I went from a 2017 trek slash 9.8 to a 2019 norco fluid fs1, and I loved it so much I sold the slash and upgraded the fluid, now it weighs 13.9kg with pedals, its hands down the best bike I've ever owned, I wouldn't swap it for this new fs a1, because they've changed the geometry, now its basically just another trail bike, where the 2019 fs was a bit different, it had great geometry, the 66.5 degree head angle is slack enough to handle the steepest descents, but not too slack that the front end feels vague and washy on flatter corners, the 120/130mm travel is enough to handle basically anything baring huge jumps, but is short enough to still be poppy and energetic like a cross country bike, it pedals almost like a cross country bike too, its like the ultimate jack of all trades.
@@BigLimber Yep, I swapped my custom wheels from the slash over,which also had a 11 speed cassette, which saved a bit too, plus I went with vittoria barzo tyres, which weigh about 750g each, new seat and dropper too, it now weighs 13.6kg with minimal sealant.
I’ve got an FS2 on order at my local bike shop. I went that way because of the value proposition that you mentioned and because Norco don’t make the Optic in XXL. When they announced that size availability combined with the geometry similarities to the Optic I went and ordered one right away. Unfortunately I have to wait till next season because they’re not making the XXL yet.
Update: Bike came into the shop a couple of weeks ago. I guess they were making XXLs, availability was just very limited. Someone else declined to take it at the end of the season so my shop snagged it. 2 rides under the belt and it’s awesome. Unfortunately there’s snow on the ground now so that’s probably it for this year.
Doesn't it! It's great to see brands going above and beyond on little details like this. It's a great looking and riding bike... I got a chance to ride one of these and a Sight a few weeks ago, and I was extremely impressed! Really plush but still supportive pedaling, and extremely "snappy." Solid bike!
@@trevorc8990 Preston here. That all depends on what you're planning on riding! I rode both about a month ago and REALLY enjoyed them both, but if it were my money being spent, I'd go Sight simply because I enjoy more all-mountain/enduro trails. The Fluid is plenty capable, but for my style of riding, the extra travel is warranted.
@@jensonusabicycles Thanks Preston! I'm looking for a one bike quiver, so leaning towards the Fluid. Other option would be a Stumpy Evo, but the value of the Fluid seems like a home run.
@@trevorc8990 I have a couple of friends with SJ Evo's who absolutely love them, and I was really impressed by the Fluid when I rode it. You can't go wrong either way!
I would trade to smooth welds for decent hubs and a better crankest with better bottom bracket. It unfortinate they used the bear pawl branded hubs on those rims.
I have a 21 FS2 that I modded to the hilt. I am curious why Norco never did the Ride Aligned system for the 21 Fluid FS. Also, the 23 version differs greatly from the 21 model. I guess this is why people call it the aluminum Optic.
The ONLY let down on this bike is that they went with a 175mm crank arm on everything bar the small size. I'm super keen to see the FS2 review - it would be nice if you could get an XXL bike along with an XXL rider to test it!
@@jensonusabicycles after a few years away from the sport I'm now coming back into mountain biking. Obviously heard of Stans re sealant etc but wasn't aware they made rims. As a bad set of wheels can make a big difference how a bike rides if I had to upgrade straight from the off it would possibly sway my decision if to buy a bike or not.
@@alanbussell7894 You'll be fine with these wheels. If they were some bottom of the barrel, base wheels from another vendor, we'd probably recommend an upgrade in short order but the Stan's will be fine. Welcome back!
I don't currently see any on order, unfortunately. We only have 2023 FS 2, FS 3, and FS 4's in stock at the moment. I just talked to our bike merchant Kyle, the person in this video, and he said he can get one on order for you if you'd like so reach out if you want to get one special ordered and I'll get you in contact with the right person.
Полировка сварных швов не скажется на его прочности? Всё таки лучше алюминиевую раму не полировать - пусть будут видны швы, так вид будет более брутальным Всё ещё жду Optic в алюминиевом исполнении. А то, что нам показали в этом видео - Norco Faze, а не Norco Fluid. Канадцы, видимо, уже забыли, в чём между ними разница была. Раньше я смотрел в сторону Norco Fluid ещё с того момента, когда его впервые представили ещё 10 лет назад. Но конкретно этот аппарат, растерявший наследие Fluid и оказавшийся переименованным Faze, интереса не вызывает лично у меня
Norco is really coming on strong! Love that color too. Thanks Kyle, Mark and Preston for such a great video. 😊
Excited for the videos on the A2, really interested in that one.
Really excited to see more content being put out on the new fluid! 🙌
We have an FS2 video in the works sometime in the near future so keep an eye out!
That bike looks sick! The green frame with kashima fork just fit so good!
Seen a couple reviews for this bike, Norco really nailed it on this one!
3k is the sweet spot for most riders. Well done Norco
I went from a 2017 trek slash 9.8 to a 2019 norco fluid fs1, and I loved it so much I sold the slash and upgraded the fluid, now it weighs 13.9kg with pedals, its hands down the best bike I've ever owned, I wouldn't swap it for this new fs a1, because they've changed the geometry, now its basically just another trail bike, where the 2019 fs was a bit different, it had great geometry, the 66.5 degree head angle is slack enough to handle the steepest descents, but not too slack that the front end feels vague and washy on flatter corners, the 120/130mm travel is enough to handle basically anything baring huge jumps, but is short enough to still be poppy and energetic like a cross country bike, it pedals almost like a cross country bike too, its like the ultimate jack of all trades.
