Norco Fluid VLT C1 27.5/29" Bike

Welcome to part 1 of the MBR SL E-Bike of the Year test with 8 of the hottest 2025 models going head-to-head. We've got the Orbea Rise LT, Santa Cruz Heckler SL, Whyte E-Lyte, Cannondale Moterra SL, Specialized Turbo Levo SL, Trek Fuel EXe, Orange Phase EVO, and Norco Fluid VLT.

Recently, I’ve had a few friends take career breaks. When endless hard work and ladder climbing is put on a pedestal all around us, it’s a brave choice.

Light-weight e-bikes are here to stay, and with all the offerings from nearly every major brand, it's safe to say, like it or not, that the future of mountain bike riding for a majority of the population will involve a battery and a motor.

Following two years of development, the Norco Fluid VLT has arrived as the first lightweight electric mountain bike from the Canadian brand. Adding to the excitement, it was also one of the first e-MTBs to be announced with the new Bosch Performance Line SX motor.

In a year when many bike brands have slowed their pace, we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of bike design. Today, we're pleased to release the completely reimagined Carbon Fluid VLT E-MTB, now available at dealers and for order online at norco.com.

We tested the ‪@NorcoBicyclesOfficial‬  Fluid VLT in its shorter travel guise earlier this year, and regularly found ourselves wishing for a bit more. While it was a solid XC-type eBike, we were very happy to get the longer travel 140/150mm model tested here for our lightweight eMTB Shootout. What a difference that build spec and some extra travel can make, ride along as we review the Norco Fluid VLT C1 140. 

Norco Fluid VLT review: rocking the Bosch Performance SX!

After much anticipation, the Bosch SX motor has arrived as the German brand's first system designed specifically for lightweight electric mountain bikes. As exciting as it is, the SX motor does arrive somewhat late to the party with the likes of Specialized, TQ and Fazua having dominated the lightweight e-MTB category over the past four years.

Norco entered the lightweight eMTB market earlier this year with the all-new Fluid VLT, a Bosch SX-powered trail bike with a 400 Wh battery and a dedicated MX wheel configuration.

Norco really kept us on our toes! Although the new Fluid VLT light eMTB was unveiled last year, there weren’t any rideable specimens to get hold of until now. 

In this week's EMBN Show, Steve Jones is joined by Rich Payne to take a look at the new lightweight Norco Fluid VLT. In the rest of the show, we look at a new affordable hardtail eMTB from Aventon, and your usual favourites including what’s locked away in the Bike Vault, we get social in #GETTINGSOCIAL and much more including some new segments!

In a year when many bike brands have slowed their pace, Norco continues to innovate and push the boundaries of bike design. Today, the brand is pleased to release the completely reimagined Carbon Fluid VLT E-MTB, now available at dealers all over the UK. Featuring a Bosch motor, a complete carbon frame, and updated geometry with a top-shelf component spec, the all-new Fluid VLT is a lightweight package that looks, feels, and rides exactly like you want it to.