With the "Slayer", Rocky Mountain is taking a real lurch. Originally a classic all-mountain bike, the "Slayer" mutated into a super enduro in 2006. The new frame shape with the low-slung shock and special linkage was born. In 2007 came the "Slayer XC" and the range of use shifted more towards touring. This year, the Canadians massively upgraded the "Slayer SS 396", replacing the in-house freerider "Switch". There's a bit of a shock on the scales: almost 19 kilos in total weight, with only 15 centimetres of travel. Does that make sense? For slopestyle tricks in the park, you want a lighter bike. For heavy big mountain action, however, more travel wouldn't be a bad thing. And on a freeride tour, even the strongest rider needs a small chainring. Nevertheless, the geometry is a success: Downhill, the "Slayer" is at the front of the pack, albeit not at the very front, as its weight makes it a little unwieldy. On the other hand, it is so smooth-running and stiff that you can easily miss a line without the bike even twitching. The rear suspension works very well and the fork is sensitive and agile. However, it lacks compression on hard landings and the brakes were often at their limit.
CONCLUSIONThe "Slayer SS" is a bike for park fans who compensate for the short suspension travel with good riding technique and have plenty of power in their arms.
RemarkThe look says it all: the "Slayer" is the tank in the test field. Probably indestructible. 19 kilos are too much for a super enduro. For a slopestyler too.
FREERIDE RANKING: maximum 10 points.
