Review

Enduro Race Bike Group Test: Rocky Mountain Altitude

09.01.2014
by



We already tested the Rocky Mountain Altitude last year. At the request of Fred Glo (organizer of the French Enduro Series, co-founder of the Enduro World Series and French distributor for Rocky Mountain), it will come in a “rally edition” in 2014. There is an uncompromising well-trimmed enduro racing bike hiding behind the rather confusing choice of name.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ALTITUDE RALLY EDITION
PRICE: 5.499 EUR | WEIGHT: 13,2 KG | WHEEL SIZE: 27.5″ | TRAVEL: 160/150 MM

1×10 SRAM drivetrain, chain guide, Fox 34 fork, Fox Float X shock, and a massive 780 mm / 50 mm cockpit serve to define the bike’s intended field of use. With a mini-tool, the carbon frame can be adjusted to different riding styles and terrain via the Ride-9-System. With this tool, a head angle between 66.2° and 67.8°, as well as a seating angle from 73.2° to 74.8° can be set.

When on the bike, the rather short top tube (585 mm), in combination with the short cockpit, results in a slightly upright seating position. Thanks to the efficient pedaling position, the bike pedals well on climbs. The slight pedal feedback in the rear suspension can be ‘calmed’ via a remote lever on the handlebar. Finally on the trail, the Altitude truly unfolds its racing genes. With outstanding control, forgiveness, and grip, we sped downhill. The rear feels very plush, like it possesses more travel than it actually does (150 mm).

However, for a more active riding style, a little more feedback from the ground would be appreciated. The exact actual travel simply cannot be perceived. Overall, the Altitude feels quite a brute (but is also somehow harmonious), and it runs very smoothly with average maneuverability. A mini-downhill-bike!

Fabelhaft: Zusammen mit dem gelungenen Hinterbau sorgte der Fox Float X Dämpfer dank reibungsarmer Kashima-Beschichtung und externem Ausgleichsbehälter für das potenteste Fahrwerk im Test.
Excellent: in combination with the well-designed kinematic, the Fox Float X rear shock presents the most potent chassis within this test – thanks to the low-friction Kashima coating and an external reservoir.
Notwendig: Der Remote-Hebel stellt bei Sprints den wippigen 150-MM-Hinterbau ruhig.
Necessary: The remote lever keeps the movement of the 150 mm rear suspension calm on sprints.
Hart am Limit? Der 1x10 Antrieb ist zwar günstiger als ein 1x11-Antrieb, limitiert das Bike jedoch auf den Renneinsatz. Wer längere Touren fährt, wünscht sich hier eine 2-fach Kurbel oder 1x11. Die E.13 Kettenführung zeigte Risse an der unteren Führungsrolle - penibel auf das Drehmoment achten!
Close to the limit: even though the 1×10 setup is cheaper than a 1×11 system, it limits the bike to racing. Everyone who likes longer rides would ask for a double crankset or a 1×11. The E.13 chain guide acquired some damage on the lower guide roller.
Durchschnitt: Die SRAM X9-Naben sind mit bewährten ZTR Flow Felgen eingespeicht. Als Kontakt zum Boden findet sich der Continental Mountain King Reifen in 2.4" Breite. Eigendämpfung und Grip gehen voll in Ordnung. Unter nassen und schlammigen Bedingungen kommt er an seine Grenzen.
Average: the SRAM X9 hubs are mounted together with the reliable ZTR Flow rims. The Continental Mountain King tires in 2.4” width constitute the contact point with the ground. Damping and grip are confidence- inspiring, but it reaches its limits on wet and muddy grounds.

To sum up, the Rocky Mountain impresses with its superb downhill qualities with well-balanced geometry that also allows for efficient climbs. Only the 1×10 drivetrain limits the bike’s field of use beyond racing. For longer rides, 2×10 or 1×11 should be built in.

Go back to the article: “Tested: Six Fast Enduro Racing Bikes”

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