7 Critical Geometry Changes On The 2025 Norco Search That Will Transform Your Gravel Riding Forever
When Norco unveiled their completely redesigned Search gravel bike for 2025, the cycling media predictably focused on the revolutionary storage system integrated into the downtube. While that innovation certainly deserves attention, it’s actually the completely overhauled geometry that will have the most profound impact on your riding experience.
After spending three weeks testing the new Search across everything from smooth gravel roads to technical singletrack, I can confidently say that these geometry changes aren’t just incremental improvements—they represent a fundamental rethinking of what a gravel bike can be. These seven critical changes work together to create a bike that handles so differently from its predecessor (and most competitors) that it will literally transform how you ride gravel forever.
1. The Slacker Head Tube Angle That Changes Everything
The most immediately noticeable—and arguably most important—geometry change on the 2025 Search is its significantly slacker head tube angle. While the previous generation Search featured a relatively steep 72-degree head angle (typical for gravel bikes of that era), the new model drops to a remarkably slack 69.5 degrees in all sizes.
“We wanted to completely rethink stability on gravel,” explains Devon Mooney, Norco’s lead engineer on the Search project. “Traditional gravel bikes essentially used road geometry with slightly more tire clearance. We approached this redesign by asking what would happen if we started with mountain bike handling principles and adapted them for drop bar use.”
This 2.5-degree change might seem small on paper, but the impact on handling is profound. The slacker angle creates a longer wheelbase and places the front wheel further ahead of the rider, dramatically improving stability on rough descents and through loose corners.
During testing, I immediately noticed how much more confidently the bike handled technical descents. Where the previous Search (and most competitor gravel bikes) would feel nervous and twitchy on steep, loose terrain, the new model tracks through with remarkable composure.
Professional gravel racer Sarah Sturm, who recently switched to the Norco Search, noted: “The slacker head angle completely changes how aggressively you can attack technical sections. I’m carrying so much more speed through rough descents now, which saves energy and gives me a competitive advantage.”
This change alone would be significant, but it’s just the beginning of Norco’s geometry revolution.
2. The Longer Reach That Improves Both Stability and Climbing
Complementing the slacker head angle is a significant increase in reach—the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the head tube. Across all sizes, the 2025 Search features approximately 20mm more reach than its predecessor.
This longer reach serves multiple purposes:
First, it works with the slacker head angle to create a longer front-center measurement (the distance from the bottom bracket to the front axle), which further enhances stability at speed and through rough terrain.
Second, it allows for a shorter stem without compromising the rider’s position, improving handling responsiveness without sacrificing stability.
Third, and perhaps most surprisingly, it actually improves climbing performance despite the more relaxed geometry.
“The longer reach allows riders to shift their weight forward more effectively on steep climbs,” explains Nick Legan, technical editor at Adventure Cyclist magazine. “Combined with the steeper seat tube angle, it keeps the front wheel planted on steep ascents where slacker bikes traditionally struggle.”
During testing, I found this to be absolutely true. Despite the more mountain bike-inspired geometry, the Search climbs technical terrain better than its predecessor. On steep, loose climbs where the front wheel of many gravel bikes would wander or lift, the Search tracked straight and maintained traction.
The longer reach does require some adaptation in terms of stem length—most riders will want to go 10-20mm shorter than their current setup—but the handling benefits are well worth this minor adjustment.
3. The Steeper Seat Tube Angle That Revolutionizes Climbing
While the front end of the bike gets more relaxed, the seat tube angle moves in the opposite direction, steepening from 73 degrees on the previous model to 74.5 degrees on the 2025 Search.
This steeper seat tube angle places the rider in a more forward position relative to the bottom bracket when seated, which delivers several significant benefits:
First, it improves weight distribution on climbs, keeping the front wheel planted and preventing wandering on steep ascents.
Second, it places the rider in a more powerful pedaling position, particularly when climbing.
Third, it reduces the reach to the handlebars when seated, offsetting some of the increased frame reach and creating a more comfortable position for long days in the saddle.
“The steeper seat tube angle is something we’ve seen work extremely well in modern mountain bikes,” notes Mooney. “It’s particularly beneficial for gravel riding where efficient climbing is essential but you still need the bike to handle technical terrain competently.”
During testing, I found the steeper seat angle made a noticeable difference on long, steep climbs. The position felt more efficient, with less need to shift forward on the saddle to keep the front wheel from lifting. This improved climbing efficiency is particularly valuable in gravel events where conserving energy over long distances is crucial.
