2020 Fluid FS Aluminum. Thoughtful design details such as internal cable routing and smooth welding allow for clean lines and a quiet, rattle-free ride.Component selection at all price points bring performance to every rider – no matter what their budget. ©

Drag is still low considering the level of cornering grip and the directional tread gives significantly more steerage than a square knob pattern when things get sloppy. The chunky tubes make it a hefty chassis but the same frame is used right through the Sight range and overall bike weights are competitive for the cost. A switch to Maxxis DHF tyres from Forekaster’s adds a bit of weight but a tougher carcass means you can properly play with the low pressure potential of the 2.6in width and wide rims. We’d definitely put bigger rotors on our ASAP upgrade list and better brakes overall would be a bonus.Norco always puts together a great spec package for the price and that’s certainly true of the Fluid FS 1. The bottom bracket is threaded for longevity and there’s plenty of room for the big lugs and fat carcass of the 29 x 2.6in Maxxis DHF tyres. New technology trickles down to lower price points every year, and we are now seeing 12-speed drivetrains and dropper posts in this price range. ... 2020 . An upgrade from The Fluid frame is unchanged for this year but that’s fine as it was already a cracking chassis. Like most websites, Norco.com uses cookies. ​ The Fluid FS uses Norco's holistic approach to fit, geometry and suspension kinematics to achieve its playfully, confident singletrack performance. More Info Like most websites, Norco.com uses cookies.

You’ll have to be really going some to unhook the DHFs though, they’re a lot less drifty than most 2.6in tyres and being able to drop to teen pressures has been great in treacherous early autumn conditions when expectations are still set to summer grip levels.It’s immediately obvious that the RockShox Select suspension pairing is synced in more than just name, too. What’s really impressive is that Norco does it on frames that are still well-shaped and really well made, right down to tough paintwork and accurate pivot/frame alignment for friction-free suspension action. Geometry is edging towards edgy with a sub-67-degree head angle and 470mm reach in the large and it’s low enough that you could size up if you wanted more stretch. It features kit that bikes several hundred pounds more expensive would be proud of. When you are on our site, you are agreeing to use our cookies. The reach is long, but not intimidatingly stretched when you’re weaving through tight tree lines. Yes, there are a lot of great options for the budget-conscious buyers. This allows more powerful pedaling, increased climbing traction and added grip and control when descending so you can confidently evolve your skills.The premium X6 double-butted aluminum frame features size-scaled tubing to maintain the same ride quality across all frame sizes. The bike we had last year lasted really well cosmetically too so the paint is on point.After we struggled to get the RockShox Revelation and Deluxe rear shock feeling fluid last year, the suspension change is a big deal. Norco Fluid FS 3 review Roomy 29er with the right angles for a 2020 bike The products mentioned in this article are selected or reviewed independently by our journalists. The ART suspension kinematic means it pedals smoothly, even if you’re lumping the pedals round on your last legs and we never missed having a compression firming ‘climb’ lever.The faster you go, the more the high-volume rubber, stiff frame and capable suspension come into their own, it doesn’t take long to develop a real bond of trust with the Fluid. Compare. Even at this low price point, the tubes are size specific to tune the ride, internal cable routing is neat and there’s a threaded bottom bracket for longevity. It’s lighter than the SRAM NX on last year's bike, too, particularly in the cassette which also helps boost suspension sensitivity. Burly frame tubes, high-volume, tough-carcass tyres, Bike Perfect is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It is 2019, and there is an increasing number of compelling hardtail mountain bikes in the $1,500-$2,000 price range. The previously poor suspension has now been sorted, but the brakes are lackingThe Norco Fluid 29er mountain bike looked awesome on paper in 2019, but constipated suspension meant early versions struggled on the trail.

The bottom bracket i… There’s none of the spike and choke of 2019 and bottom-out is well controlled, so you won’t get too punished if you forget it’s only a 130/120mm travel bike.While the weight takes some wattage to get moving out of corners, speed is sustained excellently due to the big tyres and more sensitive suspension, so you’re generally just topping up velocity rather than torquing from a standstill. Unfortunately for the Fluid HT 1, we feel you can do substantially better with other bikes at a similar price.