The 2023 Norco Fluid FS is here!
The Norco Fluid FS is all new for 2023 - and could be a sign of future plans from Norco.
Norco have just released an update to their most popular bike, the Fluid FS. Long billed as one of the most important bikes to get right, when we last tested a Norco Fluid FS, it started a new era for full-suspension bikes from Norco, with their design principles behind that design building the foundations for their Ride Aligned design and fit system.
Back then, we said:
'…each piece of the Fluid is put together to create a total package and not simply be different for difference sake. So maybe it's on trend and just ahead? I thought the Fluid would be ‘rowdy’ being different but instead its characteristics make it capable and fun, just about everything you would want from a trail bike. If you are looking for a bike to have fun tackling a wide range of trails at a very good price you will be more than happy with the Fluid FS 1.'
The slacker geometry, longer reach, steeper seat angles, greater tyre clearance and size specific stays would catch on, and the new Norco Optic, Norco Sight and even the Norco Range all developed from the same principles. The Norco Fluid FS was well-known for being more capable than many might consider, without needing to be ridden hard and fast to get the most out of it, like some modern trail bikes demand. As such – it has been very popular here in Australia.
And now Norco are bringing the Fluid FS back to the forefront, and in their words they want it to suit 'every rider, every trail.'
All the details on the Norco Fluid FS
First and foremost, the Norco Fluid FS remains as an alloy trail bike. It is designed for a 140mm travel fork with 44mm offset, with 130mm travel in the rear. The Fluid FS is exclusively a 29er trail bike.
There will be four models in Australia, starting at $3199 and going to $5199, more on that shortly.
The geometry is pretty progressive, and Norco want the Fluid FS to be ready to shred, and ready to grow with riders as their skills progress. The Ride Aligned system means that the 5 sizes (S-XXL) have geometry that changes to suit the size of the rider. So while the head tube angle stays at 65 degrees for all bikes (back from 66.5 degrees), the seat tube angle gets steeper the larger the bike, to prevent tall people from feeling like they're sitting on the rear hub.
Additionally, reach grows from 420 to 540mm across the size range, with a large having a 480mm reach. The chainstay length grows from 420-445mm across the size range, helping to deliver the same balanced feel no matter the rider and frame size.
The main aim of the geometry overhaul is linked to Ride Aligned, and keeping a rider centred on the bike no matter what size they are on. And while the travel numbers look similar to the Optic, you can expect the Fluid FS to be a blast to get out and ride – while the Optic tends to need the pressure of performance for it to really come alive.
What about the suspension on the Fluid FS??
The back end has 130mm of travel, with 140mm up front. This is a bump of 10mm compared to the previous generation, but plenty of work has gone into making that 130mm deliver. Firstly, the Ride Aligned design means that suspension kinematics are fine tuned for each size, and shocks are custom tuned for each frame size. Depending on the model, the bike will have a Fox, RockShox, Marzocchi or X-Fusion shock.
Norco worked to have a suspension curve that offered better support in the midstroke, with great antisquat as well. This means you have a bike that won't blow through it's travel on bigger hits, and one that pedals quite well when open. It also meant that Norco didn't need to tune shocks with too many volume spacers to provide the support. This lets the suspension's controls, like rebound, work better for more tuning options.
Suspension isn't about the amount of travel, so much as how well it works. And Norco wanted to make sure that high quality suspension designs were available at good price points.
What about the parts?
Given that Norco want the Fluid FS to be capable and able to grow with riders as they push the bikes harder, the parts are suited for that – within each price range.
So you'll see:
– 140mm travel forks by Fox, Marzocchi and RockShox with 44mm offset
– Custom tuned rear shocks by Fox, RockShox and X-Fusion
– 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 203/180mm rotors (180/180 on A3/A4)
– Long-travel 34.9mm dropper posts (S – 150mm, M – 170mm, L, XL, XXL – 200mm)
– 800mm x 35mm handlebars to trim and provide a wider range of width options
– Wide range 1x drivetrains
– Sealed bearing Boost-spaced hubs
– 29” wheels with Stan’s tubeless-compatible rims
– Foldable 2.4” Vittoria and Goodyear tubeless-compatible tyres
Obviously the quality of the spec depends on the price of the bike. So let's take a look at the models.
All the 2023 Norco Fluid FS models
Here's a quick look at the specs on the 2023 Norco Fluid FS models – bikes are expected to be arriving from September, so drop into your local Norco dealer to find out about the size and model you're keen on.
Norco Fluid FS A1 – $5199
The top dog looks flash in green, and sports a Fox Factory 34 fork.
Fork: Fox Float 43 GRIP2 140mm, 44mm offset
Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite, custom tuned
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT 12-speed/Praxis and TRP Trail EVO brakes (203/180mm)
Dropper: SDG Tellis
Norco Fluid FS A2 – $4199
This one also comes in blue with a black fork, that looks pretty smart!
Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2, GRIP, 140mm, 44mm offset
Shock: Fox Float X Performance, custom tuned
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT/SLX 12-speed/Praxis and TRP Slate EVO brakes (203/180mm rotors)
Dropper: SDG Tellis
Norco Fluid FS A3 – $3599
The Fluid FS A3 also comes in the silver, not the raw finish like the A2.
Fork: RockShox 35 Silver TK, 140mm, 44mm offset
Shock: X Fusion O2 Pro R AV, custom tuned
Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed, Tektro HD745 brakes (180/180mm)
Dropper: SDG Tellis
Norco Fluid FS A4 – $3199
The Fluid FS A4 also comes in red if black to school isn't for you.
Fork: RockShox Recon RL 140mm, 42mm offset
Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R, custom tuned
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/FSA 12-speed, Tektro HD-M535 brakes (180/180mm)
Dropper: SDG Tellis
Our take on the 2023 Norco Fluid FS
Based on the parts spec, the geometry and the pricing, Norco look like they're onto another winner. The bikes look like a Sight or Optic at a glance, with accessory mounts, neat internal routing and lots of standover clearance.
It's fantastic to see another frame size so Norco can fit a wider range of riders, and that a proper size bottle can fit in all the frames. The really interesting thing here is how the rear suspension will perform. Based on how stoked Norco are with it, the combination of Ride Aligned sizing and kinematics and the custom tuned shocks should provide a ride that suits those jumping onto their first quality mountain bike, and those looking to really take advnatage of the capabilities of the Fluid FS.
With bikes landing this spring, we are keen to see how they perform on the trail. But based on the last Fluid FS – our expectations are high!