Wil reviews the 2024 Norco Fluid VLT

Following two years of development, the Norco Fluid VLT has arrived as the first lightweight electric mountain bike from the Canadian brand. Adding to the excitement, it was also one of the first e-MTBs to be announced with the new Bosch Performance Line SX motor.

Norco has good form in the e-MTB scene, having earned plenty of popularity since launching the original Sight VLT all the way back in 2019. Over the years the brand has developed a reputation for producing robust bikes that lean towards the more aggressive side, and it’s well known for pushing the envelope when it comes to suspension and size-specific geometry.

How would that reputation translate to an e-MTB that’s been optimised for weight? We were eager to find out, so we got our hands on the new Norco Fluid VLT to put to the test.

Watch our video review of the 2024 Norco Fluid VLT here:

While the Norco Fluid VLT may be late to the lightweight e-MTB game, the Canadian brand’s patience has surely paid off.

An overview of the Norco Fluid VLT

The Norco Fluid VLT is a lightweight e-MTB that’s designed for aggressive, fast-paced trail riding. It’s essentially an electrified version of the regular Fluid, albeit with several notable differences.

For a start it’s built exclusively around a mixed wheel setup with a 29in front wheel and a 27.5in wheel at the rear. Norco says it did consider a full 29er, but the desire to make the chainstays sufficiently short, especially on smaller frame sizes, meant that the mullet setup won out.

Most Fluid VLT models are equipped with a 150mm travel fork and 140mm of rear travel. The exception is the top-of-the-range C1 130 model, which shrinks travel down to the same 140/130mm configuration as the non-motorised Fluid.

The four-bar suspension platform is much the same between the Fluid and Fluid VLT, though here the chunky rocker link drives the rear shock via a trunnion bearing mount to help improve sensitivity. Norco also states that the Fluid VLT features a slightly lower level of anti-squat. This is said to optimise rear wheel grip over pedalling efficiency, the latter of which is less crucial since the motor helps to smooth out chain torque in the first place.

Lightweight Bosch power

Compared to its bigger Sight VLT and Range VLT siblings that employ a full-powered Bosch CX motor and a 750Wh battery, the Fluid VLT is built around the much lighter Bosch SX system.

The SX motor produces less peak torque at 55Nm, but if you spin the pedals fast enough it’ll reach the same 600W peak power output as the CX drive unit. It manages to do this while being considerably smaller in profile and almost a kilo lighter.

Norco pairs this with a 400Wh internal battery, which drops a further 1.5kg of weight. This contributes to a notably slimmer, fully enclosed downtube that improves the aesthetics while helping to further save weight.

The end result is a range of complete bikes that weigh 18-20kg. That’s around 5-7kg lighter than the Sight and Range VLT, and it sees the Fluid VLT competing with other lightweight e-MTBs such as the Specialized Levo SL, Trek Fuel EXe and Giant Trance X E+ Elite.

Norco Fluid VLT geometry & size chart

The Norco Fluid VLT is available in five sizes, with S1 being the smallest and S5 being the largest. Decent standover clearance and short seat tubes allow riders to easily size up, should they wish for a longer reach.

Geometry is on the money with a 64.5° head angle and a 76.5-77.5° seat angle. You’ll also find size-specific chainstays with the rear centre length varying from 432mm on the S1 and going up to 444mm on the S5.

As has become a theme with Norco mountain bikes, there’s a distinct lack of any flip chips or angle-adjusting headsets on the Fluid VLT. The geometry is fixed on this bike, so anyone who likes the idea of running a 29in rear wheel will have to look elsewhere.

Norco Fluid VLT price & specs

There are four models in the Norco Fluid VLT lineup for 2024 with prices starting at $8,999 AUD.

The top two models utilise a full carbon frame, while the cheaper two models pair a carbon front triangle to an alloy rear. Otherwise each bike is built around the same Bosch SX motor and 400Wh battery, with a clean cockpit that utilises the System Controller in the top tube and a wireless Mini Remote for adjusting the motor’s assist levels.

For more info on the broader range, you can see detailed specs and prices in our first look article.

Here we’ll be diving into our experience of testing the mid-tier model; the Norco Fluid VLT C2 140.

