About 2 months ago I got the HT 2. I changed the fork to a 130mm. I also changed the tires to grippier ones. Great climber! Been loving it more than my full suspension! Surprisingly, I didn't feel much difference from a 12 speed to this 11 speed. I saw a review stating that the breaks aren't that good. So far I haven't had any issues with the breaking. For me, breaks work great!
I bought an HT 2 a couple weeks back just to get back into hardtail bikes. I love everything about this bike and it has very surprisingly taken on some black trails nicely, I am just afraid of blowing up the fork from the drops and jumps I'm doing. May I ask what fork you upgraded to? Did you use the SR Suntour upgrade program or go with a different kind? Overall I see this bike as a very solid platform for upgrades. I would upgrade the pedals, fork and maybe the brakes but only because of preference for the feel.
2022 I am looking at a Fluild 2 with 27.5. I am moving up from a 26, but I found the 29 like driving a bus and slow to speed up. The 27.5 is a little more manuverable and fun. I hope I am making a good decision. Cruising around town is not what this bike is make for. That would be a road bike or hybrid. Why didn't you ride the bike? What about the Storm?
Thanks for your informative review. My 2 boys (13 FS & 11 HT) are getting more and more into MTB'ing and I needed a bike to join in the fun without completely breaking the bank. Your review convinced me that the Fluid HT was the way forward; I ordered mine this morning! Thanks again....I also subscribed!
@@goodluckchrisclark Mate they had x1 of my size (L) in stock and no other sizes...my lucky day! They need to build it etc so pick it up next Friday. Thanks again...
I just ordered fluid ht 2 hope I will be getting it soon, and I hope I won't be disappointed with it since my 1st option was giant fathom 2, since there are no stocks coming in Adelaide Australia for giant, so I chose this one instead. And this video is good keep it up!
@@nolandick2693 Late reply but it might help someone else. I love everything about my HT2 except the fork. The fork is hot garbage and really limits my abilities. Its suuuper stiff and I have never used more than 50% of its travel. I am unable to do serious drops or even get my wheel up for a manual with it. Super frustrating given the current fork market and shortage. Perhaps its because I'm a fairly light guy but I've bumped into another buy with the exact same bike as me and he had the exact same issue.
I received mine 2 weeks ago tried it twice on a trail ride and tried it on the road as well, I got the fluid 2 ht. On the trail it felt really good, just replace the pedals and grips. On the road you might feel upgrading to 12 speed or just replace your chain ring to 34. Also I might need to upgrade my rear rotor to 180 coz I'm a bit heavy but I don't know if I can do that on this model. Thanks again for this video it didn't disappoint me on my purchase 👌👌👌
Hey Chris as always great and informative vids! got this bike already a fluid ht 2 .lovin the bike super slack geometry and truly upgradeable .great so far with a thru axle forks and dropper post.what do you reckon for a fork upgrade? dont want to spent much maybe just a better replacement for an sr xcm fork installed in this to start with.
Great review. I pick up my Fluid HT 2 in red/green tomorrow. Really happy with the spec, the drivetrain is 1x11 and the Boost rear thru axle sold it for me, the fork could have been better but maybe a future upgrade.
Hey Chris, obviously the first upgrades for the HT 2 would be fork and brakes... what would you recommend for forks? I have a fluid HT 2 2021 ordered and due in February as the last shipment sold out here. Been looking at the manitou machete comp 140mm 29" fork. What do you recon? Cheers
The Manitou are great! They look cool and actually have similar performance to higher end Fox shocks. Pricing is always better with Manitou too! Brakes magura always has good ones and XT Shimano
Are you sure it isn't 2.4inch tires instead of 2.6? Because for me that's what the official website says. Also on another topic, the official website also says there is 27.5 tires up to size medium??? Any insight on this?
