Review: Rocky Mountain Slayer C50

Nov 6, 2023
by Mike Kazimer  
The latest version of the Rocky Mountain Slayer launched earlier this year, the ninth iteration of a bike that now sits more firmly in the freeride category than ever, with 180mm of travel and long, slack geometry figures.

There are carbon and aluminum framed versions, and there's even a park edition, which comes with a dual crown fork and a downhill drivetrain. The base model alloy version is $3,299, and the extra-fancy carbon C90 version is $10,299 USD.

I've been putting the miles in on the C50 version, which retails for $6,299 USD. Build kit highlights include a Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain and four piston brakes, a Fox 38 Performance fork with a Grip damper, and a DHX2 Performance Elite coil shock.
Slayer C50 Details

• Wheel size: 29" (size L)
• Carbon frame
• Travel: 180mm
• 62.5º - 63.3º head angle
• 77.5º seat tube angle
• 439 or 449mm chainstays
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 36.25 lb / 16.4 kg (size L)
• Price: $6,299 USD
bikes.com






bigquotesThe Slayer's handling slots into what I'd call the 'classic freeride' category... it feels most at home on steeper, natural trails. Mike Kazimer




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Frame Details

The carbon Slayer now has in-frame storage that's called the 'Penalty Box', which is located underneath a magnetic hatch that sits in front of the water bottle cage. The downtube is fairly wide, so there's plenty of room for filling up the frame with burritos, or a tube and tools if you're not hungry.

The rear triangle was also revised, and the seatstays and chainstays are now carbon fiber, a move that's said to create a stiffer frame than the previous version. There's also now a flip chip that allows for two different chainstay lengths, either 439mm or 449mm.

Rocky's Ride-4 geometry adjustment remains in play, providing (you guessed it) 4 positions that change the head angle, bottom bracket height, and shock progression. The slackest position is also the most progressive, and the steepest is the most linear, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike's feel to suit their preference and terrain. The bike ships with the chip in position 3, which Rocky calls the neutral position.

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The Penalty Box lid is held in place by three magnets.
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A flip chip allows for 10mm of chainstay length adjustment, from 439mm to 449mm.

Geometry
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Red lines: 2023 Slayer (MD). Grey: 2021 Altitude 29. White: 2020 Slayer 27. Dashed lines = anti-squat. Solid lines = suspension rate.


Suspension Design

The Slayer uses Rocky Mountain's Smoothlink suspension layout, their take on a Horst Link design. Compared to the previous version, the anti-squat is higher at the beginning of the stroke, and then drops off more quickly to give the bike more freedom to react to impacts. The leverage ratio has been changed to create a more linear, but still progressive suspension curve.

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Specifications
Price $6300
Travel 180mm
Rear Shock Fox DHX2 Performance Elite
Fork Fox 38 Float EVOL GRIP Performance Series 180mm
Headset FSA Orbit NO.57E
Cassette Shimano SLX 10-51T
Crankarms Race Face Aeffect Cinch
Rear Derailleur Shimano SLX
Chain Shimano M7100
Shifter Pods Shimano SLX
Handlebar Rocky Mountain AM 38mm rise
Stem Rocky Mountain 35 AM 40mm length
Grips ODI Elite Pro Lock On
Brakes Shimano SLX 4-piston
Hubs DT Swiss 370 rear / RM front
Rim WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 Tubeless
Tires Maxxis Assegai / DHR II, DoubleDown MaxxGrip
Seat WTB Volt Race 142
Seatpost Race Face Aeffect R Dropper 30.9mm

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Test Bike Setup

I'm on the lighter side for my height, which means I typically need to switch out the stock spring for a lighter one on coil shock equipped bikes. On the Slayer, I didn't need to do any swapping - the 450 lb/in spring put me right at 30% sag.

That's good news for me, but I'd imagine that most riders will end up needing to go to a firmer spring rate. Typically that's not a big deal, except that the eyelet bearings on the Slayer's shock need to be removed in order to change springs, making what should be a 10 minute job a much more time consuming task.

I spent time on the Slayer in both the stock 29” configuration and with a 27.5” rear wheel, a change that requires purchasing a different link from Rocky – even the four shock positions aren't enough to preserve the geometry with a different size rear wheel. I'll go more into my findings shortly, but if I had to pick I'd choose the mixed wheel setup.


2022 Trail Bike Field Test photo by Satchel Cronk.
Mike Kazimer
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Height: 5'11" / 180cm
Inseam: 33" / 84cm
Weight: 160 lbs / 72.6 kg
Industry affiliations / sponsors: None
Instagram: @mikekazimer
It's great to see proper tires on a bike like this – the Assegai / DHR II combo with a DoubleDown casing and sticky MaxxGrip compound are very appropriate for the Slayers big mountain / freeride intentions. Rocky even includes CushCore's XC tire inserts in order to add additional flat resistance. They're lighter and much easier to install than CushCore's burlier offerings, and it's a nice touch. I still ended up taking them out, though, and suffered a grand total of zero flats during the test period, which included a solid week of laps in the Whistler bike park.


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Climbing

I doubt many rides are shopping for a big mountain / freeride bike with climbing performance as their highest priority, but it's still a part of the equation worth evaluating, since not every trail can be accessed via a shuttle truck or chairlift.

The Slayer isn't that heavy considering the build kit, but still doesn't exactly scamper up the climbs – it's a slow burner rather than a bottlerocket. The actual seated climbing position works well – the seat tube angle is steep enough, and the bars are high enough that it's a comfortable place to be, but there's no hiding the Slayer's weight, wheelbase, and fairly active suspension. Thankfully the compression lever on the shock is easy to reach, and I regularly reached for that climb switch on longer logging road grinds.

On more technical sections of climbing, the Slayer has plenty of traction, and the extra length means there's little chance of ever feeling like you're going to loop out, no matter how steep the trail. Of course, the tradeoff is that it does take more work to get around tight switchbacks, and at the end of the day this is still a bike where climbing is the work that needs to be done before reaping the rewards on the descent.

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Descending

The Slayer's handling slots into what I'd call the 'classic freeride' category, the one that emerged in the early 2000s, back before enduro was a thing. That's when freeriding was all about finding a way down extra-technical trails, rather than doing flippy-spinny things on massive manicured jumps. Sure, the Slayer can jump just fine, and someone that's not me could do flips and spins on it, but it feels most at home on steeper, natural trails.

My best rides on the Slayer were the steepest ones. The slack 63-degree head angle and resulting wheelbase means there's no shortage of stability, and 'safe' is the adjective the comes to mind for the way this bike feels on rowdy, fall-line trails. There's little risk of feeling like you're going to be tossed out the front door, and its handling is the opposite of nervous. The Slayer does feel a little taller than something like a Santa Cruz Nomad or Nukeproof Giga – those two bikes both have a lower top tube and bottom bracket height, and the weight is centered lower in the frame, making them easier to carve through turns.

