Overview
The 2026 Norco Range VLT CX Gen 4 is Norco’s flagship electric enduro platform, pairing 170mm of front travel with 160mm of VPS High Pivot rear suspension and the latest Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System. Built around a carbon frame with a mullet wheel configuration (29″ front / 27.5″ rear), the Range VLT CX is designed for riders who want to charge the steepest, roughest trails without compromise.
Powered by the Gen 5 Bosch CX motor delivering 100Nm of torque and 750W of peak power from an 800Wh PowerTube battery, the Range VLT CX is significantly lighter and quieter than previous generations while maintaining full-power output. Available in sizes 2 through 5 with two carbon builds — the C1 at CAD $11,899 and the C2 at CAD $9,399 — the Range VLT CX features size-specific chainstay lengths and Norco’s Ride Aligned suspension setup system. Continental Kryptotal tires in Enduro Soft compound and powerful brakes make this bike ready for the most demanding enduro terrain straight out of the box.
Geometry Diagram
Geometry Table
| Measurement | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
| Effective Seat Tube Angle | 76.5° | 77.0° | 77.25° | 77.5° |
| Seat Tube Length | 395mm | 415mm | 445mm | 475mm |
| Reach | 441mm | 466mm | 491mm | 516mm |
| Stack | 631mm | 640mm | 650mm | 659mm |
| Wheelbase | 1228mm | 1261mm | 1295mm | 1328mm |
| Rear Centre Length | 432mm | 436mm | 440mm | 444mm |
| Rear Centre Length at Sag | 442mm | 446mm | 450mm | 454mm |
| BB Drop (Front/Rear) | 20.5mm / 0mm | 20.5mm / 0mm | 20.5mm / 0mm | 20.5mm / 0mm |
| BB Height | 353mm | 353mm | 353mm | 353mm |
| Horizontal Top Tube | 589mm | 613mm | 637mm | 661mm |
| Standover | 705mm | 711mm | 718mm | 733mm |
| Head Tube Length | 115mm | 125mm | 135mm | 145mm |
| Fork Offset | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm |
| Trail | 138mm | 138mm | 138mm | 138mm |
| Wheel Size | 29″/27.5″ | 29″/27.5″ | 29″/27.5″ | 29″/27.5″ |
Geometry Analysis
The Range VLT CX’s geometry is enduro-focused and designed to inspire confidence on steep, technical terrain. The 63.5° head angle is aggressive for an eMTB — slacker than many non-motorized enduro bikes — and combined with 138mm of trail, creates a front end that tracks beautifully at speed and resists deflection through rough terrain. The mullet wheel configuration is integral to the design: the 29″ front wheel provides rollover capability and stability while the 27.5″ rear keeps the chainstays manageable and the rear end agile.
Norco’s size-specific chainstay lengths (432-444mm across sizes 2-5) are a standout feature, ensuring that the weight distribution and handling characteristics remain consistent regardless of rider size. The effective seat tube angles steepen progressively with size (76.5° to 77.5°), keeping the rider centered over the pedals for climbing efficiency. Reach numbers are generous across the range — 466mm on size 3 and 491mm on size 4 are long by eMTB standards — providing a stable platform that doesn’t feel cramped even at speed. The 353mm BB height is relatively high, reflecting the high-pivot suspension design and providing good pedal clearance on rough terrain.
Ride Characteristics
The Range VLT CX excels where gravity-oriented eMTBs should: making rough, steep descents feel manageable and fun. The VPS High Pivot suspension layout creates a rearward axle path that lets the rear wheel move backward as it encounters obstacles, giving the bike remarkable composure at speed through chunk, roots, and rock gardens. Combined with the 170mm fork and 160mm rear travel, the suspension swallows hits that would overwhelm shorter-travel eMTBs. The Bosch CX motor transforms the climbing experience — 100Nm of torque and 800Wh of battery capacity mean you can lap enduro trails all day without the shuttle. The motor is quieter and lighter than previous Bosch CX units, and the power delivery feels more natural. On technical climbs, the steep seat angle and motor torque compensate well for the slack head angle. The mullet setup adds playfulness on descents, making the bike easier to manual and pop over features than a full 29er eMTB.
