NORCO FLUID FS 1

RATINGS

IN THE STAND

8/10

ON THE TRAIL

7/10

OVER ALL

7.5/10

New bike models are typically released with a boatload of hype, schmick video edits of pro riders tearing up the trails and a coordinated media launch. With this the media is swooned at some dreamy alpine venue where they get to ride a highend carbon model, dripping with the best gear available - it’s all geared to ensure the best possible write-ups.

The launch of the new Norco Fluid FS was a little different. Sure, there was a brief 'shred-it' from Jill Kintner but for the most-part the release was a pretty low-key affair. While the Fluid is more of an update than a entirely new model, it’s so different to its predecessor that it may as well be a band new platform. The comparative lack of fanfare may also be due to the bike’s standing in Norco’s hierarchy. Unlike the Range, Sight and Optic, the Fluid is a no-frills alloy-only model, a comparatively affordable bike that’s designed to get the job done without sending you bankrupt.

Sure, we were testing