The rest of the componentry is still solid with a mix between SRAM and, Canadian company, RaceFace. While other parts may be at the cheaper end of the spectrum, I’m glad Norco spent the money on the suspension, which really adds to the riding experience more so than, I feel, any other component. Out of all the components on the Torrent, the Diamond was certainly a standout. This means your air setting can control your mid stroke support and bottom out, while the OTT can control the traction and small bump compliance, negating any need for a compromise. With one of the coolest features being the ‘OTT’, or ‘Off The Top’, system that gives you easy control over the initial portion of the stroke. Initial setup of the Diamond was easy thanks to DVO’s instructional support website and videos. Its adjustable travel from 130–170mm, via internal spacers, makes the fork versatile, and the stock setting at 140mm suits the Plus-size wheels. Up front is the Boost version of DVO’s Diamond enduro fork. This bike was pre-production and stock models will come with the DVO unit. On the suspension front, unfortunately I wasn’t able to use the stock 130mm DVO Topaz T3 Air rear shock but the RockShox Deluxe was more than enough for the test. It’s that ‘throw me into anything and I’ll make sure we get out the other side’ tough look that inspires you to ride hard before you’re even on it.
The aluminium frames welds are a little chunky and the bottom bracket has an ‘industrial’ look. The external cable routing, while easy for maintenance, does make the downtube appear cluttered.
The subdued colour really makes the splashes of green on the frame and the DVO suspension and SDG saddle ‘pop’. Just sitting there, the 2.8 inch Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR tyres looked menacing. Aesthetically, the Torrent’s frame matches its use and is big and burly. Out of the box and built up, my first thought was that this is a big bike. But can a plus size, all-mountain bike really conquer a whole mountain? Let’s see! Big and burly, the Torrent FS+ 27.5 inch A7.1 is the higher end model of two and is touted as an aggressive all-mountain bike and looks to put Norco’s hand into the plus size, full suspension cookie jar that seems to be the industry’s next big thing. But conquered by what? Norco hopes their newest mountain bike will be that which will prevail. Even the climbs hold technical challenges waiting to be conquered. The towering trees and loamy soils of Canada provide the grounding for the rough singletrack filled with rock drops and root chutes that most of us dream about. Photos and videos of riding that come out of Norco’s home country all seem to end up in one place – Dreamland. The Canadian company’s latest creations are certainly turning heads thanks to dialled colour palettes and riding experiences. Norco Bicycles have been exploring mountain trails and smashing backyard skid sessions for over 50 years. Words: Sebastian Jayne Photos: Robert Conroy
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