2022 Norco Fluid Review - Full Mountain Bike Performance Breakdown
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2022
- #mtb #loamwolf #budgetbike Are you looking for an affordable mountain bike that doesn't skimp on tech, geometry or performance? Norco’s new Fluid mountain bike line seeks to bring features, ride quality and geometry-driven safety normally found exclusively on high end bikes to a more accessible price point. Come along for another Dissected series episode where we learn about how and what makes the new Norco Fluid one of the most rewarding, challenging, and fun projects the Norco engineer and design team have had in recent years.
It may sound a bit gimmicky or like we’re reciting a sales pitch, but something came through time and again during our meetings leading up to the filming of this Dissected, was the genuineness and passion behind the crew at Norco involved in creating the bike. It’s not hard for a brand to exhaust all their efforts and contacts to build the best bike they know how. Well, I say that loosely. When you know a bike is going to retail for 8,10, even 13,000 dollars, pulling out all the stops to feature things like size-specific geometry molds, custom tuned suspension and different tube thickness is expected. To try and offer these same features on a bike that starts under $3,000? That’s where the passion and challenge take over.
Now, we’re lucky here as brands often send us their flagship model bikes. It’s what people want to lust after, and it shows the pinnacle of what engineering and componentry are capable of. The reality is most riders, us included, spend more time evaluating how nice of a bike we can get to fit within our budget. Compromise has long come in the form of components and geometry, with suspension tuning following behind. Norco is seeking to raise the bar when it comes to what an affordable, dual suspension mountain bike is capable of with their new Fluid, and first impressions tell us they have delivered.
THE EXTRA MILE
Like all of Norco’s high-end dual suspension mountain bikes, the new Norco Fluid had two teams working on bringing it to what you see here.
We met with David Cox who oversees the engineering team, which handles R&D, conceptualizing the bike, testing and tuning it. It’s then handed off to the industrial and commercial design team, where the bike gets refined. Here it starts to smooth out, take shape and look more like the finished product.
Along that process, the Fluid spends lots of time with Norco’s suspension tuning team, led by Colin Ryan. And here again is where the passion shone through. It’s not uncommon to see brands spend time working with Fox or RockShox to customize tunes on high-end bikes, but when Norco’s product manager Paul Burnett told us that they spent a ton of time working with X-Fusion, going over dyno data and fine tuning the performance of the shock to best suit the bike at the $2700 price point, it was clear to see this wasn’t just a sales pitch. Norco was looking to challenge themselves and give riders the best experience possible - riders of all budgets and abilities can benefit from good suspension after all.
GEOMETRY IS FREE
This was a big takeaway from our conversations with the Norco Bicycles team. For decades cheap bikes have had outdated - dare we say dangerous - geometry that we’ve long left behind in the high-end bike world. Short reach numbers, high centers of gravity and steep, twitchy head tube angles have been accepted for too long and as Norco pointed out, a mold is a mold, and if you’re going to make a new mold for a budget-focused bike, there’s no reason not to give it capable geometry! Geometry is free at this point, and Norco learned what works and how it improves confidence and safety to riders, especially those who are new to our sport.
[This is just an excerpt of our full-length dissected write-up, which can be found on the website]
Write up: theloamwolf.com/2022/07/28/di...
Fluid FS A1 Price: $4,449
Website: www.norco.com/
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#mountainbike #mountainbiking #trailbike #singletrack #flowtrail #norcobikes #norcofluid
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I bought one of these last year and I’ve loved riding it. Upgrading to the Sight but still hanging on to my Fluid for the more mellow trails
How big is the difference in pedaling between the two?
@@jtothada06 don't really notice it to be honest. I often do 50km rides on it with a 50/50 mix of up and down and don't feel any worse for wear than pedaling on the Fluid. But you notice a massive difference heading downhill. It feels a whole lot more stable and planted than the Fluid
As always well done and then some. Exactly what sport needs for new riders and families on a biking budget. Different tube size, seat post and chain stay to different sizes excellent and need to see more of that across the board. BTWs if you need a test rider oh say about 5'7" or 5'8" on a good day HMU. Keep the great content coming!!!
