Enduro Race Bike Group Test: Rocky Mountain Altitude

We already tested the Rocky Mountain Altitude last year. At the request of Fred Glo (organizer of the French Enduro Series, co-founder of the Enduro World Series and French distributor for Rocky Mountain), it will come in a “rally edition” in 2014. There is an uncompromising well-trimmed enduro racing bike hiding behind the rather confusing choice of name.
1×10 SRAM drivetrain, chain guide, Fox 34 fork, Fox Float X shock, and a massive 780 mm / 50 mm cockpit serve to define the bike’s intended field of use. With a mini-tool, the carbon frame can be adjusted to different riding styles and terrain via the Ride-9-System. With this tool, a head angle between 66.2° and 67.8°, as well as a seating angle from 73.2° to 74.8° can be set.
When on the bike, the rather short top tube (585 mm), in combination with the short cockpit, results in a slightly upright seating position. Thanks to the efficient pedaling position, the bike pedals well on climbs. The slight pedal feedback in the rear suspension can be ‘calmed’ via a remote lever on the handlebar. Finally on the trail, the Altitude truly unfolds its racing genes. With outstanding control, forgiveness, and grip, we sped downhill. The rear feels very plush, like it possesses more travel than it actually does (150 mm).
However, for a more active riding style, a little more feedback from the ground would be appreciated. The exact actual travel simply cannot be perceived. Overall, the Altitude feels quite a brute (but is also somehow harmonious), and it runs very smoothly with average maneuverability. A mini-downhill-bike!
To sum up, the Rocky Mountain impresses with its superb downhill qualities with well-balanced geometry that also allows for efficient climbs. Only the 1×10 drivetrain limits the bike’s field of use beyond racing. For longer rides, 2×10 or 1×11 should be built in.
Go back to the article: “Tested: Six Fast Enduro Racing Bikes”