First rides on the Norco Fluid FS A3

Words: Hayden Wright | Photos: Gerard Lagana

Norco’s Fluid trail bike has recently received a head to toe makeover, as chronicled in our first look at the 2023 Norco Fluid FS. Being that the Fluid was the first of Norco’s bikes to receive the longer, lower, and slacker treatment with the previous iteration back in 2019, what we see in this latest model is a focused effort into ensuring a consistent ride quality is provided across all sizes and spec models. Bolstered with the “every rider, every trail” tag line and marketed with the first gender neutral promotional video we have seen in the industry it is clear that Norco are looking to democratise quality trail bikes and a quality riding experience in the post-covid era. 

We’ve just taken delivery of the budget friendly Norco Fluid FS A3 model which comes in at $3599. At this price point you get a RockShox fork and shock, 29” Stans wheels, SRAM 12 speed drivetrain, 4 piston brakes and an SDG Tellis dropper. All these parts are hung off a smooth aluminium frame which has internal cable routing, multiple accessory mounts, and is available in five sizes all of which have size specific geometry.

The 65° head angle and seat tube angles which range from 76° in a small to 77.3° in the XXL are at the forefront of what we are seeing from 140/130mm bikes now. Being that the sub $4k trail bike market is typically all about bang for your buck Norco’s decision to spec geometry and componentry specific to each size of bike is a real standout. 

Ride aligned – Ride better

These decisions to specify additional size specific geometry through the seat tube angles, rear centre length and seat post drop are all founded on Norco’s Ride Aligned Design System. By providing components and bike setup guides which consider each riders unique attributes inclusive of body size and skill level, Norco provide recommended suspension, cockpit and tyre settings.

As mentioned above, this is done to ensure all riders are having a similar riding experience on their Fluid regardless of who they are. After taking delivery of our A3 test bike I had a quick flick through the Ride Aligned setup guide on my phone. In minutes I had the suggested settings dialled in on the Fluid and was ready to rip. 

On the trail 

The Fluid is somewhere in the middle between the two trail bikes I typically ride, with my daily being a heavy hitting Forbidden Dreadnought and my N+1 being a parts bin hardtail. Considering how finicky I am with setup, I was surprised how quickly I felt at home on the Fluid. The pedalling position is very comfortable, with the 77° seat tube angle providing great comfort on the few rides I have had so far. The other real standout so far is the Tektro 4 piston brakes. For a budget item, they have great bite and modulation when paired with the 180mm rotors.

I have been impressed with how close to the mark the suggested suspension settings were for the RockShox fork and shock. While I found the rebound to be a touch on the slow side, the spring pressures feel spot on and have left me with a firm and compliant platform to push against on the climbs and descents. On the other hand, I am yet to find a comfortable setting with the Vittoria tyres. Currently, I am running around 4psi more on each end then what is recommended in an attempt to increase lateral stability at the sacrifice of some small bump compliance. 

Over the next few weeks, I am looking forward to spending some more time on this value driven trail bike. First impressions are great, with claims of a bike for “every rider, every trail” ringing true. Once I have some more time to dial in the settings, I feel that I will be able to really start pushing on the descents to see what this chassis is capable of. You will be able to read a full review in print when issue #200 of the magazine drops later this year.