Way to go @Norco I just got one in the small for my 5’1 Son. He’s never going to be a dare devil but loves to hit the trails. I can’t wait to see him on it in the spring.
currently riding a 2020 norco optic, aurum and their commuter. started on a norco fluid hardtail n been with the brand ever since. great bikes! 👍🤙🤘✊
Just built a medium one today. Black fs4 very nice components for the price. E13 bars were a nice addition
Love my Fluid FS for my local Australian down-country singletrack rides... It's extremely confidence-inspiring. 👌😎🇦🇺
Just pre-ordered the 2023 model. Can’t wait!
Rider Aligned Design System... RADS. Love it!
Glad to see this bike getting some recognition! Great value for the money. Almost bought one in 2020 but couldn't find one and wound up with an Occam! Great reviews as always!
Hey! How do you like the occam! I almost bought one myself in 2020 but wound with an SC Tallboy!
@@willskissick4100 I love it so far. Not super slack so keeps my local boring trails in check while having enough suspension travel for when I get it wrong haha.
Hey Loam, thanks for the vid. Bike looks epic! When do you think you may have a longer term review up? I'd love to try get my hands on an A1 here in AUS but was waiting on some more feedback. Bit concerned I may miss the boat though if I wait. I'm particularly interested in it's descending and climbing capabilities. On paper it looks super capable. Thanks mate!
Very soon! But the short version is, this bike is super super fun! We really like it, a good value and very capable. It doesn't climb like a more XC focused 130mm bike, but it makes up for it in comfort, confidence and fun!
Norco is love. Damn what a bike and fair price for us.
Everything about this bike is spot on, from spec to geo. I wish this was available last year when I was in the market. If I had to nitpick it's 175mm cranks. Modern BB and suspension just creates pedal strikes with these
Now can it pedal like the Ripley AF and izzo? In the short travel game, climbing ability is just as important as the head tube angle. Can't be a slug up the hill if you only got 140 going down. Those are two of the kings in the 3k market
Matthew,...Yes, absolutely, how can it climb. For me, a bikes climbing prowess is the most important thing. All bikes go down the hill just fine, but it is the getting to the tops of the hills that matters the most. No one has to stop 5 times on the way down to catch their breath.
In my opinion, all MTB review channels have everything backwards. They should be focusing on how these bikes climb and handle flatish (undulating terrain) ground where 90% of a riders time is spent.
Also, I am only 5' 7"ish and love 175mm cranks. I dont want to ride anything shorter.
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 All depends on how your body is proportioned. I'm also 5'7" and longer torso, so 170 is generally my go to.
Pedals circles around the Ripley AF. I'm a dealer with quite a bit of time on both, as well as 3 other brands. The AF is one of the slower pedaling bikes in the segment.
@@shadowbannedforspeakingtru1436 The reason we focus on DH handling is because that is what 99% of riders that come into a store care about. Hardly anyone cares about the 2 hour grind up. It's the 15 minutes down that matters. Also keep in mind that testing shows the difference between a "slow" pedaling bike and a "fast" pedaling bike is less than 2 minutes per hour. Just about every one will care more about the handling than that little bit of difference in climbing.
@@thenewfire ,....That is interesting that you say that as so many claim that the Ripley's are really good peddlers.
I am the exact opposite. I could care less about a the second or two difference getting down a hill, but the couple to several minute difference going up and the extra difficulty of the process is what matters to me.
I have several bikes and understand how each bike is different in how much effort it takes to get to the top as well as through the whole 20-miles or so ride. The vast majority of a bike ride in not going downhill and even less of that is the couple of seconds of the gnarliest parts of a downhill.
So, to me is seems that most riders are putting all their emphasis on 5% of the ride and forgetting about the other 95% where all the difficulty is. Anyway, thanks for your response, I appreciate it.
Great review! I'd love to hear how this would compare to the Ibis Ripmo. Very similar geometry but the Ripmo gets more travel.
