Rocky Mountain Bicycles Altitude XL 2022
Reviews / Enduro Bikes
145,073
At a glance
Rocky Mountains go to Enduro machine, available in 27,5” and 29” wheel size and either Alloy or Carbon. With 170mm in the front and 160 in the rear it will tackle anything you throw at it.
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The product
The Altitude has 160mm of rear wheel travel with a 170mm fork, with different wheel size options depending on the frame size – there are 29” options for M, L, and XL sizes, and 27.5” sizes for S and M sizes. Rocky also offers a full carbon and aluminium framed version of the Altitude, with a total of 8 complete configurations to choose from.
Geometry wise it has the Ride 9 geometry, which (you guessed it) allows for 9 different geometry settings thanks to 2 flip chips. In the neutral setting, the bike has a 65-degree head angle and a 480mm reach in the size L. I was riding with the flip chips in the slackest setting, which is also the most progressive suspension curve. This way you get a 64.4 degree head angle. You can also alter the chainstay length to either 438 or 449mm, which lets riders pick the handling traits they prefer.
From a frame technology perspective Rocky provides all the details you expect from a high end bike. Well thought out cable routing, proper chainstay protection and a big rubber bashguard on the downtube. If you feel like riding a mullet setup, you can buy the MX Mount linkage to change your 29-er into a mixed wheel size bike.
Out on the trail
Climbing the Altitude is a straight to the point affair. The seat tube is not overly steep, but you have plenty of grip, just make sure to put some weight in the front when things get steep. Pedalling has quite some influence on the rear suspension, but if you set the X2 up properly and stay in the saddle it is kept to a minimum.
On the downs, the Rocky feels very very stable. It’s very well dampened and thus provides you with a ton of grip. In the rough stuff it holds a line beautifully, and especially mid to high speed corners are a joy on the Altitude. It somewhat reminded me of the Commencal Meta.
If you’re a super active and playful rider, you need to work a little to convince the Altitude. It’s not the type of bike that begs to be manualled and jumped all the time, but if you have the skillset it can be done. The personality of this ride is more aimed at getting down in one piece, smoothly and at speed. A great allround ride that can appeal to racers and regular joe’s alike. I would however like to see a slacker (64 degree or less) head angle on a bike with this travel. Something that can be achieved with an angleset.
Verdict
The Altitude is a great bike for the allround rider looking for a steady tool for the job. Being available in a huge amount of specs, sizes, frame materials and colors means there is a flavour out there for everyone. Do bring the wallet as this type of Canadian steeze does come at a Canadian price.
This review was in Issue 73 of IMB.
For more information visit Rocky Mountain BicyclesRelated
By Jarno Hoogland
Jarno's life has revolved around two wheels ever since he swung a leg over his first BMX at age 4. After a BMX and DH racing career, he moved on to work for bike shops, distributors and brands before ending up in the editors seat at IMB. Based in the ultimate testing ground in the Swiss mountains, he runs his guiding operation and makes sure every IMB issue is filled with top notch content.
