@conv3rt not silly at all, I haven’t shuttled in years. I haven’t done any technical singletrack climbing yet, but it seems to pedal just fine. It’s a really big bike compared to a Sentinel though. There is some drag to the drivetrain compared to the Enduro this bike is replacing. The Enduro was poppy and sporty, the Range is an all out downhill eater on roids. I wouldn’t classify the Range as the “one bike” if you are after climbing challenges. I mean, it will do it, but it’s certainly more focused on DH. It’s a lot of bike and it wants to go wide open fast.

 @bradwalton: nice! Thanks for that. I’m really interested a new bike but really need it to not suck on the climbs. Doesn’t have to be a sprinter but I need to retain some energy for the descent. This one is compelling since it looks like way too much fun. Seems to be built for comfort at speed. Do you know why they don’t offer an air shock version? Wondering if there is any hope to lighten that build. My sentinel is at 33lbs with a rear insert and cascade link (highly recommend to anyone who’s curious about cascade). The weight is thanks to WA1 agents, air suspension, and carbon frame. It handles it all but sometimes it gets a little knocked around in deep rocky sections and I’ve bottomed out on some wood drops. Ironically I’ve been riding all season on my rootdown. Anyway, Norco has a good history with innovation and it looks like they’ve done it again. I’m curious to see how you get on with it. Thanks for any feedback you post.

 @bradwalton: ever ridden a Spire?

 @conv3rt: only bounced around on one but have ridden many four-bar/Horst link bikes. The Range is unlike anything else. Not better, not worse, just different. On tight, technical, slower trails or pretty much any jump, the Spire will excel. On wide open DH chunk and landing harsh drops, the Range is the winner. Pedaling they are similar, although the Spire will probably feel sportier with the air shock and most likely easier to get up ledges and punchy climbs since the wheelbase gets shorter under compression. IMO, the Spire I could do as an only bike, the Range feels like a lot of bike and isn’t as playful. I’m actually on the fence about which frame to keep, Range or Enduro. The Enduro fits my riding style way better (more efficient climber, lighter, tons of pop and very playful, super supple suspension, SWAT box is addicting), but the Range appears to be a sturdier frame and is just such a different feel that it’s really fun riding the same old trails on something new. Range 29” wheel doesn’t hit me like on other 29’ers since the wheel moves backward- huge plus. Hope this helps! Hopefully the upcoming PB comparison will help, although I’m sure both of these frames will be sold out for a year since they were 2 of 5 in the enduro category shootout.