@@tomislavpurgaric738 Good choice
How did you save 1kg of weight on your Norco? Lighter wheels & tires?
@@BigLimber Yep, I swapped my custom wheels from the slash over,which also had a 11 speed cassette, which saved a bit too, plus I went with vittoria barzo tyres, which weigh about 750g each, new seat and dropper too, it now weighs 13.6kg with minimal sealant.
I’ve got an FS2 on order at my local bike shop. I went that way because of the value proposition that you mentioned and because Norco don’t make the Optic in XXL. When they announced that size availability combined with the geometry similarities to the Optic I went and ordered one right away. Unfortunately I have to wait till next season because they’re not making the XXL yet.
Update: Bike came into the shop a couple of weeks ago. I guess they were making XXLs, availability was just very limited. Someone else declined to take it at the end of the season so my shop snagged it. 2 rides under the belt and it’s awesome. Unfortunately there’s snow on the ground now so that’s probably it for this year.
I went with the Optic C1 XTR but this FS1 is sweet, wish it had XT brakes but not a deal breaker. Norco is killing it 💪🏼
The breaks are solid. I’m a big dude, and the breaks are sweet
How do you like the C1. Looking at one in the medium size. Do you find it to feel big or small. I'm 5'8".
This bike is fast! Handles like it's on rails!
Love the polished welds, looks crisp!
Doesn't it! It's great to see brands going above and beyond on little details like this. It's a great looking and riding bike... I got a chance to ride one of these and a Sight a few weeks ago, and I was extremely impressed! Really plush but still supportive pedaling, and extremely "snappy." Solid bike!
@@jensonusabicycles Which did you prefer between the Sight and Fluid?
@@trevorc8990 Preston here. That all depends on what you're planning on riding! I rode both about a month ago and REALLY enjoyed them both, but if it were my money being spent, I'd go Sight simply because I enjoy more all-mountain/enduro trails. The Fluid is plenty capable, but for my style of riding, the extra travel is warranted.
@@jensonusabicycles Thanks Preston! I'm looking for a one bike quiver, so leaning towards the Fluid. Other option would be a Stumpy Evo, but the value of the Fluid seems like a home run.
@@trevorc8990 I have a couple of friends with SJ Evo's who absolutely love them, and I was really impressed by the Fluid when I rode it. You can't go wrong either way!
I would trade to smooth welds for decent hubs and a better crankest with better bottom bracket. It unfortinate they used the bear pawl branded hubs on those rims.
I have a 21 FS2 that I modded to the hilt. I am curious why Norco never did the Ride Aligned system for the 21 Fluid FS. Also, the 23 version differs greatly from the 21 model. I guess this is why people call it the aluminum Optic.
This bike is neither Optic nor Fluid. This bike is a renamed Norco Faze actually
Does anyone know why you would choose the Fluid over the Optic? Or how do they differ other than the 5mm of travel?
The ONLY let down on this bike is that they went with a 175mm crank arm on everything bar the small size. I'm super keen to see the FS2 review - it would be nice if you could get an XXL bike along with an XXL rider to test it!
FS2 review in the works... keep an eye out in the near future!
@@jensonusabicycles Excellent!
Where’s all the ride reviews on this bike?
What are your thoughts on the wheels on the A1?
The Stan's Flow S1 wheels are solid... are you concerned about the quality?
@@jensonusabicycles after a few years away from the sport I'm now coming back into mountain biking. Obviously heard of Stans re sealant etc but wasn't aware they made rims. As a bad set of wheels can make a big difference how a bike rides if I had to upgrade straight from the off it would possibly sway my decision if to buy a bike or not.
@@alanbussell7894 You'll be fine with these wheels. If they were some bottom of the barrel, base wheels from another vendor, we'd probably recommend an upgrade in short order but the Stan's will be fine. Welcome back!
Wow this bike is getting a lot of good press coverage
Great review what size is the one you have there?
Thanks for the comment! If I remember correctly, this was a medium that we had here.
Wanna buy this beast. When you will have stock for fs 1?
I don't currently see any on order, unfortunately. We only have 2023 FS 2, FS 3, and FS 4's in stock at the moment. I just talked to our bike merchant Kyle, the person in this video, and he said he can get one on order for you if you'd like so reach out if you want to get one special ordered and I'll get you in contact with the right person.
@@jensonusabicycles Yes please. I would like to order this. Also, do you offer frameset only?
@@jensonusabicycles hi, im interested. To whome i can contact?
@@thebeastmtb We officially have a single large and a single medium in stock and ready for grabs! www.jensonusa.com/Norco-Fluid-FS-1-29-Bike-2023
@@jensonusabicycles how long it will take to ship to new york?
Do you have the weight for this model?
14.5kg for a Large without pedals.
The fs 4 is actually only 1899
I’ll take this over a Yeti any day.
Полировка сварных швов не скажется на его прочности? Всё таки лучше алюминиевую раму не полировать - пусть будут видны швы, так вид будет более брутальным
Всё ещё жду Optic в алюминиевом исполнении. А то, что нам показали в этом видео - Norco Faze, а не Norco Fluid. Канадцы, видимо, уже забыли, в чём между ними разница была. Раньше я смотрел в сторону Norco Fluid ещё с того момента, когда его впервые представили ещё 10 лет назад. Но конкретно этот аппарат, растерявший наследие Fluid и оказавшийся переименованным Faze, интереса не вызывает лично у меня