$4500 for a nicely spec’d AL frame bike is pretty good deal. Norco did a good job with the Welds from the pics on there website. Usually AL bikes will have large ugly welds. Curious to see what the welds look like in person
They grind down the welds for a smooth finish. At least they did on the old one. Certainly looks like they did the same on the new model from this video.
Had quite a few people assume my 2019 fluid was carbon.
@@ChewyWookiee that is a great idea and I wish more bike companies did that. Really makes the bike look way better. I sold my AL bike to buy the sane Carbon version because the welds were so ugly and distracting. Lol
they look very smooth in person.
What are it's limits? I'm not into big air, but enjoy riding steep tech. If I'm ripping down rocky stuff is that rear shock going to keep up? Or is it worth paying double and getting the shore?
This is the perfect beginner's bike! Can't believe the value you get for the price 😮
The top model he’s riding is way to much money to invest for a beginner.
@@nathanf1934 nahhhh everyone can just casually drop 5k on a brand new hobby right? ;) hahah yeah its pretty crazy for a new rider
@@Acrore for practicality I’d say $2500 with good “starter” parts is realistic 5 years ago but with the increase in demand and inflation $3k is the norm so to get the starter kit for $3k is within a budget for newbies with entry level quad piston brakes to keep them safe…
@@filicandadsjournal4221 100% agree thats seems to be the price where you can get something pretty darn good for what you pay, so like the fluid FS A4 at $2999.99 CAD within the same family of bikes
I think you misquoted the STA but chart shows it... Awesome footage, riding and insight about this bike
Love it dude!!
Putting this thing to work. Looks like it eats it all up 💨
Can confirm everything he said. I was gunna give up riding until I got this bike. Also, I couldn’t find anyone to go in halfsies with me on that Kona Process half price deal 😂
i actually really like norco saying that they aim to make bikes SAFE. nobody else uses that as a means of marketing or design. after all, safety is or should be everyone's number one priority right? I own the new norco range and I have to say, it really did make me feel quite safe overall. I didn't feel like i needed to change the way i rode to make the bike do the things I wanted to do, sure it took a bit more effort to pedal the 39lb bike sometimes but it was a very very safe feeling bike
I mean geometron do and have been for years
Underrated channel!
Thank you!!
I test rode a Sight 4 years ago, that was 130mm. Crazy how travel has crept up.
Finally, one more manufacturer has decided on even bigger bike sizes, I'm 205 cm tall, I'm currently riding a trek because only they produced xxl sizes and a geometry that suits me when comparing other bikes, I'm looking at Norco now just to get rid of the trek and I'm going to get the fluid right away, nice video greetings!!😜
Hey Loam, mate how would you compare the Fluid A1 to the new Fuel EX 8 gen 6? Here in Aus they are on sale for around the same price. Cheers 👍
Very interested in the A2 model. Looking to upgrade from my hard tail next season to my first full squish, and this will certainly be on my list!
So are we, I personally would choose the A2 as I'm a fan of Marzocchi suspension. We are gonna try to get the A4 from Norco to do a comparison on base model vs. Factory spec. -Sean
@@TheLoamWolf This is a great idea! I wish more magazines did this - it would make a decision on whether it's worth buying on a budget or saving for the better model.
@@TheLoamWolf do you think the differences in the A1 and A2 are worth the cost difference?
@@koreydeese890 I would argue not - if you have the money for the A1, then buy the A2 and get a better wheelset like DT Swiss.
We agree with Hambo on this one. We'd opt for the A2 and upgrade either the wheels or brakes. That said, the A1 is still a killer deal of a package for the price, and needs hardly any changes.
Hey, I am looking at buying a pnw loam dropper post… what are y’all’s thoughts on it and do you think it can keep up with a dropper like the fox transfer? Love the videos, keep up the good work👍🏼
The Loam Dropper is a solid post, we've never had any issues the posts themselves but we have had one thumb pad fall off the lever. Could of been a fluke issue. We have had a number of Transfer posts start sticking though, requiring a little manual pull on the saddle.
