TESTED - $3,999 2023 Norco Fluid FS A1 16

Earlier this summer, we reported our First Ride review of the all-new, redesigned Norco Fluid FS trail bike. At the time we said of the Fluid, "it might be too early to call, but Norco seems to have hit a home run with the Fluid FS." Three months and over 250 miles of trail riding later, we're calling it — the new 130mm-travel 29er Fluid FS is a home run.

Highlights

• 6061 Aluminum Frame
• 29-inch wheels
• 130mm (5.1-inches) of rear wheel travel // 140mm (5.5-inches) fork travel
• Horst link suspension design
• Tapered headtube
• Internal cable routing
• 200mm dropper available on L, XL, and XXL
• Attractive paint
• Top-tier components
• Threaded bottom bracket with ICG mounts
• 148mm rear spacing with 12mm through axle
• 5-year limited warranty
• Measured weight (size Large, no pedals): 32 pounds (14.5kg)
• MSRP $3,999 USD

Right out of the box, we could tell we were in for a treat with the Fluid FS. The frame details are refined enough that this aluminum frame could easily be mistaken for carbon. The signature green, metallic paint, internal cable routing, bling gold of FOX Factory goodies, TRP Trail EVO 4 piston brakes and 200mm dropper on large sizes confirm the fact that the Fluid FS A1 is a well thought-out machine that was ready to progress a rider’s limits.

Geometry

What used to be reserved for Norco’s top tier bikes, the Fluid FS series now gets Norco's Ride Aligned™ Design System which focuses on making sure the rider has a consistent center of gravity no matter what size frame they choose. The engineers at Norco ensure body position remains the same for riders from Small to XXL by fine-tuning the head tube length, effective seat tube angle and chainstay length for every size. Head angle is a fun 65-degrees, the 480mm reach on our Large is roomy, and the size-specific chainstay length of 435mm is sure-footed.

Bike Setup

Norco has made the setup for the Fluid FS A1 extremely easy. By heading to their website and hitting the Ride Aligned™ tab and choosing the model, you’re on your way. From there, just enter some basic info. By punching in the numbers, our test rider came up with the following for his set up. Throughout the duration of the test, these settings were spot on with the exception of the rear tire pressure.

• Front Tire Pressure - 25 psi
• Rear Tire Pressure - 28 psi
• Bar Width - 790 mm
• Bar Rise - 20 mm
• Stem Spacers - 15 mm
• Stem Length - 40 mm

Fork Setup - FOX 34 FLOAT Factory GRIP2

• Air Pressure - 97 psi
• Air Volume - 3 spacers (stock is 1)
• LSR - 5 out
• HSR - 4 out
• LSC - 12 out
• HSC - 6 out

Rear Shock Setup - Fox FLOAT X Performance Elite, 130mm, 210x50mm

• Air Pressure - 231 psi
• Air Volume - 0.4 VS (stock)
• Rebound - 7 out
• LSC - 9 out

On The Trail

Throughout the test, we were able to log some serious saddle time on our local trails with a variety of climbing and descending attributes. From long, sustained fireroads climbs and technical ups and downs, to loose moondust, fast singletrack and lift-served laps at Tamarack Resort and The Basin Gravity Park.

DH/Technical Performance/Fun Factor

During the months of testing, the Fluid FS shined on the descents. Although rear travel is only 130mm, the machine ate up everything we threw at it with a complaint. Steep chutes, volcanic rock gardens, jump lines and even high-speed singletrack were all equally agreeable to the Fluid. The bike felt balanced, and we found ourselves aiming for lips and bonus hits every chance we could, upping the fun factor on most trails. Getting the bike up to speed was never an issue, and in the corners the Fluid is laterally stiff with the one-piece forged link and large pivot bearing. We agree with Norco’s claim that the “top-tier design and features over-deliver as skills evolve,” as we never felt the bike holding us back. Performance was delivered in spades and the Fluid FS could elevate a rider’s ability and allow them to progress their skills confidently.

The only things that gave us pause on the trail were the tires. Even at 28psi (and eventually up to 30psi), the rear Vittoria Martello 2.4” Trail G2.0 in the folding bead was just not stout enough. We ended up tearing the tire off the rim more than once and a significant gash required a plug.

Suspension Performance

The Fox FLOAT X Performance Elite shock paired with the Fox FLOAT Factory GRIP2 fork provided a very balanced ride and performed flawlessly throughout the testing. Sometimes over-zealous, we would get a reminder that the bike had only 130mm of travel in the rear on some G-outs or smashing head-on into abrupt hits. Regardless, the Ride Aligned™ numbers paired with the dampers' strengths had us maximizing performance, and we could see that we were squeezing every millimeter out of the suspension. When the bike was turned uphill, despite the slacker geometry, the suspension platform and shock tune were surprisingly efficient. On long, sustained grinds, closing the rear suspension was a breeze with an easily accessible lever on the shock.

