The 2026 Norco Range VLT CX is the shorter-travel Bosch CX evolution of Norco’s high-pivot e-enduro platform, and it is more than a routine update. It moves to a new carbon-only chassis shared in architecture with the latest Sight VLT CX, while retaining the Range’s defining elements: a high-pivot 4-bar layout with idler, mixed-wheel configuration, and gravity-first intent. Travel is now 170 mm front and 160 mm rear, and the frame package is substantially revised with a 205x65 mm trunnion shock, ZS44/ZS56 headset standard, 31.6 mm seatpost, Bosch BDU38 two-bolt motor mount, and 180 PM rear brake mount. The Bosch system centers on the newer Performance Line CX drive unit and an 800 Wh PowerTube battery.
What sets this generation apart is how it reframes the Range VLT concept. Compared with the previous Range VLT, it is a more compact, lighter, and more modern package rather than a simple carryover with new parts. The mixed-wheel layout and rearward axle path still place it squarely in the aggressive e-enduro category, but the reduced travel and updated frame packaging suggest a bike aimed at riders who want maximum composure without stepping all the way into full downhill-bike territory. In the market, it sits among premium full-power eMTBs such as the Santa Cruz Bullit, Orbea Wild, and Yeti LTe: expensive, highly specialized, and built for steep terrain, high speeds, and technical climbing rather than all-round trail versatility.
| Stack | 631mm |
| Reach | 441mm |
| Top tube | 589mm |
| Headtube length | 115mm |
| Standover height | 705mm |
| Seat tube length | 395mm |
The geometry is firmly in modern e-enduro territory, with a 63.5-degree head tube angle across the size range, a steep effective seat tube angle from 76.5 to 77.5 degrees, and long reaches from 441 mm in size 2 to 516 mm in size 5. On the commonly referenced size 4, the 491 mm reach, 650 mm stack, 440 mm chainstay, and 1,295 mm wheelbase point to a bike built around stability and a centered riding position rather than quick, playful handling. The slack front end and 138 mm trail figure support the bike’s planted feel at speed, while the steep seat angle helps keep rider weight forward enough for technical climbing despite the long front center.
Norco’s size-specific rear center lengths are an important part of the fit story. Chainstays grow from 432 mm in size 2 to 444 mm in size 5, which helps preserve balance across the range instead of giving smaller riders an overly long rear end or taller riders a bike that feels too front-heavy. Combined with the MX wheel setup, that should give the Range VLT CX a more manageable rear end than a full-29er of similar wheelbase, but the numbers still describe a long, aggressive chassis. In practice, riders should expect confident tracking, strong support on steep descents, and a cockpit that favors standing attack positions and seated climbing efficiency over compact, ultra-flickable trail-bike manners.