Even with that long and slack geometry, in the Whistler Bike Park the Slayer never felt especially fast – at times it felt like it was getting sucked into holes rather than skimming over them. That trait was also evident on slower speed, stepped sections of trail – there wasn't much support from the shock, which made the bike feel over-active in certain scenarios.

I experimented with adding more compression to help the bike sit higher in its travel, which did help, but the overall feel of the rear suspension was 'busier' and less supportive than I would have liked. A firmer compression tune could be the answer here, or possibly an air shock – I didn't have any harsh bottom outs, but the increased ramp up of an air shock could potentially give the Slayer a more cohesive suspension feel.

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29" vs. Mixed Wheel

I started off the test period with the bike in full 29” mode, and then switched it to mixed wheels, which requires a different shock link. That mixed wheel setup ended up being my preferred configuration, and I'm honestly not sure why Rocky didn't spec the whole size range with mixed wheels. The smaller wheel helped make the Slayer feels less like a lumbering beast, and while I'd still hesitate to call it lively, it did add a little pep to its handling, especially on tighter trails.

I kept the chainstays in the 439mm setting, since I didn't come across and instances where I though the back end felt too short. That said, riders who want to run SRAM's new Transmission drivetrain will need to run it in the longer 449mm position; that's the only setting that's UDH compatible.


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Rocky Mountain Slayer
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Nukeproof Giga 297


How does it compare?

The Nukeproof Giga 297 falls into the same 180mm travel bracket as the Slayer, but the two bikes have very distinct personalities. Personally, I got along better with the Giga – it sits lower to the ground, and I found it easier to push it into corners or make quick direction changes. The Slayer feels taller, and seemed more likely to get pulled into holes rather than staying on top of them.

When it comes to geometry, the Slayer is longer and slacker than the Giga in most of its geometry settings. There's not one glaring difference; it's more that a few millimeters here and and there all add up. The Slayer's four geometry options make it the comparison a little trickier to do a head-to-head comparison, but in the Neutral setting it has a 63-degree head angle, 480mm reach, 439mm chainstays, and 77.5-degree seat angle. The Giga has a 63.5-degree head angle, 475mm reach, 435mm chainstays, and 78-degree seat angle.

As for the price, while the C50 has a good, workhorse parts spec, you get more bang for your buck with the Giga – the $6,000 Giga Elite comes with Fox's Performance Elite suspension and SRAM's GX AXS Transmission wireless electronic drivetrain. There's an elephant in the room with the Giga, though; Signa Sports, Nukeproof's parent company, has been experiencing serious financial struggles, which means that getting warranty support or even purchasing a bike is currently more difficult than it was just a few weeks ago.


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Which Model is the Best Value?

The Slayer isn't exactly the place to look if you're hunting for the absolute best bang for your buck – all of the prices are on the higher side considering the build kits. The parts spec of the C50 is solid, though, and there's nothing that immediately needs to be changed, other than the too-short dropper post. Going up one level to the $7,799 gets you a Grip 2 fork, XT components, and Race Face rims, but there's not really anything in that build that would have me rushing to shell out another $1,500.

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Technical Report

Race Face Aeffect R dropper post: A bike with such a clear focus on descending deserves a dropper post with more than 170mm of travel, especially on the large and XL sizes.

Penalty Box storage: The Slayer's new storage compartment is very roomy, and the magnetic closure works well, although it's not quite as secure as a system with a dedicated latch – if you try to jam in an oversized item, a windbreaker for example, the upward pressure can lift up the lid. Be realistic about what you try to fit inside the frame and there shouldn't be any issues.

Fox 38 Float Grip fork: The Grip damper doesn't offer as many adjustments as its more expensive Grip2 sibling, but with the compression set around halfway through the range I was able to find a good balance of support and grip (no pun intended), and I have zero complaints about its performance.


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Pros

+ Geometry works well in steep terrain
+ Good range of effective geometry adjustments
+ Plenty of room for tool and snack storage in the frame

Cons

- Swapping shock springs is a time-consuming process
- More plush than precise - can get bogged down on chunkier trails
- Mixed-wheel setup requires purchasing a different shock link on larger sizes



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesThe new Slayer stays true to its freeride heritage, with the travel and geometry to take on big hits and burly lines. It's not a race bike, and it's doesn't try to be - riders whose top priority is speed will want to look elsewhere. But for those who prefer a big bike that's more plush than precise, the Slayer might be the one. Mike Kazimer







Author Info:
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,721 articles

288 Comments
  • 169 12
 6300 for SLX is crazy mah boy
  • 47 9
 This is actually my favorite spec choice. Deore and SLX work great. Put the money on the build where it matters. Value is a different discussion though... other brands offer some better value, some are worse.
  • 17 3
 @headset-apologist: why not factory suspension then?
  • 95 9
 Around 2010, when I was in my prime, $3,500-$4,000 for an XT equipped aluminum full-suspension would have been reasonable. According to some random online inflation calculator, that would be between $4,940.30 and $5,646.05 today. With that in mind, $6,300 for a carbon bike with SLX doesn't seem outlandish to me, especially since 2023 SLX is way better than 2010 XT. Not to mention the frame and suspension.

I hate seeing the numbers on stickers these days, but that's because my expectations are anchored "back in my day." I don't want to come off as an industry apologist, But the fact is in real terms, bikes in the mid range cost about what they always have.
  • 30 2
 @facelessghost: You haven't even begun to peak, when you do peak, you'll know. You're going to peak so hard everyone on PinkBike is gonna feel it.

Joking aside, I agree with your logic.
  • 39 65
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 9:35) (Below Threshold)
 @facelessghost: NAW......these 22yr olds think they should get XX transmission and carbon everything with EXT suspension for just being faster than you and being able to manual down a sidewalk.

entitlement has reached the level that broke kids think they deserve what us that are twice their age and have earned money and can afford, just for drawing breathe.
  • 18 9
 29" wheels being called freeride is worse, put a lipstick on a pig (or a man) and hit it, eh?
  • 48 2
 @headset-apologist: SLX is fine, but Performance fork, house-brand front hub and 370 (not star ratchet) rear hub for $6,300USD is hilarious. With the current state of the industry, they will be blowing these out for 30-40% off in no time anyway.
  • 15 0
 SLX works really well. But yeah, gimme an XT shifter any day
  • 28 1
 Rockie's pricing is really, really bad.
  • 18 0
 I paid 6300NZD (3760USD) for my 2018 C50 Slayer brand new. In 5 years the cost of this bike has basically doubled and only real changes are an extra cog on the rear cassette and 2mm diameter increase on the forks. Crazy times we are living in. No wonder bikes companies are struggling trying to sell bikes at these prices. Current ride is a V1 Sentinel and the geo on that is so dialled I have no inclination to drop 8-10k on a new bike that wont ride any better than my current one.
  • 3 3
 @thebradjohns: all businesses are like this, and no one can lift a finger otherwise they'd be proclaimed lunatics. till the entire west crashes
  • 4 2
 @jwdenver: Really bad you say ? This is straight up attempted roberry level of bad.
  • 3 8
flag TheR FL (Nov 6, 2023 at 10:32) (Below Threshold)
 Here’s what I think is happening: you’re seeing a lot of deals on some older model bikes (various companies) from manufacturers looking to unload older inventory.