One of the biggest improvements with the Fluid FS is its geometry. Not only did this generation get longer and slacker, but with the Ride Aligned™ system, the bike’s seat tube angle gets steeper as the sizes get larger to keep long riders from hanging off the back as the saddle gets higher. While the latest generation gets an added XXL size, XS gets the chopping block due to the 29-inch-wheels-only format.

We weren't surprised at the descending characteristics of the Fluid, but when it came to climbing, we were pretty impressed. The Fluid climbed better than other bikes with less travel. The Fluid FS climbed lighter than its 32-pound weight would suggest, and we were stoked to clean steep, technical sections that we'd walked in the past. Even on the steepest of climbs, we never felt the front end getting light. When the suspension was closed, we were able to feel a slight bob on the flatter or smoother climbs, but on the rougher terrain, the ability to absorb uphill bumps creating traction was welcomed. This compliance allowed remain less fatigued after longer climbs, leaving more in the tank for the descents, where the Fluid FS is happiest.

Build Kit

At $3,999, Norco absolutely nailed the build on the Fluid FS A1. When we did our First Ride feature, the price was $4,449 and even then, we felt Norco didn't leave much room to upgrade. This top-tier Fluid model comes loaded. The FOX suspension is as fantastic, the drivetrain is full XT 12-speed and doesn't cheap out on the cassette or shifter like some other bike brands try. The Stans Flow S1 wheelset is durable and the large sizes actually come with a 200mm SDG Tellis Dropper post. Throw in the surprise of TRP Trail EVO 4-piston brakes and you're ready to rip.

Tire Performance

Norco opted for the Vittoria Mazza 2.4” Trail G2.0 front tire and Martello 2.35” Trail G2.0 rear tire. The tires rolled well, and never felt like they were holding us back until it came to cornering. The is a solid performer, but with our rider pushing over 200lbs, the rear tire's sidewall wasn't sturdy enough and buckled under pressure, even at 30psi. Pushing pressure higher just meant diminished, so for larger or aggressive riders, a tire with stiffer sidewalls would be a worthy upgrade.

Wheel Performance

The Stan’s Flow S1 Rims paired with Bear Pawls Hubs were a solid choice. The hubs had a nice engagement, and the rims held up to our riders' abuse. The use of the heavier gauge spokes on the wheelset added to their stiffness and durability.

Brake Performance

The use of the TRP Trail EVO 4-piston brakes were an unexpected surprise for a bike at this price point. We loved these brakes throughout the test for a few reasons. They were easy to adjust, the levers feel great on the fingers (TRP went the extra mile to machine out their levers for added grip), and the brakes are extremely powerful and consistent, showing no sign of fade throughout the test.

Drivetrain Performance

The full Shimano XT drivetrain was reliable and consistent the entire test. To see XT at this price range had us wondering if we'd get an SLX cassette or shifter, but Norco didn't cheap-out. Norco opted to spec Praxis G2 Cadet cranks, bottom bracket and a 30T chainring. The whole system worked great on regular trail rides, but on a few occasions, we dropped a chain on gravity days at the local bike park. On local trail rides or XC loops, this is unlikely to happen. Once a rider starts to progress their speed and limits, however, without a chainguide, a little security is required and we like to see an upper chainguide added in the future.

Noise

During the test, at about 250 miles, our bike developed a creak in the bottom bracket thanks to the super-fine moondust that our area is known for. After removing and cleaning the bottom bracket, as well as cleaning and torquing the oversized bearing located on the rear link, order was restored and the bike was once again quiet. The chainstay protection and cable routing keeps this alloy bike stealthy on the trail.

Long-Term Durability

From what we’ve put this bike through, it's clear that Norco has made a bike that is built to last. We can’t see any issues of durability coming into play as long as routine maintenance is performed, along with the occasional bolt check. The killer metallic green paint showed no sign of chipping or cracking, even on the downtube and bottom bracket area. If a problem does arise, Norco offers a 5-year limited warranty to the original owner provided they register their bike within 90 days of purchase.

What's The Bottom Line?

From the first time we laid eyes on the Fluid FS, we could tell that the engineers at Norco really put some time and work in to making sure riders could get a quality bike at an affordable price. Bringing their Ride Aligned™ System to the entire Fluid FS line, along with custom-tuned suspension and even 4-piston brakes is proof of their commitment to a positive mountain biking experience regardless of budget. We hear the saying “one bike that does it all” a lot. How about “one bike that does it all and won’t break the bank?” With the base Fluid FS A4 starting at $1,999 all the way to the value-packed Fluid FS A1 at $3,999, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better price for a bike that can truly do it all.

Vital MTB Rating - 4.5 / 5 stars

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About The Reviewer

John Palumbo - Age: 47 // Years Riding MTB: 26 // Height: 6'1" (1.85m) // Weight: 205-pounds (93kg)

John has been riding for over 26 years, racing most cycling disciplines along the way. Currently the Executive Director for Southwest Mountain Bike Association, he has dedicated his life to cycling, trail design and maintenance, and growing his local mountain cycling community.