I demoed one a couple weeks ago, your take on it is the exact same as mine. Butter smooth through chunk, almost a little too long, the long back end really does make you feel like you're riding off the front. The rattle-y dropper post I was told only happens with the Fox and Raceface (rebranded Fox) dropper by the RM rep at the demo, other than that dropper the bike is extremely quiet. I still think I like my 2023 Altitude just a little bit more
Kinda crazy to hear bike reviewers complain about thin casing tires coming standard on 160 travel bikes and then also complain when the right tires for the bike are speced as standard. Always remember that complaining is one of the three pillars of cycling 😂
@@ultimatist many reviewers mention that bikes like this one should come with grippy and thick casing tires. In this review he mentions that the grippy and thick tires are too heavy/roll slow and that he’d put lighter tires on if this was his bike. Maybe not “complaining” but definitely not not complaining
@@JeremyFacer got it. I skipped the climb portion where he probably said that. But then praises RM team for speccing cushcore and DH, which I agree... maybe he needs a wheelset swap before dropping in.
haha I'm with you on the 32t chainring. Currently riding a Spec. Status 160 and the 32t kills me in the SLC/Park City area. I need to try swapping to a 28t.
It seems like a very appropriate tire spec for the bike which is rare... The PNW may be particularly friendly to tires, but a 160/170mm bike certainly deserved DD tires in most places.
Any insight into how the new Altitude compares to the Nomad 6? Currently on a SJEVO with 170 fork + cascade link, and tossing up between those two... Thanks!
I was able to demo the bike a few weeks ago. The grip on the climbs is the best I've felt. I cleared several tech climbs I usually spin out on or get bucked off my line. It takes more watts on the fire road type climbs but single track tech it is amazing. very quite bike. Feels very stout and a bit heavy though. Would be great if you spend at least 50% of your time in the bike park. I thought it was one of the first bikes I've rod that truly fits the "if you are not going fast in the craziest lines, the bike will make most riding boring" category.
Great bike, unfortunately really expensive in the Netherlands. How does this bike stack up against a Santa Cruz Megatower? Or when you ride it in mullet against a Nomad?
If l had my choice l would choose the previous. Extremely capable but also adaptable. Some say its a glorified trail bike, and maybe thats true but damn its a true quiver killer. It looks way better too
I actually am really not a fan of how the new frame looks... part of the reason why I loved my old altitude so much. it was also an amazing climber and made you feel like the effort you were putting in was worth it, coming from someone who owned the new norco range prior to the altitude. I feel like the new frame looks too similar to so many other bikes on the market...enduro, nomad, etc
Its definitely not a great climber. After testing i picked the prior year version which is my opinion a much more versatile bike. And subjectively the best bike in my collection. I have 8 bikes :0 The new one reminded me too much of my 2022 norco range. Therange has more drag on the drive system but i would even say it climbs better (position, traction) if you have the legs :)
The SB160 had a more compact feeling wheelbase. I think the SB160 was quite a bit more supported under pedaling and also more ground hugging. The Altitude had a faster shock damping tune and felt more poppy than the SB160.
I just bought a 2023 Instinct C30 for $2800. It is the best bike I have owned after 25+ years of Stumpjumpers and Enduros. Both the Instinct and Altitude got updates or total overhauls for 2024, so Rocky needed to move the old inventory out. My gain. I don't need the newest all the time. A Med 2023 Altitude C50 is going for $3500 on Jenson.
The geo looks right up my alley, but I am not going to buy a 5200€ bike with mediocre specs. The top spec canyon strive has all the Fox factory bling, DT Swiss wheels, AXS and code RSCs for 6000€.
If you fit on the Strive and its gigantic sizing hole. It's a gigantic bike, the Altitude is more normal sized. The size L Strive has 500mm reach vs 480 on the Altitude (475 with the reach adjust in the short position).
Interesting but very noisy bike, it seems. It's a shame that they scrapped the excellent modular Altitude platform they already had with ride9, adjustable shock mount _and_ adjustable chainstays. I haven't checked the leverage curve, but I'm assuming this design won't work as well with a coil as the previous generation.