2024 Norco Fluid VLT C2 140

• Frame | Carbon Fibre, VPS Four-Bar Suspension Design, 140mm Travel
• Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select+, Charger 3 Damper, 44mm Offset, 150mm Travel
• Shock | Fox Float X2, Performance Elite, 185x55mm
• Motor | Bosch Performance Line SX, 55Nm Peak Torque
• Battery | Bosch CompactTube 400Wh
• Wheels | Bear Pawls Hubs & WTB KOM Trail Alloy Rims, 30mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Continental Kryptotal Trail 2.4in Front & Xynotal Trail 2.4in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission 1×12 w/Praxis Alloy Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
• Brakes | TRP Trail EVO 4-Piston w/203mm Rotors
• Bar | 6061 Alloy, 25mm Rise, 800mm Width
• Stem | Norco SL 6061 Alloy, 40mm Length
• Seatpost | TranzX RAD+, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S1), 150mm (S2), 170mm (S3), 200mm (S4-S5)
• Saddle | Fizik Ridon
• Claimed Weight | 19.9kg
• Actual Weight | 19.68kg
• RRP | $11,499 AUD

Combined with its mullet setup, excellent geometry and supportive suspension, the Fluid VLT is a wickedly fun bike to ride on fast and flowy trails.

Sizing & fit

To suit my height of 174cm, Norco recommends the S3 size for the Fluid VLT. Looking at the geometry chart however, my preference was for the shorter reach of the S2 so that’s what I requested.

I’m glad I did too, as it fits like a glove. I’ve no complaints from the 447.5mm reach or 619mm stack, and there’s a decent number of headset spacers for adjusting the stem height. The stock bars are very wide though, so I chopped those down to my preferred width of 760mm.

Norco’s choice of contact points are excellent. The WTB grips feature a subtle tapered profile, and the Fizik saddle has a flared tail to provide good support on steep climbs.

The only downside of going to the S2 size is the 150mm travel dropper post. There is plenty of insertion depth with the relatively straight seat tube, so I’d definitely consider upgrading to a longer travel dropper post if this were my bike.

Suspension setup

Norco is undoubtedly leading the way when it comes to suspension setup thanks to its comprehensive Ride Aligned guide. Input your height and weight into the online calculator, and you’ll be presented with recommendations for everything from volume spacers and damper settings, through to suggested cockpit setup and tyre pressures. This gives you a great place to start, and you can fine-tune further by adjusting several parameters that factor in your riding position and terrain.

I started out with the default settings for my 67kg riding weight, which produced a slightly firmer and slower suspension feel than what I was looking for. This would be ideal for smoother trails, but with my local terrain being quite rocky and loose, I’d need to tweak the sliders to account for my preferences.

With some trial and error over the first couple of weeks of riding, I ended up with 170psi in the Float X2 shock. This delivered around 32% sag, and I matched that with Norco’s suggestions for rebound and compression damping.

I did the same with the RockShox Lyrik, though I found the rebound damping was still too slow. I set this on the faster side at 12/20 clicks to balance with the rear suspension.

Norco Fluid VLT weight

Our Norco Fluid VLT C2 140 test bike came in at 19.68kg without pedals and with the tyres set up tubeless.

It’s not the lightest e-MTB we’ve tested, though it’s worth noting that the top-end C1 130 model is claimed to weigh just 18.1kg. It does this with a more weight-focussed build kit that includes a RockShox Pike fork, an in-line shock, numerous carbon components and SRAM Level brakes.

Personally I much prefer the burlier build kit on our C2 140 test bike, including the RockShox Lyrik fork and heavy duty Float X2 shock. There’s a bit of weight in the stock alloy wheels (2,132g confirmed) and the Continental tyres feature reasonably sturdy casings for the Kryptotal Fr (1,123g) and Xynotal (1,027g).

I fitted a CushCore Pro insert into the rear wheel as usual, before setting tyre pressures a bit higher than Norco recommends at 20psi in the front and 23psi in the rear.

What do we dig about the Norco Fluid VLT?

Despite not being the lightest e-MTB out there, I’ve been really impressed with the agile character of the Norco Fluid VLT. The weight is well-placed on this bike, with less mass up at the head tube thanks to the shorter 400Wh battery. Combined with the mullet setup and short chainstays, it initiates turns and rips corners with absolute ease.

