Devinci TroyvsNorco Sight

The Troy stands as a masterpiece of simple engineering, sticking to a proven Split Pivot design that delivers a taut pedaling feel and a relatively low weight. Devinci’s carbon model sheds over two pounds from its alloy sibling, making it one of the more energetic all-mountain bikes in its class. It is handcrafted in Canada for the aluminum versions, offering a 'Goldilocks' ride that feels settled but never ground-hugging. Norco takes a more radical approach with the Sight, opting for a high-pivot suspension (VPS HP) that mimics the characteristics of a dedicated enduro rig. It carries significantly more heft—the entry-level alloy builds approach 40 pounds—but it pays that back with a rear wheel that simply refuses to hang up on square-edge hits. While the Troy is refined and predictable, the Sight is unapologetically gravity-biased, sacrificing some uphill 'get-up-and-go' for a bottomless feel on the descents. Both bikes have moved toward 148mm rear spacing and embraced mixed-wheel configurations, signaling a shift away from pure XC efficiency toward a more playful, 'freeride trail' identity. The Troy remains the more versatile pedaler, while the Sight thrives in environments where stability and momentum retention are the only things that matter.

Descending on the Sight is an exercise in stability; the rearward axle path means the bike effectively grows longer as it moves through its travel, making it feel almost glued to the ground in high-speed sections. Reviewers found it deathly quiet and surprisingly capable of carrying speed through chunky rock gardens. This isn't a bike that gets easily rattled by repeated mid-sized impacts, as the high-pivot design allows the rear wheel to track obstacles with minimal feedback through the pedals. The Troy offers a different sensation, described by testers as calm and composed but with enough pop to keep jump lines interesting. It doesn't have the same plow-like personality as the Norco, but it manages to feel 'buttery' on the wrists thanks to its specific shock tuning and the vibration-damping ButterCups in the Lyrik fork. The Troy’s Split Pivot suspension is more active under braking than traditional designs, ensuring traction remains consistent when you're late on the anchors into a corner. Climbing highlights a clear divide: the Troy is a 'peppy' and efficient machine that rides high in its travel, aiding ground clearance on technical ascents. The Sight’s strategic idler placement nearly eliminates pedal kickback, but the sheer length and weight of the bike make it a handful in tight, uphill switchbacks. While the Norco offers immense traction for winching up loose fire roads, the Devinci feels like the sharper tool for all-day backcountry loops. In terms of compliance, the Troy’s frame has a small degree of lateral flex that makes carving turns intuitive rather than jarring. The Sight is a stiffer, more direct platform that eggs you on to brake later and push harder into the gnarliest lines. Both bikes corner remarkably well in their mullet configurations, but the Sight’s growing rear center provides a unique sense of security as you push through the apex of a turn.