2024 Norco Fluid VLT with Bosch SX is released

When Bosch released the SX mid-power motor last year, we were just left wondering; who will be building bikes around the new motor? With 55Nm of torque, a 400Wh battery and huge 600W peak power, the Bosch SX is lighter and quieter than the current Bosch CX motor. The design and features lends itself to mid-power and lighter eMTBs – which is exactly where we find it in the new 2024 Norco Fluid VLT.

Norco have released two iterations of the Fluid VLT, with a light weight full carbon 140/130mm model, and a burlier 150/140mm model with either full carbon, or carbon/alloy frame kits.

More details on the new Norco Fluid VLT

This is a huge departure for the Norco Fluid VLT. I last tested a Fluid VLT FS A1 in 2021, and while I really liked many of its virtues, it also tended to miss the mark. It was too heavy, and the suspension was undersprung. I even had to weigh the bike in two pieces given my bike scales top out at 25kg.

The new Norco Fluid VLT looks nothing like that bike. First up, all Norco Fluid VLT bikes use a MX (mullet) wheel setup, with a 29" front wheel to roll over everything, and a smaller 27.5" rear wheel for some better handling.

smol

The Bosch SX system uses plenty of Bosch Smart System integration, which means a wireless mini controller and top tube system controller. There is no major head unit, creating a clutter free handlebar. The Bosch 400Wh battery is inside the mainframe and will mostly stay there for charging – but it can be removed if you want to pop your bike on a plane. Bosch also have their 250Wh range extender so you can bump up the ride time. However, with 55Nm torque and a lower overall weight, chances are the 400Wh will take you pretty far anyway. 

All the models use Norco's new 5 bike sizing, just like the 2024 Norco Optic and Sight which we have already test ridden. The sizing is a refinement on the evolution Norco have lead with geometry and handling, and you'll see more sizing cross over, shorter seat tubes, and size specific rear centres, shock tunes and more.

Is there an app for that?

Norco released an updated version of their Ride Aligned software with the new Optic and Sight, with more functionality about getting your setup just right. With the Fluid VLT, Norco have partnered with Bosch for their own version. of the Bosch Flow App. This means you can consult the oracle on whether you need more or less compression damping, more tyre pressure, or less spacers under your stem – all depending on the type of trails you're riding and the levels of grip around.

Plus you can tune some of the modes of your Bosch SX system, get real time updates on the range you have, and even lock your eMTB when you drop into a servo for a choccy milk!

Two travel options: 130mm and 140mm

The Norco Fluid VLT C1 130 ($16999) is the most premium bike and the only model build around a 140/130mm travel mix. With the difference in travel it has slightly steeper geometry than the 140 models, but you see a steep seat angle to work with the pedal assist climbing, while the slack 65 degree head angle goes hand in hand with the long reach for confident descending at speed.

You can see that there is clearance for tyres up to 2.6" in the frame, and the use of short 165mm cranks. This is a sharp looking bike, and compared to the 140 models it has a slightly more slender suspension package with a RockShox Pike Ultimate fork and Deluxe Ultimate rear shock (185×50 Trunnion mount).

Norco have also specced Crank Brothers Synthesis carbon enduro rims on Industry Nine hubs, wrapped with Continental Xynotal trail tyres. The group set is SRAM's XX Transmission, alongside Level Ultimate Stealth 4-piston brakes.

Kudos to Norco for keeping the housing and hoses out of the head set as well. We aren't seeing this from everyone, but I hope to see a return to this sort of internal routing – especially with the ports behind the head tube, allowing more wrap of the hose or outer and less chance of hard bends at a front of head tube entry.

Of note, claimed weight for a Size 3 on this model is 18.1kg.

The Norco Fluid VLT 140 models

These bikes have all the same frame components, but with a 185×55 Trunnion shock for 10mm more travel, and a typically larger fork to deliver 150mm travel. The builds are also erring towards better price points. 

They have some slightly different geometry based on more travel – specifically a shorter reach and slacker head and seat tube angle – but it is really minimal at half a degree. These are all MX wheel sizing, just like the C1 130. 

Norco Fluid VLT C1 140 | $13999

This bike looks sharp! A SRAM XO Transmission group set hangs on the full carbon frame and seat and chain stays. Crrank Brothers supply their Synthesis Alloy wheels, while Fox equip the bike with a Float 36 Performance Elite with 150mm of travel, and a Float X2 Performance Elite shock for 140mm of travel.

SRAM's Code Silver Stealth brakes do the stopping with a 200/180mm combination. Claimed weight in a size 3 on this one is 19.3kg.

Norco VLT C2 140 | $11499

This one comes in a mixed blue colour as well for those who want to pop, and it sports the same carbon mainframe as its siblings but ducks out to alloy swing arms to keep the price in check.

Similarly, a SRAM GX Transmission group set handles the shifting, with TRP Trail Evo brakes on 203/180mm rotors. Here's hopiung they're a bit better than the recent TRP brakes we have had on test bikes.

Suspension is courteousy of a RockShox Lyrik 150mm (despite the Fox 36 shown) and a Fox Float X2 Performance Elite. Wheels are WTB KOM Trail rims on Bear Pawls hubs, with Continental Kryptotal and Xynotal Trail tyres.

Norco Fluid VLT C3 140 | $8999

With the same frame as the C2, this bike has the carbon main triangle and alloy swing arms. This one is sort of a soft release as see how the fork is blacked out? It lists 'RockShox' so we can assume some new forks are coming, perhaps to finally put the 35 Gold and 35 Silver to bed. But Sea Otter is around the corner so it could easily be a new model from Fox as well, as they always release there.

Regardless, RockShox supply the rear shock with a Deluxe Select+ unit, and Shimano equip this rig with a Deore 12 speed drive train – which is tough as houses. Braking is from 4-piston TRP Slate brakes on 203/180mm rotors – so let's see how they go.

With WTB ST tought rims on Bear Pawls hubs and Continental Kryptotal and Xynotal tyres, Norco is again going for sturdy and grippy.

Our take

This is the kind of bike that plenty of mountain bikers are screaming for. Whether it suits all of them is another matter. My best tip on choosing a mountain bike is to get something similar to what your friends are riding. Heck, that works for bikes in general. Be they gravel, mountain or eMTB. If your friends all have eMTBs but they are in an arms race with torque, Watt hours and peak power – this may not be the bike for you.

However, if you're looking for a mountain bike that just doesn't feel as heavy and disconnected from the trail, and one with great pedal response and more than enough travel to rip trails with confidence – this could be it.

I like that there is a slimmed down 130 option for those who want to get a bike down towards weights of the Specialized Levo SL and Trek Fuel EXe. However I'm certain the 140 models will find favour with more riders, thanks to having a range of models and a little more cush to enhance the capability of the frame.

I haven't ridden the Bosch SX system yet, but I think that is what will bring the ride of the bike alive. For me, the CX Smart System has the best pedal response and ride feel of the current eMTB support systems. SX is based on the same and likely a precursor to a new CX model in the coming years, and I expect to be wowed if we get a chance to review a Norco Fluid VLT, or another Bosch SX equipped bike.

Get in touch with your local Norco dealer for more details on the new Fluid VLT – or head to the homepage for all the spec details.