Norco Fluid LT1 preview review

I recently have been brought on as a long term product tester for whistlermountainbike.com.

Super stoked as I have been recovering from two broken ankles over two years and I am in need of a push to get out and ride again. Although I have been putting miles on my road bike on fairer days and hitting the streets on my Skateboard to build ankle strength, it’s not enough when I come from a dirt background.

2009 Norco Fluid LT. Rear end. Sweet Industry Nine goodness.

When I heard that I was to ride a new Norco Fluid model I was on the edge of my seat waiting until the arrival of the box. When it arrived I immediately started putting it together. Damn, they shipped me the LT 1. The best of the best in that model series. Now I am going to have to get out and hit the trails hard to see how this baby works.

The Fluid LT 1 weighs in at 30.5lbs. Two travel settings are available on the front fork. At full travel (6"), the head angle is slack for extended climbs. However, put the Rock Shox Lyric fork into 4" travel mode and the geometry of the bike for climbing is great. I found the bike most effective is in seated climbing - the rear tire digs into the ground when pedaling uphill making for exceptional traction. If the need to stand to climb I suggest using the higher Pro Pedal mode (maximum Pro Pedal can be engaged by a lever) otherwise the rear suspension can be too active and will bob. For a bike of this size and intended us I found climbing actually quite easy. The light overall weight of the bike really helped as my fitness is still building.

2009 Norco Fluid LT. Rock Shox Lyric fork.

Once into the trails and keeping the fork in 4” mode it handled exceptionally well on single track. Quick technical and twisty terrain was eaten up. Overall the Fluid LT 1’s geometry and spec made it a dream to ride.

The only negative I really found was the lack of space for a proper water bottle and cage in the frame. Although many no a days don’t ride with one, I did try to fit a cage to see.

Next Visit I will be doing some shuttle runs, stunts and more technical downhill.

What do you think of the Norco Fluid LT1? Talk back here: