Black HT2! Then added Fox Step Cast 34 forks, full Shimano XT drivetrain, DIY carbon rims (25mm inners), Spapim D-light spokes, laced to Onyx Vesper hubs, Maxxis Rekon 2.4 up front, Rekon Race 2.25 in the rear, and topped off with Whiskey Milhouse carbon bars. This downcountry ripper has surpassed my expectations! Cheers!
Good question. I honestly don’t know. My guess would be until quantities drop below a certain level but who knows. I don’t know of any models replacing them for 2024 so I would imagine they wouldn’t sell out of them if they aren’t changing them but we will see
@@BikingRoots It sits right at around 28 pounds because I didn't cut my steer tube, and the Onyx hubs are on the heavier side. But, I am planning on replacing the dropper with a 9point8 Fall Line R, and also gonna switch the cranks to Shimano XTR's, and that should drop me down a bit farther down in weight. But, to be honest, it feels wonderful right where it's at now. After I added the carbon wheelset, I broke most of my best PR times that I had set with my Spot Rocker, and that was the fastest bike I've ever had. (although, in all honesty, if the Spot had my carbon wheelset, my Norco would not be able to beat it.) Yet, I still chose the Norco over it for many other reasons.
I came across this vid by chance. I personally own an HT2 and really enjoy it. I had been unaware of all of the tech changes in bikes for a very long time. I was upgrading from an old Trek 3700 I got used on a local for sale site, and immediately noticed a HUGE difference. My bike is still stock aside from changing out the plastic pedals, replacing the grips, and a water bottle cage. I have been very happy with it. I know its not top spec by any means, but its comfortable. I also tried a Trek Roscoe 7 when looking at this. After riding both, the Norco felt right to me. Much like you mentioned in the video, this is a bike that can grow with me.
Hey Biking Roots! I’m up in Canada but I looked at this bike extensively before purchasing it in April of this year, I can’t tell you how many times I watched this video over haha it’s super informative and I saw another comment mentioning no music and I also think that’s a great touch when your talking details! Anyway though I absolutely love the bike! I’ve had some warranty issues but replacements have come in super fast times with no questions asked. At this point I have the rs recon silver 140mm(from the FS a4) and some other small upgrades and it really is a great trail adventure bike. Perfect for someone beginning, returning to, or even just adding a really capable HT platform to the fleet this bike is awesome! Thanks for the great content Biking Roots!
Wow, thanks for all the compliments and glad you found some use out of it! Also glad to hear you are enjoying the bike despite some warranty issues! Yeah I wish we had more of them to sell but they sold out but have some new models coming that hopefully will keep the spirit and value of the HT2. Congrats on the upgrades and hope you enjoy riding up there in Canada! So jealous, would love to ride there someday!
@@BikingRoots thanks so much! I’m on bed rest from an injury on Labour Day weekend and I’m just trying to get a little more engaged with the biking community where it be in person or online 😎 I’m actually kind of jealous that you’re rising down there in Texas so maybe one day we should switch it up haha! It’s a fantastic bike and I don’t anticipate getting rid of it, it’s a permanent edition to the fleet and now I’m debating between the fluid FS a2 or one of the sight models for a full squish.
@@WillySpenceeeeeeeee Oh no! So sorry to hear. Injuries suck. Hope you get better soon. Ha, sounds good to me! We’ll switch places like the movie “the holiday” that my wife likes to watch every Christmas! Fluid is pretty fun but so is the Sight, that’s a tough one. I guess it may come down to high pivot or not!
@@BikingRoots thank you man! It comes with the sport right! Tuck n roll has always been the motto! Haha I know that movie as well! That kind of a switch up would be pretty cool! But it might be better to switch with someone in BC or Quebec rather than Ontario lol
The frame of this bike is outstanding!! I bought the cheap one, rebuilt it with my favorite parts, and it's incredible. It's fast, compliant, and incredibly playful. Totally worth upgrading!!!