Key Specs
Frame: Carbon, VPS High Pivot suspension, 160mm travel, UDH. Wheel Size: 29″ front / 27.5″ rear. Fork: RockShox Zeb Base, 170mm (C2) / Fox 38 Factory, 170mm (C1). Shock: RockShox Vivid Air Base, 205x65mm. Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, 100Nm, 750W peak. Battery: Bosch PowerTube 800Wh. Sizes: 2, 3, 4, 5. Weight: 23.3 kg / 51.4 lbs (C2, size 3). Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 12-speed (C2) / SRAM Eagle AXS T-Type (C1). Brakes: TRP Slate EVO (C2) / Shimano XT 4-piston (C1). Tires: Continental Kryptotal-F 29×2.4″ (F) / Kryptotal-R 27.5×2.4″ (R), Enduro Soft compound.
What’s New vs Previous Generation
The Gen 4 Range VLT CX represents a significant update over the Gen 3. The biggest change is the move to Bosch’s Gen 5 Performance Line CX Smart System, which is lighter and quieter while maintaining the same 100Nm/750W output. The 800Wh PowerTube battery provides a substantial increase in range. The carbon frame retains the VPS High Pivot suspension layout but has been refined with updated geometry, size-specific chainstay lengths across all sizes, and UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatibility for Eagle Transmission. The overall package is meaningfully lighter than the outgoing model while improving ride quality and range.
Who Should Consider This Bike
The Range VLT CX is for enduro riders who want to eliminate the shuttle without sacrificing descending performance. If your ideal day involves lapping steep, technical trails and you want a bike that climbs as tirelessly as it descends, the Range VLT CX delivers. It’s also excellent for riders who want to extend their range into bigger mountain days. Riders who prioritize a lighter, more natural-feeling ride should look at the Sight VLT CX platform with its shorter travel and lighter weight.
Comparable Models
The Range VLT CX competes with the Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL 2 (lighter, less motor power), Trek Slash+ (similar travel, Bosch CX), Giant Reign E+ (Yamaha motor, aluminum frame options), and YT Decoy (Shimano EP8 motor). Among these, the Range VLT CX’s combination of high-pivot suspension, Bosch CX motor, and size-specific chainstay lengths is unique. The Kenevo SL 2 is significantly lighter but uses a less powerful motor, while the Slash+ and Reign E+ offer comparable power but different suspension designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motor and battery does the Norco Range VLT CX use?
The Range VLT CX uses the Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System with 100Nm of torque and 750W peak power, paired with an 800Wh Bosch PowerTube battery. The system is upgradeable and customizable via the Bosch eBike Flow app.
What wheel size does the Norco Range VLT CX use?
The Range VLT CX runs a mullet (mixed wheel) configuration with a 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel. This combines front-end stability with rear-end agility.
How much does the Norco Range VLT CX weigh?
The Range VLT CX C2 weighs approximately 23.3 kg (51.4 lbs) in size 3. The C1 build with higher-spec components will be slightly lighter.
Does the Norco Range VLT CX have size-specific geometry?
Yes. The Range VLT CX features size-specific chainstay lengths (432mm on size 2 up to 444mm on size 5) and progressively steepening seat tube angles across sizes, ensuring consistent handling characteristics for all rider sizes.
What sizes does the Norco Range VLT CX come in?
The Range VLT CX comes in four sizes: 2 (fits ~5’4″-5’8″), 3 (fits ~5’7″-5’11”), 4 (fits ~5’10”-6’2″), and 5 (fits ~6’1″-6’5″).
Related Geometry
More Norco geometry: 2023 Norco Fluid FS Geometry, 2023 Norco Fluid VLT Geometry, 2023 Norco Optic Geometry, 2023 Norco Range Geometry, 2023 Norco Range VLT Geometry.
Compare emtb bikes: 2023 Giant Reign E+ Geometry, 2023 Giant Stance E+ Geometry, 2023 Giant Trance E+ Geometry.