Rocky Mountain Altitude 2024
11.04.24 06:39 1.9712024-04-11T06:39:00+02:00Text: NoMan, PM (translated by AI)Photos: Margus Riga, Rocky MountainIn the Enduro of the Canadians, no stone is left unturned, as the latest iteration of the 160-mm full-suspension sees the return of the LC2R suspension design.11.04.24 06:39 2.6152024-04-11T06:39:00+02:00Rocky Mountain Altitude 2024
11.04.24 06:39 2.6152024-04-11T06:39:00+02:00 NoMan, PM (translated by AI) Margus Riga, Rocky MountainIn the Enduro of the Canadians, no stone is left unturned, as the latest iteration of the 160-mm full-suspension sees the return of the LC2R suspension design.11.04.24 06:39 2.6152024-04-11T06:39:00+02:00
As if we had known it over a month ago... On the occasion of the presentation of the new Rocky Mountain Instinct at the beginning of March, we speculated about what the overhaul of the All Mountain might mean for the Enduro Altitude, which until then was almost identical in construction. And we came to the conclusion: Anything other than a revision of the 160-mm full suspension with a 170-mm front would be a surprise.
The extent of the changes now actually announced has admittedly even surprised us. Because in fact the new Altitude has nothing to do with the previous one anymore.
Admittedly, the predecessor and successor share some essential specifications such as the travel (170/160 mm), the wheel setup (Size S: 27.5 only; Size M-XL: 29" or MX) and various customization options for the geometry (details below). The self-definition as an "Enduro for everything" remains the same: Whether race tracks or Sunday shredding, the Altitude can handle it all. "Enduro lives in the Altitude" is the corresponding claim, which Rocky just continues to use.
Essentially, however, it is a completely different bike, which is also immediately visually recognizable: The shock has moved from its traditional place under the top tube deep towards the bottom bracket. And this is due to a technology that had already caused a stir in the late 2000s on the legendary Slayer and subsequently on the Flatline: Low Center Counter Rotating.
Shred harder. Ride faster.
Not for the faint-hearted: The Altitude 2024 with a completely new design
The LC2R Suspension System
- Control over small bumps
LC2R starts with a 3:1 leverage ratio, which should allow the shock to respond extremely well to small bumps before the SAG range. Its low pedal kickback is intended to ensure that chain tension does not hinder suspension movement. This results in good traction throughout the entire range of suspension travel. - Predictable support
The linear suspension curve aims to provide consistent support and minimize unwanted movement. The system should effectively absorb medium and large impacts without compromising speed or control. - Better bottom-out protection
A slightly increased leverage (reduced ratio) on the last 25 mm of suspension travel (36% of the total travel) makes the end of the travel more predictable, which should prevent hard bottom-outs. - Lower center of gravity
The main pivot point and shock weight are positioned near the bottom bracket. And what lies low in the frame is good, as a lower center of gravity improves responsiveness during changes of direction, without nibbling at control at racing speed.
With the LC2R system, a shorter linkage lever is also associated, which improves the stiffness of the rear frame triangle - if the one-piece construction has not already satisfied all needs in this regard.
Overall, the finely tuned combination of anti-squat and a reactive and supportive suspension curve is designed to provide the highest possible traction, comfort, and - not least - pedaling efficient - performance.
As with the Instinct, each of the four frame sizes also features specially tuned shocks. And to optimally adjust the rear end length to the respective size, three different rear frame triangles are used.
Customizable Geometry
Whoever suspects that this is the end of the adjustable chainstays (aka Two-Position Axle): Correct. As a compensation for the eliminated variability at the rear, the reach can now be adjusted at the front using exchangeable bearing cups to suit individual preferences: neutral 0 mm or +/- 5 mm.
From frame size Medium onwards, a switch from a pure 29" to a Mullet setup is possible by simply turning the Flipchip (previously this required the special MX-Mount). S-frames can only be ridden with a 27.5" pairing.
Another Flipchip houses the Ride-4 adjustment system. As before, it allows for influence on geometry and progression, but with reduced complexity (previously: Ride-9), now with only one Allen key. The table below indicates the slack (Pos. 1), neutral (Pos. 3), and steep (Pos. 4) Ride-4 positions.
Across all customization options, Rocky Mountain promises that the new geometry of the Altitude will convey security even under the roughest conditions and make it a true joy to push one's limits.
The corresponding numbers, each for the neutral 29" position and size L: 63.5° head angle (thus 1.5° slacker), 77.5° seat angle (thus 1.5° steeper), Reach 480 (identical). The chainstays are a bit more expansive at 450 mm than before even in the longer variant, the wheelbase has grown by 30 mm to 1281 mm. The seat tube has been shortened a bit, while the head tube and thus also the stack have grown somewhat.
Frames, Models, and Prices
Regarding frame material, the choice remains between FORM aluminum and Smoothwall carbon, with the new PenaltyBox 2.0 including the Tool Wrap and a solid hinge system being reserved for the carbon fiber platforms. Aluminum fans will have to continue to insert their most important tools or spare parts as before.
What will please full integration skeptics and tinkerers: The cables will also not run through the stem in the future, but only behind the head tube into the frame and from there have completely internal cable routing.
Compared to the international market, a limited portfolio is offered locally.
Made of aluminum, there's the Altitude A50 Shimano in black with Fox suspension (38 Float Evol Grip Perf./Float X Perf.) and SLX/XT combo including SLX 4-piston brake for €5,200.
For the similarly colored Altitude A70 Coil Shimano, the price is 6,500 euros, which among other things upgrades the rear, as the name suggests, with a steel spring shock absorber (Fox DHX Coil Factory) and paves the way to a complete Shimano groupset.
Carbon enthusiasts must lay down at least €4,600. If you're hoping for a bargain: No, unfortunately, that's just the frame set in pretty green-green (officially: "Across The Universe/Sweet Leaf") with Fox Float X2 Factory shock and FSA Orbit NO.85 Reach Adjust headset.
Complemented by a Fox 38 Float Evol Grip Perf. fork, XT 4-piston brakes, and XT/SLX drivetrain, WTB rims, and DT Swiss or Rocky Mountain hubs, the more affordable of two carbon complete bikes, the Altitude C50 Shimano, goes over the counter for €6,800.
And once again black as the night is the nearly identical to the A70 equipped steel spring counterpart C70 Coil Shimano, which costs 8,400 euros.
Popular-proven Maxxis tires (Assegai 2.5" WT EXO+/Minion DHR II 2.4" WT DD), X-Fusion Manic Dropper (150-200 mm), the WTB Volt Race saddle, and a Rocky Mountain cockpit complete all equipment packages except for the top model here. The C70, in fact, uses Race Face's Turbine series for the dropper post and the handlebars.