Then some companies are coming out with newer bikes with newer specs that reflect newer, inflated pricing.

If you’re in the market for a new bike, look for those deals now and pick them up while you can! In a little while, I’m thinking a base-level carbon bike is going to be between $5,500-6,500 going forward, unfortunately.
  • 12 0
 SLX and a Fox 38 Performance. That's wild. You should be getting a Performance Elite at that price point. Plus, way better hubs. They make the 370 for budget bikes, not bikes at this price point
  • 1 0
 @facelessghost: When i had almost no income (poor student) I would splurge on slx ( just LX in the day) and lust after xt and dream of xtr. With good job was splurge but still afford xt and even buy the odd trickle down xtr derailleur from local shop guys/racers. 10 years ago was full xt builds, top end wheels/hubs every couple years. Sure todays deore is as good as my old xt stuff but a full xt build with premium wheels is an crazy price today. In theory competition from sram should have lowered prices but instead they ( Shimano and sram) have ratcheted up prices. The covid shortage has even ruined the used market with people overpaying for new and now trying to recoup that on the used market. Crazy times to have premiums taste in bikes.
  • 10 14
flag naptime FL (Nov 6, 2023 at 10:49) (Below Threshold)
 @baca262: 29 is dead an it was sure as hell was never freeride
  • 24 6
 @Mtbdialed: ok boomer
  • 3 2
 @naptime: someone needs to force feed the crowd nwd 8
  • 17 0
 @Mtbdialed: The opinion of someone who lives in a town of millionaires and millionaires' kids reflects his surroundings. Who'da thunk it. Lots of humble kids are still going faster than you on basic suspension bits and bikes, but perhaps not in the bubble of Boulder.
  • 18 4
 @Mtbdialed: your "twice their age" statement only demonstrates you're at the same level as those kids. how is it kids fault they don't have the experience you can acquire only through years? do you blame a chinese for not speaking english? how the hell are they supposed to know?

and this violent stupidity will drive us all back into 19th century level.
  • 15 0
 @gramboh: New 370s are 18T star ratchet and front hubs don't matter, but agreed that the price is too high.
  • 1 0
 @Roost66: I think we are in agreement actually. I'd prefer to see a performance elite fork on this and build with deore...

I mentioned value cause I was trying to steer away from the "I want everything on this bike to be more expensive for the manufacturer at the same price for me" conversation.

I think these knee jerk reactions to a spec are why we don't see deore/performance elite builds often.
Does this bike "only" having SLX or a 370 hub make it worse to ride? For me: no, those are solid components that just have a bit of weight penalty. I might care on an XC bike
  • 12 1
 @pink505: Shimano 12 speed MSRP is the same as it was when it was released in 2019, SRAM is the one who has raised prices and since released expensive new options that just confuse the market. XT 12 parts are cheaper than GX...
  • 2 22
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:08) (Below Threshold)
 @xciscool: FOUND THE BROKIE!!!!
  • 3 16
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:10) (Below Threshold)
 @ryanandrewrogers: I am talking about PB commenters. lol. I have Boulder, cuz it's the biggest town that's close, I do not live IN boulder....
  • 3 18
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:10) (Below Threshold)
 @baca262: they don't have to know, just know not to think they are entitled to what older people HAVE WORKED FOR.


really, really basic concept.....
  • 9 2
 @Mtbdialed: what is it that doesn't compute for you - did they have your years of opportunity to "work" for ANYTHING at all?

you're judging a fish by it's ability to climb a tree.

i understand they're entitled pricks but you being an outright hypocrite only says you're THE EXACT SAME:
  • 5 20
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:21) (Below Threshold)
 @baca262: LOL. what? no. of course they haven't had the time to earn or work for much. That is EXACTLY my f*cking point though! You are barely dried Jizz.....you can't be jealous of older people that can afford shit. Your time will come if you work your ass off, save, make smart investments in yourself and with what little money you have, avoid the trap of "college at all costs" and are smart.


But they all sit here and complain that $12,000 super bikes exist, but also $1700 rad ass hardtails exist but they think that shit is below them. THAT is the f*cking hypocricy here, not me calling it out.
  • 4 0
 @brewtus: The real problem is the rims. I have one of those WTB ST rims on a backup wheel and it de-tensions every ride. They are also softer than cardboard.
  • 3 11
flag baca262 (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:38) (Below Threshold)
 @Mtbdialed: "you can't be jealous of older people" good, so it's the kids fault again, and it's not you judging them for stuff they cannot possibly know. are you saying you were better than them at that age?

they're entitled to free shit, you're entitled to obedience you didn't earn. 90s and later kids were sent into a warzone and not a school where ego ruled and decency was punished. what kind of people do you expect, coming out of there?
  • 6 19
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:44) (Below Threshold)
 @baca262: JFC are you mental.....read that last spittle laced shit you wrote, and go touch some goddamned grass.....
  • 3 8
flag baca262 (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:49) (Below Threshold)
 @Mtbdialed: really? enjoy ur "retirement" when you're kicked to the curb the exact same. the f*ck does an ole geezer need 3 properties when his son ain't a place to do his broad? consider this very carefully.
  • 2 0
 @rpdale: xt 12 speed (and even the 11 speed) are great too. I've had a couple friends switch over after I gave them a hard time and they all love it. Don't get me wrong, would love to have full wireless and all the bells and whistles but it's hard to get rid of my 3 year old xt12 that still performs flawlessly.
  • 4 8
flag baca262 (Nov 6, 2023 at 13:59) (Below Threshold)
 @Mtbdialed: you have a table full of bread, a f*cking feast, and you're still hungry. yet you point the finger at someone else.
  • 6 21
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 14:12) (Below Threshold)
 @baca262: DUUUUUUUUUUUDE. I am not pointing fingers at anything but others that think they are entitled to what I have! I worked my ass off, for years, to get where I am. some 20yr old that smokes too much weed and has zero drive to work, doesn't have right to what I have....period.


