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First Look: Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt & Altitude 2015

09.09.2014
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Rocky Mountain presented the completely newly developed Thunderbolt for next season during Eurobike. The Thunderbolt is a 120mm Trailbike with plenty of features. The Altutude’s frame hasn’t been changed at all, but the spec has been updated completely.

Das Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Topmodell kommt mit der Shimano XTR Di2 Schaltung.
The Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt top model will be available with the Shimano XTR Di2 drive train.

The Thunderbolt is produced as a 120mm trailbike with 27,5″ wheels. The wheel is developed with Rocky Mountain’s Pipelock bearing technology, which should be able to increase the lateral stiffness with the help of a clamping bushing. At the same time it makes it easy to use lighter bearings. Naturally, the bike is delivered with classic features, such as the popular Ride9-System. The integrated grease ports are really beneficial, because they make it easy and fast to maintain the rear suspension pivots.

Die edle Ausstattung hat ihren Preis. Satte 11.000 € kostet das Topmodell des Thunderbolt.
The high-quality equipment is quite costly. The top Thunderbolt model is as expensive at 11.000 EURO.
Am edlen RaceFace Cockpit findet das Display der Schaltung Platz.
The classy RaceFace cockpit comes with a drive train display.
Gut gelöst: Rocky Mountain hat die Batterie der Shimano XTR Di2 Schaltung ins Unterrohr integriert.
Cleverly done: Rocky Mountain has integrated the Shimano XTR Di2’s battery into the down tube.

Next to the normal Thunderbolt Rocky Mountain offers a BC edition as well. The bike’s downhill performance has been increased with the help of robust tyres and a wider cockpit.

Das Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt BC Edition kommt im schlichten blau und ist für 6.500 € erhältlich.
The Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt BC Edition is delivered in simple blue and is priced at 6.500 EURO.
Hier schön zu sehen die spezielle Lagertechnik. Dabei werden die Lager durch zwei konische Schalen im Inneren geklemmt.
Very nice to look at: The special bearing technology. The bearings are clamped together with the help of two conical inner shells.
Rocky setzt bei der Spaß-Variante des Thunderbolts auf 1x11.
Rocky focusses on 1×11 with the Thunderbolt’s fun version.
Abschmiernippel, Ride9-System, spezielle Lagerung — der Hinterbau steckt voller Technologien.
Grease ports, Ride9-System, special bearings — the rear end is packed with technology.
Das Thunderbolt BC Edition verfügt über eine Federgabel mit 130mm Federweg.
The Thunderbolt BC edition’s fork is available with 130mm travel.

Next season’s Rocky Mountain Altitude Rally Edition will be available in a cheaper version priced at 4.000 EURO. The idea behind this is that the high-quality and classy carbon frame is available for less financially strong buyers.
The Canadians weren’t up to compromises and focussed on a economical, but functional parts. The frame is available on its own for 3.300 EUR.

Das Rocky Mountain 750 MSL Rally Edition.
The Rocky Mountain 750 MSL Rally Edition.
In der Front des Rades arbeitet eine X-Fusion Sweep RL2 Federgabel
A X-Fusion Sweep RL2 fork works at the bike’s front.
Bei der Ralley Edition ist ein 1x11 Antrieb Pflicht!
1×11 drive is a must have for the Rally Edition.
Das Topmodell Rocky Mountain 790 MSL Rally Edition kostet 6.900€, lässt dann aber keine Wünsche offen!
Rocky Mountain’s top model 790 MSL Rally Edition is priced at 6.900 EUR0, but therefore fulfills every biker’s spec dreams.
Editiors Choice: Unseren Redakteur Christoph begeisterte die BC Edition des Rocky Mountain Instinct.
Editiors choice: our Editor Christoph was totally convinced by the BC Edition of the Rocky Mountain Instinct.

More information: www.bikes.com

Text & Photos Christoph Bayer

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