Carbon or Aluminum? Which Norco Fluid Would We Pick? Fluid FS C Review

#mtb #loamwolf
We’ve had a good time ripping around on our Norco Fluid FS Carbon review bike, and now we’re ready to share our thoughts and impressions on this 130mm travel trail bike. Last year, Norco made some serious waves when they released their completely redesigned and feature-packed Fluid FS Alloy line of bikes. Following the success of the Fluid Alloy and seeking to bring the design, engineering and other elements that made the Fluid FS Alloy an award-winning bike from many media outlets, Norco upped the ante, and yes, the MSRP, on the Fluid Carbon. Let’s dive in.

Check out the full written review here:

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00:00 Introduction
01:01 Tech & Features
05:30 Geometry
06:50 Ride Impressions
09:25 Spec Hits and Misses
12:20 Final Thoughts
18:23 Alloy or Carbon?

#mountainbiking #mountainbike #enduromtb #bike #norcobikes

[TroyHudson-md]

The Fluid A2 is one of the best-valued trail bikes out there. We sell so many to people looking to get into the world of MTB without breaking the bank. The part spec is absolutely mint. Geo is still progressive and very capable in most terrain.

[JenkinsB]

It would be cool to see riders of your caliber and in your area's terrain put together a 130-120/120 travel bike test or downcountry test (Ranger, Trail 429, Spur, Top Fuel, Scalpel SE, etc.). Those style bikes fit a ton of riders' local trails and finding that balance of incredible pedaling with unexpected descending is what a lot of us are looking for. I realize there are similar tests out there but they have not been conducted by the wolves😉

[andreasm]

I wanted the fluid but I couldn't resist the price I got on the Norco Optic C2 2023 from my local dealer @ $3499.00

[greenhill]

Big Fluid fan here!! Thank you for the thoughtful review. I was lucky enough to snag a fluid A1 this past summer (love the green!). Absolutely love it and couldn't be happier! Keep it up

[invisibleazn]

I have the previous gen of the Fluid AL and absolutely love it. Was my first proper mtb bike. I have since moved on to carbon frame but I still love my fluid and don't intend to ever part with it. It has so much good stuff that I didn't even know about at the time of purchase. I just thought it looked cool and was in my price range. I had no idea what UDH, Boost standards, threaded bottom brackets were at the time. lucky for me it had all of those standards even in the previous gen. Was easy and worth upgrading. Highly recommend to anyone.

[paulthompson]

Your reviews are always great. I love your unbias approach. I have the previous version Fluid FS that has since been modded to the hilt. Carbon wheels, barzo tires, a Lyrik fork, shorter cranks, bigger rotor up front, and, and and... turned the bike into a fun and playful machine. I do find the short wheelbase (size M) makes the bike a hand full on the downs, especially so on chunky stuff. On single track it is super maneuverable and easy to get around obstacles and tight switchbacks. It's fast in these conditions. Compared to my Alchemy Arktos 140, the Fluid is the choice for climbs and single track. The Arktos is for just about everything else. I'd love to hear your review of the Arktos.

[bimmerfan]

I'm sure the Optic is going away after this year with the intro of this Fluid but it would be cool to see a comparison of these two bikes from Norco.

[russgordon]

I'd love to try this bike or preferably the Al version. However, Norco bikes are hard to find in my area and the shops carrying Norco have very limited stock and sizes. I did try a medium at a local shop and it was too small. There's a fairly big jump in reach for the large size that I'd have to try out for fit. I'm interested in the Izzo which I suspect would climb better but not be as confident going down rougher stuff. Keep up the great content. Really appreciate it!

[topchoice]

Let me just say after reviewing this bike online and seeing everything that this bike has and is I have to make another decision about this bike and I totally agree with Drew that the value just isn’t there compared to the aluminum version and it’s not worth the price tag and again we’re almost at 100k let’s keep up the good work

[marksandoval]

I think the geometry of the Fluid, 77* STA, 65* HTA, is near perfect for all-around trail riding. However, I think a bike with more travel like the 150/160 Stumpy Evo, which has similar geo, would make more sense for most riders. Once you get past 120mm rear travel Downcountry-ish bikes, you might as well go for longer 150mm rear travel.

[jgwheels]

The G2 brakes came on my Tallboy. Not a fan, but a cleaning and lube of the pistons made a big difference. I had several pistons not even extending, therefore the lack of power.

[fatbikedad]

Still stoked on getting an A2 for my son at 2499 CANADIAN (on sale) after watching your last review. Thanks!

[joshuaallswang]

Alloy all day!💯 Perfer compliance and a much much more durable bike.

[E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

How did it compare to the YT izzo u guys reviewed few moons ago.😮

[briannyob]

I have a Sight A1, the Fluid's big brother. I don’t know if this applies to the Fluid, but i suspect it does: the A1 is lighter, cheaper, and better equipped than the C2.

[sebastienpleau]

For now the Optic is in BIG sale in every bike shop.. so personally i wouldn’t buy the fluid carbon$..
Btw I really like the value segment!

[DJH]

I would be interested in a comparison against the TR smuggler, they seem to share some similarities

[Ryland_]

"...Lets you know it's a 130..."
My apologies, but I'm not experienced enough to catch on to exactly what you mean by this.
It was mentioned at least a few times so I figure its a potential deal-breaker and something to be aware of.

Also, how would you compare it to the polygon siskiu T8 that you reviewed?
If it helps, I'm not yet jumping or doing big drops, almost 50, so I can't see myself progressing much In that department anyway. 😆
I much prefer tech/natural, playful trail riding over smooth, flow and super fast downhill.


Thanks for your help.

[giorgiosarriccchio]

what brakes would you say are best for someone out on advanced red and black trails?

[eriksdodges]

Awesome bike! ... but calling horse shit on the weight difference vs aluminum. Nobody is feeling a 1lb difference, 5lb in full effect!