And yes....I AM STILL HUNGRY! that is what seperates the haves from the wants.....hunger. You either have it or you do not. pick your path and travel it. But don't think you get a right to both paths.

your mentality is a f*cking cancer, bro.
  • 5 8
 @Mtbdialed: "your mentality is a f*cking cancer, bro."

lol
  • 4 7
 @Mtbdialed: dude's a fascist without even realizing it. do read the bible, which defines people like you "fools" and do read on fascist values and mentality. if you want to go die for your "glory", be our guest and leave us alone.
  • 6 13
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 14:22) (Below Threshold)
 @baca262: can you rewrite that and attempt to make sense? You are either at the extreme end of the spectrum, or clinically insane. you make zero sense, type in non-sequitors, and ramble incoherently.
  • 1 0
 @headset-apologist: unfortunately the wheels matter more and RM always lacks in that area.
I would rather have full Deore and decent wheels.
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: -what's funny is that i've been looking at a decent used 2018 C50 Slayer that's been taken care of/ had a few/some upgrades and the price is close to what you paid new
  • 8 0
 @jwdenver: as a current Rocky owner, their pricing is the #2 reason I’ll never buy a Rocky again.

#1 reason is the bulls**t lower shock bearing that need a bulls**t proprietary tool to remove, causing too much bulls**t at shops when I want my shock serviced. Yes I bought it myself but I’m done with Rocky between that and the bs prices.
  • 3 0
 $10 for free range eggs at the grocer and $2.10/L for diesel is even crazier.
  • 2 0
 @facelessghost: even if the prices are sort of in the same ballpark after inflation, it seems insane to go through the trouble of defending industry pricing.. are you going to be bummed if prices drop? why not push for things to get cheaper/ more accessible instead of making sure that they're basically just what they've always been?
  • 4 1
 @Mtbdialed: looked at wages and buying power compared to when you were 'little'?
Not only is inflation crazy right now, but wages are lower than for the last 80 years. Only the richest are doing well today. The literal gutting of the middle class has already happened.
  • 4 9
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 19:42) (Below Threshold)
 @BarryWalstead: inflation is nowhere near what it was in the late 70s early 80s. we hit the low 20%'s then....somehow that generation made it out of that....


I agree that nothing is good, but instead of screaming at Trek, Spesh or anyone else, focus your ire on the true cause.....the FED, and disasterous monetary policy..


wtfhappenedin1971.com
  • 4 3
 @Mtbdialed: you sir are absolutely correct.

But the waves getting carved out were far, far better than average wages now.
  • 4 2
 @Mtbdialed: corporate greed is alive and well also
  • 2 0
 @gramboh: pretty sure the new 370s are star ratchet. I think the spec is pretty solid. I am curious about the weight of the alloy one. I ran into a guy with the previous generation alloy and it was a boat anchor must of been near 20kg
  • 1 0
 @thebradjohns: Totally agree. got a 2018 NP mega for half price just over 2k. During covid, that equivalent model went to 6.5k. Which was crazy and earlier this year got a Giga frame with fast suspension for less than half price (needed a new shock and things escalated) but in terms of performance there's not really a huge improvement between the 2 bikes
  • 3 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: Haha I've noticed that at my local bikepark the kids could be on the best of the best and their pal on the hand me down bag of bolts old bike will still be the fastest. Skill is worth a lot more than tech
  • 1 0
 @ranchitup: Add the price of 2 ex511's and your sorted. Really not sure why companies like rocky don't spec full dtswiss OEM wheels
  • 1 0
 @Mtbdialed: Nobody was complaining about what older people have, you just used people bringing up the issue of value as an excuse to cry and bitch about younger people. "make smart investments in yourself with what little money you have" literally no one asked you for your trash "advice".
  • 1 0
 @BarryWalstead: yes they were, but that is a function of government regulation & bad monetary policy. Allowing the FED to set monetary policy is letting the fox look after the henhouse. bonkers shit. The FED is just a bunch of bankers lining their own pockets at your expense!
  • 1 1
 @thebradjohns: nothing wrong with Greed, per se. it's innate in all humans. the desire to amass resources is paramount to our survival. It's in all animals really.

anywho, I think the "corporate greed" you speak of is really more like Crony capitalism. which is terrible. Using the government as a bludgeon for regulatory capture. Capitalism=GOOD. Our current system ≠ Capitalism
  • 1 1
 @Mtbdialed: I love how people like you say things like 'crony capitalism' as though that's a different beast than regular capitalism.
So stupid as any 'crony' relationships are literally the goal of capitalism. To maximize profits over people and with no limits (other than those actually enforced).
Crony is capitalism.
  • 1 1
 @BarryWalstead: dude.....read some books.

capitalism unfettered and unregulated, regulates itself via survival of the fitest. Unless you think Darwin was wrong....


whats your solution, socialism? which is the exact same thing as crony capitalism? Oh I know, we will just control every means of economic function from the top! cant see a single thing that goes wrong there, comrade!
  • 1 0
 @Mtbdialed: so you aren't engaging with the discussion? I responded to your comment of 'crony' capitalism and you don't bother to respond to anything I said?
Typical right wing fool...
  • 1 0
 @BarryWalstead: what would have been an acceptable reply to your non-sequitor red herring statement?

you think cronyism=capitalism, and I responded that what you think is true, simply isnt. in fact, socialism=nepotism almost always. which is just blood related cronyism.

the US was founded on capitalism and the closeted socialists have slowly morphed it into cronycapitalism, with designs on full blown socialism in the future. baby steps.....
  • 1 0
 @Mtbdialed: your level of stupid is impressive really. I didn't think you could impress me but here you went and did it!
  • 2 1
 @Mtbdialed: I think you should look up and see how the U.S. compares on workers rights, poverty, lifespan etc compared European countries its rarely even close unfettered capitalism doesn't regulate anything it simply pumps more money to the top at the expense of everyone else. Also socialism isn't communism very different things
  • 2 0
 @Mtbdialed: average yeti owner
  • 2 0
 @Mtbdialed: sounds like someone needs to get better at bikes
  • 1 1
 @briain: "workers rights" is a socialist ideal. you have no right to work. be worthwhile or die.
  • 1 0
 @BarryWalstead: oh sweet....more non-sequitors plus ad hominem!

