Norco Threshold C Force 1 review

The Norco have updated their Threshold cyclocross platform and the resulting machine is a confident racer that offers the versatility to tackle a wide variety of rides. The Norco Threshold C Force 1 has an excellent overall build and was a blast to take on a wide variety of terrain. It felt particularly capable on flowy and smooth single track and in the mud, sand and snow.

The build

Shifting and braking are handled with the SRAM Force 1 hydraulic groupset. With a 42T front chainring and an 11-32 rear cassette, the Norco Thresh C Force 1 has a versatile range. On really steep ramps it felt a little limited but that could easily be righted with a wider rear cassette. Braking is smooth and solid with good modulation.

The SRAM Force rear derailleur is paired with a 11-32 cassette

The shifters can feel a little bon the bulky side in the hand

The excellent EC90 SL crankset

The paint is sharp and fresh.

A Norco Threshold C Force 1.

Overbuilt for stiffness, precision and speed

Some really nice Easton components make this a bike you won’t have to worry about making any upgrades on. An Easton cockpit with a carbon handlebar makes the front end light to lift up and bunny hop over obstacles. An Easton EC90 SL crankset comes stock. With a carbon construction, it’s light and stiff. It uses Easton’s CINCH system which allows the setup to be easily changed with various ring sizes or converted from a single to double ring configuration if you ever decided that’s more suitable for your riding.

The solid and light Easton EA90 SL disc wheelset is tubeless ready and you won’t be in any rush for an upgrade as they are solid and light.

Riding the Threshold on any terrain, in any weather

The excellent build translates into confidence on single track, trails, through deep uneven sand, fresh snow and slippery muddy surfaces. On a ride on some local trails, there were a few times I thought I was in over my head barreling down a bumpy descent but the sure handling and the Threshold’s technical ability allowed me to keep things upright.

On technical ‘cross training rides with friends, it felt at home weaving on slippery grass, accelerating up sharp inclines and dismounted on stairs. The Thresholds lower BB gave it great stability but at times slightly hindered my ability to bunny hop certain obstacles. When riding steep single track when traction was precarious or in fresh slippery snow, I was able to maneuver the front of the bike right where I needed it to be.

Though I didn’t get a chance to do it myself, you can mount fenders on the frame to make it a more than capable gravel grinder. The light build makes the bike feel at ease when in between trails on tarmac and with plenty of clearance to go wider with the tires you’ll have a lot of riding options.

Conclusion

The Norco Threshold C Force 1 retails for $5,499 and at that price you get a machine with a top end built. Out of the box, no upgrades are immediately needed which can’t be said for all stock bikes. With a Canadian twist on cyclocross, Norco have made the Threshold a fun bike for traditional cyclocross but versatile for a range of other riding styles that suit everyday riders who aren’t just going to be racing. I was very impressed during my time with the Threshold at its ability to feel in its element regardless where I took it.