Norco Fluid VLT C1 130 Review

Bosch is the major motor manufacturer in the EMTB world, alongside Shimano - and it's no surprise, as the SX shows. The developers at Bosch are entering the race with their first Light Motor, the Performance SX. With 55 Nm of torque, the unit sits squarely between Fazua's Ride 6 and TQ's HPR 5. However, it delivers similar power values to the popular Full-Power sibling, the Powermotor CX, with up to 6 watts of assistance. However, the Bosch SX only delivers this power at a very high cadence. To feel the full power, one must pedal at a sporty 1 revolutions per minute. The startup behavior remains harmonious. The entire motor control is very natural. While in operation, the Performance SX is quieter than the Powermotor CX, but still louder than the sometimes whisper-quiet competition from Fazua or TQ. When descending, Bosch has managed to reduce rattling compared to the CX model, although it remains noticeably audible with the SX. Fans of XXL tours are greatly restricted by the Fluid VLT C1 130 , because of its low range.

A good chassis sits in rugged terrain and generates plenty of traction. That's exactly what the good Rock Shox chassis in the Fluid VLT C1 130 hits. In comparison, it's noticeable that the direct competition mounts better chassises, thus offering significantly more control. Especially for heavy riders, the Norco brakes could be a problem. With four pistons and small 18 brake rotors they only decelerate averagely. At the drivetrain components and the rest of the parts, Norco uses good equipment. When it comes to the geometry, Norco does not go completely crazy. The head tube angle and reach values were chosen with care. The result: A balanced riding behaviour with a good combination of playfulness and straight-line stability. Due to the short chainstays , when climbing steep sections, it requires active weight shifting to prevent the front wheel from lifting. With the weight of 18,1 kg, Norco puts the competition in a state of shock. Indeed, among Trailbikes, it is hard to find a lighter model. The riding pleasure is guaranteed.