Norco of late has offered 2 wheel sizes in most trail bike models. You go XS, SM and M in the 27.5 and M, L and XL in the 29er. M is the only model that features both wheel sizes. Part of their ride aligned technology
So this suspension isn't really average? just bought one and thats the main fear i have. im a beginner - this video is super reassuring though! cheers =)
Great video. What do you think would be a good selection between the 2021 Norco Fluid HT1 and the Devinci Kobain Deore bikes. Having a hard time picking one. Both bikes coming into two separate shops sometime between May-August but for some reason I anticipate I’d see the Norco sooner in stock than the Devinci. Which one would you chose? 🤟🏻
Nice..what's the equivalent of trek xcalibur in Norco version?. I like the look of the xcalibur but Norco is not bad looking at all🙂. I have 2k Aud budget for my first mtb. Any other Suggestions?. I'm also considering Canyon stoics but can't find it on the shop in Western Australia. On line only☹.
Really interested in a Norco hardtail. Thanks for the review. I'm tired of the service on the rear shock and want something nice and simple. Still gonna keep the full sus but want something that's just simple and fun. Have you ridden the Torrent in AL or steel? If so, any thoughts? Really interested in something with a little higher spec than the fluid. Not that it isn't nice
Torrent I rode in AL definitely a more rough mountain trail bike. Would love to try it in the steel, steel will absorb more vibration and be a comfortable ride. Even better then carbon some say
Hi mate, thanks for your video.. really got me thinking! My local bike store has both this and the Giant Fathom 2..what would you say is better out of the two? I can’t test ride as Covid means no stock on the floor
i believe the norco fluid HT 2+ won the hardtail of the year on several youtube channels like GMBN, etc. But that was several years ago. I have wanted to buy one of these to use as a rough riding city streets bike.. like riding down stairs and poppin wheelies and jumping off of stuff as i rode to work and back. BUT, of course our world has been changed now with this Pandemic making us work from home. More Fun! ...I live in India. A place where we do not have ANY bike parks and beautiful trails like yawl have in canada and america and well, all over the west. I'm a huge mountain bike fan and have been riding all my life. I did ride in a trail in orlando florida once. Sorry for the unnecessary information! Question: why aren't they making these bikes with 27.5 wheels anymore? I've been riding the 26" all my life and the 29ers feel so huge. Like i'm riding a roller coaster haha. Yes, i'm from another planet. This comment might seem so bizarre! Thanks!
Love all the information! 29 is just the way the whole industry is going, even i feel they are large but i guess that something we will just have to get used to! Thanks for watching!
Agreed about the roscoe....without the 12 x 148 rear through axle which the Fluid HT has, you are really limited on a future wheel upgrades. Quick release on a trail bike is not acceptable today.
About 2 months ago I got the HT 2. I changed the fork to a 130mm. I also changed the tires to grippier ones. Great climber! Been loving it more than my full suspension! Surprisingly, I didn't feel much difference from a 12 speed to this 11 speed. I saw a review stating that the breaks aren't that good. So far I haven't had any issues with the breaking. For me, breaks work great!
I bought an HT 2 a couple weeks back just to get back into hardtail bikes. I love everything about this bike and it has very surprisingly taken on some black trails nicely, I am just afraid of blowing up the fork from the drops and jumps I'm doing. May I ask what fork you upgraded to? Did you use the SR Suntour upgrade program or go with a different kind? Overall I see this bike as a very solid platform for upgrades. I would upgrade the pedals, fork and maybe the brakes but only because of preference for the feel.
Love your videos mate.....keep rocking 🤘
Thanks man!
Pretty much just sold me this bike. Been out of the game for over 15 years. Thanks heaps!
Hey no problem
2022 I am looking at a Fluild 2 with 27.5. I am moving up from a 26, but I found the 29 like driving a bus and slow to speed up. The 27.5 is a little more manuverable and fun. I hope I am making a good decision. Cruising around town is not what this bike is make for. That would be a road bike or hybrid. Why didn't you ride the bike? What about the Storm?
Can't ride them all unfortunately, but yes jumping to the 27.5 will be a great option. I took a few years on 27.5 before i liked 29
Thanks for your informative review. My 2 boys (13 FS & 11 HT) are getting more and more into MTB'ing and I needed a bike to join in the fun without completely breaking the bank. Your review convinced me that the Fluid HT was the way forward; I ordered mine this morning! Thanks again....I also subscribed!
