Posted by: Chasmoftheclam
Thought I'd share my 2021 Norco Torrent on this thread. This bike serves multiple functions for me, including:
1. Summer trail bike when I'm heading out on mellow trails, or when I fancy a bigger challenge on a more technical trail.
2. Winter trail ripper using 29x2.6" Wrathchilds, pogies and lights.
3. Bikepacking rig when loaded up with a few bags.
It's already gone through a few iterations in terms of setup. i've swapped out a Lyrik for a Fox 36 and have been swapping out my tires (2.6" Assegai (F), Rekon (F+R), SE2 (R)) dependant on what i'm planning to ride. I rode this as my only bike during much of summer 2021 whilst trying to source parts to build up my FS. It wrangled with whether this bike really could be my only MTB... it's so capable for my riding ability and serves so many purposes. I'm still struggling with this decision now of what I need vs. what I want.
I think the torrent is such a great looking bike. The whole super low top tube with a massive seat tube brace is unnecessary and doesn't actually make for a better riding bike. The torrent has clean lines, good geo simple paint and graphics. In short, they didn't screw it up by trying to make a hard core hardtail "cool" because they realize that it already is. Looks like this one gets some good use.