Gear Shots

Gear Shots #41

008 Norco Fluid One LT
Words and photos by Lee Lau

This is the third edition of the Norco Fluid that I've reviewed. I loved the 2006 version, I gushed about the 2007 version and (big surprise), I'm just as stoked about the 2008 version. This year Norco has entered the long-travel all-mountain fray with the Norco Fluid LT (Long Travel). I was given the Fluid LT One to test - which I will occasionally refer to as the Gucci or Pimp edition bike - for reasons that will become clear as we discuss the component specifications.

What more can I say about the Fluid line of bikes? I really like Norcos. Indeed, the gentle reader can be well-justified in questioning my objectivity. Having said that, it's hard to argue with a bike and part spec that continues to deliver top-quality bang for the buck year after year after year.

The '08 Fluid One LT, ready to get dirty and explore the wild under Lee's guidance.

Since the Fluid LT is a bit different then the "regular" travel Fluids, bike weight comparisons are apples to oranges. The Fluid LT One is 30.5lbs and has 1" more travel then the 2008 Fluid One, which weighs in at 28lbs.

Shifting is almost all SRAM, anchored by the highest end incredibly precise SRAM XO group (with the exception of a Shimano XT front derailleur), a SRAM chain and a SRAM 11-34 cogset. Rock Shox's Lyrik Two Step is adjustable from 4" to 6" and is matched with the dependable Fox DHX Air 5.0 which provides rear cushion. Wheels are DT Swiss hubs on Mavic rims with 2.35" Kenda Nevegals (my test version had bigger tires then the production versions, which will ship with 2.1" tires). I think you will get the idea about how high-end this bike is spec'ed when you see that it comes with other goodies such as XTR cranks, Avid Juicy 7 brakes with carbon levers and the highest-end Syncros parts.

The cockpit on the Fluid One sets the bar very high when it comes to all-mountain bikes.

The Fluid frame design is now pretty mature and refined. The sloping top tube with bend in the middle is now being included in other bikes so the Norcos are not so distinctive any more in that regard, but I am continually amazed at how much clearance there is for standover.

There are more hydroformed tubes than in the 2007 Fluid One editions. Cable routing has been changed so it is now routed under the bottom tube. Little details like the neoprene Norco chainstay pad are appreciated and noticed.

Norco uses the patented four-bar Horst Linkage and a modified rocker arm for rear end travel.

As previously stated, my test version came with 2.35" Kenda Nevegals front and rear. You'd be hard-pressed to fit bigger tires then that in the rear.

I think I may be repeating myself but the Norco Fluid LT One is drop-dead gorgeous. The parts on it and the frame details all scream quality. I will be testing this over the summer. Of course, I'll spout the standard party line that I'll be subjecting this poor steed to the usual litany of abusive trail-riding, thoroughly testing it on uphill and downhill ...yadda yadda... You can be assured that I'll take the Fluid LT to interesting places...

The list price for the Fluid LT One is CAD$5,879 / US$5,399. More details on the Fluid LT One, including detailed specifications, geometry can be found on the Norco site.

Gravity Dropper Turbo Seatpost
Words and photos by Cam McRae

I have to admit that when I first received some PR about the Gravity Dropper several years ago, I wasn't impressed. It's been done before I thought - being old enough to have sold a few Hite Rites in my time - and I wasn't a fan back then either. That was in the days when I was more likely to ride naked than lower my saddle. Full extension full time was my motto.

For the second coming of the sprung seatpost, my reasoning has done a 180. I always stop at the top put on pads so why would I need to adjust my saddle on the fly? It didn't help that the subject line of that first email said something like, 'Introducing the Gravity Droper.' I've thought of it as the Droper ever since.

The Gravity Dropper at full extension, with the cable that controls the height.

I'm getting ahead of myself, though. The Gravity Dropper is an adjustable height seatpost that raises using an internal spring and lowers with your body weight. Clicking the release, on the handlebar with the Gravity Dropper and Turbo models and from the post with the Descender model, releases a pin which allows the post to move up or down.

The model I'm using is the Turbo with 4" of adjustment, but you can also choose 2" or 3". The post can be lowered 1" from full extension or all the way down. You can also order it so that it can be lowered to the halfway position of 2" down. In fact, you can order the Gravity Dropper in pretty much any configuration you choose on a post anywhere from 275mm to 425mm.

My riding has matured since the product was introduced and now I do some rides that go up and then down and then up some more. I even ride with some sickos who don't stop at the top to gear up. I've been using the Gravity Dropper for a couple of weeks and I already think that it's the sort of product I will use as long as I can turn the pedals.

