Norco rolls out the Torrent FS+

Last year Norco introduced the Torrent hardtail, which features 27.5+ wheels in a slack, alloy frameset. The Canadian brand is following suit for 2017 by rolling out a full suspension version of the Torrent.

Torrent FS+ details

Equipped with 27.5x2.8in tires
140mm front / 130 rear travel
ART rear suspension design
Two complete bikes and a frameset
Available January 2017

Plus with more travel

Like its hardtail sibling, the Torrent FS+ is positioned as a slack trail bike. On paper at least it looks to be very playful — while the chainstay length is a touch longer than the hardtail Torrent, the rear end is still respectably short, particularly for a plus bike.

Norco’s Gravity-Tuned chainstay length varies from 425mm on the size small to 440mm on the XL.

The Torrent FS+ has 130mm of rear travel mated to 140mm of suspension up front. Like the company’s other full suspension models, it uses a Horst link suspension design that Norco calls ART

There’s an ongoing debate in the world of plus bikes about what constitutes “plus". Some plus proponents feel that a tire should be a full three inches wide, while others have decided that scaling back to a 2.8 inch width gives the same benefits, with a bit less weight and less tire squirm.

Norco appears to be in the later camp, as both models come shod in the new 27.5x2.8in Maxxis DHF and DHR treads. According to Chris Cook, Norco’s marketing manager, true 27.5x3in tires will fit in the rear end, but the clearance will be tight, particularly if the tires have tall knobs.

Torrent FS+ pricing, specs and availability

For 2017, Norco will offer the Torrent FS+ in two complete versions as well as a frame with shock.

The Torrent FS+ A7.1 will retail for US$3,599, while the Torrent FS+ A7.2 comes in at US$2,499. The Torrent FS+ frame with RockShox Deluxe RT Debonair shock comes in at US$1,399. (UK and Australian pricing have yet to be announced.)