I bought the Norco Storm 9.1 this Monday. I've only had a chance to ride it twice so far, but I'm loving it. It seems it's true you never forget how to ride a bike, but you certainly get rusty. Having not ridden a bike for several years, I had a lot of trouble with turning at first, and going in a straight line. But once I got the hang of it, it was awesome.

I haven't had a chance to take a picture of the bike myself, but it's this design:


When I first took it out for a ride, I removed the front wheel to get it in my car, but when I tried to put the wheel back on, I couldn't get it so the front disc brake wouldn't make a scratching sound when spinning the wheel. So I took it to the bike shop, where I was told that it was normal for new disc brakes, because there is so much excess on the pads. I was slightly skeptical, but after my first ride, the scratching sound is completely gone.

The only concern I have with the bike, and I'll bring it up with my LBS when I take it in for the free one month tuneup, is that there is a rattling sound when riding, which I think is coming from chain. And also, when switching gears, usually the gear switches quicky and quietly, with little feedback on the pedals, but sometimes, especially when switching between gears 4, 5, and 6 on the rear wheel gears, the shift is a lot louder, and gives a hard snap on the pedals. I don't know if it's a big deal, but if it could be fixed with a small adjustment, I'd hope they'll be able to when I take it in.

But on the whole, I love the bike and it's very very attractive, which may have been more of a factor in buying it than I'd like to admit, since I'm usually a function over form person.

Also, I've learned I'm not nearly as fit as I'd like to be. I tired to complete exhaustion after 25 minutes on my first ride, and 35 minutes on my second ride. (Both times to the point where I could barely stand up afterward). Hopefully after some well needed practice, my legs will be more up to the task.