Southern California’s Poseidon Bikes had their new mountain bike, The Norton, on display at this year’s Sea Otter Classic. Poseidon Bikes is a company that has come to be known for its truly affordable sub-$1000 bicycles, like the Triton road bike for $699 (with a carbon/aluminum fork), the X Ambition at $899 (with a full carbon fork), and their gravel plus bike, the Redwood at $999.
The Norton
Photo c. R. Frazelle New Norton in Matte Black
The Norton was launched about a month ago and this is the first time I’ve seen it up close and personal. This is Poseidon’s first bike that breaks through the $1000 threshold, retailing for a bit more at $1299. It is a 27.5″ wheeled hardtail that has modern geometry.
microShift Advent X 10-speed drivetrain
The aluminum frame features a tapered head tube and routing for a dropper post (dropper not included though). It’s got internal cable routing as well with an option to externally run your rear brake cable or hose if desired. The Norton also has thru-axles front and rear, with standard 12 x 148mm Boost spacing out back.
Juin tech mechanical/hydro rear calipers
I thought one of the highlights of the new Norton’s spec sheet were the brake calipers. Poseidon used the very capable Juin Tech Hydraulic/Mechanical Disc Brakes.
32t narrow/wide front chainring
The Norton comes in either Electric Green or Matte Black colors and is available as a frame only as well ($449.99 frame-only). The Norton’s frame uses smoothed-out welds for a neat and clean aesthetic.
Let’s see what else the Norton MTB has on the spec sheet.
Norton Specs
It has a decent spec that could grow with the rider by offering a good starting point to upgrade as needed.
Frame: 6061 double heat-treated aluminum with tapered headtube (lifetime warranty)
Fork: Suntour XCM34 Boost suspension fork w/ 130mm travel, tapered steerer (27.5 specific)
Seatpost: 31.6
Shifters: Flatbar microShift Advent X 10-speed
Pedals: Plastic platform pedals
Handlebars and Stem: 780mm flat bars with a 60mm stem +/- 7degree rise
Tires: 27.5 x 2.35 Kenda Slant Six
Brake levers: Tektro Flatbar Brake levers
Wheels: 27.5 Thru axle set up with 15×110 front spacing and 12x148mm rear. Tubeless combatible
Rear Derailleur: microShift Advent X 10-speed
Bottle Bosses: One bottle cage boss per frame
Brakes: Juin Tech Hydraulic-Mechanical disc brakes
Crank: Prowheel 32t narrow wide chainring, 104BCD, and 175mm crank arms
Disc rotor size: 180mm
Chain: KMC 10
Bottom bracket: Square taper 73×113
Cassette: 11-48 Advent X 10-speed cassette
Weight: 30lbs
Frame Details
6061 double heat-treated aluminum (lifetime warranty)
1 1/2 – 1 1/8 tapered headtube
Standard boost spacing 12 x 148mm rear. (thru axle not included)
73mm BSA threading for bottom bracket
IS 42/52 headset included
Seatpost collar included, made for 31.6 seatposts
Stock build uses 180mm rotors and IS mount disc brakes
Frame is specific to 27.5″ wheels but is 29er compatible up to a 2.1″ tire in the rear.
Frame offers both internal and external routing for rear brake cables.
Internal routing for rear derailleur and dropper post.
Norton Geometry
Check out the other low cost, well spec’d bikes that Poseidon Bikes offers below.
