2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2/7.3: Your Budget Trail Bike Guide

In the often-exorbitant world of mountain biking, where new standards and incremental upgrades can seem designed purely to lighten your wallet, finding a genuinely capable full-suspension bike at an affordable price point can feel like discovering a hidden gem. The industry often pushes the narrative that 'you get what you pay for', implying that anything below a certain price is simply not worth considering. However, every now and then, a bike emerges that challenges this notion, proving that value and performance don't always have to be mutually exclusive. Enter the 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2 and 7.3 – a pair of trail bikes that aimed to democratise the full-suspension experience for the everyday rider.

For many enthusiasts, the idea of a full-suspension mountain bike for under £1,200 might raise an eyebrow, or even several. Yet, the Norco Fluid series, particularly the 7.3 model, was specifically designed as a UK-exclusive offering in collaboration with Evans Cycles, with the clear goal of delivering a competent trail-ready machine without the eye-watering price tag. This article delves into what made these bikes stand out, their performance on the trails, and whether they truly offered a worthwhile investment for those looking to conquer more challenging terrain without breaking the bank.

Unpacking the Price: The 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2 & 7.3

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding any used bike is, understandably, its original price. While the exact retail price of a 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2 today will vary significantly based on condition, location, and market demand, we can look back at its initial RRP to understand its positioning. The 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.3, which forms the basis of much of the detailed review information available, had an original Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of £1099. The Norco Fluid FS 7.2, being a slightly higher-specced variant, notably included a dropper post as standard. This upgrade typically added around £100 to the price, putting the 7.2's RRP at approximately £1199.

At these price points, both models were positioned as incredibly competitive options in the full-suspension market, often competing with similarly specced hardtails. This aggressive pricing strategy was a deliberate move to make full-suspension riding more accessible, targeting riders who might otherwise be limited to rigid or front-suspension bikes due to budget constraints. While the market has evolved since 2017, the original RRP provides crucial context for understanding the bike's design philosophy and the compromises – or clever inclusions – Norco made to hit that price.

Is the Norco Fluid a Good Bike? A Deep Dive into its Capabilities

The true measure of any bike isn't just its price tag, but how it performs where it matters most: on the trails. The 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.3, which is representative of the series' performance, offered a surprisingly capable ride for its cost. Let's break down its various aspects:

Frame and Geometry: A Workmanlike Approach

The Fluid FS 7.3 features a 6000 Series aluminium alloy frame with 120mm of rear travel, utilising Norco's A.R.T (Advanced Ride Technology) four-bar suspension design. This design is well-regarded for its efficient pedalling and active suspension. While the bike's aesthetics might not be 'head-turning' – favouring a more understated, workmanlike black finish with subtle orange accents – its robust construction is evident. The geometry, with a 68.5° head angle and 74.5° seat angle, leans towards a slightly more traditional trail setup, meaning it feels a bit shorter and twitchier compared to more modern, long-and-slack designs. This can translate to a lively, if not always confidence-inspiring, feel on faster, steeper descents.

Component Choices: Smart Savings and Key Inclusions

To hit its aggressive price point, Norco made some strategic component choices. While some parts reveal where savings were made, others are genuinely impressive for the money:

• Drivetrain: A highlight is the 1x10 Shimano Deore clutch rear mech paired with a wide-range 11-40T Sunrace cassette. This gearing provides ample range for climbing and keeps things simple, avoiding the need for a front derailleur. The unbranded crankset is a clear cost-saving measure but functions adequately.
• Suspension: Up front, the RockShox Recon Silver RL Solo Air fork offers 120mm of travel. While an OEM version with a bolt-up Maxle (rather than tool-free) and a somewhat basic plastic rebound adjustment, it performs surprisingly well on the trail despite initial 'wooden' car park impressions. The rear is handled by an OEM RockShox Monarch R HVI shock, which provides excellent support and a progressive feel through its travel, keeping the rear wheel planted on climbs and soaking up trail chatter effectively.
• Wheels & Tyres: The WTB STP I 23 TCS rims are a significant bonus, being tubeless-ready and even taped from the factory. The tyres are a mixed bag: a chunky WTB Vigilante 27.5 x 2.3in up front offers good grip, while the WTB Beeline 27.5 x 2.2in at the rear has a very thin sidewall, suggesting it's an area for potential future upgrade for more aggressive riders.
• Brakes: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes (HD-M285) with 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors are fitted. These were noted for initially low power and alarmingly short pad life, suggesting they are a primary candidate for an early upgrade to enhance stopping power and confidence.
• Cockpit: A sensible 60mm stem (75mm on XL) and 760mm bars offer a good starting point. However, the squirmy non-lock-on grips and flimsy plastic bar plugs are immediate candidates for replacement.
• Seatpost: The 7.3 model comes with a standard rigid seatpost. Crucially, the frame is dropper post compatible, and the 7.2 model includes one as standard, a significant upgrade for trail riding dynamics.

The Ride Experience: Fun and Competent

Despite some initial misgivings about its componentry and geometry, the Norco Fluid truly shone on the trail. It's not a bike designed to win enduro races, nor does it inspire 'boosting off lumps' with playful abandon. Instead, it's a remarkably competent and fun bike for tackling technical, knobbly trails.

