Norco 250 - Eurobike 2010

Sep 16, 2010

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Norco has completely revamped their dirt and street orientated 250 for 2011 and the result is a sleeker and lighter package that looks to be ready for all sorts of trouble. Inside you can scope out all the pictures, as well as listen to audio from designer Jim Jamieson.

Read on...

2011 Norco 250

Norco's completely revised and very stealth 250 is looking great for 2011. The new frame now uses hydroformed double butted steel tubing that will be more resilient than an aluminum frame to mishaps at the dirt jumps or throwaways during late night street sessions. Not only does the new frame have 20 mm more standover clearance in both sizes when compared to last year's version, but it also sports many more improvements to brag about. The bike uses a Mid bottom bracket that is tapered in the middle to shave grams where they aren't needed, the rear of the bike sees slightly thinner dropouts used than last year that are also a bit lighter, as well as removable brake hose guides that make for much cleaner lines. All in all the new 250 is one sleek package. Listen to the audio to hear all about it.

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Specifications
Release Date	2011
Price	$1450
Fork	Rock Shox Argyle 100mm/20mm axle
Headset	FSA Impact 8D integrated ( campy compatible ) BMX
Cassette	11T micro driver
Crankarms	3 Piece chromoly tubular/16spline 19mm axle , 170 mm on short , 175 mm on long
Chainguide	Right and left chain tensioners
Bottom Bracket	Mid BB Sealed (74 mm width )
Pedals	Affix Artis 9/16 clear plastic
Chain	KMC BMX chain 1/2x1/8
Handlebar	Norco
Stem	Norco alloy DJ 40mm 4 bolt stem
Grips	Norco Gator grip
Brakes	Avid Juicy 3 160mm rotor Front and Rear
Hubs	Front - Norco 20mm 36 spoke, Rear - Affix Themis 3/8" 135x10mm
Spokes	Stainless steel spokes - 14 gauge
Rim	Alienation PBR rims custom anodized grey colour
Tires	Kenda K-Rad 26x2.35
Seat	Norco design 1 pc BMX plastic saddle/alloy post combo ( 190 G)
Seatpost	1 pc BMX plastic saddle/alloy post combo ( 160 mm x 25.4 mm post)

Compare to other DJ/Street/Park Bikes

Check out the downtube just aft of the headtube. It's not often that you see hydroformed chromoly tubing - pretty cool! The front of the 250 sports a Campagnolo style integrated headset for a low and strong front end. More information in the audio.

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A street or dirt jump bike is the perfect example of something that can benefit by being simpler rather than complicated. To that end Norco has spec'd a light and strong one piece post and seat combo that weighs even less than the common pivotal setup. The seatpost clamp has been moved to the top and seatube junction and uses a wedge to hold the post in place.

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Sometimes the coolest bits are hidden from view. The new 250 uses a Mid sized bottom bracket that is tapered and shaved of any extra material that isn't needed.

The back of the '11 250 is even shorter than last year's model which should make spins that much easier. Although the bike will ship as a single speed, it does sport a derailleur hanger that will allow you to convert to a geared setup down the road.

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Check out the Norco website to see more of the 250 and their entire lineup.

Stay tuned for more Eurobike coverage!

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60 Comments

Score Time

+ 15

Rattsl (Sep 14, 2010 at 12:01)

That looks really good. I like the bb idea.

suicidedownhiller (Sep 16, 2010 at 0:20)

I just can't get used to how small non-aluminum frames are! It looks so break-able. I know it isn't...Anyways, Looks like another sick norco hardtail!

- 21

Rhpositive (Sep 16, 2010 at 6:27) (Below Threshold) show comment

Looks like a cheap bike, to me, emphasize on the word cheap Smile

leon-forfar (Sep 16, 2010 at 7:52)

my friend got one of these off warrenty about a mont ago, and the bike rides super good, but it randomly got a big dent in the tt. he hasnt fallen doesnt ride it hard, he just got it out one day and saw it. quite a shame because it does feel like a very comfortable nice bike

+ 13

dwdw (Sep 16, 2010 at 8:29)

flag Rhpositive (2 hours ago)

Looks like a cheap bike, to me, emphasize on the word cheap Smile

I like the way it looks. To me I would replace cheap with simple and elegant. Sometimes less is more.

mtbtyrrell (Sep 16, 2010 at 8:55)

leon forfar, bikes dont normally put dents in themselves, something must have hit it.

