Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 on test

Peter Nilges

 · 26.03.2018

Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 on testPhoto: Wolfgang Watzke
Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 on test
In the Rocky Mountain hierarchy, the Altitude operates as an "aggressive trail bike". It wasn't until the Slayer that the Canadians introduced the term "enduro". We tested the 160 mm Altitude bike.

With the 160 mm fork and corresponding geometry, the Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 nevertheless fits perfectly into this enduro MTB test group. Depending on the setting of the Ride 9 system (nine-way geometry and kinematics adjustment), the rear suspension provides between 145 and 162 millimetres of travel. We rode the Rocky in the slackest geometry, which automatically results in the shortest travel. In this setup, the Altitude still feels very balanced. The sensitive suspension works harmoniously and the handling invites you to play. In short, you feel at ease straight away and experience a high level of safety and riding pleasure. The Rocky also has the lightest aluminium frame in the field. However, it does not break any weight records due to the heavy wheels. The weak Sram-level brakes with only 180 mm discs on the front wheel are a negative factor. Uphill, the very smooth rear triangle ensures good propulsion, even when pedalling.

  The A30 is the most affordable Altitude model offered by Rocky Mountain.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The A30 is the most affordable Altitude model offered by Rocky Mountain.

Test summary of the Rocky Mountain Altitude A30

Playful enduro bike with built-in riding fun and efficient suspension.


The alternative: The A30 is already the cheapest Altitude in the line-up. The A50 costs 500 euros more and has Fox performance suspension.

  Rocky Mountain Altitude A30: The Sram NX shifter on the Rocky has no lateral adjustment options. In combination with the wide clamp of the Sram Level lever, the shifter is difficult to reach. The Level brakes with only a 180 mm disc on the front wheel offered little braking power.Photo: Georg Grieshaber Rocky Mountain Altitude A30: The Sram NX shifter on the Rocky has no lateral adjustment options. In combination with the wide clamp of the Sram Level lever, the shifter is difficult to reach. The Level brakes with only a 180 mm disc on the front wheel offered little braking power.  The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 at a glance.Photo: BIKE Magazin The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 at a glance.  Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 - Characteristic curves: Depending on the selected setting of the Ride9 rear triangle, the suspension travel (17 mm) and progression change.Photo: BIKE Magazin Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 - Characteristic curves: Depending on the selected setting of the Ride9 rear triangle, the suspension travel (17 mm) and progression change.  This is how the Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 rides.Photo: BIKE Magazin This is how the Rocky Mountain Altitude A30 rides.
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