Test: A few weeks ago, the Canadian cult manufacturer Rocky Mountain presented the new evolution of its all-round bike Altitude. Even if the trail bike remains true to its core, the completely new frame gives you a more modern geometry, more downhill reserves and a somewhat more consistent orientation. We tested the new jewel at the Bike Festival in Riva.
The Rocky Mountain Altitude is a good old friend, but for the 2018 model year, almost all that remains of the trail bike that was first released in 2013 is the name and orientation. The frame of the Canadian off-road weapon has been completely redesigned, the geometry has been extensively rejuvenated in the process and a lot has happened in terms of equipment compared to previous years. Officially, the new Altitude will be available from June, but at the bike festival in Riva there were a few test bikes that could be taken on the beautiful trails of Lake Garda - of course we didn't miss this opportunity.
Rocky Mountain Altitude 2018: Everything new and still the same?
The Altitude has been the all-purpose weapon in the Canadian cult manufacturer's range since its introduction four years ago - whether you put it in the new category of trail bikes, call it an all-mountain bike or - in the case of the 2018 model - a mini-enduro left to themselves. The 150mm spring travel at the rear, with which the previous model already made the trails around the world unsafe, has remained. At the front, the 2018 Altitude comes with powerful 160mm suspension forks like the Fox 36 or the Rock Shox Yari in all configurations. The Rallye Editions known from the past are no longer available.
When it comes to the wheels, they rely on classic 650b dimensions – at least mostly. All versions of the complete bikes come with Maxxis new WT (Wide Trail) tires, which are a little wider than their classic counterparts, but are not really Plus tires. Expressed in numbers, this means that the new Altitudes come with 2.4 tires at the rear and 2.5 at the front. In the new rear end, however, there is still significantly more space for thicker tires. Officially, buyers are also given the go-ahead for 26+ tires, which still have exotic status, but should certainly be an interesting option for Plus fans.
In addition to the elegantly integrated chain guide, the really successful frame details also include the spacious frame triangle, in which even large drinking bottles can easily be accommodated. So if you like to be on the home trail without a hydration bladder, you will find a suitable companion in the Altitude.
The Ride-9 system, which is already well known to Rocky fans, has been retained. Put simply, this is a geometry adjustment with the help of one (or two) square plates on the damper mount. At first we thought that the Altitude's designers had dispensed with the tried-and-tested system, which was also popular in the past, because the aforementioned plate on the top tube mount is missing. It's now on the rocker link - according to Rocky Mountain, this allows for a more elegant and lighter construction.
Turning the plate changes the steering and seat angles, as well as the reach, stack, lowered bottom bracket and rear triangle characteristics. Ride-9 offers nine positions and these can be changed in just a few minutes with an Allen key. For example, the steering angle can be adjusted in small steps of 1,1° between 65 and 66,1°.
Rocky Mountain Altitude 2018: Geometry
Variable geometry is all well and good, but the basic characteristics of the bike are of course retained in all nine positions. A slack steering angle, long reach, low bottom bracket and efficient pedaling position – the geometry of the new Altitude has been given a facelift. In combination with the short and wide cockpit, the potent chassis and the wide flaps, the Rocky Mountain Altitude already conveys a great deal of security on paper.
Geometry Rocky Mountain Altitude (Flat)
XS | S | M | L | XL | |
seat tube (in mm) | 368 | 394 | 432 | 470.5 | 508.5 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 548 | 578 | 603 | 628 | 658 |
head tube (in mm) | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 145 |
chainstay (in mm) | 426 | 426 | 426 | 426 | 426 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 1122 | 1153 | 1180 | 1206 | 1239 |
Steering angle (in °) | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
Seat angle (in °) | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 |
Reach (mm) | 380 | 407 | 430 | 452 | 479 |
Stacks (in mm) | 589 | 595 | 604 | 613 | 628 |
Geometry Rocky Mountain Altitude (Steep)
XS | S | M | L | XL | |
seat tube (in mm) | 368 | 394 | 432 | 470.5 | 508.5 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 545 | 575 | 600 | 625 | 655 |
head tube (in mm) | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 145 |
chainstay (in mm) | 426 | 426 | 426 | 426 | 426 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 1119 | 1150 | 1177 | 1204 | 1236 |
Steering angle (in °) | 66.1 | 66.1 | 66.1 | 66.1 | 66.1 |
Seat angle (in °) | 75.1 | 75.1 | 75.1 | 75.1 | 75.1 |
Reach (mm) | 391 | 419 | 441 | 464 | 490 |
Stacks (in mm) | 578 | 587 | 596 | 604 | 619 |
Rocky Mountain Altitude 2018 models and prices
For our test ride, we took a seat on the Altitude Carbon 70 – at just under €6.000 it’s definitely not a case for penny pinchers, but it’s still a lot cheaper than the almost €8.000 top model Altitude Carbon 90. But don’t worry: it’s different from the Slayer will the new Altitude also be available with an aluminum frame; the entry-level model, Altitude Alloy 30, costs €3.000 and comes with a Rock Shox Yari fork and Race Face dropper post. Those who prefer to build their own bikes can also use the Rocky Mountain frameset, which is only available in carbon and costs €3.700. However, as with the two top models Carbon 90 and Alloy 70, the scope of delivery includes a damper from Fox that has not yet been specified in more detail, which will be officially presented in the coming weeks.
