Fluid FS A3 or Fluid FS A4? Need help with first FS purchase

Hello,

I am looking to get a new Norco Fluid bike. I want the Fluid FS A3 or the A4. Originally, I was going to get the A3, as it has a better fork, but then after doing some research on the drivetrain, I see that many people do NOT like SRAM SX Eagle. As a comparison, the A4 has Shimano Deore M5100, which seems to be well liked.

The other main differences between the bikes are the fork (RockShox Recon Silver RL, 42mm Offset VS RockShox 35 Silver TK Air, 44mm Offset) and cassette (the A3 has a 12 speed VS an 11 speed on the A4).

Some other differences include the tires (Goodyear Newton 2.4″ VS Vittoria Mazza 2.4″ Trail) and the crankset (FSA Comet 1X DM VS SRAM SX Eagle DUB).

The two bikes in question:

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-fs/fluid-fs-a3/

https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-fs/2023-fluid-fs-a4/

Is the SRAM group set that bad (compared to the Shimano Deore)? Is the upgraded fork and 12-speed cassette worth the extra $500? Even if the group set is (supposedly) worse?

Price different between the two is $2000 vs $2500 FYI.

I’ll be mostly doing technical and downhill riding on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Thanks.

by Dopeski