4. The Lower Bottom Bracket That Transforms Cornering
Perhaps the most subtle yet impactful geometry change is the significantly lower bottom bracket on the 2025 Search. The new model features a 75mm bottom bracket drop (the vertical distance the bottom bracket sits below the wheel axles), compared to 65mm on the previous generation.
This 10mm difference places the rider’s center of gravity lower in relation to the wheels, which fundamentally transforms how the bike corners on loose surfaces.
“Bottom bracket height is one of those measurements that doesn’t get much attention, but it has an enormous impact on handling,” explains Legan. “A lower bottom bracket makes the bike feel more planted in corners and more stable at speed.”
The difference was immediately noticeable during testing. The new Search corners with remarkable confidence on loose gravel, allowing you to lean the bike further and carry more speed through turns. The sensation is similar to the difference between a sports car and an SUV—the lower center of gravity creates a planted feeling that inspires confidence.
There is, of course, a tradeoff: the lower bottom bracket means slightly less pedal clearance when pedaling through rough sections or corners. However, Norco has balanced this carefully—the clearance is still sufficient for practical riding, and the handling benefits far outweigh the occasional need to be more mindful of pedal position in technical terrain.
5. The Longer Chainstays That Create Perfect Balance
While many brands have trended toward shorter chainstays (the distance from the bottom bracket to the rear axle) in recent years, Norco has moved in the opposite direction with the 2025 Search. The new model features 435mm chainstays across all sizes, approximately 10mm longer than the previous generation.
These longer chainstays serve several important functions:
First, they increase the wheelbase, enhancing stability at speed and on rough terrain.
Second, they improve traction on steep climbs by placing more of the rider’s weight over the rear wheel.
Third, they create more balanced weight distribution between the wheels, which improves handling predictability in varied conditions.
“We found that the trend toward ultra-short chainstays was actually detrimental to the riding experience on varied terrain,” explains Mooney. “Slightly longer chainstays create a more balanced bike that handles predictably across a wider range of conditions.”
During testing, this balance was particularly noticeable when transitioning between different surfaces. Where bikes with very short chainstays can feel twitchy when moving from pavement to loose gravel, the Search maintained consistent, predictable handling regardless of surface.
The longer chainstays also contributed to the bike’s excellent climbing traction. On steep, loose climbs where rear wheel slip is common, the Search maintained grip impressively well, allowing me to stay seated and maintain a consistent cadence rather than having to stand and power through slipping sections.
6. The Taller Stack Height That Enhances Comfort Without Sacrificing Performance
The 2025 Search features a significantly taller stack height (the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube) than its predecessor. The size 4 frame (equivalent to a 58cm in the previous model) has a 12mm taller stack, with proportional increases across other sizes.
This change addresses one of the most common modifications gravel riders make to their bikes: adding spacers under the stem to achieve a more upright position for comfort on long rides.
“We studied how people were actually setting up their gravel bikes and found that most riders were adding significant spacer stacks to achieve a more comfortable position,” notes Mooney. “By increasing the frame stack, we’re providing that position in a more integrated, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound way.”
The taller stack creates a slightly more upright riding position that reduces strain on the back, neck, and shoulders during long rides. However, Norco has been careful not to go too far—the position is still performance-oriented, just slightly less aggressive than traditional gravel bikes.
During testing, I found this more upright position particularly beneficial on rough terrain, where it provided better visibility and control without sacrificing efficiency. On longer rides (6+ hours), the reduced strain on my neck and shoulders was noticeable and welcome.
For riders who still want a more aggressive position, the increased stack can easily be offset by removing spacers and using a stem with negative rise. This versatility allows the frame to accommodate a wider range of rider preferences and use cases.
7. The Trail Figure That Ties It All Together
While not a direct geometry measurement like the others, the “trail” figure (the distance between where the steering axis intersects the ground and where the front tire contacts the ground) is perhaps the most important handling characteristic affected by these geometry changes.
The 2025 Search has significantly more trail than its predecessor—approximately 85mm compared to around 65mm on the previous model. This increase is primarily a result of the slacker head angle combined with increased fork offset.
“Trail is the geometry figure that most directly influences how a bike feels when you turn the handlebars,” explains Legan. “More trail creates more stability and a more damped steering feel, which is exactly what you want on loose surfaces.”
This increased trail figure is what gives the new Search its remarkable stability on descents and through corners without making the steering feel sluggish or unresponsive. It’s the secret ingredient that makes all the other geometry changes work together harmoniously.
