TESTED: 2022 Norco Fluid FS A1 VLT e bike review by AMB Magazine
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- Norco's 2022 series of e-bikes use the new Shimano EP8 motor, and Norco used the smaller, lighter, more powerful and more efficient motor to optimise the design on all of the models. Instead of bolting the EP8 into the existing eMTB models, Norco engineers chose to rotate the motor counter clockwise, shifting the unit backwards and upwards, but letting the battery sit low in the frame. This also meant it can be fitted and removed from the base of the down tube while keeping the down tube complete for nearly the entire length, aiding strength, stiffness and the overall handling of the bikes.
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Our 2022 Norco Sight VLT C2 review is right here:
• TESTED: 2022 Norco Sig...
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With a change to a horizontal suspension linkage with the Horst Link design, Norco opened up more of the main triangle for water bottle and spares storage. Less anti-squat was designed into the dual suspension system, as the need to have less pedal bob is reduced when riding with the help of the Shimano EP8 power plant. The huge down tube will swallow three different battery sizes, and Norco have opted to sell the bikes without a battery so you can choose what size suits your needs the best at the dealer. With 540Wh, 720Wh and a gigantic 900Wh to choose from, you can really customise your ride. There's a $200 difference between each battery size, but about 600g as well. There's a little multitool built into the base of the frame, so if you did purchase and carry a second battery - the 6mm tool is right at hand.
The Fluid FS VLT A1 is the top bike in the 2-bike Fluid FS series. While the Fluid FS shares the same Shimano EP8 motor and battery options as the Range VLT and Sight VLT, it has an ever so slightly more upright geometry and shorter reach to match a trail riding market. As such, travel is 140mm up front and 130mm in the rear, with a simpler build than most of the Range VLT or Sight VLT models. The Fluid FS VLT A2 sells for $7799 with the 540Wh battery, we were sent the $8199 priced model with the 900Wh battery inside. The A2 sells for about $800 less but the parts kit does diminish - although the frame remains the same.
The 29er Fluid FS VLT A1 is well-priced, and would be duking it out with bikes like the Merida eOne-Forty 700 on the shop floor. At $7999, the Merida has mixed wheel sizing and a slightly higher spec group set and a fork with more adjustments for spring rate. But, bikes should be bought on how they ride, not just the spec sheet!
The Fluid FS VLT A1 might be the more entry level bike in the range, but it still looks like a big battle ship ready to hit the trail. The design aesthetic and suspension layout is just the same as the Sight VLT and Range VLT, however the frames on the Fluid FS VLT are different. The reach is shorter at 470mm on the large I had on test, and this is paired with a slightly longer 50mm stem. The head angle is a 'steeper' 65 degrees, while the seat angle is 76.2 degrees. The chain stays stay are still the same 462mm across all four sizes. While there are two mounts on the down tube, you can only fit a bottle cage on the lower mount - the top will need to be for an accessory mount.