Frame material: Carbon
suspension fork: Fox 36 Float EVOL FIT4 Factory
Mute: TBA
Circuit: SRAM X01 Eagle
brakes: SRAM Guide RSC 180mm
Price: €7.900
Frame material: Carbon
suspension fork: Fox 36 Float EVOL FIT4 Performance Elite 160mm
Mute: Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance Elite
Circuit: Shimano XT
brakes: Shimano XT
Price: € 5.900
Frame material: Carbon
suspension fork: Fox 36 Float EVOL Grip Performance 160mm
Mute: Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance
Circuit: Shimano SLX
brakes: Shimano SLX 180mm
Price: € 4.800
Frame material: Aluminium
suspension fork: Fox 36 Float EVOL FIT4 Performance Elite 160mm
Mute: TBA
Circuit: Shimano XT
brakes: Shimano XT 180mm
Price: € 4.500
Frame material: Aluminium
suspension fork: Fox 36 Float EVOL Grip Performance 160mm
Mute: Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance
Circuit: Shimano XT/SLX
brakes: Shimano SLX 180mm
Price: € 3.500
Frame material: Aluminium
suspension fork: RockShox Yari RC 160mm
Mute: RockShox Deluxe RT
Circuit: SRAMNX
brakes: SRAM level 180mm
Price: € 3.000
Frame material: Carbon
Mute: TBA
Price: € 3.700
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 70: features in detail
frame | SMOOTHWALL Carbon Ride-9 |
suspension fork | FOX 36 Float EVOL Fit4 Performance Elite |
Suspension shocks | FOX Float DPS Evol Performance Elite |
Wheels | DT Swiss 370 Boost / Stan's Flow MK3 |
Tire VR | Maxxis Minion DHF WT MaxxTerra 3C 2.5 |
Tire HR | Maxxis Minion DHR II WT MaxxTerra 3C 2.4 |
derailleur | Shimano XT 11-speed |
Gear levers | Shimano XT |
Crank | Race Face Turbine Cinch 32t |
Front derailleur | |
Brake | Shimano XT M8000 |
Brake discs | Shimano XT 180mm |
Seat post | FOX Transfer Performance |
Saddle | WTB Silverado Race |
Stem | Rocky Mountain 35AM |
Links | Race Face Turbine R 780mm |
Now we come to an exciting chapter - namely the equipment of the model we tested. The Altitude Carbon 70 costs €5.900 – a lot of wood and expectations are pretty high at first. However, if you keep in mind that the high-quality carbon frame alone costs more than €3.500, this puts the total price into perspective a little and the disappointment about the high-quality, but by no means noble equipment evaporates a little. But one after the other.
The chassis comes entirely from US manufacturer Fox. A new Fox 36 Float EVOL Fit4 fork with a full 160mm travel is in the short head tube. Not only because of the colour-coordinated decals does the bulky fork fit the frame perfectly. The Fit4 damping cartridge can be adjusted to needs and conditions in three modes (Firm-Medium-Open) using a rotary lever on the fork crown. The same applies to the damper, whose DPS damping offers the same options and can also be easily adjusted while riding with a thumb lever.
Rocky Mountain relies on Shimano's XT drive for the gears: The M8000 rear derailleur lets the chain glide smoothly from sprocket to sprocket on the 11-46t cassette. The turbine from the Canadian compatriots from Race Face is used as the crank. A Narrow Wide chainring with 32 teeth is attached to the pleasing and beautifully milled crank arms and thus offers a decent range for most areas of application - assuming the appropriate basic fitness. We find more Race Face parts on the cockpit: The 780mm wide aluminum handlebar comes from the new Turbine R series (R for rally), which has been specially optimized for particularly heavy loads with low weight at the same time.
