Submitted by
dtwolfen
a Cross Country Rider
from enumclaw wa
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2011
Strengths: vps technology or horst link all the best bikes use it. The frame was meant to last.
Weaknesses: The weight compared to what is being used now
Bottom Line:
Until the bike frame becomes sub 2 lbs i dont see a need to replace this frame. I have rebuilt everthing on this and I just love it. it is now built to 30 lbs which is the weight of my first hardtail. Sure the money I spent then could be used for something lighter now but the action is still the same.
Similar Products Used: specialized epic kona coiler specialized big hit spec haro something
Bike Setup: mavic wheels with fox 32 rlc fork and deore 8 speed parts hayes disc brakes
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Submitted by
Mike Fluid- 2
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2006
Strengths: This bike really can take a beating and I am referring to my 2004 Norco Fluid 2. Rear travel is weak but I will soon replace rear shock. I purchased a small frame even though I usually ride a medium. Great Value!
Weaknesses: Brant Cycle in Burlington did a terrible job tuning the bike when I purchased it and did little to correct the problems I had with the drive train although I managed to get the bike for a reasonable price. Shimano LX components suck, and I personally don't like the titec telescoping seatpost i think its a gimmic (will replace with a titec pluto). Also the rims have to go at some point, Sun Hill Rods are bulky heaps of... although properly tuned and with a little cash this bike can be upgraded into almost any niche of mountain biking (vey progressive, very versitile). Now the Fluid is entering a second generation which has been totally redisngned for 06 it now looks very XCtry. The new Norco Six seems to be carrying on in the traditional Fluid style bike. So most importantly if you are looking for a great 'all mountain' bike look for the Norco Fluid's 02-03-04 these years are the best the 05 is ok too but its design is slightly different. The Fluids for 2006 really should have been renamed because they are not true to the original NORCO FLUID VPS of 2002. Look to the Norco Six this is the direction all mountain bikes should be going! NORCO RULES awsome Canadian Bike Co.
Bottom Line:
Norco builds a sturdy bike, plenty of room for mod's either freeride or even XC. This bike started life as a downhill in 02 and has slowly become XC (all mountain). Bottom line: if you can't find an older style of Fluid go for a Six if your in the market for a new bike Norco can't be beat. Rocky Mountain Slayer is great too. I wish I gould give 3 diff ratings here: new Fluids 3 chili's old fluids 5 chili's, and 5 chili's for the Norco Six.
Purchased At: price paid in can. after tax. (local shop)
Similar Products Used: Spec. Enduro, Rocky Mountain Slayer 70, Norco Six highly recommended as well.
Bike Setup: Riding in more of a freeride style, although I prefer XC component upgrades for weight reasons. Bike is still very stock although the rear shock will be replaced soon.
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Submitted by
Mike Miller
a Downhiller
from Washington
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2005
Strengths: the forks, nothing else!
Weaknesses: EVERYTHING exept the forks
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE IS HORRIBLE! THE ONLY THING GOOD ON IT IS THE FORKS! I WOULD NOT RECCOMEND THIS BIKE FOR A DOWNHILLER, IT IS SO HEAVE AND IT JUST PLAIN IS ONE OF THE WORS BIKES I HAVE RIDDEN
Strengths: Amazingly strong. Brakes like hell. Somehow agile. Much cheaper than competition with the same package. Hand made in Canada.
Weaknesses: Heavy...
Bottom Line:
I never really had any problem with this bike, even though if I modified it a bit. I changed fork and shock to upgrade to 7" travel. The angles remain the same and the BB height is higher. It clears anything on its way and absorbs any hit. The only downside for this bike is the weight. It's so damn heavy. Or maybe I'm just getting old...
Strengths: Beefy frame. Incredible rear suspension set-up. Horst link - FSR setup is still #1 in my book... otherwise why else would other top notch manufacturers license this (INTENSE M-1, HARO, IRONHORSE)? Standover height is low!
Weaknesses: Didn't make enough of this frame to last the demand (back in 2002). If you can get a decent one used (non abused) - BUY IT!
Bottom Line:
The 02 fluid frame is NOT the same as the current Fluid frames in the NORCO line. The familiar white and copper frame gave birth to the 04 Norco SIX, and trail Fluids, as well as the NORCO XC fireball, and the Norco 4X4 slalom bikes. I was able to get this used from Canada and built up the freerider to my specifications. I did what everyone else with a FLUID did - increase the rear travel with a 2" stroke shock. This puts the rear travel from 5 - 6 inch travel. It raised the BB past 15" but made going over roots & rocks a breeze. The weight of the frame is evident on climbs, but if your not in a rush it will get you uphill. Drops & jumps & being airborne is what this bike is all about. Mate it with a dual crown fork and doing downhill makes it behaves like a torpedo in choppy water - straight and fast. Pedal Bob is minimal if existent on this type of linkage. But then again its a freerider not XC racer. Compare the ride with non-FSR linkages (ie. TREK, GIANT) those bikes may be lighter going up but I dont think they are as fun going down... Let me rephrase that I dont think they are as fun FLYING down.
Bike Setup: Paid $550 for the frame last year. The 2002 Fluid I was told is one of the most elusive frames to get in the NORCO line. Compare how many used Bullits are on sale as compared to Norco 2003 A-lines, 2002 Shores, or 2002Fluids.
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Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh/johnstown, pa
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004
Strengths: solid 4-bar linkage, sturdier than any other 4-bar (ie spec. or new fluids), standover, agility, actually climbs decently
Weaknesses: im riding with a seat duct taped to the top tube b/c none of my LBSs have even heard of the elusive 30mm seatpost and mine's on backorder, other than that: NONE!