your projection is palpable.....oH yOu wOnT enGagE!!?!?!!?!?!?!?
  • 3 0
 @Mtbdialed: workers right exist so your employer not only pays you but also pays what is agreed in your contract. Doesn't put you in dangerous or life threatening situations because health and safety is expensive. Basically it stops employees been serfs/ slaves to said employers. The funniest part is that U.S. led the way with workers rights until about a century ago and were really quite good till Nixon era and have been moving backwards at a rate of knots since then. What you seen to be proposing is libertarism which hasn't even been tried let alone worked anywhere in the world. But before you say something like the U.S. does it, it really doesn't you have social institions like USPS, education and all the various programs for veterns. I'm sure there are many more aswell
  • 1 2
 @briain: saying a thing exists, doesn't infer righteousness upon said thing.
  • 78 1
 Kaz, wanna start off with telling u how much i heart you… i wish that all bikes reviewed on PB had 2 “climbing” considerations and notes taken… notes for fire road climbing and notes for technical climbing… i know many don’t care about this, but i’m sure there are some other weirdo’s out there who waana know how well this thing stacks up in the technical climbing department?!?
  • 26 0
 there are dozens of us!
  • 8 0
 @phazedplasma: even two members of German parliament
  • 1 0
 Very stoked on this as well
  • 51 0
 I'll probably never buy a Slayer but when I see that Kaz wrote an article I read it. I really enjoy his writing.
  • 1 2
 I can translate his review to my riding quite well. Usually it starts off by imagining me riding with half the skill (or less).
  • 34 0
 Magnets…how the f*ck do they work?
  • 11 0
 How does a positrac rear end in a 73 Plymouth work? Nobody knows, it just does.
  • 5 0
 It’s quantum! Alignment of electron spin.
  • 4 0
 @nskerb: little known fact, the guy who invented the positrac also built the pyramids!
  • 6 0
 @ultimatist: pyramids are flat
  • 2 0
 Science!
  • 2 0
 @Kango: “F%#^ you science!” - Channing Tatum
  • 29 2
 Blew it not calling the stash box the “sin bin”
  • 29 0
 How about the Slay Tray?
  • 11 1
 Trek was the real loser for not Trademaking Twatbox.
  • 10 3
 The Glory Hole
  • 12 0
 Gnar Jar
  • 2 0
 @thustlewhumber: Thats going on Giants new DH bike
  • 21 0
 Rocky makes great bikes, but their prices are egregious. I can’t justify paying MSRP for one. $6300 for performance level suspension with SLX? Sheesh.
  • 7 10
 Currently, their C70 Instinct (XT + Performance Elite) is on sale for $7k CAD, which is roughly $5k USD… that’s good value.
  • 5 0
 Such a horrible value for a bike that you are going to hammer on at the park and on freeride lines. Would love this to be my gravity bike, but not for $6,300 with components specced for a 3-4k bike.
  • 5 0
 Rocky used to be priced really reasonably, I bought an altitude in 2018 and it was slightly more expensive than a Giant but still at the good value end of pricing. Since then they seem to try to move to boutique pricing and they are now not even close to being competitive. I went from being super keen to buy another one to not buying one as tgere were better options
  • 6 0
 Yup, they went nutty on their prices during covid, same with Commencal. Maybe they're trying to be like Adidas back when they first started and jack up the prices to appear more boutique.
  • 5 14
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 17:27) (Below Threshold)
 @finblarr: it does seem that the majority of price complaints come from countries with weak currencies.....


perhaps instead of complaining about consumer products prices, redress your government about their monetary and global trade policies????
  • 2 0
 @liamintemann: Don't know about you I always wait for sales. All the relatively big brands go on sale usually twice a year. So I view the RRP as premium I can't wait pricing
  • 3 0
 @briain: yep and demo bikes too are really solid at the right shop. Saw this bike being sold for 5k as a demo bike. To be fair it was in excellent condition but 5k for used bike with those components?
  • 1 0
 @Kango: by the way, next year will be adidas 100th anniversary. Didn't realize they wanted to appear more boutique in the thirties.
  • 15 1
 For UK riders: "accessed via a shuttle truck or chairlift" should include 'or push-up'.
  • 6 0
 Don't forget about scratching your forks on a battered minibus or landrover defender uplift w/ sketchy trailer
  • 2 1
 accessed via "push up hill like a peasant"
  • 2 15
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 17:24) (Below Threshold)
 rom my extensive experience(I mean this....ridden a f*ck ton in the UK), yall will push up a 5% fireroad that takes 7 min to climb. LMFAO. absolutely mindblowing shit, mate! respect for having 7 hours to ride, but seriously......
  • 11 0
 My buddy lost the cover to the Penalty Box on like his second ride on that bike. He's cheap, so he's had an open hole on his bike for months now. The magnets are cool, but if would be better if there was some kind of latch.
  • 10 0
 I have the now previous generation Slayer and current generation Altitude. I bought both brand new and they have been great bikes for the type of riding I do. The fit and finish when new is very good (not quite at the level of Santa Cruz though)

I always cover my bikes in RideWrap or Invisframe to keep them in good shape. Unfortunately, within a year the clearcoat on the Altitude started lifting around the lower headset cup on the downtube side. It migrated down the downtube until it reached the RideWrap (the wrap stopped it from migrating further). After much back and forth with Rocky and a lot of help from the dealer it turns out if you RideWrap your frame the paint warranty is no longer valid. Just something to be aware of, and I expect all of the clearcoat to come away if I need to redo the wrap
  • 25 0
 That's downright goofy given that Ridewrap is a sponsor of their enduro team!
  • 1 0
 Is there any indication that ride wrap caused the the clear coat to peel off, or is it just a loop hole so they don't have to warranty it?
  • 1 0
 Wow, that absolutely sucks balls. Assuming you didn't use kerosene to clean the frame before applying ride wrap, that sounds like a 100% warranty issue.
  • 4 1
 @AndrewHornor: trek has the same policy and sells custom ridewrap kits for their bikes through their b2b site.

I had this happen to me and they told me to get f*cked.
  • 4 15
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 17:32) (Below Threshold)
 why on earth tell Rocky about the ride wrap? lol


I laugh, but this is good advice for all riders out there! THINK LIKE A LAWYER! why divuldge anything to a manufacturer you do not need to!? do they want pics? take any warranty voiding things off beforehand.

Its really not rocket surgery.....in fact, they all expect your to lie, and they will all pretend you are telling the truth....its a bit like porn in that aspect.....OH! THE PIPE IS LEAKING MR. PLUMBER MAN! CAN YOU HELP ME!??!?!?!?!
  • 4 0
 @Mtbdialed: man, I get the idea of like taking a cascade link off or putting a shorter fork on before providing pictures but when half of your f*cking clear coat is gone because it's stuck to the ridewrap it doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened.
  • 4 0
 @Mtbdialed: also, I am a trial lawyer and hiding the truth is generally really unproductive.
  • 2 14
flag Mtbdialed (Nov 6, 2023 at 18:21) (Below Threshold)
 @j-t-g: why take it off? take pictures that are advantagous to you! outside of that, use pics you found on the internet...


no MTB company has the resources to police this shit....

and if you are actually a trial lawyer, you would know that hiding the truth is literally your job, if you are good at your job.
  • 6 0
 @Mtbdialed: I did what I felt was the right thing and took the bike as it was into the dealer
  • 3 0
 @OCSunDevil: No, it was definitely not the RideWrap as the flaking originated at the lower headset cup. The dealer even removed the bottom headset cup to have a closer look for any other damage (there was none). All the info was captured and photos were sent to Rocky. If I had not put the RideWrap on the clearcoat would have carried on peeling off and the warranty may actually have been honored.
  • 2 0
 @bishopsmike: Smile . No, I've wrapped 8 bikes and have become very good at it.
  • 2 0
 @AndrewHornor: Nukeproofs come wrapped from the factory. It's a nice touch
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: LOL... You couldn't make that sh*t up.
  • 1 0
 If you contact the company directly through the rocky@bikes.com customer service address, they should sort you out with a solution as long as the issue was happening within a year of purchase. Sounds like a miscommunication between the shop and Rocky, not their actual policy in action.
  • 3 0
 Hey @stuie321,
I am reaching out as the Team Lead for Technical Service at Rocky Mountain.
I'm sorry to hear about this issue you experienced with our warranty process Frown

Could you please write to me at info@bikes.com, or open your existing email thread with us there? I would love to be able to sort this issue out for you as this is something we can cover under warranty.