Being able to adjust your saddle on the fly is habit forming. My best experience with the Dropper thus far was riding the Ripper Super D on Seymour. The course was laid out with some ups and some downs and some meandering sections, and the ability to drop your saddle on the fly was a huge advantage. At first, I had to look down at the lever to figure out where the lever was - or I'd shift my front derailleur despite the fact that I have the release mounted on the right side. It's becoming second nature now, though, and I use it even for short climbs and descents - which never occurred to me at first.

The Gravity Dropper switch, mounted to the bar and tucked in close to the shifter / brake for safety.

So far I have had no problems with the product, and I am looking forward to using it more. In the time since the Gravity Dropper Turbo arrived, a Crankbrothers Joplin also came to my door. I plan to write my final article on each product as a head-to-head assessment. It should be interesting: two products that serve the same purpose couldn't be more different than these two.

The Gravity Dropper, squished down to make it easy to get behind the saddle.

You can order a Gravity Dropper online with prices ranging from US$200 to US$299 for the Turbo with a sleeve to keep the gunk out. You can also order it through your local shop - Obsession: Bikes here in North Van carries the product. The post is made in one size - 27.2 - with shims to make it compatible with virtually any size larger than that (my 26.8 Ritchey will have to track down a Hite Rite). This makes great sense because if you buy a $300 post you are going to want to keep it when you get a new frame and all you will need is a new shim.

Dakine Step Down and Stitch Jerseys
Words by Stuart Kernaghan

Dakine is well-known for making great hydration packs, gear bags, and a complete line of gloves, but the boys from Oregon also turn out some sweet soft goods as well. There are nine different Dakine guys jerseys to choose from, with 3/4 sleeve, short sleeve, and sleeveless options to choose from (along with four jerseys for the girls).

All of the jerseys use 100% moisture-wicking polyester, and come with the Aegis Microbe Shield anti-bacterial fabric treatment to keep the funk at bay.

With nine different models and a variety of colours to choose from, there's a jersey for just about every occasion and fashion sense. If you're looking for a basic, no-nonsense jersey check out the Stitch. Short sleeves, simple logo on the front, and olive, black or white colour options.

The Stitch is a basis short sleeve jersey that can be used on its own in warmer weather or as a layer in cold weather.

Riders in search of a bit more flair will dig the Step Down 3/4 sleeve jersey, which incorporates a cool "D" herringbone-style pattern that's woven right into the fabric. The longer sleeves are great on days when it's a little cool, or when you want to cover up elbow pads. Colour choices include black, brown or green.

Sizing on the jerseys is bang on - I'm 6'4" and 220 lbs. and wear a size XL in both styles. The fit was comfortable both standing around and in the riding position, and the cut didn't restrict movement at all. I'd probably have room for upper body armour under both of them, but it might be a little snug.

Retail pricing for the Stitch is US$40 / CDN$60, and the Step Down will cost you US$40 / CDN$60. Dakine jerseys are available at finer bike stores everywhere. And if they don't carry the jersey you want, tell them to get on the phone and place an order with the distributor.

Have your own thoughts on the Gravity Dropper? Wonder where the hell Lee's adventures will take him and the Fluid LT this year? Head over to the board to discuss...

Previous Gear Shots

Gear Shots #43 - Trek, Giro & Crumpler - 2009 Trek Session 88, Giro Convert sunglasses and the Crumpler Mahoubar messenger bag
Gear Shots #42 - Race Face Atlas FR Crankset, WTB LaserDisc Trail Wheelset, and Garmin Edge 705 GPS unit
Gear Shots #41 - 2008 Norco Fluid One LT, Gravity Dropper Turbo Seatpost, and Dakine Step Down and Stitch Jerseys
Gear Shots #40 - 2008 Norco Shore 1, 2008 Trek Remedy 9, and 2008 Fox 36 TALAS RC2
Gear Shots #36 - SRAM X-9 shifters and derailleurs, Hayes Stroker Trail disc brakes, SixSixOne Strike full-face helmet
Gear Shots #32 - The 2007 Brodie Zealot, Harlot Houlihan shorts and Scarlet
X-Knickers for the ladies, Beastgear XXX Unitux long sleeve upper body armour
Gear Shots #22 - eNVy Double E dual , Blackspire Dewlie dual, Blackspire Stinger dual, and Race Face Diabolus single-ring chainguides
Gear Shots #2 - Roach Rally Shorts, NYC Freeride Blox 1.125 Stem, Pryme AL Full-face Helmet
Gear Shots #1 - Yakima Rim Roc, SixSixOne Wrist Wraps, and Evil SRS Chainguide