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2008 Norco NITRO vs 2008 Specialized Epic Expert

The Norco NITRO and Specialized Epic Expert are both Cross Country bikes. The Specialized Epic Expert's frame is Aluminium / Alloy. The Norco NITRO has 29" wheels, while the Specialized Epic Expert has 26" wheels. The forks on the Norco NITRO are RockShox, while the Specialized Epic Expert has Fox forks. The Norco NITRO retails for $1,249 USD. The Norco NITRO comes in 12.5", 15", 17", 18.5", 20", 22", while the Specialized Epic Expert comes in SM, MD, LG, XL.

  • Frameset
  • Frame Material
  • Frame
  • Fork
  • Shock
  • Motor
  • Battery
  • Wheels
  • Hubs
  • Wheels
  • Wheel Size
  • Spokes
  • Tires
  • Drivetrain
  • Chain
  • Crank
  • Bottom Bracket
  • Front Derailleur
  • Rear Derailleur
  • Shifters
  • Cassette
  • Pedals
  • Components
  • Brakeset
  • Brakeset Brand
  • Handlebar
  • Saddle
  • Seatpost
  • Stem
  • Grips
  • Headset
  • New lightweight frame, triple butted front triangle, butted rear triangle, semi integrated headtube
  • Rock Shox Tora 302 Air, 80mm, alloy steer tube, lockout
  • Mavic Crossride wheelset
  • Mavic Crossride wheelset
  • 29"
  • Mavic Crossride wheelset
  • Kenda Small Block 8, 2.10
  • KMC X-9
  • Shimano Deore, 31.8
  • Shimano LX
  • Shimano Deore, Rapid Fire, 9 speed
  • Shimano M485, hydraulic, 6" rotor
  • Ritchey Low Rizer, 19mm rise, 31.8mm
  • Norco Cr-Mo Performance Comfort
  • Ritchey butted, 2 bolt, 27.2, 350mm
  • Ritchey, 31.8mm
  • WTB DC Trail Grip, clear/black
  • Semi-integrated CH-918
  • Epic FSR M5 alloy, fully manipulated frame w/ new larger diameter/stiffer ORE DT/TT , hollow alloy shock link, sealed cartridge bearings, 100mm travel, replaceable derailleur hanger
  • Fox F100 RL, 100mm travel, air spring, rebound/compression adjust w/ lock out, alloy steerer
  • Specialized AFR inertia, Brain Fade, adjustable from HT firm to Trail Tune , air spring, rebound adjust
  • DT Swiss custom for Specialized 370 with DT RWS QR, 32h
  • DT Swiss custom for Specialized X420, 24mm w/ eyelets, 28/32h
  • 26"
  • DT Swiss Competition 1.8/1.6mm
  • Specialized Fast Trak Control LK, 26x2.0"", 60TPI, tubeless ready aramid bead, dual compound
  • SRAM PC-971 w/ Power Link
  • Shimano M762 XT custom for Specialized
  • Shimano M762 XT custom for Specialized
  • Shimano M581 LX, 34.9mm clamp, bottom swing, dual pull
  • SRAM X-0, 9-speed, mid cage
  • SRAM X-9, aluminum 9-speed trigger
  • Custom Avid Ultimate 7, hydraulic disc, 160 and 185mm rotor
  • Specialized XC low rise 31.8mm bar, 2014 butted alloy, 6 degree up, 8 degree backsweep, 640mm wide
  • Specialized XC MTB, hollow Cr-Mo rails, SL foam
  • Specialized adjustable rise, 31.8mm clamp, 3D forged w/CNC finish
  • 1 1/8"" threadless, alloy cups w/ 10mm insertion, sealed cartridge bearing

Why it pays to compare

Mountain Bikes are complicated machines.

They have parts from hundreds of different manufacturers, come in all shapes and sizes (and colours) and are all suited for different purposes. Choosing the right new (or used) Mountain Bike is a complicated, confusing and highly emotional (think buying a new car- the shiny red one is the best choice right?).

Comparing mountain bikes helps bring a bit of logic and reason into the decision process. Not only will comparing mountain bikes save you money, but you'll also find the bike most suitable to you, your riding style and your budget. Plus, when you do hit the Buy Now button, you'll have the confidence you're choosing the perfect bike for you.

It's easy to get carried away by the most rad looking frame, with the coolest paint job and the most aggressive new geometry, but the components are one of the most important things to consider.

A wise Mountain biker

What to compare

Components

It's essential to know which components make up a bike. From there you can compare the differences, such as build quality, performance, features, weight and price. This takes some of the guesswork out of buying a mountain bike.

Here are the components that have the biggest impact on your ride. You should be paying particular attention to these:

  • Fork
  • Shock
  • Drivetrain (Derailleur, shifter, cranks, chain etc.)
  • Brakeset
  • Wheels
Price

Ultimately, for most of us, price is the deciding factor and you want to get the most bang for your buck. Comparing the price of mountain bikes, along with which components you're getting, helps you determine what you're actually paying for. Are you spending your hard-earned dollars on a quality bike frame, with quality components and a solid warranty? Or are you simply paying for a brand name?

Reviews

Nothing is more helpful than what real people think about a bike. It's the next best thing to riding one yourself. Reviews give you a real insight into how a bike actually rides, instead of just what the numbers seem to say about it.

Warranties

Different bike companies have different warranties. It's important to compare the length of these warranties, what they'll cover and who's covered.

How to compare

  1. Search for mountain bikes that you'd like to compare.
  2. Tap Compare. You're done. No really, you are.
  3. A huge comparison table comes up, allowing you to compare components and specs for each bike.
  4. Want to delve into a bike a bit more? Click on the bike's name to view in-depth info, reviews, prices, specifications, images and more.