- 42

dirtbagbiker (Sep 16, 2010 at 10:31) (Below Threshold) show comment

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5127865/

fave it.

+ 21

sam-davies (Sep 16, 2010 at 10:44)

No-one wants to fave your shitty picture, stop spamming.

Colin994 (Sep 16, 2010 at 12:23)

didnt know bike frames could be anorexic too

NicholasCasswell (Sep 16, 2010 at 19:37)

norco really stepped it up for 2011, the bike looks awesome... the tires and seat arent my thing though. too many bad expirences with k-rads

Caiokv (Sep 17, 2010 at 9:21)

and how much for that toy?

oneill-kid123 (Sep 17, 2010 at 17:51)

is it right to say i want a norco? because i do now =0

[Reply]

+ 11

codyboy1996 (Sep 14, 2010 at 12:54)

all the nice bikes are coming out in 2011...
i feel sorry for people who bought 2010 bikes lol

hondarider241 (Sep 16, 2010 at 6:31)

when my 2009 250 frame broke, i got this beauty under warranty for free Big Grin

i have to say, this is the best feeling frame i have ever ridden.

kgmtb (Sep 19, 2010 at 16:08)

hey iainrules i got a 2010 manik and its the best shore hardtail

[Reply]

dsheffer (Sep 14, 2010 at 13:58)

do people really like plastic seats? I mean id rather have the extra weight and have a regular pivitol. Im not a huge fan of the bike either as a whole. I like the frame they definitely made it cleaner looking and shaved weight where they could but the part spec isnt that amazing. Another thing that im not liking is the use of bmx bb's cmon support the mtb industry dont make us all buy bmx cranks.

dotca (Sep 14, 2010 at 17:40)

Most people use BMX cranks, so why not throw on a Mid BB to appeal to the majority of dirt jumpers/street riders? Majority rules.

ddkambroozrider (Sep 16, 2010 at 0:20)

But you can also use a BMX crank on a Spanish BB, that is even lighter!

They could have cut the steerer ...it's awful :-(

suicidedownhiller (Sep 16, 2010 at 0:24)

I haven't seen a majority of BMX anything really. And alot of people who own a 26inch hardtail also have a DH/FR/AM bike as well, and it's nice to be able to swap parts out, or just order two of the same from a mountain shop without having to shop around for BMX parts...I'd rather have the option of adding spacers to run a BMX set up, than not having the option of MTB cranks...

gutkrencher (Sep 16, 2010 at 2:15)

Push fit bbs (mid or spanish) are so much more practical for a dirt street bike. Euro/mtb bbs are really expensive and the bearings are puny.
There are plenty of BMX and MTB companies that make 3 or 2 piece bmx style cranks which are better suited for that style of riding. People shouldn't use less practical parts to 'support the mtb industry' but mtb companies should cater towards their customers needs better.

dingus (Sep 16, 2010 at 3:26)

I think the uncut steerer is a good idea, it means you can cut it down to your own prefference, and if you want a long steerer for some odd reason then you can run it.

It would have looked better for this promo article with it cut down, but mabye they didn't have time before the show or something...

cambridge93 (Sep 16, 2010 at 4:29)

i dont get it, it says it has a deurallier hanger so u can make it geared but how can u put a chain guide on when it has a mid bb and no iscg mounts?

russclark Plus (Sep 16, 2010 at 5:20)

Very good point cambridge

Larkey1 (Sep 16, 2010 at 6:05)

I am sure you could mount a bb or an E type chain guide. As explained here : http://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=58189

hondarider241 (Sep 16, 2010 at 6:30)

@suicidedownhiller. a majority of the population doesnt live around a mountain, therefore they wont own a DH/FR/AM bike. plus Norco isnt looking to build a convenient bike, they want to build a quality DJ/Street bike that works well for those purposes. like everyone else said, BMX cranks are better suited for those riding styles that bulky, big ringed, MTB cranks.

suicidedownhiller (Sep 16, 2010 at 9:30)

No, they don't, BUT my point is, if you have any kind of 26 inch bike, you'd probably have more of the same. Otherwise you'd just have a BMX bike, since they jump better anyways.

