Norco’s Range VLT and Sight VLT launch today, two new eMTBs that now use Bosch’s Performance CX motor and a high-pivot suspension layout. Those changes shouldn’t be too surprising to riders who have been following the brand’s other recent releases – the Fluid VLT uses a Bosch SX motor, and the non-motorized Range, Sight, and Optic all have high pivot layouts, so the writing was on the wall.
The Range VLT is the big dog of the bunch, with 170mm of rear travel, a 180mm fork, and a 750 Wh battery. Along with the suspension layout change and a new motor system, the Range’s geometry has also been updated, although the head angle still remains a slack 63-degrees, indicating the bike’s downhill-oriented focus.
Range VLT Details
• 170 mm travel rear, 180 mm fork
• Mixed wheels
• Bosch Performance CX motor, 85 Nm torque
• 750 Wh battery
• Carbon or aluminum frame options
• 63° degree head tube angle
• Size specific chainstays
• Sizes: 1,2,3,4,5
• Weight: 57.6 – 60.3 lb (26.1 – 27.4 kg)
• Price: $6,999 – $8,999 USD
• norco.com
There are two carbon versions of the Range, plus an aluminum option, with prices starting at $6,999 USD and going up to $8,999 USD. That’s certainly not chump change, but it is good to see that not all e-bikes are being released with five figure price tags.
There’s only one model of the Sight, which has 150mm of rear travel, and a 160mm fork. It’s a bit of an underdog in the lineup, considering Norco also makes the lighter weight Fluid VLT with 140mm of rear travel; it seems like if you’re going for a big, burly eMTB you might as well have the suspension travel to go with it.
Frame & Motor Details
The idler and the idler pulley are the most immediate visual differences between the old and new Range VLT, along with the brace that runs between the top and down tube. That triangular opening would be a handy place for a cute little zippered pack for holding repair supplies and snacks, or maybe stashing a perfectly shaped block of cheese.
The mode and battery indicator for the Bosch Performance CX motor is integrated into the top tube, and a wireless remote is on the left side of the handlebar for switching through the various modes. There are four modes to choose from, and what each of those modes does can be adjusted in the Bosch Flow app. You can even swap out different modes, say, swapping out Eco mode for Auto mode, or Turbo for Tour.
Norco isn’t offering the a la carte battery size options that they did previously, but the battery is still removable, and there will be an external 250 Wh range extender battery launched in the future. A 750 Wh battery is the stock option, but the Bosch battery rail system can be adjusted to accommodate a smaller (and lighter) battery. For reference, the 500 Wh battery would be approximately 3 pounds (1.4 kg) lighter than the 750 Wh battery.
Geometry
Just like with the recently release Sight and Optic, Norco decided to go with a numbered sizing system for the new Range. There are five sizes, with reach numbers starting at 417mm and going all the way up to 517mm for the size 5. The head angle is 63-degrees across the board, and all sizes roll on a mixed wheel setup.
Size specific chainstay lengths have been implemented, with a 4 millimeter jump between each size. Those numbers may look like they’re on the shorter side, but keep in mind that the bike’s rearward axle path means that the chainstay length will increase by around 8 millimeters at sag, which would put the chainstay length for a size 3 at fairly standard 444mm.
The seat tube is straight and short enough to allow for long travel dropper posts, and Norco specs a travel adjustable post so that riders can fine tune the amount of drop.
Suspension Layout
The Range and Sight VLT use Norco’s VPS HP suspension layout (written out that’s a Virtual Pivot Suspension High Pivot, which doesn’t really roll off the tongue). The idler is mounted on the chainstay, above and slightly behind the chainring, a positioning that’s covered under a patent that Norco licenses from i-track. That layout gives a rearward axle path for the first two-thirds of the bike’s travel, which equates to the chainstay length growing by a total of 15 millimeters.
The ant-squat levels are slightly lower than what’s found on the non-motorized Sight and Optic, since outright efficiency isn’t quite as high of a priority when there’s a motor in the mix – the focus can be shifted to creating more grip on steep, loose climbs.
The idler pulley wheel is claimed to be extremely durable, and it’s designed to be replaced at the same time you’d replace the bike’s cassette and chainring.
Builds & Pricing
Range VLT Ride Impressions
At 5’11” / 180cm I fall right on the edge of the size split between 3 and 4; in my ideal world I’d probably choose a size 3.5, since I’ve found that I prefer bikes with a reach number of 470 – 485mm. Things start feeling a little too stretched out for my proportions on bikes longer than that.
Since I’d rather have a bike that’s a little smaller than too big, I’ll be doing a long term test on the size 3, which has a 467mm reach. After my initial shakedown ride I ended up swapping out the 40mm stem for a 50mm one and installing some higher rise bars, which seems to have done the trick when it comes to the overall fit.
Out on the trail, there’s no hiding the fact that this is a big, full powered e-bike – it requires extra muscle to move it around at slower speeds, and it feels best when it’s ridden aggressively. In other words, this isn’t the bike to choose if you’re looking for some leisurely laps on mellower trails. There are lighter, easier to handle bikes out there that would fit that bill.
I’m still fine-tuning my suspension set up, but so far Norco’s Ride Aligned settings have been a good place to start. I haven’t had to make any drastic deviations to those recommendations, which means I’ve been able to focus on the riding rather than fussing with click and pressures.
The 170mm of travel is well supported, and overall the bike feels like it sits a little higher than other ebikes in this travel bracket. That is, until you really start pushing it through chunky sections of trail. At higher speeds it feels nicely settled – there’s enough feedback to tell what’s going on underneath you, but the hits aren’t sharp or jarring.
I’ll be making full use of that 750 Wh battery’s range in the coming weeks and report back with a full review.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
