First look: Norco Tactic SL Disc Ultegra RS685
This year, Norco has updated the Tactic and added disc-brake models, including the Norco Tactic SL Disc Ultegra RS685.
The Norco Tactic debuted in 2012, replacing the Port Coquitlam, B.C., company’s previous road bike, the CRR. This year, the Tactics have been completely updated and disc-brake models, such as the Norco Tactic SL Disc Ultegra RS685, have joined the lineup. The SL Disc is a speedy bike with excellent braking, perfect for your long rides with fast paces. Here’s a first look at the bike.
[divider scroll_text=”Front”]
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The company has made changes to the tube shapes on the Tactic. When air hits the head tube, it now performs better aerodynamically with a greater range of yaw angles. The company’s computational fluid dynamics calculations show that the frame/fork/wheel system produces roughly nine per cent less drag than the previous model.
[divider scroll_text=”Wheels and Tires”]
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The bike comes with DT Swiss R32 Spline tubeless-ready wheels, which weigh in at 1,605 g. The test bike has 25c Schwalbe One tubeless folding tires, the new sweet spot in tire width for optimum rolling resistance and comfort. Depending on the brand of tire, the frame can accommodate 28c tires, too.
[divider scroll_text=”Flat-mount Brakes”]
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The Tactic SL uses the Shimano RS805 flat-mount brakes to bring everything to a stop. At the front fork, the caliper’s bolts fasten into threaded holes. It creates a clean look.
[divider scroll_text=”Bottom Bracket”]
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The Tactic now has a PF86 bottom bracket, which is wider than the former BB30 standard on the frames. The frame also has a handy integrated chain keeper.
[divider scroll_text=”Chainstay”]
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The non-drive-side chainstay is bigger than the drive-side stay. Norco says this asymmetry increases the drive stiffness by about 10 per cent. Thru-axles also increase the stiffness of the system, which ensures the bike track well in the corners.
[divider scroll_text=”Drivetrain”]
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The drivetrain is Shimano’s excellent mechanical Ultegra group. The 11-speed cassette runs from an 11-tooth to a 28-tooth cog. By the cranks, 52/36-tooth rings grab the chain.
[divider scroll_text=”Seatstays”]
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The slight bend in the chainstays facilitates flex in the right direction. As the bike is running disc brakes, there is no need for a bridge across the stays to mount a rim-brake caliper. The absence of the bridge, as well as the changes in the 2016 Tactic, make for 10 per cent more compliance compared to the previous bike.