Thanks Rob! Do you have an ETA on the bikes?
@@goodluckchrisclark Mate they had x1 of my size (L) in stock and no other sizes...my lucky day! They need to build it etc so pick it up next Friday. Thanks again...
I just ordered fluid ht 2 hope I will be getting it soon, and I hope I won't be disappointed with it since my 1st option was giant fathom 2, since there are no stocks coming in Adelaide Australia for giant, so I chose this one instead. And this video is good keep it up!
Did you get it yet? How was it?
@@nolandick2693 Late reply but it might help someone else. I love everything about my HT2 except the fork. The fork is hot garbage and really limits my abilities. Its suuuper stiff and I have never used more than 50% of its travel. I am unable to do serious drops or even get my wheel up for a manual with it. Super frustrating given the current fork market and shortage. Perhaps its because I'm a fairly light guy but I've bumped into another buy with the exact same bike as me and he had the exact same issue.
I received mine 2 weeks ago tried it twice on a trail ride and tried it on the road as well, I got the fluid 2 ht. On the trail it felt really good, just replace the pedals and grips. On the road you might feel upgrading to 12 speed or just replace your chain ring to 34. Also I might need to upgrade my rear rotor to 180 coz I'm a bit heavy but I don't know if I can do that on this model. Thanks again for this video it didn't disappoint me on my purchase 👌👌👌
Awesome i could help! Thanks enjoy
Hey Chris as always great and informative vids! got this bike already a fluid ht 2 .lovin the bike super slack geometry and truly upgradeable .great so far with a thru axle forks and dropper post.what do you reckon for a fork upgrade? dont want to spent much maybe just a better replacement for an sr xcm fork installed in this to start with.
This channel is gonna blow up soon
This is already huge for me!! Thanks
Great review. I pick up my Fluid HT 2 in red/green tomorrow. Really happy with the spec, the drivetrain is 1x11 and the Boost rear thru axle sold it for me, the fork could have been better but maybe a future upgrade.
Amazing base to work with, and fully functional. Did you have to wait long??
@@goodluckchrisclark No wait as it was in stock here in NZ, cheers
@@roughsponge will be picking up my one in Auckland in a few weeks. Cant wait to grab it!
@@1thomasbutler I'm very happy with it so far. Things have moved on since my last MTB I bought over 20 years ago.
Hey Chris, obviously the first upgrades for the HT 2 would be fork and brakes... what would you recommend for forks? I have a fluid HT 2 2021 ordered and due in February as the last shipment sold out here. Been looking at the manitou machete comp 140mm 29" fork. What do you recon?
Cheers
The Manitou are great! They look cool and actually have similar performance to higher end Fox shocks. Pricing is always better with Manitou too! Brakes magura always has good ones and XT Shimano
Are you sure it isn't 2.4inch tires instead of 2.6? Because for me that's what the official website says. Also on another topic, the official website also says there is 27.5 tires up to size medium??? Any insight on this?
Norco of late has offered 2 wheel sizes in most trail bike models. You go XS, SM and M in the 27.5 and M, L and XL in the 29er. M is the only model that features both wheel sizes. Part of their ride aligned technology
Yes looks like they are shipping 2021 with 2.4 on most models, it's a breeder 2.4 more similar to the 2.6 from previous years
So this suspension isn't really average? just bought one and thats the main fear i have. im a beginner - this video is super reassuring though! cheers =)
Yeah it's actually great imo
I own a Norco Fluid HT 3 2020, 120mm of travel on your fork is pretty much all you need on this bike. 👌
Great video. What do you think would be a good selection between the 2021 Norco Fluid HT1 and the Devinci Kobain Deore bikes. Having a hard time picking one. Both bikes coming into two separate shops sometime between May-August but for some reason I anticipate I’d see the Norco sooner in stock than the Devinci. Which one would you chose? 🤟🏻
Norco for me, quality and soul built in that bike
Good video! Thanks for the info. But I want to know if you recommend norco fluid 2HT 2020 or norco fluid 2HT 2021?
both great, only minor changes to them. If you can find a 2020 you’ll have a great time
Nice..what's the equivalent of trek xcalibur in Norco version?.