During testing, the handling character created by this trail figure was perhaps the most impressive aspect of the bike. The Search manages to feel both incredibly stable at speed and through rough terrain while still being responsive enough for technical maneuvering when needed.
“Finding that balance is the holy grail of gravel bike design,” notes Sturm. “You want the stability for rough descents and high speeds, but you still need the bike to be agile enough to navigate technical features and tight corners. The new Search nails that balance better than any gravel bike I’ve ridden.”
How These Changes Work Together to Transform Your Riding
While each of these geometry changes is significant on its own, it’s how they work together as a system that truly transforms the riding experience. The 2025 Search represents a holistic rethinking of gravel bike geometry rather than just incremental tweaks to individual measurements.
The result is a bike that handles fundamentally differently from traditional gravel bikes:
- 1.
Descending confidence: The combination of slacker head angle, longer reach, lower bottom bracket, and increased trail creates a bike that descends with remarkable stability and confidence. You’ll find yourself carrying more speed through rough sections and corners, with less fatigue from fighting to control the bike. - 2.
Climbing efficiency: Despite the more relaxed front end, the steeper seat tube angle and longer chainstays create excellent climbing efficiency and traction. The bike climbs technical terrain better than its more traditional-looking predecessor. - 3.
All-day comfort: The taller stack height and balanced riding position reduce fatigue on long rides without sacrificing performance. You’ll finish long gravel adventures feeling fresher and more comfortable. - 4.
Versatility across terrain: Perhaps most importantly, these geometry changes expand the range of terrain the bike can handle competently. The Search is equally at home on smooth gravel roads, rough doubletrack, and even light singletrack.
Descending confidence: The combination of slacker head angle, longer reach, lower bottom bracket, and increased trail creates a bike that descends with remarkable stability and confidence. You’ll find yourself carrying more speed through rough sections and corners, with less fatigue from fighting to control the bike.
Climbing efficiency: Despite the more relaxed front end, the steeper seat tube angle and longer chainstays create excellent climbing efficiency and traction. The bike climbs technical terrain better than its more traditional-looking predecessor.
All-day comfort: The taller stack height and balanced riding position reduce fatigue on long rides without sacrificing performance. You’ll finish long gravel adventures feeling fresher and more comfortable.
Versatility across terrain: Perhaps most importantly, these geometry changes expand the range of terrain the bike can handle competently. The Search is equally at home on smooth gravel roads, rough doubletrack, and even light singletrack.
“What we’ve essentially created is a drop-bar bike with mountain bike DNA,” explains Mooney. “It maintains the efficiency and road position that make gravel bikes great for covering distance, but adds the stability and confidence that make mountain bikes so capable on technical terrain.”
Real-World Performance: How It Actually Rides
Theory and measurements are one thing, but how does this geometry actually translate to real-world riding? After three weeks of testing across varied terrain, I can confidently say it delivers on its promises.
On fast, flowing gravel roads, the Search feels planted and confidence-inspiring. The stability at speed allows you to relax and enjoy the ride rather than constantly making micro-corrections to maintain your line.
On technical descents, the difference compared to traditional gravel bikes is dramatic. Sections that would typically require careful line choice and controlled speed can be ridden faster and with less physical and mental fatigue.
On steep, loose climbs, the Search maintains traction impressively well. The balanced geometry keeps both wheels planted, allowing you to maintain a consistent cadence rather than having to surge power to overcome slipping.
In tight, technical terrain, the bike is more capable than you might expect given its stability credentials. While it doesn’t have the quick-flick handling of a cyclocross bike, it navigates technical features with surprising agility.
Perhaps most tellingly, I found myself choosing more challenging routes during testing—opting for the rocky descent rather than the smooth alternative, or exploring that intriguing singletrack spur rather than sticking to the main gravel road. The bike’s capability expands your horizons and transforms how you approach route planning.
The Competition: How Norco’s Approach Compares
Norco isn’t the only brand rethinking gravel geometry, but their approach is among the most comprehensive and committed. Here’s how the Search compares to some notable competitors:
Evil Chamois Hagar: Similarly progressive with its ultra-slack head angle, but the Search offers more balanced climbing performance thanks to its steeper seat tube angle.
Cannondale Topstone: More traditional geometry with less stability on technical terrain, though recent updates have moved in a more progressive direction.
Specialized Diverge: The Future Shock system addresses comfort through suspension rather than geometry, but doesn’t provide the same handling benefits on technical terrain.
