First look: 2019 Norco Fluid FS
We’re big fans of Canadian brand Norco here at MBA. The bikes are thoughtfully specced, well built and priced right, and the return of the full-susser Fluid is a great case in point.
Built around a 120mm four-bar alloy dual suspension chassis, the Fluid FS is quite a bit longer (more than 60mm) in the wheelbase and lower than the 110mm rear-travel Optic, and its 66.5-degree head angle (L size) is a degree and a half slacker, too.
These numbers – which also include a relatively short seat tube and a long reach - point to a bike that will be an absolute hoot on fast, flowing trails, but shouldn’t give much away in the tighter stuff save for a bit of crank clearance.
Only available in aluminium, Norco will sell the Fluid in three grades (plus a women’s version of the entry level FS3) with two wheel sizes. XS, S and M frames will come equipped with 27.5-inch wheels with 2.6-inch wide tyres, while the M – along with the L and XL – can be had with 29-inch rims.
SRAM provides NX 11spd and Tektro supplies the brakeset for the entry level $2199 FS3 (below), along with a Rock Shox Recon RL 130mm Boost fork and Deluxe R rear shock, a TransX dropper and WTB rims with a 29mm internal diameter.
The $2799 FS2 (below) gets a Sektor RL fork, SRAM Level T brakes, and its Maxxis Forekaster tyres are high quality EXO, 3C and tubeless ready versions.
The $3199 FS1, meanwhile, (below) scores a Revelation RL fork with a Charger 2 damper, Guide T four-piston brakes and NX Eagle 12-speed.
All three get 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors, a threaded bottom bracket shell, Boost forks and rear end, and space for a single bottle cage.
More info: norco.com
