Bike Review:
Rocky Mountain Altitude
Stable and Confident.
Let’s talk about what’s new. The Altitude got a huge redesign and now looks different from all current Rockies.
The biggest difference is the suspension and while travel hasn’t changed, how that suspension is delivered definitely has.
The Altitude sees the reintroduction and update of the LC2R. That stands for Low Center Counter Rotating.
So you have two short counter rotating links similar to Santa Cruz bikes but the main pivot is even lower rotating around the Bottom bracket.
That means the center of gravity is ultra low for a stable yet maneuverable ride and the short links mean more control over how stiff the bike rides.
Rocky Mountain also started with a high leverage ratio making for crazy small bump compliance and that was the first thing I noticed.
The new LC2R also ensures chain tension has little effect on the suspension especially when descending. So no pedal kickback but even more important your suspension stays incredibly active under braking. The last 25mm of travel sees a 36% increase in progression so you can also run a coil if that’s your cup of tea. I did my best to bottom this bike as well as hit some rather gnarly features all to find my ankles didn’t hurt and while the o ring was slammed it was never harsh or felt uncontrolled. I’ve got to say all these updates really deliver!
Geometry:
I rode the size large in several different configurations. The reach is adjustable from 470 to 480 and I spent the majority of the time with it setup 475 and 480. I also rode it both as a full 29 and in the mixed wheel setup. You get nearly a full degree of head angle adjustment from 63.8 to 62.9 but I rode it mostly setup at 63 degrees. Climbing was made easy with a 77 or steeper seattube angle and the 450 rear center made for a manageable 1282ish wheelbase. Definitely check out Rocky’s geo calculator on their website as there is a whole lot (maybe too much) adjustability.
Climbing:
The Rocky Mountain Altitude climbs well for 160mm travel bike, but spritely is not a word I’d use. With the low center of gravity, long reach, and steep seat tube the body position is up there with the best. It goes around switchbacks without issue. I’d give it an A there, the balance of efficiency and traction on the other hand leans heavily toward traction. So for efficiency I’d have to give it a B but traction its a solid A. If you racing enduro its not going to zap you energy on the climbs and if you trying that impossible climb the traction is there to help you claw up.
Descending:
How would I describe the new Rocky Mountain altitude on the descent? In one word Fast! There are some bikes that are quick and darty, where you are constantly steer and correcting. This bike slows down the trail and encourages you to look ahead. Are you worried about that rock or root? What rock? What root? They are already behind you. Look farther ahead!
There is this extremely fun section of trail leading up to one of my favorite step downs, it has some great turns and some little pockets to transfer. All you have to do is get up to a nice cruising speed, rail a mid sized berm and pull up. With the Altitude I was doubling up those pockets and when I hit the berm it was so quick I nearly shot off the trail. I had to take a speed check in order to do it properly and that’s how this bike felt over and over again.
On the spectrum of Enduro bikes you tend to have Freeride at one end and Race at the other. Overall, the Altitude feels much more race bike. Yes, that insane amount of traction rivals my Devinci Chainsaw and for slow tech it was a blast, but the Altitude prefers speed. It’s not as playful in the air, more akin to the Transition Spire, but it is stable. It does move about the trail with less effort than the Spire but even with the 27.5″ rear wheel you feel the length. The Rocky Mountain Altitude may actually make you faster.
Who’s this bike for?:
The rider or racer looking to highlight their strength or hoping to negate their weakness on the downhill. It wants to be ridden fast and encourages you all the way. That’s not to say it’s a pig at slow speed, with the low center of gravity, it encourages you to pump and be active on the bike. The rider that likes to tinker will also love this bike. Your terrain is going to be the ultimate decider, but For all day epic rides, set it up as a 29er, for days in the bike park and sending features, mixed wheels add to the maneuverability and confidence.
Final Thoughts:
Rocky has something special on there hands. There are enduro bikes that pedal better and prefer to be airborne, but the altitude is no slouch. It doesn’t need warp speed to come alive but also slows things down when you’re going so fast your eye balls begin to shake. New bike geometry has done a lot for making bikes more stable and confident and that’s a win for new and seasoned riders. The Altitude takes that and combines it with a suspension platform that turns it up a notch.