The Rocky Mountain Slayer can already look back on a long history and has helped shape the freeride movement from the very beginning. With the latest version of the Slayer, the brand from Vancouver is also presenting the most downhill-orientated bike to date. The 2020 bike will be available in two versions. With 27.5-inch wheels and a whopping 180 millimetres of travel at the front and rear and with 29-inch wheels, where the suspension provides 170 millimetres. Both versions come with a steel spring damper as standard. However, a linear air shock with a large volume should also harmonise with the kinematics of the rear triangle.
The key data for the Rocky Mountain Slayer 2020:
- two completely different mountings: 27.5 and 29 inch
- 180 mm suspension travel 27.5"; 170 mm suspension travel 29"
- three carbon/aluminium models and two aluminium models
- Prices: 3500 to 8600 euros
- Weight: 16.8 to 15.4 kg
- Frame weight: 4.2 kg with steel spring damper
- Steering angle 63.8 to 64.8 degrees (29 inch)
- Reach 469 to 478 mm (size L)
- Chainstay length 431 to 441 mm (29 inch)
Rocky promises that the bike will allow you to shred more aggressively than ever before. We have already been able to ride the top version of the Slayer (Slayer 90) with 29-inch wheels for € 8,600 extensively in the Sölden bike park. Despite the carbon main frame, the steel suspension and Maxxis Double Down tyres add quite a bit to the weight. At 15.4 kilos in size L, the Slayer is no lightweight. The aluminium version for 4200 euros should even weigh 16.8 kilos. We therefore preferred to use the gondola and only climb shorter sections under our own power.
First driving impression of the new Slayer
On the bike park trails, the Slayer shines with absolute aplomb. The rear suspension is extremely plush, literally sticks to the ground and generates the best grip. In combination with the large wheels and the slack geometry (steering angle 63.8-64.8 degrees), there is hardly a passage that could overtax the Slayer. The reduced anti-squat value of the rear suspension makes for an active chassis, but it rocks noticeably when pedalling out of the saddle. The effective platform helps here. Unfortunately, we were unable to ride the 27.5 mm version in a direct comparison. However, the smaller wheels and twelve millimetre shorter chainstays should make this Slayer version a lot easier to handle, even if the 29er didn't really feel bulky for a bike with this amount of travel.
Conclusion
The new Slayer is a real stunner and perfect for use in the park and on demanding courses. However, due to its high weight and uncompromising downhill geometry, the range of use has also become much narrower. This means that the bike has actually outgrown the enduro category and is aimed more at freeriders who want to take it easy on the climbs.
