A lot of trail bike at a fair price - Norco developed the current Fluid models according to this motto. In order not to go beyond the price range despite the high-tech, the Canadians rely exclusively on aluminium for the frame material. The cheapest model is available from 2799 euros. The price of our Norco Fluid FS A1 test bike, at 4999 euros, marks the upper end of the scale.
The Norco Fluid provides an initial USP with its size-specific geometry. The chainstays grow in five millimetre increments with the frame size from S to XXL. But that's not all: the seat angle has also been optimised for each frame size. This means that bikers of all sizes can enjoy a perfectly balanced geometry.
Our test crew also liked the riding position straight away. The combination of a steep seat angle, long reach and short stem places the rider comfortably upright and centred on the bike.
On technical climbs, we were impressed by the high-traction suspension and intuitive handling. The only drawback: on long tours, the high weight and the lively rear end are annoying. However, if you switch to the easy-to-reach platform, things quickly calm down.
When the gradient turns into a descent, the high front end with the short stem exudes a lot of confidence. Technical downhill sections are the Fluid's speciality. The suspension works at the highest level and feels more potent than the 130 millimetres at the rear would suggest.
The balanced geometry also perfectly harmonises smoothness and playfulness. Also good: The TRP brakes with a large front disc always bring the fluid reliably to a standstill, even at full speed.
Conclusion Test Norco Fluid:
The Norco Fluid scores with its balanced handling and excellent suspension, especially on demanding trail tours. Unfortunately, it is too heavy for sporty use. - Max Fuchs, test editor
Technical data and notes Norco Fluid FS A1
Manufacturer information
- Price: 4999 Euro
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S, M,L, XL, XXL(tested size L, 40 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.46 kg
- Frame weight without shock absorber. 3671 g
- Weight of wheels: 5325 g
- Handlebar width: 810 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory Fit Grip2
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Front / rear suspension travel: 141/129 mm
- Crank: Praxisworks Cadet
- Gear system: Shimano XT 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): TRP Trail Evo / 203 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: SDG Tellis / 170 mm / 34.9 mm
- Wheels: Stans No Tubes Flow S2
- Tyres: Vittoria Mazza Trail Graphene 2.0 29 x 2.40; Vittoria Martello Trail Graphene 2.0 29 x 2.35
- Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test rating*: very good - 190 out of 250 points
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Max Fuchs
Editor
