Bicycle Anatomy That Every Cyclist Must Know

Following the success of the Fluid FS aluminium trail bike, Norco has introduced the new Fluid FS Carbon. The new bike drops 600g of frame weight in a package the brand claims takes fun and performance up a notch or two.

Three models are available, starting from $4,099 and topping out at $5,999, giving riders the option to go for a high-end aluminium build or a lower-spec carbon frame for a similar budget.

An integrated accessory mount is provided under the top tube, SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger interface and a threaded bottom bracket.

Maria Victory

The main point of difference between this bike and the aluminium Fluid FS is the carbon fibre front triangle. The rear end is the same as the full-aluminium bike, keeping the Horst-link suspension layout and alloy rocker link.

The material may be new, but the geometry, 130mm of rear travel, suspension design and Ride Aligned Design System are maintained.

New Carbon front end, same alloy rear

• Fork: RockShox Pike Select+, 140mm travel, 44mm offset
• Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ custom tuned
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
• Brakes: SRAM G2 R, 4-piston
• Wheelset: WTB ST Light rims on Bear Pawls sealed bearing hubs
• Price: £4,999/$4,999

The key difference in the Fluid FS Carbon is the new carbon fibre front triangle. Norco claims a weight saving of 600g without compromising strength or durability, saying it’s tested to the same degree as the aluminium version.

Just as the Ride Aligned Design System tailors the geometry, the brand claims the carbon layup and construction have been tuned to provide the correct strength and stiffness for all riders and frame sizes.

Trail-ready spec and multiple build options

The rest of the frame is shared with the aluminium version, including the rear triangle, rocker link and suspension kinematics. Norco claims this ensures it shares the same suspension performance, regardless of frame size or material.

The new Fluid FS Carbon is available now in three complete bike options, C1, C2 and C3, as well as a frameset-only option.

To go with the RockShox rear shocks, all complete-bike models get 140mm-travel RockShox Pike forks, four-piston brakes with big 200/180mm rotors, long-travel dropper posts and 800mm-wide bars to maximise control of the tubeless Vittoria Mazza/Martello tyre combo.

Prices kick off at £4,199/$4,099 for the base SRAM SX/NX-equipped C3 model, rising to £6,599/$5,999 for the C1 range-topper decked out in SRAM’s new GX Eagle Transmission.