Norco Fluid One

[LeeLau]

http://www.nsmb.com/gear/gearshots21_04_06.php

I did the one for the Norco Fluid One.

It's a nice looking bike and I'm going to enjoy riding this. Basically it looks like a Turner 5-Spot which is what intrigued me. I had limited time on a 5-Spot so I can't really say if it compares

http://www.nsmb.com/images/gear/gs21/norco_fluid.jpg

More pictures

http://www.leelau.net/2006/norcofluidreview/03derailleurdropoutview.jpg

http://www.leelau.net/2006/norcofluidreview/05seattubeview.jpg

http://www.leelau.net/2006/norcofluidreview/07frontendview.jpg

Specs for the bike are here http://www.norco.com/ts/pass/templates/bike_model.php?lang=en&loc=fs&sloc=am&tabloc=1&id=fluidone&col=silver:

[LeeLau]

and before Rat and theGiggler ask; NO I'm not going to ride this down Circus with seat up, tires inflated to 50 PSI and full spandex.

[TylerDurden]

Well Norco sure took the long way round to arrive at the classic 4-bar walking beam design for those that don't want to huck. Oh well, better late that never.

Looks like a decent bike for sure this year, and I can't think of a tester more suited to this platform.

Thrash it up good Lee....we'll be looking forward to your write up down the trail....

[SubPlop]

When I tried that bike at the outdoor show it felt really nervous. Maybe it was just the skinny tires (compared to all the other bikes) but it wasn't exactly confidence inspiring. Keep in mind this is just a 2 minute demo around some lame demo track but that was my first impression.

[jonny.zee]

What are your 1st impressions of that saddle as far as comfort goes? I'm thinking of trying an SDG I-beam. They are super light.

P.S. I stared at the pic of your gleaming cassette for too long and my eyes are still adjusting to normal lighting levels.

[dirty deeds]

When I tried that bike at the outdoor show it felt really nervous. Maybe it was just the skinny tires (compared to all the other bikes) but it wasn't exactly confidence inspiring. Keep in mind this is just a 2 minute demo around some lame demo track but that was my first impression.

I think the fork stiction. bikes with long travel air forks are tough to judge on the showroom floor. It takes a couple of months for an air fork to bed in and get plush.

Once that fork is broken in and change out the tyres that bike will rip.

[LeeLau]

When I tried that bike at the outdoor show it felt really nervous. Maybe it was just the skinny tires (compared to all the other bikes) but it wasn't exactly confidence inspiring. Keep in mind this is just a 2 minute demo around some lame demo track but that was my first impression.

It's definitely the tires. The geometry with the full travel front and rear is pretty slack - as you can see from specs above. If you haven't ridden a xc'ish setup (ie 71/73 head and seat angles) on the Shore before then you're definitely going to need time on the bike.

I'm going to try them initially with the tires and then with a fatter wheelset. I think that's a legitimate way of testing them long term since many people who'd pick this as their one bike would get a slightly bigger wheelset and fatter tires to make the bike more "free-rideish".

BTW - it can't fit tires greater then 2.3s so that's what I'll put on - sun rhyno lights with Maxxis 2.3s stickys.

[Rat]

Ill settle for watching you ride the chunder rockface on gold with your seat halfway up. 40PSI in the tiers


Alternatly the 5 footer on Manhandler to full ejection to broken rib move that you make look so smooth

[TheGiggler]

and before Rat and theGiggler ask; NO I'm not going to ride this down Circus with seat up, tires inflated to 50 PSI and full spandex.


awwww. :(

i will never forget when you took us down GMG ... good times ... when is Sharon out of town next??? ;)

[dirty deeds]

let's just start him off easy with a nose wheelie down big stupid. I'll bring a digi for pics for the review article.

[Desloc]

Well Norco sure took the long way round to arrive at the classic 4-bar walking beam design for those that don't want to huck.

Looks like chicken, tastes like...

It's actually a Horst link 4-bar, not a walking beam.

edit: unless you were refering to the physical look.


Nice bike from the pics, but the TT routed cables = no sale.


Des

[mudpuppy]

I love the look of that bike, I would like to see them beef it up a little and replace the Six with it...

[LeeLau]

yah - i thought it was a Horst 4 bar myself but Im a suspension newb. Just curious - why don't you like the TT mounted cables? I've never liked side-mounted and don't like bottom mounted

Looks like chicken, tastes like...

