After five years of meticulous development, Norco has unveiled the Team DH, a high-pivot downhill bike engineered for unparalleled performance. Collaborating closely with downhill legends Greg Minnaar and Danny Hart, Norco has crafted a machine that embodies speed, control, and adaptability.
Innovative Suspension System
At the heart of the Team DH lies Norco’s proprietary High Virtual Pivot Six-Link (HVP6) suspension system. This advanced design isolates braking forces and meticulously manages the rear axle path, ensuring maximum traction and predictable handling across challenging terrains. The system’s adjustable idler allows riders to fine-tune anti-squat characteristics, balancing pedaling efficiency with reduced pedal kickback. Additionally, a patented flip chip on the shock mount offers a 2.5% adjustment in the shock actuation ratio, enabling riders to customize the suspension’s progression to their preference. (teamdh.norco.com)
Frame Construction and Geometry
The Team DH features a robust aluminum front triangle paired with a carbon rear triangle. This combination provides a stiff front end for precise handling while reducing unsprung mass in the rear for improved responsiveness. Available in five sizes (S1–S5), the bike offers size-specific rear centers to maintain consistent geometry across all frames. Reach-adjust headset cups allow for fine-tuning the reach by ±5mm within each size, accommodating riders of various statures. The head angle is set at 63 degrees for sizes S1 and S2, and 62.5 degrees for sizes S3 to S5, optimizing stability and agility. (teamdh.norco.com)
World-Class Development and Testing
The Team DH’s design and testing process was a collaborative effort involving Norco’s World Cup Downhill Team, including Greg Minnaar, Gracey Hemstreet, and Danny Hart. Their invaluable feedback and rigorous testing on the toughest tracks have been instrumental in refining the bike’s performance. Gracey Hemstreet, in particular, has already secured multiple Elite World Cup wins aboard an S1-sized prototype, underscoring the bike’s competitive edge. (teamdh.norco.com)
Build Options and Pricing
The Team DH is available in two build configurations:
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Team DH 2 Fox: Equipped with a Fox 40 Performance Elite fork and a DHX2 Factory shock, this build offers exceptional performance and adjustability.
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Team DH 2 RockShox: Featuring a RockShox BoXXer Select D2 fork and a Vivid Coil Base shock, this setup provides a different feel and performance characteristics.
Both builds come with a SRAM GX drivetrain and Maven Base brakes, ensuring reliable and responsive control. The frame-only option is also available for riders who prefer to customize their build. Pricing varies by region, with the Team DH 2 Fox priced at $7,999 USD and the Team DH 2 RockShox at $7,399 USD. (teamdh.norco.com)
Conclusion
The Norco Team DH represents the pinnacle of downhill bike engineering, combining innovative suspension technology, precise frame geometry, and insights from some of the sport’s most accomplished riders. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or an enthusiast seeking top-tier performance, the Team DH is engineered to deliver an exceptional downhill experience.
Highlights:
- New Norco Team DH combines six-link suspension with geometry developed by downhill legends Greg Minnaar and Danny Hart | BikeRadar, Published on Thursday, September 24
- 5 Years in the Making: Inside Norco’s New Team DH – BikeMag, Published on Thursday, September 24
- Norco Unleashes The All-New Team DH Downhill Race Bike – Mountain Bike Action Magazine, Published on Thursday, September 24