I like the look of the xcalibur but Norco is not bad looking at all🙂.
I have 2k Aud budget for my first mtb.
Any other Suggestions?. I'm also considering Canyon stoics but can't find it on the shop in Western Australia. On line only☹.
No sure really Norco has equivalent, Closest would be the Revolver, they make it in one hard tail model for $2700CAD
@@goodluckchrisclark Sweet. I just check it thats a full suspension.
Really interested in a Norco hardtail. Thanks for the review. I'm tired of the service on the rear shock and want something nice and simple. Still gonna keep the full sus but want something that's just simple and fun. Have you ridden the Torrent in AL or steel? If so, any thoughts? Really interested in something with a little higher spec than the fluid. Not that it isn't nice
Torrent I rode in AL definitely a more rough mountain trail bike. Would love to try it in the steel, steel will absorb more vibration and be a comfortable ride. Even better then carbon some say
@@goodluckchrisclark I'll have to check that steel out. I've also heard good things. It looks gorgeous. Thanks for the reply
I reckon 2019 ht 1 is the best model
Hi mate, thanks for your video.. really got me thinking!
My local bike store has both this and the Giant Fathom 2..what would you say is better out of the two? I can’t test ride as Covid means no stock on the floor
Both great options, Norco will be more playful, giant more serious
Wich bike is lightest of this both?
Hi Chris! How do you rate the forks on this one? What are the features on this particular fork? Thanks.
Great honestly, they will perform excellent
Thanks!
Hey mate, how's the breaks on the Fluid 1? Mixed reviews on the net
Solid in my mind but some people don't like the soft feeling
Is the M29 inch wheel norco fluid ht2 2020 fitting the 178 cm men
You can easily ride a medium Norco
i believe the norco fluid HT 2+ won the hardtail of the year on several youtube channels like GMBN, etc. But that was several years ago. I have wanted to buy one of these to use as a rough riding city streets bike.. like riding down stairs and poppin wheelies and jumping off of stuff as i rode to work and back.
BUT, of course our world has been changed now with this Pandemic making us work from home. More Fun! ...I live in India. A place where we do not have ANY bike parks and beautiful trails like yawl have in canada and america and well, all over the west. I'm a huge mountain bike fan and have been riding all my life. I did ride in a trail in orlando florida once.
Sorry for the unnecessary information! Question: why aren't they making these bikes with 27.5 wheels anymore? I've been riding the 26" all my life and the 29ers feel so huge. Like i'm riding a roller coaster haha. Yes, i'm from another planet. This comment might seem so bizarre!
Thanks!
Love all the information! 29 is just the way the whole industry is going, even i feel they are large but i guess that something we will just have to get used to! Thanks for watching!
@@goodluckchrisclark Cool. Thank you for your reply : ) Cheers!
Which shifter does the Fluid HT2 have on it? Just ordered one, hope it comes before Fall. Thanks.
All Deore from Shimano, and yeah hope you get to ride it this year, we didn't get any yet
@@goodluckchrisclark Thanks. Fingers crossed for us all.
I have the 2020 Norco Fluid FS2 in extra large
probably worth more then you paid now!
@@goodluckchrisclark lol. Now is a good time to sell. But I won't :)
Is the Norco Fluid HT 2 air shock
It is not, Lock out Spring
thanks
canyon stoic is the shit now
Can you recommend a online shop that can shipp international? I want to buy this bike
I wish, huge shortage
Norco ships from there website now but they are never in stock, id ask your local bike shop
Norco over roscoe all day long. Norco has 148 rear spacing through axle, Roscoe has 141 QR= crap.
It is interesting they went this way
you should show us the bike in your shop that you are talking about, not just pics from Norco's website
I wish, 2021 hasn't shipped yet! Not til March
Please turn the music down in future episodes
trek roscoe had no thru axle
Correct
Agreed about the roscoe....without the 12 x 148 rear through axle which the Fluid HT has, you are really limited on a future wheel upgrades. Quick release on a trail bike is not acceptable today.
its made in vietnam