I’m glad I went for the S2 size, which feels nicely balanced and intuitive. I certainly wouldn’t want the wheelbase to be any longer, which would make it harder to pick up the front wheel.

As it stands the Fluid VLT is an outrageously fun bike to ride that delivers a lively and playful quality with loads of support from the suspension. It isn’t the plushest bike out there, though of course it does have 10mm less travel at each end compared to the Focus JAM² SL and Specialized Levo SL. I’d also attribute some feedback to the RockShox Lyrik with its Charger 3 damper. In some countries, Norco offers this same bike with a Fox 36 Rhythm, which is personally what I’d go for.

The Fluid VLT’s rear suspension is otherwise smooth and highly stable. The Float X2 is a tremendous performer, keeping the bike steady through choppy terrain. Along with its consistency on long and rough descents, the impressive dynamic stability stands as a key advantage over a smaller inline shock. There’s masses of control at speed, with the suspension soaking up harsh, ill-timed landings calmly and comfortably.

That’s backed up by the Fluid VLT’s solid chassis and build kit. There’s minimal squirming when being subjected to high load impacts, which means you can push this bike quite hard and fast on rowdy enduro trails. I would prefer a bit more travel on gravity-oriented terrain, but providing you can hold on there’s not much that’ll unsettle you aboard this bike.

High power potential

The Norco Fluid VLT would prove to be my first proper long-term test of the Bosch SX motor, and I have to say I am mighty impressed. We’ll have a separate review coming on this system in the near future, but there’s already a lot to talk about.

It offers the same standard modes as the full-powered CX motor, so you’ve got Eco, Tour, eMTB and Turbo to choose from. These can be modified in the Flow app, and it’s possible to adjust the motor’s support characteristic too.

eMTB is my typical go-to mode, as it adapts the power output depending on how hard you’re pushing the pedals. The progressive power delivery isn’t just torque sensitive on the SX motor though, it’s also cadence sensitive.

At cruising speeds it’s quite mellow, which helps to conserve the battery. Pedal quickly and forcefully however, and you’ll feel the motor instantly roar to life. You’ll need to push at a high cadence of over 100 RPM in order to access the full 600W of power, which ends up being fantastic encouragement when you’re whipping through undulating singletrack.

As well as offering greater power over the TQ HPR50, Specialized SL 1.1 and Fazua Ride 60 motors, the Bosch SX drive unit is significantly more responsive with faster pickup at the pedals. Indeed at full tilt, the SX motor feels and sounds very much like the CX drive unit.

It also possesses the same Extended Boost function in the eMTB and Turbo modes, which sees the motor continue to deliver power for an additional metre after you’ve stopped pedalling. This is a brilliant aid for clearing technical features on a steep climb, providing a notable advantage over other mid-power motors.

Combined with the addictive acceleration and progressive power delivery, the Bosch SX drive unit constantly prods at you to go faster. It’s a great match for the sporty Fluid VLT. The lure of maximum power meant I regularly finished my rides absolutely knackered, in the best way possible.

Any downsides?

Although the Bosch SX motor offers gobs of power, it won’t give you an entirely free ride.

Whereas the bigger CX motor will provide a heap of grunt in almost any gear, the SX drive unit requires you to turn the pedals over at a decent cadence to unleash its full potential.

Its responsiveness and high RPM windup certainly takes a few rides to get used to. If you downshift a couple of gears mid-climb, the motor can accelerate unexpectedly as your cadence lifts. Conversely, if you get stuck in a high gear it’ll struggle to churn out enough torque, which caused me to stall on a few occasions. Much like a regular mountain bike, you’ll benefit from reading the terrain and downshifting in anticipation of steep pinches.

On the topic of climbing, I didn’t find the Fluid VLT to be the most planted on steeper gradients due to its short chainstays and 27.5in rear wheel. It suits a more active and dynamic riding style, and you really need to accentuate your weight over the bars to keep the front wheel sticking.

