano Ultegra SL 6800 11spd
- DT Swiss R32 Spline wheels
- Shimano BR-RS805 hydraulic discs
- Zipp bars, stem, post
A little maple leaf lets everyone behind you know where this bike comes from
We'll be putting this 2017 Tactic through its paces to see how the Canadian brand compares to the top road bike players. Stay tuned for more.