Norco Fluid FS Carbon Path Bike Goes 600g Lighter than Alloy Counterpart

Help us! Bikerumor might earn a small fee from affiliate hyperlinks on this article. Be taught Extra

Norco has launched a lighter, carbon model of its 130mm all-rounder path bike; the Norco Fluid FS Carbon. The Canadian model’s goal was to take care of the experience really feel of the acclaimed Fluid FS Alloy bike, with the identical confirmed geometry and suspension kinematic, however in a lighter bundle for the extra weight-conscious path rider.

The Fluid FS Carbon holds onto a 6061 aluminum rear-end with the now-obligatory UDH hanger-less interface for Transmission compatibility, however the usage of a carbon entrance triangle saves round 600 grams over the whole aluminum body, a 17% weight discount. Notable is the absence of the XXL body dimension; the Fluid FS Carbon is simply accessible in sizes S-XL.

Right here, we now have all the main points on this new do-it-all path bike, with full spec lists for the frameset and three full builds launching at this time.

2023 Norco Fluid FS Carbon

Intention: Path Driving
Fork Journey: 140mm
Rear Wheel Journey: 130mm
Body Development: Carbon Entrance Triangle, 6061 Aluminum Chainstays and Seat Stays
Fluid FS Carbon Body Weight: 2800g for a dimension Giant with out rear shock (claimed)
Wheel Measurement: 29″ Solely
Measurement Availability: S-XL
Beginning Value: $4,099 USD // $5,199 CAD (C3 Mannequin)

Poring over geometry charts, the Norco Fluid FS Carbon is totally equal to the Norco Fluid FS Alloy at each single parameter measured. Preserving with their Experience Aligned Design Philosophy, the Fluid FS Carbon sees body size-specific rear-center lengths and efficient seat tube angles, however Norco take this tailor-made strategy one step additional with the brand new carbon entrance triangle.

2023 norco fluid fs carbon mtb railing corner action shot — Norco say the Fluid FS Carbon XL will match riders as much as 6ft 4″; taller riders ought to flip to the Fluid FS Alloy for an XXL possibility.

The model can be tuning the carbon layup, making it body size-specific, too. We’re informed, “By means of exact layup schedules and a refined building course of, the carbon frames present power and stiffness tuned particularly for each rider on each body dimension”.

Key geometry numbers embody a 65° head angle paired with a 140mm journey, 44mm offset fork, a 30mm backside bracket drop, and a attain of 480mm in a dimension massive. Rear-center lengths vary from 425mm in Small, growing in 5mm increments to 440mm in XL. Equally, the efficient seat tube angle ranges from 76° in Small, growing to 77° on the XL.

Observe very brief seat tubes that give a low standover top, and permit for lengthy journey dropper posts

This extra proportional strategy means tall riders don’t find yourself with their weight severely biased to the rear wheel, one thing that might show uncomfortable on lengthy climbs, and even prohibitive on steeper, extra technical climbs. It’s not rocket science, nevertheless it does improve the price of manufacturing for producers, possible a significant component as to why we don’t see each model implement it.

norco fluid fs carbon 130mm travel horst-link four-bar layout

These conversant in the Norco line-up might marvel why the model presents two distinct bikes with such closely-matched journey and geometry figures. Certainly, the Norco Optic sees has many similarities with the Fluid FS Carbon; regardless of this, their intentions are fairly totally different.

On this, Norco says, “The Optic’s sharp focus has at all times been assured high-speed descending functionality with geometry, suspension curves, anti-squat and element spec centered on absolute readability at pace over difficult terrain. The Fluid FS Carbon, nonetheless, focuses on extra full, well-rounded efficiency path character with suspension and pedaling traits that guarantee confidence and effectivity over all kinds of terrain”.

2023 norco fluid fs carbon custom build of sponsored rider

With that mentioned, the three Norco Fluid FS Carbon builds detailed beneath shouldn’t go away anybody wanting too badly relating to descending, with long-travel droppers, custom-tuned piggyback-equipped shocks and 4-piston brakes seen all through the line-up.

Key Body Particulars:

SRAM UDH
2.6″ Most tire clearance
210mm x 50mm shock
Inside cable routing although entrance triangle
Exterior cable routing alongside stays
34.9mm inside seat tube diameter
All body sizes match 750ml bottle
Accent mount
Downtube and chainstay safety
73mm Threaded BSA Backside Bracket
3-Bolt ISCG for bash guard fitment

2023 norco fluid carbon frameset black chrome

Pricing & Availability

The Norco Fluid Carbon FS frameset that includes the RockShox Tremendous Deluxe Final air shock is simply accessible in Canada, with a retail worth of $3,299 CAD. The next construct choices can be found within the US and Canada, with no data but supplied concerning availability in different markets.