The flip-side is that the Fluid VLT is fabulously nimble when pivoting around tight switchbacks. The riding position is also thoroughly comfortable thanks to the steep seat angle, and the relatively tall BB and low-profile motor offers plenty of ground clearance.

Really the main limitation is the rear tyre, with its hard compound and shallow tread inhibiting traction on loose surfaces. This is exacerbated by the perky motor, which can quickly overwhelm the available grip and spin out the rear wheel if you’re not careful. With that in mind, upgrading to stickier tyres would be a good idea if you’re frequenting chunkier terrain.

This would also enhance the Fluid VLT’s descending capabilities, which feels like it has room to grow. While the impeccable handling and burly chassis makes for a throughly confidence-inspiring ride quality, I can’t help but wonder how it would perform with an extra 10mm of travel at each end. It already comes with a Lyrik and that huge Float X2 after all, so there’d likely be a negligible weight increase extending them to a 160/150mm travel configuration.

I suspect Norco has restricted the Fluid VLT to its current travel numbers in order to help differentiate it from the 160/150mm travel Sight VLT, which probably makes sense from a commercial perspective. But given the potential improvement in traction, comfort and high-speed stability, I certainly wouldn’t object to the Fluid VLT having a touch more squish.

Range testing with the Norco Fluid VLT

Given the powerful Bosch SX motor, I was curious to see how much range could be squeezed out of the 400Wh internal battery.

I mostly used the eMTB mode on my usual test loops, and I’d typically achieve a 33-42km ride with 1,000-1,100m of elevation gain before the battery would run flat.

Of course this is very much dependent on terrain. To demonstrate the variability, I did a much flatter ride on the less powerful Tour mode and ended up riding over 70km with 600m of climbing.

To help you keep track of your battery on longer rides, the top tube System Controller uses five LEDs to display the current status in 10% increments. The top LED will change to white first (10% down), before going blank (20% down). You can also get an exact percentage if you have your bike paired to the Bosch Flow app.

Once you’re down to the final 30% of battery remaining, the bottom two LEDs will turn orange to provide you with a visual cue. The motor’s power will drop off slightly until the battery hits 10% and then the final LED turns red. At this point the motor will barely dribble along to preserve the final few watt-hours and help you limp home.

If you do run the battery completely flat, pedalling the Fluid VLT isn’t a horrible experience. Yes, it’s basically a 20kg mountain bike, but the tyres roll pretty well, and the SX motor is remarkably drag-free. According to Bosch it delivers 50% less resistance through the cranks compared to the CX motor, which is noticeable when you’re pedalling beyond the 25km/h cutoff point.

How does it compare to the competition?

To provide some more useful comparative data, I subjected the Norco Fluid VLT to our standardised range test. Having set the motor to its most powerful setting, I pedalled up a local road climb before descending back down on singletrack to see how many laps I could accrue before the battery ran flat.

Here’s how it stacked up against the rest;

• Norco Sight VLT (Shimano EP8, 900Wh Battery) – 2,478m climbing
• Canyon Spectral:ON (Shimano EP8, 900Wh Battery) – 2,451m climbing
• Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 (Bosch Performance CX, 750Wh Battery) – 2,320m climbing
• Rocky Mountain Altitude (Dyname 4.0, 720Wh Battery) – 2,108m climbing
• Scott Patron (Bosch Performance CX, 750Wh Battery) – 2,079m climbing
• Focus JAM² SL (Fazua Ride 60, 430Wh Battery) – 1,665m climbing
• Scott Lumen (TQ-HPR50, 360Wh Battery) – 1,567m climbing
• Orbea Rise (Shimano EP8-RS, 360Wh Battery) – 1,388m climbing
• Norco Fluid VLT (Bosch Performance SX, 400Wh Battery) – 1,361m climbing
• Trek Fuel EXe (TQ-HPR50, 360Wh Battery) – 1,312m climbing
• Scott Voltage (TQ-HPR50, 360Wh Battery) – 1,311m climbing
• Specialized Levo SL (SL 1.2, 320Wh Battery) – 1,307m climbing
• Giant Trance X E+ Elite (SyncDrive Pro, 400Wh Battery) – 1,057m climbing
• Specialized Kenevo SL (SL 1.1, 320Wh Battery) – 1,053m climbing

As you can see from that list, the Fluid VLT performed reasonably well amongst its fellow lightweight e-MTBs.

