The story of the Rocky Mountain Slayer
The Slayer celebrated its premiere in 2001 as a 120-millimetre bike. The suspension travel increased over the years. The seventh edition (2011-2014) became an enduro bike with a 165-millimetre rear end. We have fond memories of this model. It achieved top marks in the test because it was light (13.6 kg), manoeuvrable and potent - with 26-inch wheels at the time, of course. From 2017, Rocky gave the Slayer a suspension travel boost. In 2020, it even mutated into a 180 freerider. In 2023, the Slayer celebrates its tenth rebirth, with plenty of travel and the option of even equipping it with a double crown fork.
The Rocky Mountain Slayer on the trail
We rode the Slayer in the Greenhill bike park. Ideal conditions for testing a freerider. Roots, jumps and stunts. At the beginning, we rode an M-frame (C50) with a tester height of 1.79 metres and the standard 450 steel spring. The frame size was less of a limiting factor than the overly soft spring. We liked the L-frame with 500 spring better. Here, the rear suspension was more potent, provided the necessary counter-pressure and thus ensured more traction and control. Nevertheless, the Slayer didn't feel as plush as a Norco Shore or Specialised Enduro. Big bike replacement? Not in our eyes, even with the double bridge. The rear end lacks grip and comfort.
Who is the freeride bike made for?
For freeriders, of course. The Slayer has a narrow range of use. It feels most at home in the bike park. Uphills are somehow possible with the bike, but you want to avoid long ascents. The Rocky can handle downhills, but it doesn't develop the comfort of a big bike. It feels better on jump trails than full throttle on bumpy tracks. Our choice would be the Rocky Mountain Altitude. It is the enduro model from the Canadians. The bike has a much wider range of use and comes close to the downhill performance of the Slayer.
Facts about the Rocky Mountain Slayer CF C50
Manufacturer information
- Frame size: tested in size L
- Frame material: Carbon
- Tyre size: 29 inch
- Price: 6900 Euro
Measured values
- Weight: 15.8 kg (without pedals)
- Spring travel: 180 mm / 180 mm Suspension: FOX 38 Evol. Grip Perf. / Fox DHX Perf. elite
- Reach: 477 mm
- Stack: 636 mm
- Chain stay: 439-449 mm
- Steering angle: 62,7°
- Seat angle: 77,2°
- Wheelbase: 1280 mm
All frame sizes of the Rocky Mountain Slayer (S, M, L, XL) are Mullet and 29-inch compatible. Thanks to Ride-4, the geometry can be customised in a variety of ways. We ended up choosing position 2 on our test bike and got on well with it.
