Norco Valence A1 Compact review

Norco Valence, sportive bikes
Cycling Weekly Verdict

So I admit, my first impressions were wrong. The Valence A1 is a capable sportive machine and there's the distinct possibility it could do a bit more. While it loses out to the Synapse in a few areas of feel and ride quality, it makes amends with a very comprehensive spec sheet.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Shimano 105 groupset

  • +

    Smooth ride

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Looks may not be to everyone's taste

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Based in the Canadian town of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Norco is a big-hitter in the world of mountain bikes. However, I wasn't aware it dabbled in drop-bar fun until I spotted the Valence A1 and its siblings on UK-exclusive dealer Evans Cycles' website.

In truth, I was rather taken aback by the almost freakishly high front end that, in online photos, the bikes seemed to exhibit.

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