montlake_mtbkr

I'm looking for an All-Mountain type bike and I saw a 2003 Norco Fluid 2.0 at my LBS the other day so I took it out for a spin. They're asking $1650 for it and about $210 to upgrade to Hayes Hydraulic (from Hayes mech--I didn't like it's stock brakes). It comes with Marzocchi DJ3 fork and Fox float RL rear FSR type suspension.

I was hoping a few people here might have an '03 Fluid and could give me some idea if this is a good bike. (MTBR.com has only 3 mixed reviews of the fluid 2.0)

Also how is the DJ3? good, bad? Basically is this a good bike thats worth $1860?

Maelstrom 

I don't have one but know the bikes well. The fluid was created to fill a gap for smaller riders. The VPS series tends to be massively built and fit biggers better than smaller riders. They designed this series for girls and smaller riders and the bike works well for bikercross too. Wicked bike, good value, very burly for its size and definately worth the cash (I would personally cross over the border and see about buying it over here. Might be cheaper) This years is even more refined in build and look. It pedals well (along with any VPS) and can take some good hits.

Dj3 is decent. I don't like the way they ride on trails but thats because thats not what they are ramped up for anyways