That’s an absolutely banging deal. Hallow crankset, boost rear and front, tapper. Ardent tires. The wheels look like there at least a 30mm. I may consider one of these for my wife. And for those wondering those brakes work really well. I have them on a bike the front finally needs bleed but from 2017. I like my shimano mt500 levers better on my Riftzone 3 custom build but I would absolutely buy a bike like that. Wow!! Thanks for the videos.
Ht2 black great value with cross country and trail capabilities just waiting to be unlocked. My son is getting the ht2 and I have my recon from my Marin riftzone 1 that I am going to install and he will be blown away by how well it rides (he is riding my old 2013 rocky mountain fusion 29)
Congrats on your son’s ht2! Oh perfect, yeah the recon will be great on it especially compared to the 2013 Rocky. He will appreciate the new geometry. Good luck!
After a year of owning a ht2 I've been riding it more more than my full sus. It's a fantastic climber, downs can get a little sketchy if you are used steam rolling everything on a fully you need to use line choice and technique which is why I bought it for a more challenging ride. The stock fork is average though at the price point I'd expect that. It hasn't held me back from riding rough stuff though would consider upgrading. The dropper is good if you regularly service it as has tendency to get stuck at times. Tekro brakes are loud and have bedded them numerous times they aren't super bitey but they stop you, but don't expect a deore xt stopping power. Once you get used the bike it is amazing to ride though a little heavy but still very jumperable and can pop off rocks. I wouldn't call it a livey bike but more stable trail tool. It is a good arounder that only gets restricted when you need something with more trave or dual susl. Definitely xc/trail bike with some small upgrades would be amazeballs.
Thanks for your detailed experience with the HT2! Glad you are enjoying it. Yeah I think it is a great option for a lot of people especially those just getting into the sport. Agree on the fork and the brakes. I feel the stock pads and rotors take a while to bed in compared to other brands. If your hearing noise, I'd try wet sanding them first, dry them with a heat gun or blow dryer, clean the rotor off, bed them in again and see if sound goes away/bite improves. If not, I'd try some semi-metallic pads (after cleaning and sanding rotors again).
Right now, not at that price point. If you are ok with straight steerer tube and quick release axles, the Marin Bobcat is a great beginner option. Doesn't come with a dropper post but you can add one. Norco may have a new model being released soon but probably at a higher price point since these were on clearance price.
Great question. Well probably the Habit HT2 honestly since the Fluid HT2 is discontinued now w/ a new model coming hopefully soon (unless you can find one somewhere), you are more likely to find a Habit. $450 more than the Norco, but it has pretty good specs otherwise. It would have been nice to have a stiffer Recon up front instead of a Judy fork but I get it.
Yes it can. It is considered a trail bike and can hold its own especially with the front and rear thru axles. As far as new ones, we are down to only 1 unfortunately. A new model is rumored to be coming sometime in the future but I do not have any details on that right now
What would you recommend between this Norco vs the Marin San Quentin? Im pretty torn between the two and curious which you would recommend given the choice? Id like to stick to 27.5 wheels either way.
What kind of riding do you see yourself doing more? The Norco is built to be more of an XC/Trail bike. San Quentin more dirt jump/enduro style riding. If you want to stick with 27.5 you can on the Norco in Medium and smaller, but if you're taller than a medium, 29 is the only option. As far as value goes, this Norco has thru axle in the rear (148x12 spacing) which the San Quentin 1 does not. You have to go to the san quentin 2 to get that so if you every want to upgrade wheels in the future, it will be easier on this Norco (or the san quentin 2). The cranks are also nicer on the Norco vs the square taper cranks on the San quentin. Both would be fun bikes, just different
@@BikingRoots thanks for the response! Realistically I probably spend more time on flowy XC trails so in that regard the noco might be better. My main reason for being between these bikes specifically is I'm 5'10" but with short 30" inseam legs so stand over height tends to be an issue for me. I currently ride a 29er but think it just feels clumsy and would prefer something a little more playful and snappy on the trails. I know everyone says to try before you buy, but no one around me carries the Noco or the San Quentin, so I'm flying blind a little bit lol.