Thank you for your patience and understanding on this one!
  • 1 0
 @maxwellington: This is not our consumer email! We use info@bikes.com for all consumer inquiries.
  • 1 0
 @Rocky-Tech-Service: Sounds good; I’ll reach out. Thx!!
  • 14 2
 I really don't understand who buys this brand. There are 1000 other better value, more interesting brands out there.
  • 5 0
 I used to think the same but then I turned 30 and suddenly thought Rockies were cool. Maybe it's the Canadian thing, too.
  • 2 1
 @j-t-g: it's those maple leaf paint jobs!

I bought my Rocky used, and much as I do like it, I'd be unlikely to buy a new one even if I could afford it. But I can see why people do.
  • 1 0
 @j-t-g: the 2014/5 Altitude Rally Edition won the EWS, it was a rad bike, but since the long slack movement they’ve fallen behind in terms f performance on the trail.
  • 2 1
 @trifecta: If race results are the performance metric, we shouldn't forget Melamed's series win in 2022.

But it is really the rider. Given time to learn the bike and perfect the setup, Jesse or Richie could win on any of a dozen competitive bikes. It makes me (genuinely) curious - in which aspects of performance you see RM lagging behind?
  • 1 0
 @AndrewHornor: I find that RM has less grip on the front wheel, less off camber grip and its less agile than what I ride, but I only know Rocky from 2012 to 2019, after that I moved on and bought an enduro and session
  • 9 4
 These prices are ridiculous! SLX and a Grip damper for $6,300. So many better builds out there for way less! (Self-plug, I've got an Enduro for sale that is in excellent condition that has Code RSC, Sram GX and Ohlins for $3700!)
  • 2 2
 For reference i was able to buy a good spec level in NZ for $4499nzd(2687USD) with xt & grip.
  • 5 1
 This isn't RM specific, but are there many other (reasonably expensive, like, not toothbrushes) things you can buy off the shelf and make the price triple between the most basic and the most fancy? Cars? Nah, only on the very high end when you start adding diamonds just to make it cost more for clout. Motorcycles? Probably same thing, could double or triple the price if you start going full custom, but might be hard to do off the shelf. Computers? Maybe through a whole line-up of machines you could actually quintuple the prices between lowest and highest, but for a single model's options/trims it's not going to be _that_ much of a spread.
  • 1 1
 Economies of scale...
  • 5 0
 I think that "Cars" do more than triple between most basic and top of the line. You move up in type, but if I want a cheap 'truck' vs a fancy 'truck' I can go triple or more.

Yes, this requires changing 'names(ranger, F150)' but not style (pickup truck).

I would consider the ability to alter price that much while maintaining the "feel" of the bike to be quite a positive accomplishment.
  • 2 0
 @gaberoc: Even the Porsche sports coupe range more than quadruples:
Base 711 cayman 81000€
911 GT3 RS with race spec, roll cage and ceramic brakes: >400000€
  • 2 0
 @gaberoc: "changing names" doesn't fit. I could also change from budget subcompact to luxury full-sized SUV and find huge differences in price, but not likely to find it _within_ budget sedans alone, or just luxury SUVs.
  • 3 0
 @SickEdit: A Cayman is not a 911, but I get your point.

Base 911 Carerra2 and 911 GT3RS are technically "off the shelf/showroom", but the GT3-type race-spec models are also kind of their own thing by some viewpoints. You'll also need to do a custom order to really spend 3x on a GT3: paint to sample, adding every factory option, custom fit seats, etc; but is that "off the showroom floor"?

Porsche themselves split them this way: 911 GT3 is its own category, separated from 911 at the same level in the hierarchy as the Macan is.
  • 1 0
 Ducati and Aprilia Motorcycles.
  • 2 2
 @dorkmire: Economies of scale doesn't cut it anymore. Most large brands cranking out tens of thousands of bikes have considerable scale, and for products much simpler than cars. You know what cars have? Standards and regulations. Motors, seat belts, airbags, computers, lights, a radio, tires that never flat, standardized parts, comfy seats, brakes that only need to be bled once. Compared to cars, bikes are some overpriced dinky tubes with some cool lightweight suspension and bearings that fail immediately.
  • 1 0
 Brands offer different price tiers to capture as much revenue as possible.

Brands create cheaper/lower tier products as an artificial price floor so they can justify higher prices on the premium components.

Look at how many derailleur and fork/shock options SRAM offers. It costs a lot of money to design and manufacture all of these different parts. It would be much easier for SRAM to just offer one shock or derailleur and scale up production.

Bike brands play along because it's how they can charge double the price of the same product.
  • 1 1
 @dorkmire: Not economies of scale. Artificial price floors through tiered product differentiation.
  • 2 0
 @haen: your correct in your description, the economic term is "price discrimination". Its comical to look at the difference between the lowest and highest priced Jeep Wranglers.
  • 2 0
 @jaytdubs: Thanks! The name sounds just as terrible as the practice. How fitting.
  • 1 0
 Cars can multiply in price quite easily. For example, going from a minimal spec BMW 3 series to a M3 with all the extras is an insane price hike.
  • 2 0
 Musical instruments
  • 7 0
 @The-Wheel: car companies don’t have to make their cars in 5 different sizes.

Car companies make a lot of money after the sale of the car in parts and service.