The cool thing going the PNW route is that your supporting a relatively small, rider owned business...and the their customer support is top notch.
SDG Tellis is another cool smaller brand that make an affordable and reliable post.
I just buy the fsa4, the only upgrade i make was brakes rotors from tektros180mm to 203mm(sram centerline) and the tektro 4pot brakes feel way better, love this bike
How much this weights?
Brothers, splendid video, the bike is beautiful, about TRP brakes, we spoke in the comments a while ago about TRP DHR EVO, I bought them and absolutely LOVE THEM, paired with just the regular Sram 200mm rotor THE POWER is INSANE!!! May be the best MTB brake, is Trickstuff Maxima better? My issue is though, I need a second set of DHR EVO and it seems like they disappeared from bike-discount and bike24 a while ago and hasn't returned, what's up with that, do you know anything, can you buy them easily in the US?
Thank you! Glad you enjoy them. We have met a dozen people on the trail who have also bought TRPs after watching our vids and all love them too!
Sadly I don’t know much about the inventory, but wish you luck and leave an update if you find a set for other riders in need. Perhaps try calling the US office?
@@TheLoamWolf Will do! I'll write them an email.
Love this bike! I have the 2021
Does anybody have any idea on the weight savings from M-L since they use a different tube set? I currently am riding a Commencal and that thing is more burly than I really need at 135 lbs.
Sweet bike welds look nice and polished great color on it too
Looks even better in person!
The 2023 fluid FS seems to have stretched things out a bit from the previous year - the 2021 medium felt a bit cramped and the large a tad long for my needs . The 2023 medium has 10 mm more reach and a 15 mm longer top tube so it might work for me. The A2 spec hits the right balance of components and value I think vs. the A1 which is probably over-kill for me. I wish they offered the A2 in that awesome green colour though - I'm almost willing to spend the extra money for that green alone.
Norco is really offering amazing value compared with other manufacturers, on paper at least. I'm debating the Fluid FS vs the Orbea Occam - the Occam is a sweet bike but comes with lower-end hardware for the same price, no longer a true budget option in North America.
The occam is great but has some reliability issues. It's a stiffer feeling bike as well.
@stephangauthier911 I ended up buying the Occam Orbea H30. The Norco was great on paper but riding it felt heavy and a bit dead to me. The occam was more playful, smooth, and the fit just felt right.
Funny you mention the reliability though. Within the first 3 weeks I had a problem with my rear freehub sticking. The LBS looked at it and determined it had started to rust inside!! They cleaned and regreased it and it's better.
I looked into it online and a few other people reported the same issue, with the hub eventually needing replacing. Apparently Orbea switched suppliers due to parts shortages and switched from a Shimano hub to a cheaper knockoff that seems less durable.
I've also had issues with the locking nut on the drive-side rear pivot not staying on. The threaded axle pin keeps everything in place, but when the rear wheel is removed it will just pop off which is frustrating.
Lastly, my front brake caliper (MT201) started leaking fluid and contaminated my pads. I upgraded the brakes anyway to MT6120 so not a big deal.
Overall I love the feeling of the Occam but having multiple small issues within weeks of buying it is not a good look.
@@jasons407 I have an occam. I've had problems with the hubs, even with a replacement, pivot bearings, dropper post, rear shoc amd yes, the brakes are weak. It always feels stiff no matter the setup (air and spacers). I ride old school techy and punchy trails and I cant stand the occam anymore after 2 seasons with it. It has its plusses but it never worked super well for me.
@@stephangauthier911 Sorry to hear that. It's the opposite for me suspension-wise - it feels nice and plush which was a major factor in my decision to buy it over the Norco which felt much stiffer to me. I really love the feeling of the Marzocchi fork and the Fox float rear shock over the rocky sections of trail around my area.
I assume you've had the shocks tuned? There's a fair bit of fiddling that can be done, but it sounds like yours might have too much air and the rebound set too quick? Might be worth finding someone that specialises in tuning suspensions.