Yeah, for flowy XC the Norco will be faster but San Quentin would still be fun too. Both of them have pretty low standover so I think your 30" inseam will feel good on either one of these but yeah 27.5 would give you a bit more clearance. Hmm, if you don't like your 29er, then yeah maybe you're more of a 27.5 guy (unless it's an older 29er since they used to feel a bit out of balance but now are much better handling bikes). Bummer you can't go check one out. If you have local trail MTB facebook groups, you might reach out and see if anyone has one in your size that would be willing to let you try?
@@BikingRoots What qualifies as old? My current ride is a 2016 Raleigh talus. but very steep head tube angle and stand over which aren't doing me any favors. So maybe that's partly why it feels clumsy. Thanks for all your help!
@@samboerkoel3564 I'd say usually older than 2018 you'll notice steeper head tube angles, higher standover, and shorter wheelbases. Since then, the front centers have grown a bit and reach has gotten longer along with wheelbases which make them handle different. So, that being said you may still find 29ers too big for your riding style/need but you may like them as well. I've had customers go back and forth on what they like. I'm just glad we still have both options (hopefully that won't change in the future). I go back and forth on various sizes and they are all fun, just different
No they are not unfortunately. Wire bead. Rims are not taped either. You could tape them and attempt a ghetto tubeless setup with existing tires (but results vary). Or wear them out then buy tubeless or just buy some tubeless now and be done with it (if that’s your goal)
2023 is what the website shows. They may have carried it forward from 2022 as well though which was common with covid shortages. Sometimes they don’t make any changes. We’re still learning the brand and don’t have a ton of knowledge yet on their model histories.
This bike is considered an XC/ short travel trail bike. You could ride enduro trails but with only 120mm travel, it would be pretty bumpy and stiff with that short of travel.
The sale they had on them put them right in the beginner bike budget for a lot of first time riders (at least in our market). The Marin Bobcat was our most popular beginner bike for a long time.
Well I talk to beginners every day at the shop and for many people in our market, that is the price they want to stay at for their first bike. If it is too much the storm is a less expensive alternative. Yes there are less expensive bikes but they have compromises in drivetrain and other components which for beginners I’ve seen it frustrating for them to get into the sport only to be frustrated with unreliable components.
@@BikingRootstrue words. Can't go wrong with a solid hardtail for a grand. Will last for many years and surely bring some awesome fun. Also like they used 12mm axle instead of 5mm in the rear of the frame. Good stuff!
@@mh-fi6pq Thanks for the comment. Yeah, I think it will last for a while and yep I'm also glad they went with the 12mm axle. I like your cat face profile pic! Ha!
Would you get the Norco Fluid HT2 or spend the extra $$$ and get the HT1? What color would you get?
Black HT2! Then added Fox Step Cast 34 forks, full Shimano XT drivetrain, DIY carbon rims (25mm inners), Spapim D-light spokes, laced to Onyx Vesper hubs, Maxxis Rekon 2.4 up front, Rekon Race 2.25 in the rear, and topped off with Whiskey Milhouse carbon bars. This downcountry ripper has surpassed my expectations!
Cheers!
How long this bike will be on sale for $899
Wow! That sounds like a sweet build! What’s the weight?
Good question. I honestly don’t know. My guess would be until quantities drop below a certain level but who knows. I don’t know of any models replacing them for 2024 so I would imagine they wouldn’t sell out of them if they aren’t changing them but we will see
@@BikingRoots It sits right at around 28 pounds because I didn't cut my steer tube, and the Onyx hubs are on the heavier side. But, I am planning on replacing the dropper with a 9point8 Fall Line R, and also gonna switch the cranks to Shimano XTR's, and that should drop me down a bit farther down in weight. But, to be honest, it feels wonderful right where it's at now. After I added the carbon wheelset, I broke most of my best PR times that I had set with my Spot Rocker, and that was the fastest bike I've ever had. (although, in all honesty, if the Spot had my carbon wheelset, my Norco would not be able to beat it.) Yet, I still chose the Norco over it for many other reasons.