That's the dropper, switch to a different dropper and it quiets right up. The Fox/Raceface droppers that RM specs on their blingy builds are a little loose in the seat tube of the new Altitude.
The platform is super progressive and ideal for a coil. It rides like a totally different machine to the previous generation and has simplified and very effective Ride 4 chip, headset reach adjust option and mullet capability with built in 29/27 chip. It rides so well!!!
These reviews are the same crap all over again. Same “climbs” good. Same “snappy” feeling and all that bs. Another boring-long-unnecessary review for a high end bike. Seriously man. At least do a different trail. Same crap over and over 🥱🥱🥱
@@bphif3 colorado is worldwide known for world class mtb trails.! Nobody asked for world class trails but different. The same trial in every review. Boring🥱🥱🥱
GREAT!!!!! Now I want an Altitude. Great work as usual.
I demoed one a couple weeks ago, your take on it is the exact same as mine. Butter smooth through chunk, almost a little too long, the long back end really does make you feel like you're riding off the front. The rattle-y dropper post I was told only happens with the Fox and Raceface (rebranded Fox) dropper by the RM rep at the demo, other than that dropper the bike is extremely quiet. I still think I like my 2023 Altitude just a little bit more
Kinda crazy to hear bike reviewers complain about thin casing tires coming standard on 160 travel bikes and then also complain when the right tires for the bike are speced as standard. Always remember that complaining is one of the three pillars of cycling 😂
Didn't hear any complaining. You referring to other reviewers?
@@ultimatist many reviewers mention that bikes like this one should come with grippy and thick casing tires. In this review he mentions that the grippy and thick tires are too heavy/roll slow and that he’d put lighter tires on if this was his bike. Maybe not “complaining” but definitely not not complaining
@@JeremyFacer got it. I skipped the climb portion where he probably said that. But then praises RM team for speccing cushcore and DH, which I agree... maybe he needs a wheelset swap before dropping in.
Hey that is the symptoms of “Upgradeaditis” illness 😂
Amen brother!
These reviews are too good man
🙌🏻
haha I'm with you on the 32t chainring. Currently riding a Spec. Status 160 and the 32t kills me in the SLC/Park City area. I need to try swapping to a 28t.
It feels right for me!
@@SpencerAstraPOV Made the switch...should've done it a long time ago
I was so excited to test this bike! 🔥
It seems like a very appropriate tire spec for the bike which is rare... The PNW may be particularly friendly to tires, but a 160/170mm bike certainly deserved DD tires in most places.
Can you please do a review of the Commencal Meta V5!?
Any insight into how the new Altitude compares to the Nomad 6? Currently on a SJEVO with 170 fork + cascade link, and tossing up between those two... Thanks!
I was torn between this and the sb160..thoughts?
I was able to demo the bike a few weeks ago. The grip on the climbs is the best I've felt. I cleared several tech climbs I usually spin out on or get bucked off my line. It takes more watts on the fire road type climbs but single track tech it is amazing. very quite bike. Feels very stout and a bit heavy though. Would be great if you spend at least 50% of your time in the bike park. I thought it was one of the first bikes I've rod that truly fits the "if you are not going fast in the craziest lines, the bike will make most riding boring" category.
I would like to ask if the aluminum alloy version is also good. I have never ridden the Rocky Mountain and would like to try it.
I have the new A50 with a Fox DHX and it rides amazing!
@@chris4536 Are there no differences between aluminum alloy and carbon fiber frames except for the material and storage box?
@@user-gh5ly2hq4o Same DNA, different materials!
Great bike, unfortunately really expensive in the Netherlands. How does this bike stack up against a Santa Cruz Megatower? Or when you ride it in mullet against a Nomad?
I haven't ridden he new versions of either of those bikes unfortunately...
This bike would not shine in flat lands like Netherlands!
I really love my 21 altitude carbon 70 can do it all. Not sure if its worth the upgrade or go another route
If l had my choice l would choose the previous. Extremely capable but also adaptable. Some say its a glorified trail bike, and maybe thats true but damn its a true quiver killer. It looks way better too
Question about how tall you are? Seems like all the bike reviews you do are on a large frame. Thanks!
