Norco Storm 1 – 5 Mountain Bike 2021 Series Good Bikes for Beginners?

The Norco Storm series of Mountain Bikes are entry level mountain bikes made for beginners to get their foot into the mountain biking world.

Norco brings a frame design with modern geometry standards to the entry level world, giving you a more capable off-road machine for trail riding. The main of benefits of this design is the improved stability you’ll have  downhill. To add is the improved climbing ability compared to the more traditional mountain bike design.

In addition the wheels are fitted with a smart sizing system in mind, being either 27.5″ or 29″ depending on the frame size. This benefits the rider by providing a better overall fit giving you more control over the bike.

You can also expect a long lasting alloy frame that allows for 2 water bottles (750ml) to be fitted from the medium size up. To add to the good practicality the frame also includes mounting points to fit a rear rack.

 

Norco Storm 5 or Norco Storm 1 – Is it worth upgrading?

What exactly do you get for purchasing the higher models of the Norco over the lower models? Is it worth the extra cost?

 

Norco Storm 5

The Storm 5 is equipped with a 3 x 7 drivetrain system and a 100mm suspension fork.

The WTB Starflight tires gives you an effective tire for dirt roads providing good grip where needed. Lastly the 25mm riser bars improve your stability downhill.

 

Norco Storm 4

The Storm 4 upgrades the sifters to the Shimano Atlus for smoother, more reliable shifting performance.

The brakes are  upgraded to hydraulic brakes for improved stopping power with less effort required over mechanical brakes.

 

 

Norco Storm 3

The Storm 3 again gets upgraded shifters over the Norco Storm 4 as well as better quality front and rear derailleurs.

The tires get an upgrade in quality to the Maxxis Rekons giving improved grip and inspiring confidence in off-road settings.

Norco Storm 2

The Storm 2 comes standard with a 1 x 10 drivetrain more suited to off road riding. The loss of a front derailleur comes with the benefit of less maintenance and a simpler shifting system.

The improved drivetrain also includes the very capable Shimano Deore shifters over the entry level Shimano Alivio.

 

Norco Storm 1

Lastly the Storm 1 gets you a TranzX dropper seat post to give your more capability, convenience, and fun  when tackling trail systems. The drivetrain is upgraded to a 1 x 11 system for an improved selection of gear ratios making for a more comfortable pedalling experience.

 

Norco Storm Mountain Bike Series Specifications

	Norco Storm 1	Norco Storm 2	Norco Storm 3	Norco Storm 4	Norco Storm 5
Suspension Fork	Suntour XCM HLO DS, 100mm	Suntour XCM HLO DS, 100mm	Suntour XCT30 HLO DS, 100mm	SR Suntour XCE28, 100mm	SR Suntour XCE28, 100mm
Front Derailleur	N/A	N/A	Shimano Altus FD-M2020	Shimano Tourney FD-TY500	Shimano Tourney FD-TY500
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Deore RD-M5100	Shimano Deore RD-M5120	Shimano Alivio RD-M3100 Shadow	Shimano Tourney RD-TX300	Shimano Tourney RD-TX300
Tires	Maxxis Rekon DK60	Maxxis Rekon DK60	Maxxis Rekon DK60	WTB Starflight	WTB Starflight
Tire Size	29 x 2.25 / 27.5 X 2.25	29 x 2.25 / 27.5 X 2.25	29 x 2.25 / 27.5 X 2.25	29 x 2.25 / 27.5 X 2.25	29 x 2.25 / 27.5 X 2.25
Maximum Tire Width	2.35"	2.35"	2.35"	2.35"	2.35"
Seat Post	TranzX YSP18 Dropper, 130mm	Alloy 31.6mm	Alloy 31.6mm	Alloy	Alloy 31.6mm
Brakes	Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc	Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic	Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic	Tektro HD-M275 Hydraulic	C-Star Mechanical Disc Brake
Colors	Silver / Red	Green / Blue & Grey / Blue & Black	Grey & Blue / Green / Charcoal & Silver	Charcoal & Jade / Black & Charcoal / Blue & Blue-Black	Ultraviolet & Pink / Silver & Black / Orange & Charcoal
Shifters	Shimano Deore SL-M5100	Shimano Deore SL-M4100	Shimano Alivio SL-M3100	Shimano Altus SL-M315	Shimano TX ST-EF500
Bottom Bracket	Shimano Cartridge Bearing, BSA Threaded	Cartridge, BSA Threaded	Cartridge, BSA Threaded	Cartridge, BSA Threaded	Cartridge, BSA Threaded