It did fall short of the Focus JAM² SL, which has a slightly larger 430Wh battery. I have found the Fazua Ride 60 motor to provide less support overall, and that resulted in a slower average climbing speed of around 16km/h. In comparison, the Fluid VLT was faster up the mountain with an average speed of 18km/h thanks to the punchy Bosch SX motor.

Another bike worth drawing your attention to is the Giant Trance X E+ Elite, which also has a 400Wh battery. However, it’s paired to a full-powered 85Nm motor that provides huge support on the climbs. It meant the Trance X E+ Elite was able to cruise at a slightly faster pace of 19km/h, which it did with less effort and a lower cadence. The downside is range, with the big motor draining the battery much faster.

Extending range with the PowerMore battery

If you’re looking to take on bigger rides with the Norco Fluid VLT, you could consider adding on Bosch’s 250Wh PowerMore range extender battery.

This will set you back $799 AUD for the battery and mounting bracket, plus an additional $40-60 AUD for the necessary cable, which comes in numerous sizes to suit different bikes. Confirmed weight for the PowerMore battery is 1,526g including the mount and cable.

Fitment is simple, though you will have to give up the ability to carry a bottle. On the upside the range extender increases total battery capacity to a whopping 650Wh, which is considerably greater than other lightweight e-MTBs on the market. This will allow you to get a whole load of riding in with the Fluid VLT, especially if you’re heading out on a backcountry epic with pals on full-powered e-MTBs.

Component highs & lows

Compared to the Trek Fuel EXe, Specialized Levo SL and Focus JAM² SL, the Norco Fluid VLT C2 140 offers a thoroughly impressive package for the money.

The spec is well considered for proper e-MTB riding, including the powerful TRP brakes with their durable and more heat-resistant 2.3mm rotors. These possess excellent modulation with an ergonomic lever shape that features a nice hook for your index finger to nestle into.

Of course the highly tuneable Float X2 shock is a notable highlight. It is heavier than an in-line shock, though it’s way more consistent on extended descents and it offers tonnes of big-hit support. The 4-way damper can be a bit intimidating to begin with, but Norco helps you make sense of the adjustments thanks to its comprehensive Ride Aligned setup guide.

I have to say that I’m less enamoured by the Lyrik and its slightly wooden sensitivity. RockShox recently rolled out the Charger 3.1 damper for its 2025 fork range, which offers smoother performance all-round. The good news is that you can update your existing Charger 3 damper with a 3.1 upgrade kit, which will be cheaper than buying a whole new fork.

I’ve had no durability issues with the stock wheelset so far. The rear does need a true, but there’s been no untoward loss of spoke tension, and the hubs seem to be of decent quality.

Only the tyres stand out as being my main gripe with the stock build. I have exactly the same Continental tyres on my Pivot Switchblade, albeit in the heavier Enduro casing with the Soft rubber compound. Those offer much better grip and damping, especially on crumbly trail surfaces and in wet conditions.

Frame & motor details

Overall the Norco Fluid VLT has proven to be tight and quiet throughout testing. The chunky frame features simple pivot hardware and big sealed cartridge bearings. And while it is necessary to drop the motor out to replace the dropper or gear cable, mercifully there’s no headset funny business with the control lines routed into the downtube via conventional ports.

Norco has built in a good amount of frame armour with a full coverage chainstay protector that integrates into the dropout pivot. There’s also a mudflap over the main pivot, a bolt-on downtube shuttle guard, and a proper metal skid plate underneath the motor.

The most prominent noise on the trail is from the Bosch SX drive unit itself, which exhibits an irritating clacking noise on the descents. More recent CX motors have become much duller and quieter in this regard, though the SX had us rewinding a couple of years. We’re told this noise is a normal function of the motor’s internal freewheel and is necessary to reduce drag. Still, we’d prefer if it was as quiet as the rest of the bike.

The fact that the internal battery isn’t easily removable may be an issue for some riders who don’t have a power point where they store their bike. And it’s worth noting that while the charge port on the seat tube offers an impressively snug and weathertight seal, the release button requires an annoying amount of force to actuate.

