For this special test without a price limit, the trail bike was only stripped of its inner tubes and converted to tubeless. The aluminium cranks and wheels could still be improved. The BC edition is characterised by its downhill orientation with sweeping 800 mm handlebars, single drivetrain and potent tyres. The Thunderbolt BC proves that the concept doesn't just work on Canadian trails, even after a few turns of the cranks in Rabenberg. With its balanced geometry, the Rocky strikes the perfect balance between smoothness and playfulness. We rode the bike in the slackest setting of the Ride 9 geometry and travel adjustment, resulting in a head angle of 66.5 degrees. Thanks to the short 423 millimetre chainstays, the bike is still willing to get onto the rear wheel and pedals around tight corners with ease. Although the rear suspension only offers 115 millimetres of travel in the slack setting, it harmonises perfectly with the 130 mm fork and offers an amazing amount of traction and comfort. In addition, the rear end remains very stable even in the open shock position, ideal for short intermediate sprints. Details such as greasable bearings on the rocker and the rear triangle round off the successful picture. The lightweight Thunderbolt frame is also convincing with second place in the STW value. Thanks to the option of mounting a second bottle cage under the down tube, even extended tours are no problem. The Rocky is strong uphill and even stronger downhill, securing first place in the practical evaluation.
Tuning Tubeless: The Thunderbolt 790 MSL BC is our version of a perfect CC/trail bike. With stronger rims, extra-grippy tyres, wider handlebars, the single drive and a whole range of adjustment options, the bike is at home anywhere. Whether on long, technical climbs, rough descents or flow trails with jumps. (Florian Konietzko, Rocky Mountain)
