The name synonymous with cycling design from Down Under, Avanti, is looking mighty sharp for next season. We dropped by the 2017 product range showing to see what is new, what has changed and what we’re most looking forward to.
Torrent CS 7.2
Our last experience with the Torrent was a good one, and a quick glance at the new version looks like it’s really brought up to speed and will satisfy the spec-conscious folks out there.
Read our review of the previous version Avanti Torrent CS here: Avanti Torrent CS 7.2 review.
While it retains the same frame, the new top of the line carbon frame Torrent is a completely new beast and totally on the money. Fork travel takes it up one notch to 160mm travel and is now the incredibly desirable RockShox Pike.
Out the back the RockShox Monarch with the high air volume Debonair air chamber handles 150mm of travel at the heart of Avanti’s long serving Tru4 four bar suspension linkage design.
Gone is the double chainring from the 2016 model in favour of a Shimano XT 11-speed drivetrain with e*Thirteen cranks and chain guide.
For a cool $5999, we think the Torrent CS 7.2 is mighty good value, and it’s certainly good to go right out of the box.
Torrent S 2
With the aluminium frame the Torrent S 2 hits the spot with a new singe ring drivetrain, RockShox Pike, DT Wheels and a KS LEV dropper post.
$4299 will get you a very capable bike for hard all-mountain riding or enduro racing.
Competitor
One of the oldest names in mountain biking retains its place in modern day with four new versions of wallet friendly bikes, from a womens and mens entry level hardtail, and new for 2017 there’s a 27.5+ hardtail and dually added into the lineup.
The Competitor S Plus caught our attention, aside from its new-look logo and bright red paint the parts look great. Shimano’s new SLX 11-speed single-ring drivetrain adds serious quality and meets the demands of modern day riders who prefer the simplicity of the new wide range drivetrains.
We’ve got the new Shimano SLX on review, take a look at the affordable groupset here: First impressions, Shimano SLX 11-Speed.
Competitor C
The Competitor first got its name from the cross country race track, and the 29er carbon hardtail is still a seriously good option for the racers with a lightweight carbon frame and a focussed parts spec.
For the full range of 2017 Avanti bikes, keep an eye on the site, all the new bikes will be up there shortly. Until then, get on over to your local Avanti dealer and get hassling!
www.avantibikes.com