Norco has updated its cross-country (XC) ripper, the Revolver, for the first time since 2019. The new model(s) include a frame that’s said to be 450g lighter than the previous generation, and a shift towards a Flex-Pivot suspension design, something that’s increasingly common on lightweight XC rippers.
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There are also two new travel options: 120mm/115mm and 130mm/120mm, with the 130/120 C2 option available in the UK at £5,499. The frames have seen updates to geometry, keeping an XC persuasion but following the trend of having a slightly longer and slacker design while keeping a steep seat tube. So what else is new?
Norco Revolver 2026
The 2026 Norco Revolver is the lightest XC bike the brand has ever produced, with the carbon fibre frame weighing in at a claimed 1625g – which is 450g lighter than the previous model. The updated Revolver has undergone a drastic change for the new year, which isn’t surprising given it hasn’t been altered since 2019.
Keeping in line with more modern XC geometry, you’ll find a 66.5 / 66 degree head tube angle dependent on size, and a steeper 75 / 76 degree seat tube angle, which means there’s more compatibility for longer dropper post insertion – even on smaller sizes, says the brand.
The Revolver comes in five sizes, S1-S5, which come with variable chainstay lengths. And that’s not the only thing that differs between sizes – the carbon frame layup also alters, which Norco says optimises “stiffness and compliance.” Sizes S2 and above can accommodate two water bottles in the front triangle, too.
Flex-Pivot suspension
The 2026 Revolver has moved away from its more traditional Horst pivot design and onto a Flex-Pivot suspension setup, which Norco says gives the Revolver “an excellent balance of efficiency and technical capability.” In reality, it means there are fewer bearings to replace, and it helps to keep things lightweight. It’s the more popular system used in the XC World Cup circuit these days, so Norco is keeping on top of the trends by utilising this system.
In another effort to keep the weight weenies happy, Norco has used titanium hardware, more compact linkage and bearings, as well as clear coat frame paint – which the brand says is half the weight of “standard paint.”
The options
We mentioned there are two travel options available: the 120/115 and 130/120. The Revolver 120 offers 120mm travel up front and 115mm at the rear, and is designed for pure XC racing. It uses RockShox SID and SIDLUX suspension with “custom machined internals” to improve the shock sensitivity.
The Revolver 130 is the slightly more capable option, with 130 front and 120 rear travel. It uses Fox suspension with a “custom” Float SL tuning, with three-position settings so you can adjust the ride feel to the terrain.
Within the two travel options, there are three builds with varying degrees of spec level. But sadly for us in the UK, it looks like we’ll only be getting the Revolver 130 C2 build, at a price of £5,499.
This comes with Fox 34SL Performance Float suspension front and rear, Shimano Deore XT Di2 drivetrain, and a claimed weight of 13.5kg.
The Revolver 130 C2 is expected to be available from August 2025 from UK dealers.
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