Frameset
Frame
Carbon Frame, 160mm Travel, UDH, Eagle Transmission Compatible, Ride Aligned™
Fork
Fox 38 Factory Float, Grip X2, HSC / LSC / LSR, 170mm, 44mm Offest, Fender Included
Rear shock
Fox Factory Float X2, 205x65mm TR,HSC/LSC, HSR/LSR 2 pos-Adj
Weight
51.73 (Size S3)
Groupset
Shift levers
Shimano Deore XT Di2 SW-M8250-IR, 12sp
Rear derailleur
Shimano Deore XT Di2 RD-M8250, SGS, 12sp
Cassette
Shimano Deore XT CS-M8200-12, 10-51T, 12sp
Chain
Shimano Deore XT CN-M8100, 12sp
Crankset
Praxis HD Aluminum Bosch Cranks, 34T, 160mm
Bottom bracket
Bosch BES3 DU
Front brake
Shimano XT M8220 4-P, Metallic pads
Rear brake
Shimano XT M8220 4-P, Metallic pads
Front rotor
Shimano RT-MT905, 203mm, 6-Bolt
Rear rotor
Shimano RT-MT905, 180mm, 6-Bolt
Wheelset
Front wheel
Crank Bros. Synthesis Alloy, F- 31.5mm 28h, 29”; Crank Bros. Synthesis Enduro, 15x110mm Boost, 32h, 6-Bolt; Sapim D-Light (front), Sapim Race (rear)
Rear wheel
Crank Bros. Synthesis Alloy, R- 29.5mm 32h, 27.5”; Crank Bros. Synthesis Enduro, 12x148mm Boost, Micro Spline, 32h, 6-Bolt; Sapim D-Light (front), Sapim Race (rear)
Front tire
Continental Kryptotal-F, Enduro, Soft, 29” x 2.4”, Foldable
Rear tire
Continental Kryptotal-R, Enduro, Soft, 27.5” x 2.4”, Foldable
Cockpit
Stem
Norco Alloy, 40mm Length, 35mm Clamp
Handlebars
Norco 6061 DB Alloy, 800mm, 25mm Rise
Saddle
Fizik Terra Aidon X5
Seatpost
TranzX YSI08 RAD+ Travel Adjust Dropper, 31.6mm, 150mm (S2) -170mm (S3) -200mm (S4, S5)
Grips
WTB Wavelength, 130mm Length
Norco offers the Range VLT CX in two carbon builds: C2 Gen 4 at €7,999 and C1 Gen 4 at €9,599-€9,990 depending on market. Both are built around the same carbon high-pivot chassis, Bosch Performance Line CX system, and 800 Wh battery, so the core ride character does not change between models. That gives the C2 a clear appeal for riders who want access to the platform without paying flagship money, while the C1 is positioned as the premium expression of the bike.
The C1’s spec is a major part of its case. Reviews specifically call out the Fox 38 Factory with GRIP X2 damper and Fox Float X2 Factory shock as top-tier suspension that suits the frame well, and one test bike also featured Bosch’s Kiox 400C display with Mini Remote. Reviewers saw the C2’s RockShox Zeb/Vivid Base suspension and mechanical shifting as the more budget-conscious route in, but they also noted that even the expensive C1 makes a few questionable spec choices for such an aggressive bike, especially the 180 mm rear rotor and lighter-duty Enduro-casing tires. As a result, the C1 delivers the strongest out-of-box performance, while both builds may benefit from immediate owner upgrades if they are going to be used hard in rocky or alpine terrain.
C1 Gen 4
Price TBD
C2 Gen 4
Price TBD
Reviewers consistently describe the Range VLT CX as a gravity-focused e-enduro bike with unusually high composure in rough terrain. Much of that character is attributed to the high-pivot VPSHP layout and idler pulley, which let the rear wheel move rearward through impacts and reduce pedal kickback. Testers said the bike carries speed through square-edged hits, roots, and rock gardens with a calm, insulated feel, with one comparing its high-speed demeanor to a “well-insulated limousine.” The Fox 38 GRIP X2 fork and Float X2 shock on the C1 build were widely praised for sensitivity and support, and the bike’s technical climbing ability also impressed reviewers thanks to the centered riding position, strong traction, and Bosch CX motor’s updated 100 Nm output.
The main caveat is that this is not an especially playful or forgiving bike at lower speeds. Reviewers noted that while the 27.5-inch rear wheel helps in hairpins and gives the bike some energy, the overall package still feels substantial and prefers steep, fast, demanding trails over flatter or flowier riding. There were also recurring criticisms of some stock choices and details: the 180 mm rear rotor was seen as undersized for a 22.7-22.8 kg full-power eMTB, the Continental Kryptotal Enduro tires were considered too light-duty by some testers, and E-MOUNTAINBIKE specifically flagged the charging-port cover as fragile after limited use. More broadly, reviewers agreed that the Range VLT CX is excellent when ridden aggressively, but it asks for commitment and makes the most sense for experienced riders who will actually use its speed, stability, and technical climbing headroom.