I do like that Norco has utilised the motor’s in-built speed sensor with a magnet located around the valve at the rear wheel. Along with the wireless Mini Remote and System Controller, the Fluid VLT offers a clean aesthetic that’s free of any distracting screens or mess of wires.

The cockpit ergonomics weren’t quite perfect for me, so I removed the Mini Remote to ensure I had brake levers and dropper remote in the right spot. This tidies things up further, and you can simply use the buttons on the System Controller to change assist modes as needed.

Norco Fluid VLT vs Specialized Levo SL

Out of the lightweight e-MTBs that compete with the Norco Fluid VLT, it’s the Specialized Levo SL that I’ve had the most experience with.

The Levo SL does have more squish with a 160mm travel fork and 150mm rear travel. It comes set up as a mullet, but a clever chainstay flip chip allows it to accommodate a 29in rear wheel, which is something the Fluid VLT can’t do. There’s further geometry adjustment available via an angle-adjusting headset and a secondary flip chip in the lower shock mount.

Specialized also offers the Levo SL in an extra frame size with six in total. The geometry is very similar between the S3 Levo SL and the S2 Fluid VLT, with the same rear centre length and an almost identical reach and head angle. The Levo SL’s seat angle is a touch slacker, making the cockpit feel more stretched out.

In terms of price the Levo SL Comp Carbon comes in a bit higher at $11,900 AUD. Most of the spec sits at a similar level, though it comes with a mechanical GX Eagle drivetrain and less adjustable Fox suspension. However, thanks to its full carbon frame and smaller 320Wh battery, the Levo SL Comp Carbon is almost 1.5kg lighter (18.24kg vs 19.68kg).

On the trail both are great handling bikes that are just flat-out fun to ride. I’d say the Levo SL is slightly perkier due to its lower weight and poppier suspension. It’s also smoother and grippier, which is a combination of the extra travel, Fox suspension and stickier tyres that allow it to float beautifully through the chunk.

The Levo SL can’t keep up with the Fluid VLT on the climbs though. Its SL 1.1 motor feels dainty compared to the brawny Bosch SX, which offers substantially more support on steeper gradients. This resulted in a significantly faster average speed (18km/h vs 14km/h) during the standardised range test, with the Fluid VLT achieving more elevation gain too. For those looking to go long, adding a range extender will see the Fluid VLT’s 650Wh battery capacity trump the 480Wh on the Levo SL.

Noise levels are comparable, with both motors emitting a similar volume as they whirr away. However, the SL 1.1 doesn’t suffer from the same clacking noise on descents. Along with its smaller form factor, it’s a more subtle performer compared to the bigger and musclier SX motor.

As to which one I’d choose? From a ride quality perspective, it’s the Levo SL that gets my vote. If you’re after more power and battery capacity though, it would be very hard to look past the value-packed Fluid VLT.

Flow’s Verdict

While the Norco Fluid VLT may be late to the lightweight e-MTB game, the Canadian brand’s patience has surely paid off.

Choosing to build it around the Bosch SX system was a smart move. The compact motor delivers masses of power and a highly responsive feel that sees it performing remarkably close to a conventional full-powered e-MTB, albeit with a significant weight advantage. Combined with its mullet setup, excellent geometry and supportive suspension, the Fluid VLT is a wickedly fun bike to ride on fast and flowy trails.

Its sturdy chassis and capable build kit means it can handle some pretty rowdy riding, though it could benefit from a touch more travel to master rougher terrain. We’d also recommend fitting some stickier and chunkier tyres to make the most of the Fluid VLT’s cornering panache and high-speed poise.

That aside, the Fluid VLT delivers a lively and playful ride quality that underscores the handling advantages a lightweight e-MTB offers over a full-powered equivalent. If you’ve been tempted by the genre but have been put off by under-powered motors, you’ll no doubt want to take a very close look at the Fluid VLT.

As mentioned earlier, we’ll have a proper in-depth review coming on the Bosch SX motor in the near future. Stay tuned to the Flow website and YouTube channel for more!

That aside, the Fluid VLT delivers a lively and playful ride quality that underscores the handling advantages a lightweight e-MTB offers over a full-powered equivalent.