Click through the intro details on the timestamps for the review of 2022 Norco Fluid FS VLT A1
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0:00 - Introduction
0:29 - Details on the 2022 Norco VLT line up
0:48 - Buy your bike, choose your battery. Pricing and capacity options
1:24 - All about the 10 bikes in the Norco VLT range
2:25 - Shimano EP8, the beating heart of Norco VLT eMTBs
2:53 - Motor orientation, battery removal and the design advantages
3:57 - Adjusting the Shimano EP8 modes with the e-Tube app
5:01 - Key parts specification across the models
5:41 - Size options and water bottle capacity
6:03 - Updated suspension layout
6:35 - REVIEW of the 2022 Norco Fluid FS VLT A1
6:51 - Pricing on the 2022 Norco Fluid FS VLT bikes
7:39 - Geometry on the Fluid FS VLT A1, and the benefits
9:07 - Bike weight and use on the trail
9:44 - Components on the Fluid FS VLT A1
12:15 - Suspension spec on the Fluid FS VLT A1
13:31 - Using the Ride Aligned App for setup
14:55 - How the Fluid FS VLT A1 rides
16:40 - Advantages of a long chain stay on an eMTB
18:21 - Our take on the 2022 Norco Fluid FS VLT A1 eMTB
19:17 - A couple of downsides on the parts spec
21:38 - A surprise package with one consideration
For more eMTB reviews head to our website:
www.ambmag.com.au/emtb - Sport
Great review detailing Norco's Fluid VLT A1 bike. I find that Norco is quite an innovative company having recently read that they redesigned their frame when creating the VLT lineup and for better ground clearance and more secure battery housing and ease of removal. Then there is their technology leading Ride Aligned Design System to create rider-first geometry and precision suspension kinematics; really love that. Back to the battery, so convenient that they offer such a larger battery option. Finishing, I like the packaging of each model lineup which includes having two available tiers of components, depending on your purpose or budget... smart idea. Got my eye on an A1 spec. Fluid or Sight which is more than good enough for me. 👍
Great review, concise and informative. Appreciate the honesty.
Great Review. So informative and covers everything. Keep up the great work.!
Thanks for the feedback Dean.
Another great review. Love your work guys!
We're glad you liked it Simon - thanks!
Great review. We just ordered two (his & her models). The more affordable price compared to Slight or the Specialized Levo Alloy Comp made it possible to get two. And frankly, I liked the Norco Fluid better than the Levo Alloy Comp riding in the parking lot and off the curbs. I did go for a brake upgrade as I felt the brakes just didn't have the quick stopping power I'm used to. As someone who is not going to be jumping or doing super technical trails because of injuries I have I think the bike is great and I'm looking forward to hitting the trails again after being off bikes for two years do to permanent injuries and respiratory problems.
That looked like ironbark trails. Nice and thorough review. Thanks
Good eye for detail! Ironbark trails for any GoPro, the rest at Gap Creek. Glad you found the review useful.
Thanks for this review. Great help.
No worries - we're glad you found it helpful!
Great review, thanks! Just curious now that it's been a year, is there a spring upgrade for this fork yet? I am 210 lbs and wondering if I'd need to beef up the fork?
Nothing we have seen. You could investigate a damper upgrade to get some compression damping. But the best upgrade would be a new fork - which would transform the bike.
@@Australianmountainbike I appreciate the quick reply! I'm in the USA and am comparing this bike to the Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 SL. I can get the Cube for another $1000,so if I'd need to replace the fork on this VLT at my weight, maybe better off going with Cube? What do you think?
@@TonyDL The Cube would be good. It's lighter and has some better parts throughout. But, the Fluid is a great bike, it would be totally different with a better fork, and more capable than you'd think.
How tall are you and what size bike are you using with the fluid
178cm, on a large
I do 50% technical climbs and trials passagges, 50% medium enduro trails (max drop 70cm)...which you can raccomend me beetween Fluid and Sight? I have to buy one but dont know which is better for my skills.. 1500euro price difference would send me to fluid. What do you think?
The Sight, you will end up with a better parts spec which will suit your riding more, specifically around the suspension adjustability.
@@Australianmountainbike thank you very much. I was struggling because of the long wheel base of the Sight. I feel 1250 mm Fluid Wb could be better in 90 cornering and tech trials passagges...isn't it?
I am very close to buying. I am in western Canada FY 22 are On sales. This is what I have narrowed it down 2022 Norco fluid A1 with 9000w battery $6200 CDN taxes included vs Cube 2022 Stereo 160 HPC Race E625 $7600 with tax. Any opinions? Let me decide guys?
They're very different bikes in their handling and travel. Norco with a different fork would be awesome, but the Cube is a longer travel bike, if that's what you're after.
I am in Western Canada as well and considering this bike on sale like you. Did you get anything?
That's a lot of money for a bike without air spring fork. Too bad about the fork.