On Test | The all-new 2023 Norco Fluid is upping the alloy game

Yes folks, the all-new Norco Fluid FS 2023 has arrived! As the alloy version of the Optic trail bike, the Fluid has been a thoroughly popular model for the Canadian brand thanks to its budget-friendly build kit and modest price tag. For this new version however, Norco is aiming to step up the performance by gifting it more travel and some performance-oriented tweaks to the geometry. You can still get a Fluid FS for a bit over three grand, but there’s now a higher-end spec option available for those riders who may simply prefer to be on an alloy frame when it comes to ripping around the trails.

norco fluid fs a1 2023
The 2023 Norco Fluid FS gets a new frame, updated geometry and kinematics, along with some higher-end build options.

An overview of the 2023 Norco Fluid

For 2023 the Norco Fluid gets a brand new frame that’s made from hydroformed 6061 alloy tubing. It’s evolved to become a dedicated 29er trail bike, which means there’s no longer a 27.5in option.

Suspension travel has also been extended by 10mm at each end, so you’ll now find a 140mm fork paired to 130mm at the rear. That increase sees it sitting in direct competition with the alloy versions of the Trek Fuel EX and Specialized Stumpjumper.

While the Fluid continues to use a four-bar suspension layout, Norco states that the kinematics have been refined to produce a more progressive leverage rate. The rear shocks also feature a custom tune to match the updated linkage.

The new frame has adopted a bigger 34.9mm diameter seat tube, and you’ll also find a tool mount underneath the top tube. Along with the addition of piggyback shocks on the top two models, the new Fluid FS is giving us serious mini-Sight vibes.

norco fluid fs a1 2023
Suspension travel has increased at both ends, and the burly alloy frame has taken on board similar design cues from the bigger travel Sight.

Size-specific geometry

A big reason for the popularity of the previous Norco Fluid FS was its fantastic trail-oriented geometry. The new version builds on that platform, making a few important tweaks along the way.

The head angle has slackened out to 65°, and reach has increased by 10mm to improve stability at higher speeds. Norco has also increased standover clearance by shortening the seat tube length, and each Fluid model will now feature a 150mm travel dropper post at a minimum. All good stuff for descending.

The biggest change to the Fluid however, is with its rear centre. Whereas the old frame had a fixed rear centre, the new model sees a specific length for each size, starting at 425mm on the Small and going up to 445mm on the XXL. Yes you read that correctly — there will be an XXL size in the 2023 Norco Fluid, which we expect will be welcome news for taller riders.

2023 Norco Fluid FS Size Chart

Norco Fluid price & specs

There will be four models in the 2023 Norco Fluid lineup, all of which are built around the same alloy frame. Prices will start at $3,199 AUD for the entry-level Fluid FS A4, and will go up to $5,199 AUD for the Fluid FS A1.

Regardless of the price point, all Fluid FS models will feature a 140mm travel fork, an air-adjustable rear shock, 4-piston brakes, and a 150-200mm travel dropper post.

We’ve just received our Fluid FS A1, and we’re eager to see how this new alloy ripper will perform on our local trails. Stay tuned for our in-depth review coming soon. For more details in the meantime, read on below for all the specs and prices on the 2023 lineup.

2023 norco fluid fs a1
For riders who prefer alloy over carbon, the top-end Fluid FS A1 features a Factory Series Fox 34 GRIP2 fork, a Float X shock and Shimano XT running gear.

2023 Norco Fluid FS A1

2023 norco fluid fs a2
Despite its sub-$5K price tag, the Fluid FS A2 still features a piggyback shock, 4-piston TRP brakes and a Marzocchi Bomber Z2.

2023 Norco Fluid FS A2

2023 norco fluid fs a3
Even the Norco Fluid FS A3 is equipped with a custom-tuned shock and a 1×12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain.

2023 Norco Fluid FS A3

2023 norco fluid fs a1
Featuring the same frame and geometry as the top-end models, the entry-level Norco Fluid FS A4 is spec’d with an air-adjustable rear shock, a 1x drivetrain and a 150-200mm travel dropper post.

2023 Norco Fluid FS A4

norco fluid fs a1 2023
We’ll be testing out the new Norco Fluid 2023 over the coming weeks, so stay tuned for our review of this green machine!

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