It's actually a Horst link 4-bar, not a walking beam.

edit: unless you were refering to the physical look.


Nice bike from the pics, but the TT routed cables = no sale.


Des

[Desloc]

Well it's a matter of function and in my opinion, a step backwards for Norco on this design.

Just catch your knee or even worse, hook your armor on one of the cable stops and you'll understand. Sure you can tape them up, but I highy doubt you'll find another Norco product with top routed cables. Banshee also dumped this routing a few years back too.

Now for cross-country it may be less of a concern, but either way I wouldn't purchase a bike that used TT cable routing.


Des

[sleeper]

before u ride i would take off the plastic cassette gaurd in the back i hate it when bike manufacturerers put thos on

[mudpuppy]

I would prefer to ride that design over their VPS style bikes, full seat tube FTW...but I would change the cable routing.

[enduramil]

You can always put on a top tube pad.

[smoochy]

why oh why did they put hayes nines on that bike? :nono:

why put the money into a carbon fibre version of a mediocre brake when they could have, oh, juicy 7's? or 5's and bring the price down a little maybe?

otherwise, that's a bomb-ass looking ride - almost as good lookin' as the torrent. can't wait for the review...

[LeeLau]

Ok - that's funny about the top mounted cables because I always ripped up my legs on the side mounted cables. In xc you have to keep your legs hugging the saddle and microsteer with the inside of your hips when descending fast terrain with seat up so the top mounted cables are great for XC. The side mounted tear up your hips when hip-steering. So I see your point. I guess I'm so used to top mounted cables I never noticed.

Johnny - ask me about the seat in a month or so. I liked it on C-buster and Corkscrew and on xc trails like bridle path, 7th and pipeline. The true test will be a longish ride with a big climbs.

The Hayes? Well that's totally a personal choice. Some people like Hayes, some like Avids, some like Maguras. I'm committed to trying out the bike with as much OE components as possible.

The cassette guard. If you see how funky those aero spokes are on that bling bling Mavic Crossride wheelset you'll understand why I want to keep that on.

[mudpuppy]

Yeah...side is not good either..I prefer under the top tube personally.

[Rat]

why oh why did they put hayes nines on that bike? :nono:

why put the money into a carbon fibre version of a mediocre brake when they could have, oh, juicy 7's? or 5's and bring the price down a little maybe?

otherwise, that's a bomb-ass looking ride - almost as good lookin' as the torrent. can't wait for the review...

Norco probably has an OEM contract with hayes.

[corey@nsmb.com]

Norco probably has an OEM contract with hayes.

Not sure about that, as the DH comes with Shimano brakes, and other bikes have and do use different brands of brakes. I could be wrong though.

I would think its more an effort to reach a price point. For an XC bike, I think they are a fine match.

Giant puts the HFX-9's on their top model Team DH bike...

[SkunkworkS]

Not sure about that, as the DH comes with Shimano brakes, and other bikes have and do use different brands of brakes. I could be wrong though.

I would think its more an effort to reach a price point. For an XC bike, I think they are a fine match.

Giant puts the HFX-9's on their top model Team DH bike...

If you can throw down $3300 for a bike, I'm pretty sure you can lay down an extra $200-300 to swap over the brakes.

Good looking bike. Simple yet solid.

[chris2]

does this mean you don't need me to break your old Fluid now? When you're done with testing this one give it to me and we'll do a structural integrity test :)

[0_o]

What's wrong with the HFX 9's?
I ran them all last year on 2 bikes and never had an issue.
Me thinks you guys are just being gearwhores or victims of marketing.

Nice bike btw, Lee.
How does it compare to Sharon's Turner?

[DaveM]

Nice bike btw, Lee.
How does it compare to Sharon's Turner?

Yes, nice bike Lee, and the Turner comparison is something I'd like to hear too.

[LeeLau]

I'm really interested in putting on some fat tires on the bike, then raking it out a bit more and comparing it with the 6- Pack. I think that'd be more long term though.

chris- you can break my old Fluid any time.

I compared this Fluid One side by side with my old 1994 Fluid and the finish quality is day and night. I don't want to knock the old bikes but they were pretty industrial compared to the gucciness and polished look of this new bike. Maybe its just new bike-i-tis but it sure does look purty

[Rat]

[QUOTE=0_o]What's wrong with the HFX 9's?
I ran them all last year on 2 bikes and never had an issue.
Me thinks you guys are just being gearwhores or victims of marketing.