@@jasons407 I might have a defective dps. Sometimes it acts right, but most of the time it packs. And yes I've played with air pressures and rebounds and volume reducers plenty in the past 2 years. Even the shifting performance is affected.
I'm down to two bike to pick now Norco fs A2 and the Polygon siskiu T8.
I'm intermediate and this going to be my first dual suspension bike.
I can go to to the shop and order the Norco and Polygon is online only and it's about $500 aud cheaper than the fluid fs2.
I love the norco looks but Polygon value for the money it can't be ignored too.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Great review👍🙏
Both excellent choices. In our opinion, the Fluid suspension platform is slightly better than that of the siskiu. Spec on both are fairly similar simialr, but id have to give the edge to the Norco, slightly better brakes, wheels, shock, etc. And as an added bonus if you went the norco route, you'd be supporting a LBS.
Absolutely, that's my other consideration too support lbs. And if go with norco is very convenient aswell for if anythings goes wrong or warranty porpuses.
Thanks for the input looking forward on your next review👌👍 will subscribe now.
I'm just about to pull the trigger on the fs2, I have look over online about the rear shock if its have lock out, can't really find info about it other than open firm lever. The fs1 is performance elite and the fs2 performance x are not much different between the two?. I'll be using the bike for commute occasionally. I wonder if it's going too bouncy.
My lbs don't have it in stock has to order it in.
Sick bike ⚖️🚲✨
Can you make a Review of Raaw bicycles Madonna v2.2 Please
Is this not the 2023 model? Great video though, I've always thought there Norco Fluid is an underrated bike, this new model proves that even more.
Yes it's the 2023. That being said, they never made a 2022 version and considering it's not even 2023 yet, bike year models are a joke
I bought the 2018 fluid fs when it just came out and i have never been more disappointed in a bike...took the hit and traded in on a 2020 scott spark rc 900 and its far more capable with a much more confidence inspiring geometry
Did that version have different geo than this one?
Severely different. You can compare the numbers yourself if you want. Here's the 2018 Fluid page: www.norco.com/bike-archives/2018/fluid-fs-1-plus/
There have been two models since the one i had, and im sure the new ones are better but that one experience was enough to put me off the brand completely
The 2018 version was quite outdated. 2019 and newer are a lot better
Bike insights, if they have the geometry of both, makes it easier to compare geo.
Looks like a sweet bike for that kind of money!
This bike is sick
Awesome
What trail you riding Loam?
Tiddlywinks / Upper Funner
@@TheLoamWolf Loved it. You make it look easier than I do!
Climbing performance compared to some other great downcountry climbing bikes and weight of the A1 spec test bike?
Been looking for a bike in this category and am having a hard time figuring out what to go with. I'm 6', 215lbs and have looked at YT Izzo, Fezzari La Sal, Rocky Mtn Element. Stumpjumper, Top Fuel, etc. Most of my local trails in NE TN are more XC than long downhill sections so I'd like a more rocket style climber, still some downhill capability.
Which one do you like the most?
The Fluid A1 weighs in right around the 34lbs mark (large) and isn't much of a rocket climber, but it's not bad either. I prefer climbing the Fluid more than the recently reviewed Spectral 125. We'll get our Downcountry tester on it as soon as possible to get his thoughts on bike for the long-term review. -Sean
This or the Canyon Spectral 125?
Dang... Tough call but I'd probably pick this.
@@TheLoamWolf Big call! I wish they'd have sent the A2 or even A3 to see if the lower end models stand up to scrutiny too.
We actually did get an A3 for our sub-3k group test we are working on, so stay tuned and we might just answer that.
can you put a motor on it
what does it weigh
Our large weighs at 34lbs.
@@TheLoamWolf Ouch, 34lbs is pretty heavy for a $5600 bike, it seems mountain bikes are getting heavier unless you spend half a fortune on a flash one, 34lbs is about the same weight as my 2019 norco fluid fs1 that I picked up for $2500 second hand, but I changed the tyres, went back to an 11 speed, put a fixed seatpost with a quick release, and now it weighs 29.7lbs with pedals but without sealant.
