![]() ![]() Norco specs the Fluid line with the longest droppers it can, and moves to the sturdier 34.9 mm diameter to add durability. TRP delivers consistent, powerful and adjustable stopping with the Trail EVO hydraulic brakes, Stans Flow S1 wheels do what they should. But that part is, really, the only thing that needs to change to make the A1 a solid build from top to bottom. The reverse-narrow-wide design doesn’t quite hold onto the chain the way it should. Unfortunatly, the Praxis 30-tooth chainrings are one misstep in the build. It includes Fox’ always reliable 34 Factory fork, a Float X Performance Elite shock, meaty Vittoria tires and, impressively, Shimano XT 12-speed derailleur, shifters and cassette. On the A1, that $5,000 gets you very strong list of components. ![]() That’s still a good chunk of money, but Norco makes it worth it with smart parts selection. At $5,000, the A1 is the top of the Fluid line. While the design of the Fluid FS doesn’t stray too far from the Optic, its price does. Now, all that is coming back around to the Fluid. ![]() That bike, also an aluminum bike on a budget, led to the Optic. The new Fluid FS closes a design cycle that started several years ago with the previous Fluid. If the two bikes look similar, it’s not an accident. The brand still has the carbon fibre Optic. It’s not the brand’s only take, of course. We c overed the details of the new Fluid FS when it launched in July, but the quick rundown is that it is Norco’s take on a short-travel full suspension bike. There’s always some trade-off for a more affordable bike. It has the ride quality and trail feel of a more expensive bike and parts that, while not top end, are certainly capable of performing in the real world. Add a very sharp parts spec, with only minor missteps, and strong pricing and the Fluid FS cuts an appealing figure in a world where bike prices only seem to be getting more expensive every year.Īfter a couple of months on Norco’s alloy trail bike, the Fluid backs up this initial hype. The Fluid’s alloy frame borrows heavily from the very successful Optic line, but with tweaks that give it a slightly different take on what a trail bike can be. More than you might expect for a “value-priced” aluminum trail bike line that, at its most expensive, tops out at $5,000. When Norco rolled out the revamped Fluid FS it turned a lot of heads. ![]()
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