The Norco Torrent is a hardcore 29er hardtail built for aggressive trail riding and gravity-focused descents. Redesigned from the ground up for the 2020 model year, the platform centers around a 150mm travel fork and a robust frame available in either double-butted 4130 chromoly steel or 6061 aluminum. Norco prioritized durability and practicality, equipping the frame with a threaded 73mm bottom bracket, Boost rear spacing, and external downtube cable routing with an internal port for the dropper post. The 1x-specific layout utilizes a shaped yoke at the chainstays to maintain clearance for large tires while keeping the rear end compact. Weighing in over 30 pounds depending on the exact specification, the Torrent is not designed for cross-country speed or lightweight efficiency. Instead, it serves riders who want the simplicity of a hardtail combined with the geometry and descending capability typically reserved for long-travel full-suspension mountain bikes.
Where to get it.
1 retailer · size M.
Spec sheet.
Every component shipped with this build.
Geometry & fit.
4 sizes published.
The Torrent’s geometry mirrors the numbers found on modern all-mountain and enduro bikes, fundamentally shaping its handling and rider fit. A notably slack 64-degree head tube angle pushes the front wheel far forward, creating immense stability on steep descents and preventing the bike from pivoting forward over technical features. To balance this long front center, Norco utilizes very short chainstays, measuring 420mm on sizes small and medium, and 425mm on large and extra-large frames. This compact rear end is responsible for the bike's ability to pivot sharply and manual over obstacles despite its overall length.
Reach is generous across the size run, measuring 480mm on a size large, which provides a spacious cockpit that allows the rider to move freely without upsetting the bike's balance. To ensure this length remains manageable on ascents, the frame features a steep 76-degree effective seat tube angle. This positions the rider's hips centrally over the bottom bracket, promoting an upright, efficient pedaling posture that helps keep the front wheel tracking straight on steep climbs, counteracting the wandering tendency often associated with slack head angles.
Where the handlebar sits relative to the bottom bracket — the single most important fit pair.
01Fit geometry6 values
02Component geometry4 values
03Handling geometry8 values
Which size should I buy?
Slide your height to see the recommended size. GearWise's fit algorithm works from the published stack, reach, and ETT — the brand's own recommendation may differ.
→Calculated from GearWise's own stack / reach / ETT algorithm — the brand's size chart may recommend a different size, and a proper bike fit beats any calculator.
The lineup.
2 builds, ranging $1,519 – $1,879.
While the Torrent platform includes premium steel options, the aluminum lineup is split into the A1 HT and A2 HT builds, both utilizing the same 6061 alloy frame. The A1 HT sits as the higher-tier aluminum option, equipped with a 150mm RockShox 35 Gold RL fork and a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain featuring a wide-range 10-51T cassette. Braking is handled by TRP Slate EVO four-piston hydraulic calipers paired with 180mm rotors.
The A2 HT lowers the entry price by stepping down to an SR Suntour Zeron35 coil fork, though it maintains the 150mm travel and 44mm offset. The drivetrain shifts to an 11-speed Shimano Deore setup with an 11-51T SunRace cassette, and braking duties move to Tektro HD-745 four-piston hydraulics.
Both aluminum builds share a robust wheel and tire package designed for aggressive riding. They roll on 32-hole Stan's Flow D rims laced to Boost hubs, wrapped in 2.35-inch Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires with Performance TwinSkin casings. Additionally, both models feature a TranzX dropper post, offering 130mm of travel on size small frames and 150mm on medium through extra-large sizes, alongside an 800mm alloy handlebar and a short 50mm stem.
From the press.
11 reviews from the cycling press.
Reviewers consistently characterize the Torrent as a descending specialist that requires an active, aggressive pilot. On steep, technical trails, the bike delivers a distinctly "ground-hugging" (PinkBike) feel, remaining remarkably composed at high speeds. Despite its substantial length and weight, testers found the bike surprisingly eager to corner, noting that the short rear end allows it to "carve so well" (YouTube) through tight berms and quick line adjustments.
The frame material plays a significant role in the ride quality. The steel models are frequently praised for offering subtle flex and vibration damping that softens trail chatter. In contrast, the aluminum frames transmit more feedback, which can feel jarring on rough, seated climbs. Uphill performance is generally viewed as a slow, steady affair. The bike's heft and aggressive tires mean it is "not a zippy bike" (YouTube) when accelerating, though the steep seat angle provides an effective position for grinding up fire roads.
Component specification heavily influences reviewer sentiment, particularly regarding the front suspension. While high-end builds with premium forks receive universal praise for their supportive descending capabilities, the RockShox 35 Gold RL found on mid-tier models is often criticized as "unrefined and poorly damped" (Outdoorgearlab), with a tendency to dive under hard braking.
Norco Torrent A1 HT 2024 Review
Norco Torrent S1 HT : Tested
TESTED: 2022 Norco Torrent A1
REVIEW: The Norco Torrent S1 vs. 50 Year Trail's Steep Slabs
Review: Norco Torrent
Norco Torrent A1 HT Review
Norco's $3149 Torrent HT S1 Review: A Ground Hugging ...
Norco Torrent HT S2 review
Field Trip: Norco's $3149 Torrent HT S1
Norco Torrent: First Ride Review
BIKE REVIEW: Norco Torrent HT S1 - Mountain Biking Australia magazine
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