I came across this vid by chance. I personally own an HT2 and really enjoy it. I had been unaware of all of the tech changes in bikes for a very long time. I was upgrading from an old Trek 3700 I got used on a local for sale site, and immediately noticed a HUGE difference. My bike is still stock aside from changing out the plastic pedals, replacing the grips, and a water bottle cage. I have been very happy with it. I know its not top spec by any means, but its comfortable. I also tried a Trek Roscoe 7 when looking at this. After riding both, the Norco felt right to me. Much like you mentioned in the video, this is a bike that can grow with me.
I have the black version Size Medium 27.5. Im 5ft 2, but I have a 30 inch inseam, short torso and long arms.
Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience. Glad you are enjoying your HT2! Happy trails
Looking a ht 1
Hey Biking Roots!
I’m up in Canada but I looked at this bike extensively before purchasing it in April of this year, I can’t tell you how many times I watched this video over haha it’s super informative and I saw another comment mentioning no music and I also think that’s a great touch when your talking details!
Anyway though I absolutely love the bike! I’ve had some warranty issues but replacements have come in super fast times with no questions asked.
At this point I have the rs recon silver 140mm(from the FS a4) and some other small upgrades and it really is a great trail adventure bike. Perfect for someone beginning, returning to, or even just adding a really capable HT platform to the fleet this bike is awesome!
Thanks for the great content Biking Roots!
Wow, thanks for all the compliments and glad you found some use out of it! Also glad to hear you are enjoying the bike despite some warranty issues! Yeah I wish we had more of them to sell but they sold out but have some new models coming that hopefully will keep the spirit and value of the HT2. Congrats on the upgrades and hope you enjoy riding up there in Canada! So jealous, would love to ride there someday!
@@BikingRoots thanks so much! I’m on bed rest from an injury on Labour Day weekend and I’m just trying to get a little more engaged with the biking community where it be in person or online 😎
I’m actually kind of jealous that you’re rising down there in Texas so maybe one day we should switch it up haha!
It’s a fantastic bike and I don’t anticipate getting rid of it, it’s a permanent edition to the fleet and now I’m debating between the fluid FS a2 or one of the sight models for a full squish.
@@WillySpenceeeeeeeee Oh no! So sorry to hear. Injuries suck. Hope you get better soon. Ha, sounds good to me! We’ll switch places like the movie “the holiday” that my wife likes to watch every Christmas! Fluid is pretty fun but so is the Sight, that’s a tough one. I guess it may come down to high pivot or not!
@@BikingRoots thank you man! It comes with the sport right! Tuck n roll has always been the motto!
Haha I know that movie as well! That kind of a switch up would be pretty cool! But it might be better to switch with someone in BC or Quebec rather than Ontario lol
@@WillySpenceeeeeeeee awesome. Ha, yeah BC area does look pretty sweet but Ontario would be cool too! Take care
Excellent video. Thanks for not having music and just keeping it authentic
No problem! Thanks for the comment!
The frame of this bike is outstanding!! I bought the cheap one, rebuilt it with my favorite parts, and it's incredible. It's fast, compliant, and incredibly playful. Totally worth upgrading!!!
Congrats! Glad you like it. What parts did you install on it?
That’s an absolutely banging deal. Hallow crankset, boost rear and front, tapper. Ardent tires. The wheels look like there at least a 30mm. I may consider one of these for my wife. And for those wondering those brakes work really well. I have them on a bike the front finally needs bleed but from 2017. I like my shimano mt500 levers better on my Riftzone 3 custom build but I would absolutely buy a bike like that. Wow!! Thanks for the videos.