How does it climb ?
Really well, I got to do a demo day on the new fluids and I'm a pretty crap climber (All about shuttles ha ha) and really noticed it.
It's RAD !!!
I have the 2020 FS2 but there is no mention of it on the ride aligned page, which is a little disappointing.
The 2020 model wasn't designed with RADS in mind, which is why it's not there. This model Fluid is the first to use the system.
All this tuning and geometry 'gineering
Yet the crank arm length are all the same for every sizes
YT Izzo vs. Norco Fluide..
The new fluid is so similar to the optic it's weird.. maybe norco is going to kill the optic off ?
There does seem to be a bit of shifting going on in their lineup, only time will tell as to what happens to the Optic
You guys test the bikes on an asphalted, bike parkish trail. This tells nothing about its behaviour in techy terrain.
We live in an extremely volcanic area with tons of rock, jank and tech and ride all the bikes we test in a wide variety of terrain. The bikes get ridden more than what is shown in a short video like this.
affordable and 4000...uhuh
Fluid starts at 26 or 2900, obviously not the test bike but they always send high end unit to testers so viewers see that exact model and want that exact model. I think they went way above and beyond with different tube diameter different size bikes and different seat part angles and chain stays for different size bikes. This is what the sport needs to grow get more people involved and for a family buying bikes for kids that grow like weeds this is spot on.
@@richardseller3733 copium at its finest
We would say that $2,700 is pretty affordable for a performance dual suspension mountain bike. Mmhmmm.
I bought the FS1 last year for $3800 Australian. I’m buying the the Sight A1 for $7k Australian. So yeah affordable compared to high end bikes.
@@jules9094 yeah but now the lowest spec with x fusion will be 3800aud. That's a $1200aud price hike. Which is almost 50% extra. That's ridiculous.
I really think the MTB industry will suffer over the next 12 months. Too much price gouging going on.
first
ONe of the worst bike reviews I've seen. 100% junk info. 0% how does the bike ride.
Well it's not a review, so there's that. Our Dissected Videos are filmed to coincide with the launches of new bikes/products and only have a ride or two on the products that we can share first impressions. Our long term reviews usually come out months later after we've had ample time on them. This bike just didn't get a follow up video, but has a written review here: theloamwolf.com/2022/11/15/review-norco-fluid-fs-a1/
@@TheLoamWolf The title of the video is "2022 Norco Fluid Review - Full Mountian Bike Performance Breakdown". Maybe label your videos more accurately....
honestly, i hate these kind of videos. i know its sponsored but i think it just takes it too far into commercial territory. you are talking about a "budget" bike and how they invested so much into it and you are riding the top spec one. trp brakes dont come on that "affordable" bike nor does 34 factory fork. it comes close to similar bikes in the category. it looks nice but its nothing groundbraking. specialized with theyr status 160 got much better specsheet in a similar price with a much more capable bike, not a single commercial was done for it. bike is mostly sold out all the time.
Isn't specialized a much bigger brand than Norco?
@@Chris-de2qc isnt Norco much bigger brand than Vitus?
We’ll if you don’t like the vid why bother watching? Specialized, you mean Merida…
Its a worrying sign that a $5600 bike is considered a budget bike these days, buying second hand seems to be the way to go now, when I brought my 2019 norco fluid fs1 it was about a year and a half old, it was in great condition, and it only cost $2500, I put my custom wheels from my previous bike on it, and a few other tweaks, and now it weighs 13.5kg with pedals but without sealant, its super capable, and I can still keep up with my friends on their more expensive enduro bikes.
Norco had stepped up their game lately and I just happened to notice that starting with thier Chromoly hardtail Torrent. I loved it soo much that I end up getting the 2019 purple Torrent and the just recent bike of the year Range that I fully custom built with my mech friend. I saw this new Torrent last week at whistler and man same feeling. Soon I’d be owning one lol.