Rocky sells you a bike and then what? Shimano sells you brake pads and chains, Maxxis sells you tires, Fox sells you service kits for your suspension, and various other companies sell you pedals, bars, stems etc. Rocky, or any brand for that matter, makes no additional money post sale. They have to make their earnings on the bike itself.
  • 1 0
 @no-good-ideas: that doesn't change the fact that people can drive cars into the ground for 8 years with only the most basic service, and cars actually have a significant amount of material and complexity
  • 8 0
 How is the bike firmly in the freeride camp if it has 29er wheels?
  • 8 5
 I agree. It’s beyond annoying. It’s a widely-held delusion that 29 are just as fun so by default they’re also now freeride machines. They’re really only fun if you suck and need more traction and smoother terrain. That’s why actual freeriders do not touch them.
  • 2 1
 @emptybe-er: define freeride?
  • 3 1
 I agree, a 200mm dual crown & 27.5 would probably fix things. Maybe that should have been one of the build kits
  • 2 0
 @no-good-ideas: It’s skill-based shredding with focus on sending and/or jibbing. 29” wheel attributes are none of this. Read that again! It’s so simple if you know how to ride. And insinuating that freeride is undefinable just because you want to say you freeride on your wagon wheeler with snack storage just makes you look clueless.
  • 6 2
 I just moved on from my 2012 Slayer after 11 years, simply because it's dated. The frame never gave me a single issue and took me on many great trails, so I have no doubt they know what they are doing.
  • 3 0
 But is it any better than the last version? Yes it has a storage box but what about the handling and fun factor from the last, raved about minus an early frame issue, version?
  • 3 0
 There haven't been enough changes to make it worth upgrading from my 2020 Slayer. I still absolutely love mine and it's been completely bombproof. I should probably do a bearing change and toying with the idea of stripping the paint and going raw while it's apart...
  • 4 0
 From what I've read thus far from a few there's not enough to convince me there is any performance gain. I'm three years in on my 2020 Slayer and this isn't grabbing my interest.
  • 2 0
 Not mentioned-Rocky Mountain isn’t doing well. Likely they won’t be around in 3-5 years. Actually, several mid-sized brands are hurting for parts and factory capacity allocation. That’s why this bike costs like a Santa Cruz or Yeti, and doesn’t sell as well.
  • 2 1
 What makes you say this? Insider knowledge?
  • 2 0
 @finblarr: while it isn’t public knowledge, they did lay off some 10% of their workforce 2 weeks ago in NA.
  • 1 0
 @m47h13u: ah, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope they can recover from that.
  • 4 0
 At the moment you can get a top spec Giga for 3600 pounds off Chain reation. Mental
  • 8 0
 Price includes a high chance of no warranty or support.
  • 2 0
 @Ttimer: Its kind of like a super rad, badass Chinese open mold frame in that respect.
  • 1 0
 Yeah and rear end cracks after a month as on most Gigas
  • 1 0
 @GrzesiekDH: Not mine
  • 2 0
 Considering both chain reaction and Nukeproof will be lucky to survive until the end of the month, I would say bonne chance with that.
  • 1 0
 @drbino: CRC will be there but will probably be owned by Sports direct
  • 1 0
 Everyone complaining about price needs to look around for two reasons: One, MSRP doesn't really matter when literally every bike is on sale. Stop comparing at the MSRP level. There are great deals everywhere right now. Two, EVERYTHING is expensive now. Groceries, gas, streaming services, you name it... If you're looking for value compared to other bikes this pricing is pretty accurate. Want it to be cheaper? The A50 line from Rocky is sick. SLX/XT grade build on an alloy frame for a fraction of the cost.
  • 1 0
 I was comparing the prices to the 2020 fleet, on average 2024 bikes are £375 more expensive but similar, if not better specced.

I'm not quite sure what all the fuss is about.
  • 1 0
 I have been a loyaly Rocky owner for a number of years, but their pricing in the past 3 years have pushed me to DTC brands. Not only have Rocky priced themselves like a boutique brand (let's call Rocky "near-premium"...nowhere near Boutique)...but incredibly terrible value (370 hubs, RM branded front hubs, house branded rims, house branded stems, bars, posts, grips, etc...). I'm wearing a RM t-shirt as I type this, bought on sale, that's all about what I can justifying on RM product these days.
  • 2 0
 The 370 uses the ratchet system now, so you can easily pop the 54 step rings in. For comparison, Yeti still specs the 3-pawl DT hubs on their bikes that cost $6k+. They've also switched to ODI grips on just about every model.
  • 2 0
 @hitchhikerbikes: better yet, I'm 2 years, 2000km on Chinese knock-off 60T ratchets for a fraction of the price of a DT 54T on my 370 hubs.
I bought two sets, one as a backup and haven't had need of it yet.
(XL frame, I weigh 210lbs and they haven't failed yet)
  • 1 0
 Hey, XC-biker-question here: Can someone please explain to me why saddles on Downhill-or freeride-bikes often look so much more cushioned than the ones on more pedaly bikes like xc-bikes for example?
Is it more of a style thing or is there actual funtionality behind it? I personally never like the look of them much and often think it throws off the look of an otherwise nice looking bike Smile
  • 2 0
 When a 1250/60mm wheelbase (MX-Med) isn't large enough for an 1800mm rider...would be a hoot with an air shock and IRT or similar fork and lighter rr wheel
  • 3 0
 I hear Rocky Mountain is developing a winter-oriented fat bike called the Zamboni.
  • 1 1
 Upvote for a chuckle, but the Blizzard already exists as a winter fat bike.
  • 2 0
 " but still doesn't exactly scamper up the climbs – it's a slow burner rather than a bottlerocket. " Obviously not a Bottlerocket that was built by Transition.
  • 2 0
 What set up did you have with the fork @mikekazimer ? I'm the same weight on the same fork and struggling to find a feeling I get on with.
  • 3 0
 there exist a marin alpine xr for 1/3 the price with coil everything. not sure how much 20mm of travel will matter.
  • 1 0
 I rode the park edition in a bike park(go figure) and have nothing bad to say about it's performance. Bikes (and everything else in this world) are expensive now and our community needs to come to grips with that!
  • 1 0
 Are we still doing BB92 and 30mm spindles on 2024 bikes? Come on. Haven't we learning that these tiny bearing press fit BB's aren't the way to go? If I'm all those loonies gimme T47.
  • 4 1
 Great article by Enduro mag this morning..looks like no more EDR..
  • 3 0
 Yeah this rumor has been making the rounds on the forums. Unfortunately I think it’s probably true. WB discovery wants something profitable. They bought the rights but not a requirement to run something as a charity.
  • 7 0
 Three paragraphs is "great" - it's just a rumour article, nothing more.
  • 7 0
 The UCI and its consequences have been a disaster to the mountain biking world
  • 5 0
 Not much of an article? Just unfounded rumours?

Is the EDR not making them any money? Surely it’s just as profitable as in the past - if anything they are actually reaching more viewers through gcn and discovery? Obviously the coverage hasn’t been great, but no different than the past few years?