QUOTE]


Actually thier crap compared to the newer offerings.

[Joe Dick]

I'm very intrested in that bike. I'd like to see it with a fox 36 and something coil sprung on the rear, but it looks like a good match for my riding style.

I'm glad your testing the waters for me Lee, I know you'll treat the bike much like I would.

[0_o]

Actually thier crap compared to the newer offerings.

I didn't find them crappy at all.
Maybe it's just rider skillz then.

[Rat]

I didn't find them crappy at all.
Maybe it's just rider skillz then.


what else have you tried?

[DrewM]

I road it at the Norco Demo day at SFU and the only thing I felt really held the bike back was the rubber.

Throw on some 2.35 Kenda Nevegals (folding bead of course) and I'd hit it.

[0_o]

what else have you tried?

Hayes mags, Juicy 7's, Hopes, Magura Louise.
HFX's arent that bad. In fact I found them better than the Hopes which were twice the price.

[0_o]

I've also tried some of the Shimano offerings but mostly parking lot stuff so I didn't include them.

[M.A.X]

I rode this bike during the SFU Norco demo day. Really has a nice 'aggressive xc' :rolleyes: feel to it. After ripping down Mel's, Nicole's, and lower Snake, I actually rode back up the trans-canada trail and cardiac hill - first time in a looong time. Bike feels really good, suspension is very plush, handles well on the downhill and felt great when climbing.

The only issue I had was the tires and the amount of flex on the wheels/rear linkage (of course that's in comparison to my Norco Shore so not sure if the flex is acceptable for this type of bike).

[the flying moose]

Nice bike from the pics, but the TT routed cables = no sale.
Des

i really dislike the TT routed cables. i couldnt believe the new trek DH bikes have that stupid tt routing.

[smoochy]

I didn't find them crappy at all.
Maybe it's just rider skillz then.

when you've got skillz you can differentiate between a good brake and a mediocre one? :lemon:

[stuart@nsmb.com]

Hayes are generally spec'd for cost reasons. Adding a couple of hundred dollars to a bike can push it over a certain price point.

It would have pushed the price of this bike over CDN$3,500 / US$3,000 and that might be a harder pill for some people to swallow than CDN$3,369 and US$2,825.

[Lady Gravity]

I didn't find them crappy at all.
Maybe it's just rider skillz then.

that explains why i hate hayes and love avids, i have no skillz, but this isn't news

[Neo]

that explains why i hate hayes and love avids, i have no skillz, but this isn't news

yea i have no skillz either and i HATE gHayes brakes even though i have the 9's on my current bike. my next upgrade is to the juicies :)

[Madman]

What hapend to the fluid :nolove:

I like my 04 Fluid 3.0, Light, still takes shit..Its not really a huck bike but I ive pushed that limit alot and its never had a problem. Basically a light version of the 4by with 5.2" travel.

[0_o]

when you've got skillz you can differentiate between a good brake and a mediocre one? :lemon:

A nub blames his equipment.

[Madman]

I still dream of riding this bike, cant wait to test it out (sorry for the jack, thread is getting stale anyhow..)

http://www.konaworld.com/Prod/000000315/2K6_COILAIR_1300.jpg

[Ninja]

that's not thread jack..... it's complete derailment.

[Straw]

So....

The problem I saw with a bike test last year was that by the time the review was written and the test was over, so was the season. I think the test should be of solid length, but not so lengthy that more people care about new snowboards and skiis rather than new bikes.

[mudpuppy]

Yeah, I would like the fluid to be more like that (the coilair)...but with a horst link and a coil over shock...or at least a choice for one.

[LeeLau]

yes - I'd like to at least get some kind of first impressions about the bike in xc (ie stock setup) and freeride (travel adjusted to max, heavier wheelset) mode out in a month or so.

[Joe Dick]

for the price your going to pay for a Coilair (I ride an 05 Coiler D) you could build your self a Nomad or the like. The Coiler D is a great bike for the price range, but the price tag on the Coilair just doesn't hold out to the others in that bracket.

for most of these bikes that blur lines (Agressive XC, light freeride) a lot of people are going to want two wheel sets.

[pete]

What's wrong with the HFX 9's?
I ran them all last year on 2 bikes and never had an issue.
Me thinks you guys are just being gearwhores or victims of marketing.

