After a very favorable reception for the Torrent 27.5+ hardtail, Norco has tripled down on 27.5+ mountain bikes, releasing 3 all-new models for 2017!
Torrent 7 FS+
The most notable of the new additions is the Torrent 7 FS+, which essentially turns the popular Torrent hardtail into a FS bike. Available in two build kits and a frame-only option ($3,599, $2,499, and $1,399), the top-tier FS+ A7.1 is the most interesting.
With 130mm of suspension in the rear and 140mm up front, both ends of the bike are damped by DVO suspension products. The front fork is a DVO Diamond Boost 29/27.5+, and the rear shock is the DVO Topaz T3 air with external reservoir and trunnion mount. It’s pretty rare to see DVO suspension as a stock spec, and especially at this relatively low price point.
The frame itself is aluminum, with a 67-degree head tube angle and chainstay lengths that vary depending on the size of the bike (425mm small, 430mm medium, 435mm large, 440mm extra large).
Other components include Spank Oozy Trail 395+ rims, Maxxis Minion DHR and DHF 2.8″ tires, TransX dropper post, SRAM Guide R hydraulic disc brakes, and a SRAM GX 1×11 drivetrain.
Fluid 7 FS+
While the Torrent FS+ is positioned in Norco’s All-Mountain category, the Fluid FS+ sits in the trail category with 120mm of travel in the rear, 130mm up front, and a 68-degree head tube angle. The FS+ is available in two build levels ($2,149 and $1,799), but since this model may be one of the most affordable full suspension 27.5+ bikes available, let’s focus in on the cheaper $1,799 7.2+ model pictured above.
This alloy bike is specced with a RockShox Plus Sektor Silver RL 130mm Boost mid fat fork up front and a RockShox Monarch R HVI shock in the rear. The rims are Alex MD 35 and are laced to a Novatec front hub and RockShox 15mm QR axle rear hub, wearing WTB Ranger 27.5×2.8″ tires. Drivetrain is a 1×10 Shimano Deore setup with a clutch-style rear derailleur; brakes are Tektro Hydraulic Disc; and the cockpit consists of mostly Norco-branded bits.
While some of the tech is many model years behind (particularly the 15mm QR in the rear), this is a very solid bike for the money!
Fluid 7/6 HT+
Finally, the Fluid HT+ is a shorter-travel, more affordable version of the original Torrent HT+, with a 120mm fork up front, and complete builds go for $1,699, $1,249, and $899. All the models come with an alloy frame, 67.5-degree head tube angle, and again, chainstay lengths that vary depending on the size: 420mm in extra small and small, and 430mm in medium, large, and extra large. Unlike the full suspension models, the Fluid HT+ is compatible with either 27.5+ wheels and tires or 26+.
The $1,699 Fluid 7.1/61 comes specced with a RockShox Reba RL 120mm fork, Shimano SLX 1×11 drivetrain with a shadow plus rear derailleur, Shimano SLX brakes, and a TranzX dropper post. The rims are Alex MD35, and the tires are 2.8″ WTB Rangers in either 27.5″ or 26″.
The most affordable $899 Fluid 7.3/6.3 comes specced with a SR Suntour XCM 120mm fork, SRAM GX 1×10 drivetrain, Tektro HD-M285 hydraulic disc brakes, a Norco-branded cockpit, and the same Alex MD35 rims and WTB Ranger tires.
