Long, flat and lots of suspension travel
It couldn't have gone better: first outing, first victory. In the very first race of the Enduro World Series in Zermatt Rocky Mountain Team rider Jesse Melamed piloted the new Altitude to the top of the podium. There is hardly a better way to introduce a new enduro bike to the market. New bikes seem to motivate the Canadian Melamed in particular. When you consider that he was able to win the EWS in Whistler in 2017 on a bike that had only just been launched (Altitude), you almost wonder why Rocky Mountain has taken so much time for the successor.
Rocky Mountain follows the geometry of the new Altitude the longer-and-flatter trend. With a steering angle of 64.4 to 65.5 degrees and a reach of 474 to 486 millimetres in size L, the Altitude has a modern look. Compared to the previous Instinct BC, the head angle is 1.5 degrees slacker and the reach is around 25 millimetres longer. The Altitude has also increased its suspension travel. All new models have 170 mm forks in the head tube, while the rear has 160 millimetres.
Wheel size depending on frame height
Instead of a mullet solution with a 29er front wheel and 27.5-inch rear, Rocky uses wheels of the same size. However, to ensure the same riding experience for every rider, wheels in 27.5 or 29 inches are used depending on the frame size. Sizes S and M with a low-slung top tube are available as 27.5" and sizes L and XL as 29". You can also get a medium frame with 29er wheels, depending on your personal preference.
Five models from 4000 euros
With five models ranging from 4000 to a dizzying 11500 euros, the Altitude is now available. The only aluminium model in the line-up (Altitude Alloy 50) offers a Shimano XT/SLX mix for 4000 euros. The cheapest carbon model (Altitude Carbon 50) is priced at 5500 euros. Above that, there is the Carbon 70 with XT equipment for 6900 euros, the Carbon 90 Rally Edition for 9900 euros and the top model Carbon 99 with Sram AXS and carbon wheelset. The carbon frame kit is available for 3800 euros.
Exciting details of the new Rocky Mountain Altitude
In addition to the modern approach to geometry and suspension travel, Rocky has packed a wealth of features into the frame to guarantee maximum customisability and durability. In addition to the typical Rocky adjustment options such as Ride-9, further details have been added:
- Adjustable chainstay length: The chainstay length can be adjusted by 11 millimetres using a flip chip (437 to 448 mm)
- Ride-9: Geometry and kinematics can be customised via the nested chips on the rear shock mount
- Internal cable routing: All cables are not only routed internally, but can also be routed easily thanks to integrated guides
- Mud cover: So that less dirt and no stones get between the main frame and rear triangle
- Front shock mount: The bolted front mount allows shocks with different installation lengths to be used.
Find out how the new Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 in the Rally Edition performs in the test in BIKE 11/20 - in stores from 6 October.