Thanks for your comment and glad you understand the components and see their value! Yeah, you should get one for your wife! Take care
@@BikingRoots what size headset I need for tapper fork
I believe it comes with a tapered headset already (and not an adapter for a straight steerer fork which you sometimes see). I’ll confirm though
Ht2 black great value with cross country and trail capabilities just waiting to be unlocked. My son is getting the ht2 and I have my recon from my Marin riftzone 1 that I am going to install and he will be blown away by how well it rides (he is riding my old 2013 rocky mountain fusion 29)
Congrats on your son’s ht2! Oh perfect, yeah the recon will be great on it especially compared to the 2013 Rocky. He will appreciate the new geometry. Good luck!
Just got an HT2. You're right next beginner bike and it's future proof. Tusk you
Nice, congrats on the HT2! Hope you have fun with it. Thanks for sharing
After a year of owning a ht2 I've been riding it more more than my full sus. It's a fantastic climber, downs can get a little sketchy if you are used steam rolling everything on a fully you need to use line choice and technique which is why I bought it for a more challenging ride. The stock fork is average though at the price point I'd expect that. It hasn't held me back from riding rough stuff though would consider upgrading. The dropper is good if you regularly service it as has tendency to get stuck at times. Tekro brakes are loud and have bedded them numerous times they aren't super bitey but they stop you, but don't expect a deore xt stopping power. Once you get used the bike it is amazing to ride though a little heavy but still very jumperable and can pop off rocks. I wouldn't call it a livey bike but more stable trail tool. It is a good arounder that only gets restricted when you need something with more trave or dual susl. Definitely xc/trail bike with some small upgrades would be amazeballs.
Thanks for your detailed experience with the HT2! Glad you are enjoying it. Yeah I think it is a great option for a lot of people especially those just getting into the sport. Agree on the fork and the brakes. I feel the stock pads and rotors take a while to bed in compared to other brands. If your hearing noise, I'd try wet sanding them first, dry them with a heat gun or blow dryer, clean the rotor off, bed them in again and see if sound goes away/bite improves. If not, I'd try some semi-metallic pads (after cleaning and sanding rotors again).
I just bought one for my girlfriend so excited to come in. Best value right now for sure!
Oh right on, congrats! What color did you go with?
Just wondering, are there any other alternatives that are very similar to the ht2 that you would recommend that are around the same price range?
Right now, not at that price point. If you are ok with straight steerer tube and quick release axles, the Marin Bobcat is a great beginner option. Doesn't come with a dropper post but you can add one. Norco may have a new model being released soon but probably at a higher price point since these were on clearance price.
Would you take the Fluid HT2 over the Cannondale Habit HT2?
Great question. Well probably the Habit HT2 honestly since the Fluid HT2 is discontinued now w/ a new model coming hopefully soon (unless you can find one somewhere), you are more likely to find a Habit. $450 more than the Norco, but it has pretty good specs otherwise. It would have been nice to have a stiffer Recon up front instead of a Judy fork but I get it.
Can this bike with-hold smaller jumps and drops.
Yes it can. It is considered a trail bike and can hold its own especially with the front and rear thru axles. As far as new ones, we are down to only 1 unfortunately. A new model is rumored to be coming sometime in the future but I do not have any details on that right now
What would you recommend between this Norco vs the Marin San Quentin? Im pretty torn between the two and curious which you would recommend given the choice? Id like to stick to 27.5 wheels either way.
What kind of riding do you see yourself doing more? The Norco is built to be more of an XC/Trail bike. San Quentin more dirt jump/enduro style riding. If you want to stick with 27.5 you can on the Norco in Medium and smaller, but if you're taller than a medium, 29 is the only option. As far as value goes, this Norco has thru axle in the rear (148x12 spacing) which the San Quentin 1 does not. You have to go to the san quentin 2 to get that so if you every want to upgrade wheels in the future, it will be easier on this Norco (or the san quentin 2). The cranks are also nicer on the Norco vs the square taper cranks on the San quentin. Both would be fun bikes, just different
@@BikingRoots thanks for the response! Realistically I probably spend more time on flowy XC trails so in that regard the noco might be better.
