2021 Norco Search XR Gets Front Suspension and Flat Bar Model

The Search XR, Norco’s take on a gravel bike, is a well-rounded option for those looking to mix gravel with the occasional road ride. There are several different build kits available, in both aluminum and carbon, with prices ranging from $1,149 to $4,999—depending on what you’re looking for. Although not a whole lot is new for 2021, mostly paint jobs and build kits, there are two completely new Search XR models that caught out attention: the Search XR Flat Bar and the Search XR A Suspension. Check out the details and complete builds kits on both below.

2021 Search XR Flat Bar

If drop bars aren’t your thing, the new Search XR Flat Bar might be of interest. It’s built up around an entirely new frame, with a longer top tube and reach to accommodate Norco’s aluminum flat bar, as well as a slightly more slack head tube angle. Otherwise it remains pretty similar to the rest of the Search XR lineup, complete with a carbon fork with bosses, two standard bottle mounts, and downtube mounts. There are stealth rack and fender mounts, internally routed cables, and thru-axles front and back. It’s kitted out with Tektro Hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano’s wide range 11-speed drivetrain, and 38mm Vittoria Terreno Dry tires. The Search XR Flat Bar retails for $1,149 USD. Find the complete build kit below.

2021 Search XR Flat Bar Build Kit

• Frame: Butted X6 Aluminum
• Fork: Search XR Carbon
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing
• Bottom Bracket: Sealed Bearing PF86
• Shifter: Shimano Deore SL-M5100 11spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore SL-M5100
• Cassette: Shimano Deore CS-M5100, 11-51T, 11-Speed
• Chain: KMC X11
• Crankset: Alloy 2 Piece Narrow Wide, 40T
• Brakes: Tektro HD-R280 Hydraulic Disc
• Rotors: Tektro 160mm
• Brake Levers: Tektro 3-Finger Hydraulic, Reach Adjust
• Hubs: Alloy 12x100mm (front), 12x142mm (rear)
• Rims: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 32H
• Spokes: Sapim Leader Stainless Black
• Tires: Vittoria Terreno Dry 38mm
• Seatpost: Aluminum, 27.2mm
• Handlebar: Aluminum, 15mm Rise
• Saddle: Selle Royal Vivo, Mag Rails
• Grips: Lock-On Grips

2021 Search XR A Suspension

Much like the flat bar version, the Search XR A Suspension receives an entirely new frame to accommodate a SR Suntour GVX Gravel Fork. Most notable is the shorter head tube length, slightly more slack front end, and a touch more bottom bracket height. Otherwise, all the features remain the same—a good selection of mounting options, fender and rack compatibility, and a dropper post for good measure. The Search XR A Suspension retails for $1,899 USD. Find the full build kit below.

2021 Search XR A Suspension Build Kit

• Frame: Butted X6 Aluminum
• Fork: SR Suntour GVX Gravel, 50mm, Lockout
• Headset: Integrated Sealed Bearing
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-RS500 PF86
• Shifter: Shimano GRX ST-RX600
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano GRX RD-RX812 Shadow RD+
• Cassette: Shimano Deore CS-M5100, 11-42T, 11 Speed
• Chain: KMC X11
• Crankset: Shimano GRX FC-RX600, 40T
• Brakes: Shimano GRX BR-RX400 Hydraulic Disc
• Rotors: Shimano SM-RT64, 160mm
• Front Hub: Shimano HB-MT410, 15x100mm
• Rear Hub: Shimano FH-RS470, 12x142mm
• Rims: WTB ST i23 TCS 2.0 32H
• Spokes: Sapim Leader Stainless Black
• Tires: Vittoria Terreno Dry, 40mm, Graphene 2.0
• Seatpost: X-Fusion Manic Gravel 50mm Dropper, 27.2mm, Drop-Bar Remote
• Handlebar: Norco Super Flare Aluminum, 16deg Flare
• Saddle: Selle Royal Vivo, Mag Rails
• Grips: Norco Griptacular Shockproof Tape

Both models have size-specific wheels, 650b for sizes 45.5 and 48, and 700c for sizes 50.5-60.5. Unfortunately, the entire aluminum Search XR lineup has a pretty limited tire clearance of 700x42mm, which seems a little odd for a gravel bike with front suspension. The carbon Search XR models all have room for 650b x 2.1″ / 700c x 47mm tires. Find our review of the Norco Search XR Carbon here.

Find all the details on the bikes above, and the other 2021 Search XR models, at Norco.com.

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