Capitalising on the amazing terrain and landscape Canada has to offer, Norco have continually shifted with the times, creating a bike to suit every aspect of riding. They're making all the right moves when it comes to the all-mountain market, with bikes such as the Fluid LT 2.
Ride & handling: All-rounder with great all-mountain capabilities
Out on the trail, the LT 2 is ultra versatile. The position created by the 21.7in (553mm) top tube and 60mm-reach stem gives a great compromise for all the types of riding expected of this bike. The LT 2 is comfortable for climbing and the cockpit is spacious enough to get your weight shifted wherever necessary.
This green machine really starts to shine at speed on technical singletrack. The head angle of 68 degrees allows maximum control and avoids any unwanted twitchiness when the trail gets a little steeper.
Although the FSR suspension system isn’t the most pedal efficient, bobbing is kept to a minimum by the ProPedal platform damping on the Fox DHX shock.
The Marzocchi forks cope well with small bumps and take the sting out of bigger hits. The 55 has a habit of bobbing, so its adjustability is a huge benefit when you’re out for a slog. The lockout becomes almost essential to prevent energy being wasted. The Marzocchi fork and Fox air shock work well together.
Point the LT 2 downhill and it simply cries out for more. The tyres may drag on climbs but they provide excellent, predictable traction on a variety of terrains. This bike really is a good all-rounder, capable of being thrashed down the hillside but happy to be ridden back up to the top again.
Frame: Striking swoopy tubes plus thoroughly proven suspension
The garish green paintjob certainly makes the LT 2 stand out, along with the sweeping hydroformed 6061 aluminium tubing of the front triangle. The sleek curves of the top tube give loads of standover height and increase manoeuvrability no end.
The burly box-section 6061 aluminium tubing of the rear triangle keeps things flex free and attaches to the shock with stiff forged linkage plates. The LT 2 uses the patented Specialized FSR linkage with sealed cartridge bearings to keep things nice and smooth.
The FSR system is well proven, and well controlled by the Fox DHX Air 3.0 shock. Travel is easily adjustable between the two settings positioned on the linkage plates and offers either 137 or 158mm (5.4-6.2in) of bounce.
Equipment: Fantastic spec and wheelset
The Mavic rim and Shimano XT hub combo is light, but strong enough to take some massive hits. The Marzocchi 55 forks are quite hefty, but cope reliably well, and the travel is easily adjustable. The 20mm axle adds to the steering precision.
Avid Juicy brakes are wisely specced with 185mm rotors and have more than enough power to bring this sub-16kg (35lb) rig to a stop.