Bottom Line:
coming from agressive XC and a chameleon, i am really impressed with the agility, snapiness, and climbing of this trail bike! it is so much more "fluid" on downhill and inspires confidence that was lacking on a ht. i cant wait to get my seatpost and a 5" fork on here so i can really fall in love with the bike. with my spec it is a formidable trail bike that is around 35lb and handles most of what the laurel highlands can dish out. easy to manual, wheelie, ans hop around on. after looking at other bikes i returned to the tried'n'true 4-bar that i loved in my fsr-xc, 'cept this one wont break when i ride a big drop! high value rating because stock in 02 the bike was a great value and for $520 i got the frame, 700 and 800 lb springs, cane creek headset, lx octalink bb and crankset and a xt ft. derailleur and shipping! thanks brett! if you're looking at trail bike that is a little more aggressive than the other rigs like i tested look at norco and give the guys at www.speedgoat.com a visit! this bike rocks and i am stoked to ride it everytime i see it in my basement!
Similar Products Used: giant ac and vt, trek liquid, spec. enduro, ellsworth joker
Bike Setup: set at 4.4" to match temporary fork, 4" Z3 Marzocchi (saving for fox 125r), xt/xtr, shorty stem and big riser bar, hayes 6", mavic 521ds on hayes hubs
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Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Cheshire, CT, USA
Sweet downhill and burly bike, can handle most trails with ease, sturdy frame, but it's really heavy (40 lbs.). I recommend for extreme downhillers/freeriders. Don't buy if your budget cannot handle (the retail price $2949.00).
Favorite Trail: Idiot's Delight (Whiteface, Lake Placid)
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At: Friend that disliked it (normally goes for roughly $3000)
Similar Products Used: 2003 Kona Coiler
Bike Setup: F.U.N.N. handlebars, Azonic headset, OURY grips, Shimano Deore LX Derallieur, Marzocchi Dirt Jumper I, Fox Vanilla R, Kenda Tires, Sun Single Track Rims, Race Face Prodigy Cranks, Kevlar Saddle, Sun Ringle Pedals
Strengths: Nuke proof frame Good, durable components shocks and brakes rock
Weaknesses: rims are weak and can't take the big hucks. front end bobs on the steep climbs.
Bottom Line:
You would be hard pressed to damage this frame. The 2003 models wimped out and went to air shocks so if you are buying used this model year is the one you want.Fluid is a wicked transitional bike from cross country to free ride. you may say your not going to do the hucks but this bike is going to take you there.Its a keeper that will always be in the collection - I think.
Similar Products Used: rocky slayer specialized m4
Bike Setup: as purchased. installed a titanium kickstand.
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Submitted by
Travis S.
a Weekend Warrior
from West Linn
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003
Strengths: This bike is such a great purchase. The frame is really good and it is pretty strong.I have a 2002 and i think they were better then then now.
Weaknesses: Making it a cross country enduro bike for 2003. Needs more travel in rear.
Bottom Line:
The bike is good when you buy it complete, it is better building yourself and dont buy a 2003 model. could use more rear wheel travel.
Bike Setup: 2002 frame, Z.1 freeride fork, sun single wide rims, velocity hubs, azonic ultracross bars, kore stem, Gozzalodi tires, world cup downhill mrp, titec seat, axiom telescoping seatpost, XT drive train, its sweet!
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Submitted by
big daddy j
a Downhiller
from Toronto ON Canaduh
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003
Strengths: super strong, excellent components, great geometry, low standover height
Weaknesses: could use a little more travel in the rear.
Bottom Line:
the bike is well balanced, feels hella burly, brakes work amazingly, front forks are great but have a little flex, geometry may be a little tight on the top tube length but i'm coming from a xc racing frame background. quality is top notch, parts list is excellent.
Similar Products Used: specialized fsr enduro comp, santa cruz bullit, cannondale gemini 900
Bike Setup: i switched the grip shifts for shimano deore lx shifters, added thompson stem and seatpost, xt crank, axiom flats, 24" rear wheel, new bar, new seat. the rest is stock...xt rear, hayes 8" hydros, marz djIIs, fox vanilla r. size small. i got the bike down to 35lbs with a 2.5 rear tire and 2.3 front.
Bike Setup: stock cept race face goodevil grips,shimano deore rapidfire up front
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Submitted by
Another Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2003
Strengths: Exceptionally well designed freeride bike that does "all mountain" fairly well.
Weaknesses: As I bought the frame only there is no weaknesses from my perspective.
Bottom Line:
Excellent value for the money which was evident went the Norco dealers sold out before the season was over. Too bad Norco has kept the frame design but, lightened up the frame and shock (air) combo by 6 lbs. which means the 2003's are more cross country oriented.
Bike Setup: 2003 Fluid frame with stock Fox Vanilla R shock with 800 lb. spring. Chris King headset, Easton EA 70 bars, Blackspire stem, Hayes hydros with RazorRock levers, XTR shifters, Intense Mag 30 rims, Gazzolodi Tires, XT hubs,RaceFace Shore cranks with Blackspire rings, Signature Freeride BB, Shimano 646 pedals, XTR derailleurs, Axiom Telescopic post, Titec saddle, etc.
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Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002
Strengths: Great price, excellent ride
Weaknesses: Grips, set post, pedals, tires.
Bottom Line:
FLUID! Spent time researching the perfect bike, found it! Everyone who rides it loves it.