• Climbing: Weighing in at just over 30 lbs (13.7 kg), the Fluid climbs rather well for a full-suspension bike. The A.R.T suspension design is efficient, and while there's no lockout on the Monarch R shock, it doesn't feel like it needs one, offering good traction without excessive bobbing.
• Descending: Pointed downhill, the Fluid happily rattles through technical terrain. The suspension, particularly the rear, feels supportive and ramps up well towards the end of its travel, preventing harsh bottom-outs and keeping pedals clear of obstacles. While the forks can feel a bit clunky on long, rocky descents, they perform better than initial impressions suggest. The short wheelbase and steeper head angle can make it feel a bit nervous on fast, swoopy sections, requiring a more active rider.
• Overall Feel: This bike excels on 'awkward knobbly trails' – the kind of terrain often found in the UK's more rugged areas like the Peaks or Lakes. It's a bike that allows you to try silly lines and see what you can get away with, proving to be a surprisingly fun companion for everyday trail adventures. It may not have the plushness or outright speed of more expensive bikes, but it offers a genuinely engaging ride.

Three Things That Could Be Improved:

1. Brakes: The Tektro brakes were identified as a weak point, with low power and poor pad life. An upgrade here would significantly boost confidence and control.
2. Bar End Plugs: A minor but important safety point; the stock plugs are flimsy and should be replaced immediately.
3. Frame Geometry: A slightly longer reach and slacker head angle would modernise the ride feel and enhance stability on faster, steeper descents, making the bike more versatile.

Three Things We Loved:

1. Tubeless-Ready Rims & Beefy Front Tyre: A fantastic inclusion at this price point, offering improved grip and puncture protection.
2. Light Enough for All-Day Rides: The overall weight makes it manageable for longer excursions without feeling sluggish.
3. Competent Full Suspension at a Hardtail Price: The primary appeal – getting a capable full-suspension bike in a price bracket usually reserved for hardtails.

Finding Your Fit: 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2 Sizing Guide

Choosing the right size bike is paramount for comfort, control, and overall riding enjoyment. The 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2 (and 7.3) was available in a good range of sizes to accommodate various rider heights. While the best way to determine your ideal size is always a test ride, the following chart provides a general guide based on typical height recommendations:

Remember that this is a general guide. Personal preference, arm and leg length, and riding style can all influence the ideal bike size. If you find yourself between sizes, consider the kind of riding you'll be doing: a smaller size often feels more playful and agile, while a larger size can offer more stability, especially at speed.

Comprehensive Specifications: 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.3

For those interested in the detailed build, here are the key specifications for the 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.3. The 7.2 model shares most of these, with the primary difference being the inclusion of a dropper seatpost on the 7.2.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What size 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2 should I get?

A: As detailed in our sizing guide above, your height is the primary factor. For the 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2, sizes range from XS to XL. Typically, an XS suits riders under 5'2", S for 5'2"-5'6", M for 5'6"-5'10", L for 5'10"-6'1", and XL for over 6'1". However, these are general guidelines. Body proportions vary, and if possible, a test ride is always the best way to ensure the bike feels comfortable and controllable for you. Consider also if you prefer a more agile (smaller size) or stable (larger size) feel.

Q: Is the Norco Fluid a good bike for beginners?

A: Absolutely. The Norco Fluid, particularly the 2017 FS 7.2/7.3 models, makes an excellent entry point into full-suspension mountain biking. Its competent suspension and generally forgiving ride characteristics on rough terrain make it ideal for learning and progressing. While some components might benefit from future upgrades (like brakes or the rear tyre), the core frame and suspension platform provide a solid foundation. Its affordable price also makes it a less daunting initial investment for newcomers to the sport.

Q: Can I upgrade parts on the Norco Fluid?

A: Yes, the Norco Fluid is highly upgradeable, making it a great platform to grow with. Common upgrades include:

• Dropper Post: If you have the 7.3 model, adding a dropper post (like the one standard on the 7.2) is perhaps the most impactful upgrade for trail riding. The frame is already routed for it.
• Brakes: Upgrading the Tektro brakes to a more powerful set from Shimano or SRAM will significantly improve braking performance and confidence.
• Tyres: While the front WTB Vigilante is good, a more robust rear tyre with better sidewall protection would be a worthwhile upgrade for aggressive riding or challenging terrain.
• Grips & Bar Plugs: For comfort and safety, these are cheap and easy first upgrades.

The frame itself is a solid foundation, allowing you to gradually enhance components as your skills and budget allow.

Q: What kind of terrain is the Norco Fluid best suited for?

A: The 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2/7.3 truly shines on technical, 'knobbly' singletrack with roots, rocks, and challenging features. Its supportive rear suspension excels at soaking up trail chatter and maintaining traction on climbs and descents over rough ground. While it can handle 'fast swoopy stuff', its more traditional geometry means it might feel a bit less stable or confidence-inspiring at very high speeds compared to bikes with slacker, more modern geometry. It's a fantastic choice for typical UK trail centres and natural trails that aren't overly steep or demanding of extreme high-speed stability.

The Verdict: Who is the Norco Fluid For?

In a market often dominated by high-end, high-cost machines, the 2017 Norco Fluid FS 7.2 and 7.3 were refreshing outliers. They proved that a genuinely capable full suspension mountain bike could be had without needing to sell a kidney. While it wasn't the most refined or cutting-edge machine, it was, crucially, fun and competent where it mattered. For riders in the UK, especially those tackling the rockier, more technical terrain of areas like the Peak District or Lake District, the Fluid offered a compelling alternative to a hardtail at a comparable price point.

It's an ideal choice for the beginner or intermediate rider looking to step into the world of full-suspension without a massive initial outlay. It's also a great option for someone who wants a sturdy, reliable trail bike for everyday adventures, willing to make a few minor upgrades over time. The Norco Fluid might not be the flashiest bike on the trails, but its undeniable performance for the price made it a true dark horse and a testament to Norco's commitment to delivering a solid riding experience to a broader audience.

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