No way enduro is going
  • 2 0
 I can't see a scenario where the racing format can be broadcast for mass consumption. Enduro was more fun as a participation sport. Watching TV all day sucks, Instagram reels is enough for me. I'm too busy doing my own racing and riding.
  • 5 0
 I especially like the line in the article where they say the UCI specced puncture prone exo tires that will need to be replaced by double down or dh casing
  • 1 0
 @xciscool: they always sneak that into every review don't they
  • 6 0
 "great" and "enduro mag" in the same sentence is a bold move
  • 1 0
 @torontomtb: In terms of content I would argue this is the same as the WRC which doesn't really work as a live event but work well as an extended highlights package. Of course the audience reach of WRC is hugely greater, but purely from a broadcast perspective
  • 8 9
 We were all waiting for it but...... Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle, Don't mention rear axle,
  • 4 1
 How's the handling? Snappy
  • 2 1
 guess they gave the paint/design crew the day off... or...may be they said "give us a late 60s Christmas theme with lima bean as the green...."
  • 1 0
 Can someone elaborate on why (or how) chainstay length affects comparability with UDH and Transmission. Is it chainline? Something in a flip chip at the rear axle?
  • 3 0
 Yep flip chip in the rear axel which is pretty cool, but making it non UDH compatable for shorter chain stays is a miss for me.
  • 1 2
 Transmission derailleurs time their shifts based on the position of the shift ramps of the cassette relative to the chain itself which requires a specified number of links per bike and per frame size. Changing the chainstay length will probably mess with the shift timing and cause it to mis-shift.
  • 1 0
 @sjma: You can only use the UDH setting in the long chain stay position.
  • 7 0
 @sjma: Sorry, no, not THAT simple. It's part of the Transmission design. The Transmission RD needs to swing backwards under impact. So the UDH standard was designed that way, the hanger rotates under impact as well. In our case, there is no way to prevent a NON Transmission RD from self clocking and smashing into the frame in the forward position.

Sorry, really hard to describe... but that's the gist of it.
  • 3 1
 Is PinkBike's CDN being accessed through a 56K modem? Picture load is insanely slow this week.
  • 2 0
 Classic freeride with 29” wheels ????
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Total kook comment
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
  • 1 0
 *Transition Spire standing in the corner of the room unused as a comparison bike whilst probably being the best direct competitor in terms of geo*...."Am I a joke to you???"
  • 2 1
 I think that should read “more progressive but still linear” regarding the leverage curve, rather than the opposite.
  • 5 4
 You can replace the eyelet bearing setup with standard spacer and the swapping shocks becomes easier then.
  • 7 1
 Why would you reduce its overall ride quality on every ride for the sake of making it quicker to change coils around a few times?
  • 9 0
 A better solution (if I was the product manager): they should include the bearing eyelet tool in the box with the bike.
  • 2 3
 I had to do this on my altitude, i blew 5 pairs of bearings in 6 rides.
  • 1 1
 @inked-up-metalhead: makes almost no difference to any non pro.
  • 1 2
 What a dumb idea, there's a whole lot of the design of the shock based around those bearings. Yeah make your bike feel like shit just to make a shock swap easier (which isn't hard if you're actually mechanically inclined at all)
  • 3 0
 @hi-dr-nick: go try it - it wont feel like "shit"
  • 2 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: not convinced many people can even notice
  • 2 0
 @weeksy59: no, but then again, where does 'makes a difference' turn into 'incremental gains'? There's a big difference between bikes now Vs 15 years ago, when pivots were often bushings, shocks were bushings, seals were tight, negative air springs were small etc etc. does a coil shock make that much of a difference? Is Coil+bushing better than air+bearing? Its a big picture if you ask me, and the bearings are just one part of it that you're as well off with if it comes with it. Personally, the faff of coils isn't worth it for the extra sensitivity, so id just swap for an air and have done with it, but I'm a very average rider with relatively low product demand (other than brakes and tyres, they're the two things I genuinely care/worry about) so I'm probably not the person to base it off, but I have had coil shocks on multiple bikes in the past, and the couple of times I swapped springs out (tf tuneds spring calculator had always given good results for me so usually get my spring rate right the first time) after initial set up if it had taken a bit longer/more effort I genuinely wouldn't have minded.
  • 1 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: all fair points mate. I recently sold my Slayer, I preferred the coil for feel, but honestly with or without bearings it never mattered. However, I was one of the many riders who was way way over biked. I did really enjoy my time on the Slayer though
  • 3 0
 @weeksy59: aye, it's usually the case, big travel numbers and slack head angles sound so appealing, when in reality 90% of riders would be better off on a 130/140mm trail bike with a 64-65 degree head angle and relatively conservative reach numbers, especially with the newer breed of tougher trail bikes that can handle jumps without worry.
  • 1 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: can attest to this. i've got a rear mech in for warranty off of my stumpy evo so i've only been riding my regular stumpy recently. it is exactly 130/140 and is SO FUN pretty much everywhere. It is livelier on the climbs (by far) and sufficiently capable on the descents that it is a total hoot. i have two set of wheels, one very light set with xc tires and another more robust set with minions. i can change the character of the bike in 5 minutes with a wheel swap.
  • 2 0
 @twonsarelli: yeah I like having two wheelsets for that reason too, you've pretty much got two bikes in one if you do it right, I've always preferred the feel of a heavy dh casing, but I definitely don't prefer pedalling them about.
  • 3 0
 Slay-on, slayer
  • 7 5
 Dear Rocky Mountain... Ya boring!
  • 7 0
 Based on the just completed enduro filed test, boring is probably a good thing.
  • 1 0
 @nnowak: Maybe. I mean there's something for everyone, and I'm sure there are many people out there that love this bike. But I just find their lineup boring AF.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer Nice review! Just wondering if there are any bikes out there that are both plush and precise?
  • 2 0
 it just looks jacked to me. never liked this frame design
  • 1 0
 The older frame was sick the black and yellow C90 Fox and Saint. That was a bike!
  • 2 0
 Buy a Commencal Clash instead, thank me later. 27.5 for life!
  • 2 0
 It would be nice to make 490$ a day
  • 2 0
 The c50 and a50 line of rocky is the money line. Best bang for the buck.
  • 1 1
 Yo Kazmer you stepped in it on the podcast saying that uploaders that aren't drifting ever berm shouldn't upload, shame, shame, shame........on ya boy!
  • 3 1
 Oh snap.
  • 1 0
 Wow they've really hidden the motor on this one
  • 1 0
 Bike brands should stop with the polarizing color schemes
  • 1 0
 WHERE.IS.HEADSET.CABLE.ROUTING? Smile
  • 1 0
 Is suspension rate the same thing as leverage ratio?
  • 1 0
 Love the 2023 RM Slayer models, expensive, but relevant.
  • 1 1
 No medium option with both 29" front and rear?
  • 1 0
 The Glory Hole
  • 1 1
 36lbs. WTAF???
  • 1 3
 How did that MaxxGrip rear hold up to a week of bike park laps?
  • 1 1
 Just fine
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