I actually am really not a fan of how the new frame looks... part of the reason why I loved my old altitude so much. it was also an amazing climber and made you feel like the effort you were putting in was worth it, coming from someone who owned the new norco range prior to the altitude. I feel like the new frame looks too similar to so many other bikes on the market...enduro, nomad, etc
What a beauty
Its definitely not a great climber. After testing i picked the prior year version which is my opinion a much more versatile bike. And subjectively the best bike in my collection. I have 8 bikes :0 The new one reminded me too much of my 2022 norco range. Therange has more drag on the drive system but i would even say it climbs better (position, traction) if you have the legs :)
Nice work, as always, and thanks! How would you describe this compared to the SB160 you tested recently?
The SB160 had a more compact feeling wheelbase. I think the SB160 was quite a bit more supported under pedaling and also more ground hugging. The Altitude had a faster shock damping tune and felt more poppy than the SB160.
Is this the same rear suspension layout that Intense has?
Seems like Rocky is planning on sparing out the Slayer by upsizing the Altitude 🤔
exo+ with cushcore wins for me on a bike like this
That’s definitely kushcore breathing
That climb always gets me breathing hard!
Great review as always. I would never buy a Rocky mountain. They are just too expensive.
Not anymore than any other brand with comparable parts. Only direct sale bikes are cheaper.
I just bought a 2023 Instinct C30 for $2800. It is the best bike I have owned after 25+ years of Stumpjumpers and Enduros. Both the Instinct and Altitude got updates or total overhauls for 2024, so Rocky needed to move the old inventory out. My gain. I don't need the newest all the time. A Med 2023 Altitude C50 is going for $3500 on Jenson.
You're missing out!
Love The Ride.
The geo looks right up my alley, but I am not going to buy a 5200€ bike with mediocre specs.
The top spec canyon strive has all the Fox factory bling, DT Swiss wheels, AXS and code RSCs for 6000€.
Obi, curious your opinion on the latest Acolyte show?
😂
How were the trails on Alderaan before the imperial scum blew it up?
If you fit on the Strive and its gigantic sizing hole. It's a gigantic bike, the Altitude is more normal sized. The size L Strive has 500mm reach vs 480 on the Altitude (475 with the reach adjust in the short position).
@@mrvwbug4423The geo doesnt matter when talking about the price. Adding/subtracting a few millimeters/degrees costs nothing.
62.9? Wow
Add the non existent Dyname 5.0 motor to this and I'm sold .
impossible with the frame design
Interesting but very noisy bike, it seems. It's a shame that they scrapped the excellent modular Altitude platform they already had with ride9, adjustable shock mount _and_ adjustable chainstays. I haven't checked the leverage curve, but I'm assuming this design won't work as well with a coil as the previous generation.
That's the dropper, switch to a different dropper and it quiets right up. The Fox/Raceface droppers that RM specs on their blingy builds are a little loose in the seat tube of the new Altitude.
The platform is super progressive and ideal for a coil.
It rides like a totally different machine to the previous generation and has simplified and very effective Ride 4 chip, headset reach adjust option and mullet capability with built in 29/27 chip.
It rides so well!!!
@@mrvwbug4423 Ah yes buying a $350 dropper for my brand new $6k bike sounds like pure dreams
@@chris4536 It does ride very smoothly, it's also a very long bike, it's not quite the "do everything enduro bike" that the previous gen was.
if you are breathing this hard I'm going to die on the climb.
Looks like an Enduro..
Damn this bike is noisy
These reviews are the same crap all over again. Same “climbs” good. Same “snappy” feeling and all that bs.
Another boring-long-unnecessary review for a high end bike.
Seriously man. At least do a different trail. Same crap over and over 🥱🥱🥱
Then you can leave bro. Get your negative ass out of here.
What are your local trails like ? Do people travel from all around the world to ride them?
@@bphif3chuckanut is 🚽
@@bphif3 colorado is worldwide known for world class mtb trails.!
Nobody asked for world class trails but different. The same trial in every review. Boring🥱🥱🥱
FOH! Colorado isn't even top 5 in the U.S.💩