Nice bike btw, Lee.
How does it compare to Sharon's Turner?

On a surprising note, way more MAGs come in for service than HFX 9's.

My MAGS haven't lasted as long as my 9's. And I'd agree, after riding hayes for 6 years, there's absolutely nothing wrong with them unless you're a gearwhore because everybrake has it's own feel. I know lots of people who prefer Hayes over AVID's Juicy series because Avids are too grippy.

[smoochy]

Hayes are generally spec'd for cost reasons. Adding a couple of hundred dollars to a bike can push it over a certain price point.

It would have pushed the price of this bike over CDN$3,500 / US$3,000 and that might be a harder pill for some people to swallow than CDN$3,369 and US$2,825.

i'm ok with that BUT:
this bike has the carbon version of the 9's, which is a strange way to meet price point.

but yes, all these things we've said so far are true
- brakes are personal choice, as are all things
- hayes 9's aren't BAD (they just aren't great)
- norco prolly got a bunch of 9's with carbon levers for cheap
- a poor carpenter blames his/her tools
- lee's gonna bust his gut to get his loyal readers some ride info

[LeeLau]

BUMP - because my more in depth review got posted

[Wayne P]

I know lots of people who prefer Hayes over AVID's Juicy series because Avids are too grippy.


:lol: That almost sig worthy. Too grippy??? Sign me up!

[biggles604]

Thanks for the write-up Lee. I seriously looked at the Fluid and as much as I loved the idea of the bike, the choice of some components and the standover were a real turn off for me.

[Straw]

Lee: What product do you use to get your elevation, heart-rate, and distance readings, as shown in your review?

I've got a Garmin Forerunner 201, and your product seems to be much more precise. I find my GPS signals get low in trees and it effects my readings. Plus, your graph read-out seems to be put together really well, and is easy to read.

[connor]

hahah "...disguised amusement.." nice, and the token Lee Elevation/heartrate trace. Crank Bros. pedals are the best, lightest clipless pedals I have used. I have 4 pairs, 1 Eggbeater, 2 Mallets (on my DH, and AM bikes), and some Quattro road ones. Although the Candys are a little different the mechanism is essentially the same in all. They do take a little while to get used to if you've been riding shimanos for the last 10+ yrs. Ever ride any Speedplay Frogs? those were crazy, with like 30deg of float, yikes..

Awesome read, great review..

[LeeLau]

connor - I've never ridden Frogs. I'd like to give the Eggbeaters another chance but right now I'm a little leery of new things.

straw - for the graph I use a Polar heart rate monitor.

[biggles604]

I compared this Fluid One side by side with my old 1994 Fluid and the finish quality is day and night. I don't want to knock the old bikes but they were pretty industrial compared to the gucciness and polished look of this new bike. Maybe its just new bike-i-tis but it sure does look purty
Norco really stepped it up this year. I ended up getting an 06 Six one, and it's beautiful, There are braze-ons for both Shimano and SRAM derailleurs, all the 06 line comes with chain stay protectors, and the frame itself just oozes quality and refinement. The ano finish is really nice too.
Too bad about the Hayes Nines.

[sridout]

I own this bike. It is good in every way, but the cheesy-ass brakes and the I beam seat post. I weigh 260 lbs. It takes alot of work to make this puppy come to a stop. Shame that I can't run a front 8 inch rotor. I have since removed Hays 9's and replaced them with Saints. What a difference. No more burning rotors. Swaped the post and seat for a Race face, much better. Who ever created the tires should be wacked over the head with the tires. Running Nevegals now. Much Much better. Over all this is a graet bike.

[baloom]

Ever ride any Speedplay Frogs? those were crazy, with like 30deg of float, yikes...

I have ridden Frogs for 6 years after being a Ritchey (remember those horrible things), Time Atac and Shimano guy prior to that. The shimanos were the best of that bunch except in the mud. I love the Frogs. I have a pair on my road bike, my xc bike and until about a year ago (when I went to flats) i had them on my big bike. They are a bit pricey but they are mental light, great in all conditions and you have a ton of float......woops, I think I'm jacking Lee's thread.....

[switch]

connor - I've never ridden Frogs. I'd like to give the Eggbeaters another chance but right now I'm a little leery of new things.Be careful - Eggbeaters are hard on the knees... ;)