Cyclocross bike review – Blue Norcross EX

Blue Norcross EX
Components SRAM Apex
Wheels American Classic 30
Sizes XS, S, M, ML, LG
MSRP $2,400

After discontinuing the aluminum-lug and carbon-tube CXC, Blue has gone on to create one of the industry’s top-performing cyclo-cross bikes-the Norcross EX. The company used over-size, fully monocoque carbon tubing and had design input from American cyclo-cross veteran Jonathan Page. Whether you’re elbow-to-elbow at the weekend cyclo-cross series or fighting it out with your friends on local trails, you’ll find that Blue has created a fast racing machine. The bike has a practical yet performance-driven design that is perfect for the amateur and the pro.

The Norcross is built with a BB30-compatible bottom bracket, tapered head tube and the same fork that Page used at last year’s world cup races and at the world championships. These design and equipment considerations give the frame greater stiffness and superb handling.

The company paid attention to cyclo-cross specific details by providing a good amount of mud clearance, which is one of the key performance advantages that the EX offers. The company added space between the chainstays and bottom bracket shell to reduced the amount of mud that’s typically collected in the rear triangle, which will stop you from getting bogged down and reduce the number of times you need to switch to a spare bike (if that’s an option for you).

When sprinting out of a corner or away from the barriers in muddy conditions, you won’t have to worry about sliding all over the place. The bike’s balanced 18.5 pounds allow it to handle almost all of cyclo-cross’ varying conditions. All the rider needs to do is pick a line and trust that the bike will take you where you need to go.
The front derailleur on the Norcross EX employs a top-pull converter, which keeps the cable out of the mud and ensures smooth shifting in the messiest conditions. This setup adds even more mud clearance compared to a traditional pull derailleur as there is no pulley in the muddiest spot on the bike.

Setting up my position on the bike was very easy and I felt comfortable as soon as I got my saddle- and handlebar-height correct. The Norcross EX has two centimetres added to its head-tube length compared to the SL, the higher-end model. This geometry allows for a more comfortable, yet still aggressive, position.

The SRAM Apex gruppo, American Classic 30 wheelset and Avid Shorty 6 brakes are great complements to the frame. The wheels are deep and add that extra bit of stiffness that helps the bike accelerate and corner with ease. Braking was never a problem; I always felt in control riding down a muddy hill or approaching an obstacle.