My main reason for being between these bikes specifically is I'm 5'10" but with short 30" inseam legs so stand over height tends to be an issue for me. I currently ride a 29er but think it just feels clumsy and would prefer something a little more playful and snappy on the trails. I know everyone says to try before you buy, but no one around me carries the Noco or the San Quentin, so I'm flying blind a little bit lol.
Yeah, for flowy XC the Norco will be faster but San Quentin would still be fun too. Both of them have pretty low standover so I think your 30" inseam will feel good on either one of these but yeah 27.5 would give you a bit more clearance. Hmm, if you don't like your 29er, then yeah maybe you're more of a 27.5 guy (unless it's an older 29er since they used to feel a bit out of balance but now are much better handling bikes). Bummer you can't go check one out. If you have local trail MTB facebook groups, you might reach out and see if anyone has one in your size that would be willing to let you try?
@@BikingRoots What qualifies as old? My current ride is a 2016 Raleigh talus. but very steep head tube angle and stand over which aren't doing me any favors. So maybe that's partly why it feels clumsy.
Thanks for all your help!
@@samboerkoel3564 I'd say usually older than 2018 you'll notice steeper head tube angles, higher standover, and shorter wheelbases. Since then, the front centers have grown a bit and reach has gotten longer along with wheelbases which make them handle different. So, that being said you may still find 29ers too big for your riding style/need but you may like them as well. I've had customers go back and forth on what they like. I'm just glad we still have both options (hopefully that won't change in the future). I go back and forth on various sizes and they are all fun, just different
Are the tires tubless ready?
No they are not unfortunately. Wire bead. Rims are not taped either. You could tape them and attempt a ghetto tubeless setup with existing tires (but results vary). Or wear them out then buy tubeless or just buy some tubeless now and be done with it (if that’s your goal)
Is this a 2022 or 2023 model? I just want to confirm the change in logo and color scheme. Thanks
2023 is what the website shows. They may have carried it forward from 2022 as well though which was common with covid shortages. Sometimes they don’t make any changes. We’re still learning the brand and don’t have a ton of knowledge yet on their model histories.
That nicer bike then the storm very nice
Thanks, yeah it has a lot of nice features that the storm doesn’t have. Storm is still a good option for some people though.
Is this bike good for like enduro trails and local trails
This bike is considered an XC/ short travel trail bike. You could ride enduro trails but with only 120mm travel, it would be pretty bumpy and stiff with that short of travel.
really nice bike spec for the price!
Glad you agree, yup hopefully they will sell well and get more people on nice bikes!
How much is that currently?
$899 US but also on clearance so availability is scarce right now depending size
@@BikingRoots is it a good bike ? For liking riding around and trails
@@BikingRoots this or Norco 2
hey, yes it is a great bike for trail riding. Down the road you could then upgrade it to an air fork and it would be really good
@@BikingRoots ok thx and is this only good brand for a mountain bike ?
I wouldn’t call it a ‘beginner’
The sale they had on them put them right in the beginner bike budget for a lot of first time riders (at least in our market). The Marin Bobcat was our most popular beginner bike for a long time.
@@BikingRoots I actually just bought this same bike recently. It’s a great hard tail. I really don’t know where you can find the same value for the $
@@jakesherron2390 Oh nice! Yeah we like them a lot. Yeah, right now its hard to beat. Unfortunately at least in the US they appear to be sold out
Beginner bikes are not 1000 dollars.
Well I talk to beginners every day at the shop and for many people in our market, that is the price they want to stay at for their first bike. If it is too much the storm is a less expensive alternative. Yes there are less expensive bikes but they have compromises in drivetrain and other components which for beginners I’ve seen it frustrating for them to get into the sport only to be frustrated with unreliable components.
@@BikingRootstrue words. Can't go wrong with a solid hardtail for a grand. Will last for many years and surely bring some awesome fun. Also like they used 12mm axle instead of 5mm in the rear of the frame. Good stuff!
@@mh-fi6pq Thanks for the comment. Yeah, I think it will last for a while and yep I'm also glad they went with the 12mm axle. I like your cat face profile pic! Ha!
It’s not 1000$ it’s 899