I loved the days of the Norco all mountain hardtails, I think we called them freeride hardtails back in the days of the Manik, the Sasquatch, Big foot etc. I've always regretted selling my Manik but I've now filled that void.
A few months ago I got my 2018 Norco Torrent. DVO Diamonds, alloy frame, plus size Spank 650B wheelset, 46t 11 speed, all the OneUp upgrades and 2.8 Maxxis tyres. I shit you not, this is the best hardtail I've ever ridden and I'm enjoying it more than I imagined, my other bikes are collecting dust!
Climbing is a breeze, the front stays planted and I have not noticed any extra difficulty with bigger tyres. She is a slug on the flat hardpack stuff but 18 PSI in the tyres will do that.
As for the downs; holy shit! Its so well balanced and ticks every box for perfect geometry that it feels so planted and predictable. I'm totally in love with it.
At speed it's a little twitchy as you'd expect but on the steep and techy stuff, its solid. That finish is a semi dull chrome paint too, it loves amazing. Potentially the best bike I've ever ridden.