Norco VPS Sizing

[comfortablynumb]

Hey,

I've heard that the VPS bikes fit a bit larger, and taller than most other frames. True? I'm looking into a few VPS bikes to buy right now, and they're all Mediums. I'm at 5'10, maybe a bit more. How do you think it would fit me?

Another question: what's the deal with spring weights? The numbers make no sense to me. I'm 160lb. What spring rate would I need?

This bike would be used for all sorts of riding except street, and anything that would involve my BMX. I'll be riding DH at Blue Mountain, and doing aggressive trail riding and hucks.

Thanks

[corey@nsmb.com]

What year frame? There were big changes in 2003 on the Shore and Team Shore and Race that made them smaller fitting frames, and in 2004 this was passed on to a few more bikes, and for 2005 there were even more changes.

The days of the VPS being a "big" bike are gone. They have more standover than many of their competitors now.

I am 5'11, and I was on a medium 2003. I am on a 2005 Race now, and went with a small/medium.

Spring weight, I am 180 and run a 450. You will want a 400 to get the most from the bikes suspension. Being oversprung sucks.

[biggles604]

Spring rate depends on the frame/travel, rate of progression and intended use.
Best way to figure it out would be to sit ont he bike neutral, and measure the sag, should be 20%-30%. 20 is more free-ride, 30 is more DH, but it's all personal preference.

[comfortablynumb]

It's a 2004 A Line frame that I'm hoping to get, but if that should fail, I'm looking at 2003 models too.

Price range is up to 800.