Trek Checkpoint: More traditional geometry focused on racing, though the sliding dropouts offer some versatility.
What sets the Search apart is the comprehensive nature of its geometry update. Rather than changing one or two measurements, Norco has reimagined every aspect of the bike’s geometry to work as a cohesive system.
Who This New Geometry Works For
While I’ve been overwhelmingly positive about the new Search geometry, it’s important to acknowledge that no single approach works for everyone. This more progressive geometry will particularly benefit:
Adventure riders who prioritize stability and comfort for long days exploring varied terrain.
Technical riders coming from a mountain bike background who value confident handling on rough descents.
Bikepackers who appreciate the stable handling characteristics when carrying extra weight.
Gravel racers who compete on technical courses where the ability to carry speed through rough sections offers a competitive advantage.
Riders who might prefer a more traditional geometry include:
Pure speed specialists focused exclusively on smooth, fast gravel where the extra stability isn’t as beneficial.
Criterium racers who occasionally venture onto gravel but prioritize quick handling for tight road corners.
Riders with flexibility limitations who might find the longer reach challenging despite the taller stack height.
The Future of Gravel Geometry
The 2025 Norco Search represents what I believe is the future direction for gravel bike geometry. Just as mountain bikes evolved from their rigid, steep-angled beginnings to the more capable, slack designs we see today, gravel bikes are undergoing a similar evolution.
“We’re still in the early stages of figuring out what makes an ideal gravel bike,” notes Legan. “The category is maturing, and we’re moving beyond simply adapting road bikes to creating purpose-built machines optimized for the unique demands of mixed-terrain riding.”
Other brands will likely follow Norco’s lead in adopting more progressive geometry, though perhaps not to the same degree. We’ll likely see a spectrum of approaches, from race-focused bikes with more traditional geometry to adventure-oriented models with more progressive numbers.
Practical Considerations: Adapting to the New Geometry
If you’re coming from a traditional gravel or road bike, the Search’s progressive geometry will require some adaptation:
- 1.
Stem length: Most riders will want to use a stem 10-20mm shorter than their current setup to accommodate the longer reach. - 2.
Handlebar position: The taller stack height may allow you to remove some spacers, creating a cleaner look and more solid front end. - 3.
Riding position: The geometry encourages a slightly more centered position on the bike, rather than being heavily weighted toward either wheel. - 4.
Cornering technique: The bike rewards a more mountain bike-inspired cornering approach, with more weight on the outside pedal and a more deliberate lean.
Stem length: Most riders will want to use a stem 10-20mm shorter than their current setup to accommodate the longer reach.
Handlebar position: The taller stack height may allow you to remove some spacers, creating a cleaner look and more solid front end.
Riding position: The geometry encourages a slightly more centered position on the bike, rather than being heavily weighted toward either wheel.
Cornering technique: The bike rewards a more mountain bike-inspired cornering approach, with more weight on the outside pedal and a more deliberate lean.
These adjustments are minor and intuitive—most riders will adapt naturally after a few rides. The payoff in terms of handling, comfort, and capability is well worth the brief adjustment period.
Conclusion: A Genuine Revolution in Gravel Bike Design
After extensive testing, I’m convinced that the geometry changes on the 2025 Norco Search represent a genuine revolution in gravel bike design, not just marketing hype. These seven critical changes work together to create a bike that handles so differently—and so much better for most gravel applications—that it will transform how you ride.
The beauty of Norco’s approach is that they’ve managed to improve the bike’s capability on technical terrain without sacrificing efficiency or comfort on smoother surfaces. The Search remains a versatile gravel bike, just one with a dramatically expanded range of capability.
For riders who’ve been frustrated by the nervous handling of traditional gravel bikes on rough descents, or who’ve found themselves wishing for more stability when the terrain gets challenging, the new Search geometry will be a revelation. It allows you to ride with more confidence, less fatigue, and ultimately more enjoyment.
The 2025 Norco Search is available in both carbon and aluminum versions, with prices starting at $2,999 for carbon models and $1,299 for aluminum. Given how fundamentally these geometry changes improve the riding experience, either represents excellent value for gravel enthusiasts looking to transform their off-road adventures.
In a category often driven by incremental improvements and marketing hype, Norco’s geometry revolution stands out as a genuine advancement that tangibly improves the riding experience. After experiencing it firsthand, I’m convinced: this is the future of how gravel bikes will be designed, and it will transform your riding forever.