When Jochen Coconcelli pulled the brake levers up to the handlebars at 2700 metres below the Idjoch, his eyes widened for a moment. The cold, the altitude and the lack of braking had taken their toll on the XX World Cup brakes on the roof of the Transalp. After a few metres, the all-clear was given and we shot on through the Samnaun ski area. The next day, I was able to crank up the climbs above Nauders in a compact, sporty position - where you are comfortably centred in the middle of the big wheels. On the challenging descent into the Inn Valley, the Rocky showed its Canadian roots: it circles with enormous precision over root carpets and ploughs calmly through loose gravel. We would have liked a handlebar remote for the Rock Shox shock. Otherwise, the bike resembles the top version from the catalogue: the finest bar stock instead of a pimped-up one-off.
Conclusionfast as an arrow race bike; predestined for stage races and difficult terrain; tuning potential not fully utilised.
