![]() ![]() This more proportional approach means tall riders don’t end up with their weight severely biased to the rear wheel, something that could prove uncomfortable on long climbs, or even prohibitive on steeper, more technical climbs. Note very short seat tubes that give a low standover height, and allow for long travel dropper posts Similarly, the effective seat tube angle ranges from 76° in Small, increasing to 77° on the XL. Rear-center lengths range from 425mm in Small, increasing in 5mm increments to 440mm in XL. Key geometry numbers include a 65° head angle paired with a 140mm travel, 44mm offset fork, a 30mm bottom bracket drop, and a reach of 480mm in a size large. We are told, “Through precise layup schedules and a refined construction process, the carbon frames provide strength and stiffness tuned specifically for every rider on every frame size”. The brand is also tuning the carbon layup, making it frame size-specific, too. Norco say the Fluid FS Carbon XL will fit riders up to 6ft 4″ taller riders should turn to the Fluid FS Alloy for an XXL option. Keeping with their Ride Aligned Design Philosophy, the Fluid FS Carbon sees frame size-specific rear-center lengths and effective seat tube angles, but Norco take this tailored approach one step further with the new carbon front triangle. Poring over geometry charts, the Norco Fluid FS Carbon is entirely equivalent to the Norco Fluid FS Alloy at every single parameter measured. Fluid FS Carbon Frame Weight: 2800g for a size Large without rear shock ( claimed).Frame Construction: Carbon Front Triangle, 6061 Aluminum Chainstays and Seat Stays.Here, we have all the details on this new do-it-all trail bike, with full spec lists for the frameset and three complete builds launching today. Notable is the absence of the XXL frame size the Fluid FS Carbon is only available in sizes S-XL. The Fluid FS Carbon holds onto a 6061 aluminum rear-end with the now-obligatory UDH hanger-less interface for Transmission compatibility, but the use of a carbon front triangle saves around 600 grams over the complete aluminum frame, a 17% weight reduction. The Canadian brand’s aim was to maintain the ride feel of the acclaimed Fluid FS Alloy bike, with the same proven geometry and suspension kinematic, but in a lighter package for the more weight-conscious trail rider. It can also be tricky to get the Fluid FS working well over rough repeated hits or on steep off-piste trails.Norco has introduced a lighter, carbon version of its 130mm all-rounder trail bike the Norco Fluid FS Carbon. This energy sometimes builds to the extent that it’s a bit of a runaway train though, making it harder to manoeuvre though tighter sections at speed, unless you give it some body English. Point it down and the Norco builds up a real head of steam, holding its pace well on smoother, flowy, trail-centre-type tracks. The long, stable chassis puts you in a good position for the descents and there are no handling quirks to panic you or deflect the wheels at higher speeds. The chunky wheels and tyres are hard to get rolling though, and feel dull when accelerating, which demands more effort uphill and can make things feel like a bit of a slog, especially up steep pitches or when continually changing speed over knobbly ground. Having a massive 11-50t, 12-speed SRAM Eagle cassette means there’s enough gearing range to get up most things and, along with the supportive rear suspension, ensures the Fluid FS is comfortable tackling big climbs. Norco has got the seated climbing position dialled, with feet and hips over the cranks. While the Suntour XCR fork looks the part, it’s lacking in sophistication and control. ![]() ![]() While the 180mm front and 160mm rear brake rotors are on the small side for a 29er, the Tektro stoppers actually provide decent power and the big lever blades are a comfortable shape in the hand. While the 02 Pro R shock has a rebound dial and just about enough damping headroom to open up for some fluidity, the 130mm-travel, 34mm-legged XCR fork feels sticky, overdamped and slow to return after hits, even when run fully open. The suspension is a mix of Suntour (front) and X-Fusion (rear) kit. The WTB i29 rims are nice and tough, and mated to own-brand hubs, but the wheel package feels heavy and slow to get rolling from a standstill or to push uphill. They’re pretty planted in the dry though, and roll fast too. They’re made from the brand’s ‘Premium’ rubber blend, which is a little hard and plasticky, so grip isn’t the best in the wet or mud. Mick KIrkman Norco Fluid FS 3 kitĪt 2.6in, the chunky Goodyear Escape tyres were the fattest on test, up against the Marin Hawk Hill 1, Vitus Mythique 29 VRS and Calibre Triple B. ![]() The Fluid FS’s frame is bang-up-to-date, with a progressive shape and good sizing. ![]()
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