Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Norco Heart info?

I just off the phone with another KHS reseller that no longer sells KHS. Has me wondering what's up with that?! In that convo, however, the guy mentioned a new bike that hit the market called the Norco Heart.

At $379, it's a pretty big surprise, but I'm not sure how it stacks against the KHS Uno and/or Soul. I actually need the Uno out of the KHS bikes, which I can get for $565, taxes in. The only reason I'm limited is the Soul comes in 58cm at the top, and I need a 62cm bike (Uno comes in 63.5).

I'm totally new to SS/FG bikes. I'm looking for either SS or flip-flop, as I'm not sold on my usage of FG, esp. not for casual biking.

Anybody have info on the Heart's components and how they stack up against the KHS bikes?

Thanks!

The Norco site (http://www.norco.com/bikes/urban/belt-drive/heart/) says "specifications unavailable." The frame geometry is very relaxed by fixed gear standards, and it is made of high-tensile steel (though it's "super strong"), which is an entry-level frame material that rides fine but is far from light.

Aesthetically, it's not my favorite.

I'm still really new to all this, but what's not to like to aesthically? I don't know what sort of lines to look for in a bike. I know enough about cars and bikes that I know what I like and don't, but I'm blind when it comes to bikes

well, the site is now down. must have collapsed under the deluge of traffic.

my opinion on norco is this: it's a better way to flaunt your western canadian heritage than dressing up like a mckenzie brother, but if you're looking for performance, you're in the wrong neighbourhood.

disclosure: i ride a norco conversion.

Sorry, I have to disagree with that. Norco has a ton of very high performance bikes at excellent prices. They've come a long way since the late 80's when they were a stepping stone between performance stuff and the department store. Most of their stuff will perform or outperform the boutique stuff out there.

And they help you fly your western canadian freak flag high, always a good thing.

LOL, well I live in Eastern Canada... so I can't be seen on a Western Canadian bike :p

I'm not really looking to be an awesome cyclist, I'm just looking to bike again. If the bike doesn't crumple underneath me (which has happened on a previous Canadian Tire ****-bike), I'm super happy. I won't be able to tell the difference between most brands of crankshafts and forks, etc... Basic is plenty for me, for now. I have no aversions to spending more money when I get more into cycling and know I like SS bikes.

My main issue is that I'm looking for a 62cm SS bike, and there's not a SINGLE one used in my city... so I gotta find a new one for < $500 (which even the KHS Uno doesn't meet - so i suppose the new limit is $565)

1. well, i went and looked at the norco site.... and yowza, you're right: norco done went and growed up some time between 1984 and yesterday. so much for the "i used to ride a ccm but then i got a summer job at the sawmill and now i ride a norco" approach. now it looks like you need to have a summer job as a dentist to afford one.

2. lil freek: you can't *possibly* be serious that there's nothing good on the used circuit. have you checked pinkbike?

There's nothing on pinkbike, there's nothing in my commuter-type and price point and size. I've found lots of 62cm bikes, but for $1200, which is WAY too much. I've found XL DJ bikes, but not my thing.

I checked out the Heart in a local store and it was pretty nice... but looks and feels like it's pricepoint. It's very simple, which i do enjoy, but it's not too comfortable and just looked kinda cheap, in the end.
I opted out of getting it and am getting a Devinci Stockholm. Since my commute is 20km each way and I'm a fairweather cyclist, I'm not really sure SS is the right path. Perhaps I'll get another more serious bike later on :)

Too much money for what it is, IMO.