First impressions: Norco refines Fluid FS into alloy all-rounder

Norco’s Fluid FS started a big project for the brand when it was first re-launched. That alloy frame helped start a new design approach, “Ride Aligned” that led to the exceptionally well-received Optic. Now, that design cycle is coming back around to the new, 2022 Norco Fluid FS.

While the alloy frame and 29″ wheels take several cues from the Optic, including in appearance, Norco’s quite clear this is not just an alloy version of that bike. The Fluid FS is its own bike, with its own purpose (Norco’s tagline “for every rider” gives a good hint at what that is) and, significantly, at a very different, more approachable price point without losing the performance edge. In fact, it’s the first Norco model to bring the brand’s full Ride Aligned geometry to bikes priced under $4,000.

What’s new? 2022 Norco Fluid FS

There are sweeping changes to the Fluid FS for 2022. The 27.5″ wheel option is gone, replaced by 29″ wheels from size small to XXL. Yes, there’s now an XXL size, too. Norco wanted to keep sizing consistent between years and models, so this is a true XXL added on top of the existing XL to expand the range instead of compressing the size chart with an “inbetween” size. The Fluid now has options for riders from 5″1 to 6″7.

At the hearf of the Fluid FS is still a 6061 alloy frame. But, inspired by the Optic’s progressive geometry, the new Fluid is more broadly capable. It’s not direct copy in alloy, though. The Optic is a short-travel trail bike that is comfortable riding nearly anything, but happiest when being pushed hard. The Fluid aims to provide a smoother ride that doesn’t require an attacking style to get the most out of the bike, but can still be ridden hard. It’s more of a generalist, and easier to get along with, so it will be lively and engaging on a wider variety of trails and wider range of speeds.

More travel

To reach that goal, Norco ups the Fluid FS’ travel by 10 mm on each end. There’s now 130-mm rear wheel travel and a 140-mm fork. Norco uses a longer-stroke shock on the Fluid (50mm) than the Optic (45mm) to get a more progressive shock tune. It’s smoother and comes with less of the “push back” of a heavier shock tune.

Also new is the one-piece forged shock linkage. It replaces the outgoing Fluid’s three-piece linkage. This aims to reduce mis-alignment, which reduces shock stiction for a smoother ride. There’s also larger, more durable bearings throughout the Fluid.

Ride…