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NorcoSearch XR
gravel
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Origin
Norco introduced the Search XR in 2016 as a genuine bikepacking machine — a drop-bar bike that could run 27.5" MTB tyres instead of gravel rubber. The design came from Norco's experience building mountain bikes, resulting in a chassis engineered for rough surfaces, multi-day loads, and tyre flexibility unmatched by conventional gravel bikes.
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Specifications
- Frame
- Full carbon (XR Carbon) or aluminium (XR A); ARC Endurance seatstay compliance for vertical flex; PressFit 86 BB; 142x12 mm thru-axle
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- SRAM Force 1 / Rival 1x11 (carbon builds); Shimano GRX 1x11 (alloy builds); wide-range 10-42T cassette
- Brakes
- SRAM Force hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotors (Force 1 build); build-dependent on alloy
- Wheels
- 27.5" (primary; fits 2.1" MTB tyre) or 700c (fits up to 45 mm tyre); tubeless-ready; WTB Frequency i23 rims
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The verdict
+Strengths
- 27.5" tyre clearance opens terrain no conventional gravel bike can handle
- ARC Endurance seatstay flex adds comfort without the weight of rear suspension
- Exceptional bikepacking load capacity with five bottle mounts and accessory bosses
−Weaknesses
- Heavier and less nimble than pure-race gravel bikes on smooth terrain
- 27.5" builds feel less efficient on long paved sections
- Carbon version carries a significant price premium over the alloy Search
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Tags
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Related models
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