El Nino translates as "the boy" (Spanish), and children often don't know exactly what they want. The situation is similar with the entry-level hardtail from Rock Machine: no sporty geometry, but also no touring geometry, something in between. The character of the 12.45-kilo, rather under-equipped bike is somewhat diffuse. The 71-degree seat angle could be a little steeper, but the very agile steering is a little smoother. The Suntour Epicon fork works just as well as the Recon from Rock Shox. The narrow, straight handlebar (620 millimetres) and the weak Hayes brakes with their small discs lag behind the competition. On the test lap, we often missed the ideal line with the El Nino - the result of the weak brakes and nervous steering.
ConclusionAlpine tours with challenging trails are not the El Nino's favourite terrain. The bike is more suited to more moderate routes in the low mountain ranges.
+ High-quality equipment
- Narrow handlebars
- Small brake discs
- High total weight
Web: www.rockmachine.us