[Reply]

Devinallan000x (Sep 17, 2010 at 8:20)

I really dont like norco anymore.
they need to stop assembling the same bikes every year.
once again they went with the terrible krads. bad rims.
the same average argyle 302. and no name stem and bars,
with ok cranks. for like 1400$.
my friend has this frame cas he snapped his 010 . all the norco signs u see on the bike. theres only 4. and thier stickers. they fall off really easy. please. just a heasds up.
dont buy norco. their a waste of time

spencerryan (Sep 17, 2010 at 18:46)

i agree i dont like it it was nicer 2 years ago

Colk45 (Sep 17, 2010 at 23:45)

the whole point of the stickers is so that they can be pulled off for a stealth look....

EthanKnott (Dec 1, 2010 at 14:08)

if the point was to pull stickers off, they wouldnt put them on....

[Reply]

metalex (Mar 31, 2012 at 20:11)

just got this bike, its definitely super light and strong. one of the first things ill be doing is cutting down the steerer tube...then maybe tossing on some actual name brand parts. bit pricey but this bike is well put together.

[Reply]

ben-rayner (Sep 16, 2010 at 2:28)

Defently would have looked nicer with a cut steerer tube

[Reply]

o-l-a-v (Sep 16, 2010 at 2:12)

Nice. To bad with spacers on under AND over the stem, and gear-ear. And it should have been a little higher, the fram itself. And shorter chainstays.

staike (Sep 16, 2010 at 8:42)

K-rads are pretty small height tires. If you i.e. put Race King's on, you will be happy to hsve the extra centimeter. Yeah, I agree about the spacers. Norco have learned a couple of lessons through the years, but I will always think that Norco = a hell lot of spacers.

[Reply]

jopeace (Sep 16, 2010 at 14:21)

this oone is MUUUUUUCH better than other ones. hehe..... Norco are getting better man.. really.. they improoved hardly

[Reply]

ericray (Sep 16, 2010 at 19:31)

my question, is how do you run this bike geared with a mid sized bb? that means single ring up front with no guide? kinda silly

[Reply]

nesquick (Sep 17, 2010 at 2:12)

frame looks great like 898, and cheaper?

[Reply]

will-struke-69 (Sep 19, 2010 at 10:40)

frame looks easy to snap, but pre nice

[Reply]

Devinallan000x (Sep 18, 2010 at 9:55)

stealth look is retarted so is street

Colk45 (Sep 19, 2010 at 0:40)

Your spelling is RETARDED

[Reply]

dobermann-rocks (Sep 16, 2010 at 6:30)

Why stil put K rads on there bikes?

ballabika Plus (Sep 16, 2010 at 7:19)

keeps price on the dl

[Reply]

kanioni (Sep 16, 2010 at 1:04)

The chainstays could still be a bit shorter...

[Reply]

richierocket (Sep 16, 2010 at 7:30)

After all of your mumbo jumbo, she looks pretty tight.

[Reply]

fullbug (Sep 16, 2010 at 9:06)

that is close to superco clean.

[Reply]

arayner Plus (Sep 18, 2010 at 2:42)

gross bar and stem combo imho

[Reply]

ballistic1996 (Nov 1, 2010 at 18:19)

i hate the grey

[Reply]

airbornman13 (Sep 17, 2010 at 13:01)

i want that

[Reply]

jopeace (Sep 16, 2010 at 4:27)

looks nice.

[Reply]

cosyws16 (Sep 16, 2010 at 14:24)

Argyle 302?

[Reply]

GIANT87101 (Sep 16, 2010 at 12:22)

looks nice

[Reply]

freerider-max (Sep 17, 2010 at 8:39)

nice bike!

[Reply]

ballabika Plus (Sep 16, 2010 at 7:19)

big bmx what else is new

[Reply]

bikingkid416 (Sep 16, 2010 at 15:46)

man i snaped a 07 two 08 two o9s and one 2010 like thier not getting better man

hobbez182 (Sep 16, 2010 at 15:59)

Maybe you should start landing your jumps smoother?
Just a thought...

sweetonic63 (Sep 16, 2010 at 16:34)

haha no doubt. learn to ride and then try that bike

[Reply]

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