It has altered reach, seat tube angles, and steering geometry to ensure each rider can maximize the performance of the bike. This technology does more than slap on a size specific chainstay. In addition to spec’ing this bike with quality components, Norco Bicycles is trickling down their Ride Aligned technology to the new Fluid. The size Small is equipped with a 150mm dropper post, the Medium and Large with a 170mm, and the XL and XXL come spec’d with a 200mm dropper post. The Fluid comes in sizes Small to XXL, which Norco claims will fit riders 5’1” to 6’7”. The suspension outfitted on this bike is impressive, but so is the Shimano XT drivetrain, four piston TRP Trail Evo Brakes, 203/180mm brake rotors, and long travel dropper post. Norco has put a lot of effort into creating an entry level full suspension bike that performs well and it shows. ![]() They went over dyno data and fine-tuned the performance of the shock to best suit the bike, even at the $1,999.00 price point. It’s common to see many brands working with a company like Fox or RockShox on custom tuned suspension for a bike that is double or triple this price, but as mentioned in the Dissected Feature on the Fluid ( here), Norco’s product manager Paul Burnett shared that Norco spent a ton of time working to custom tune the ride for every level bike and shock from Fox to X-Fusion. Norco worked with various shock manufacturers to provide custom tuned dampers on shocks across the range. We did a pretty in-depth look in our Norco Fluid Dissected feature when it first launched, so check it out here if you want all the nitty gritty details. ![]() The frame features a Horst Link suspension design aimed to keep anti-squat values low and efficiency at a maximum. Built out of 6061 aluminum the Norco Fluid frame packs 130mm of rear travel with a 140mm fork. A sparkly, green paint job, 29” wheels, Kashima coated Fox Factory fork, internally routed cables, Vittoria tires, and other quality components are enough to stop anyone in their tracks. Right out of the box the Norco Fluid FS A1 is a showstopper. Norco’s new Fluid is a short travel trail bike that packs a punch in both ride performance and build kit options, so let’s dig in. There is no doubt that mountain biking has one of the highest barriers of entry out of almost any sport, so when a brand remains committed to offering top-shelf tech in a more entry level performance product, we take note. While I didn’t do any true backcountry rides on the Fluid FS, it’s high up on my list of bikes that I would be happy to pedal all day long, especially if there are some worthy descents in store.When we found out a new and improved (yet still affordable) Norco Fluid was on the horizon several months ago, we were very excited. The suspension design and shock pair nicely during extended pedaling efforts-I only reached for the shock lever to firm things up when I was commuting from trail to trail on Bellingham’s steep fire roads. At about 32 pounds, the Fluid FS powers uphill with an unexpected pep considering the extra weight of the alloy frame and a lack of any featherweight parts. A 76.6-degree seat angle makes for a comfortable and natural climbing position, and the bike's balanced front and rear ends kept my front wheel glued to the ground on tight, steep switchbacks. Climbing on the Fluid FS is intuitive and doesn’t require any annoying weight shifts just jump on and go. It’s a bike that easy to get along with, and its balanced nature made quick work of scary-loose descents with confidence. A long, dry summer of unpredictable conditions had me reaching for the Fluid FS more than I expected. The 480-millimeter reach left plenty of breathing room and, paired with a 65-degree headtube angle, the intended rider position is neutral and ready to tackle rough trails without risking a sluggish feeling on more mellow terrain. On a size large, I had plenty of room to move around the bike while climbing everything from fire roads to steep tech, and it never felt unwieldy while navigating around obstacles or trying to get the bike off the ground. The Fluid FS now sports 29-inch wheels throughout its size range and is complemented by size-specific chainstays, ranging from 425 to 445 millimeters, making it easier to wave goodbye to the 27.5-inch option of the past. The Fluid FS’s pure fun factor feels equally ready to please a cross-country fanatic looking for a ride with little more oomph as it does a downhill racer wanting to cover more terrain-and that’s where the middle of the road magic lies in this surprisingly capable 130-millimeter bike. The Fluid FS does a stellar job of playing different roles for different riders, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out among the company’s broad line of capable trail rigs. But don’t be fooled this is no cookie-cutter, crowd-pleaser of a bike. ![]() ![]() Norco’s new Fluid FS is meant for anybody and everybody.
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