The M13 XT brake from Shimano provides the necessary braking power to bring the approx. 8000kg carbon bullet to a standstill on the trail. We were a bit surprised by the 180mm disc on the front wheel - especially considering the otherwise geared downhill equipment, we would have expected 203mm here. Of course, a bike like the Altitude shouldn't be without a retractable seat post - here you don't get involved in any experiments and install the new Transfer post from Fox, which has already been able to prove its quality in our large dropper post test.
https://velomotion.de/bestenliste-variostuetzen-dropper-post-teleskopstuetzen/
The wheels used are a little gem and the long experience that Rocky Mountain has in this area is also evident here. Here you trust in proven technology and materials that have been tried and tested thousands of times and a duo of DT Swiss hubs and Stan's No Tubes ZTR Flow MK3 rims. We recently tested the new Flow rims with an inner width of 29mm that were introduced last year and were extremely impressed by the handling and durability.
components: Test: Stan's No Tubes ZTR FLOW MK3 wheelset
Test: Wider rims - wide tires, that's the trend of our time, even at Stans No Tubes this runs through the concept of the new MK3 series, which has gained a lot in width. The predecessor of the MK3 is the ZTR FlOW EX rim with 25,5, 29mm width, the new star in the enduro rim sky has an inner width of XNUMXmm […]
We already said a few words about the tires at the beginning: The Maxxis duo of DHF with a width of 2,5 at the front and DHR II as a 2,4-inch version in 3C MaxxTerra compound. An extremely potent combination for a bike in this class and certainly not the tires with the lowest rolling resistance. But with all the more reserves when things really get down to business on the trail.
Rocky Mountain Altitude 2018: First Ride Impressions
As part of the Bike Festival in Riva, we had the chance to take the new Altitude off-road for a short test ride. However, the first wow effect set in even before driving, because the new Rocky simply looks awesome. Colouring, frame design, choice of components - at least visually everything is just right here. The truth is always on the trail, but the eye goes along with it and here's the full score for the Canadian trail tiller.
We were no less impressed when we tried it for the first time - the low weight certainly plays a role here, but the neutral, yet always active rear end and the central seating position also convey an incredibly direct feeling. The start lands directly on the trail and uphill passages are really no longer a big issue - despite the ample suspension travel. However, depending on your level of fitness and the incline, the limiting factor can be the sporty gear ratio: the lowest gear 32-46 requires a lot of leg strength on steep ramps.
However, once you've done the work of climbing, the new Altitude will put a big grin on every mountain biker's face after just a few minutes on the trail. We were on the road with a fairly tightly tuned chassis and the flat setting of the Ride-9 system, so we got an enormously lively riding experience and the bike invited us to play despite the wide shoes, the long wheelbase and the flat angles. When things got a little rougher, the large reserves in the chassis and tires made themselves felt and gave us a good helping hand.
The Rocky Mountain Altitude was a real feel-good bike for both of our testers. With a lot of pop in the chassis, the low weight and still very smooth running, when it does get fast and rough, you have to ask yourself which category the Altitude fits best. Because we're honest: When we first read the key data on paper, we seriously asked ourselves why the ladies and gentlemen at Rocky Mountain put their new offspring in the trail bike corner and also had a little suspicion about the responsible marketing department. But after our (unfortunately much too short...) test drive, we saw things completely differently. The Altitude doesn't feel like a 160 or 150mm travel bike. Even if it's not a climbing goat, it goes up the mountain very well - especially if you activate the platform damping on the rear triangle. Even in completely open mode, the teetering is kept within narrow limits. If the front wheel then points downwards, every edge invites you to pull off and the play instinct is awakened.
We really don't have much to complain about. Sure, despite the good features, the equipment is a bit poor in view of the high price and ice cream parlor bikers will have to look elsewhere, or reach for the top model, which costs almost €8.000. Functionally, however, there is really hardly anything to complain about: the chassis with the 36 including the new Fit4 cartridge is sufficient for most riders and the wheels are also suitable for a wide range of applications. Only the somewhat thin bandwidth of the cassette and the 180mm disc on the front wheel could limit one or the other rider a bit.
Patrice says
Great report. Are the 13.1kg without pedals? How would you rate the climbing performance compared to the competition?
Best thanks and greetings
Michael Faiss says
Hi Patrice!
The 13,1kg are without pedals in frame size L. Unfortunately, we were only out on the bike in Riva for a few hours, so I can only make a limited comparison in terms of climbing suitability. My impression was that there are certainly bikes that go up the mountain better - but there are also many that are significantly slower. It might be a bit unsatisfying for you now, but I would say it doesn't climb particularly well or particularly badly.
Patrice says
Thanks very much. I have a Slash 9.8 2015 and the new Altitude Carbon 90 is very popular with me, possibly for next season or the season after next. It's a pity that it weighs more than 13kg, according to the website the 90 should be as heavy as the 70, but both are specified with 12.88kg in M.
Of course I meant bikes in the same segment, i.e. powerful all-mountain / enduro bikes. But then it is probably in the middle of the field when it comes to uphill. It just shouldn't climb worse than my Slash.
Thanks and regards