Interbike 2008 - Rocky Mountain Altitude 90 RSL
by Tyler Maine
Oct 2, 2008
Rocky Mountain bikes have re-introduced the Altitude for 2009 and it is replacing the long running ETSX series from them. They have classified the Altitude as XC / Marathon, but after talking with Simmons and going for a ride with Andreas Hestler, I say that this is one heck of an All Mountain machine.
Check out the specs, HD Videos and pictures inside:
Check out the specs, HD Videos and pictures inside:
The flagship Altitude 90 RSL is Rocky's 5 inch travel full carbon do it all mountain bike. Featuring their own patented rear pivot, Straight Up Geometry and a full carbon frame, you can expect to see these bikes on trails and race courses all over the world.
Rocky's own patented link
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The biggest stand out in terms of technology on the new Altitude line up in my opinion is the Straight Up Geometry. Rocky Mountain has taken the seat angle and steepened it up to 76 degrees - this is close to 2 degrees steeper than anyone else in the industry. The idea here is to compensate for rider sag that would bring the rider closer to a very efficient 74-75 degrees when seated for climbing up those very technical ascents.
Geometry
| 15" | 16.5" | 18" | 19.5" | 20.5" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HA | 69.0 | 69.0 | 69.0 | 69.0 | 69.0 |
| SA | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 |
| Eff TT | 540mm | 565mm | 575mm | 595mm | 615mm |
| CS | 428.7mm | 428.7mm | 428.7mm | 428.7mm | 428.7mm |
Carbon pivot
| Frame | Rocky Mountain Altitude 90 RSL (Carbon) •140mm of travel •Sizes 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5 and 20.5 •Carbon front triangle, Carbon seat stays and Aluminum chain stays |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float RP3 - Custom Valved |
| Fork | Fox 32 Float RLC •140mm Travel •External Rebound, Compression and lock out adjustments •15mm Axle |
| Headset | FSA Orbit CS |
| Crankarms | Race Face Next X-Type |
| Chainrings | Race Face 22/32/44T |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face Next X-Type, 68/73mm |
| Pedals | Crank Brothers Candy Clipless |
| Chain | Shimano XTR 9 speed |
| Cassette | •Shimano XT 11-34 T, 9 Speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XT (Direct Mount) |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR LP |
| Shifter Cable/Housing | Stock |
| Shifter Pods | Shimano XTR Rapid Fire 9spd |
| Handlebar | Race Face Next XC Carbone low rise, 660mm width (31.8mm) |
| Stem | Race Face Deus SL XC Ti Bolts (31.8mm) |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Foam Lock On |
| Brakes | Formula R1 Hydraulic with 6" rotors |
| Front Wheel | Mavic Crossmax SLR disc 15mm axle |
| Rear Wheel | Mavic Crossmax SLR disc |
| Tires | Hutchinson Python |
| Tubes | Stock |
| Saddle | Fi'zi:k Gobi |
| Seatpost | Race Face Next XC SL 31.6mm |
Please visit http://www.bikes.com to learn more about the rest of the Altitude line up.
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20 Comments
[Reply]
[Reply]
whats with all the carbon in 09 like gezze nothing against it looks rad but everyone is making a carbon bike these days
I didnt know Rocky Mountain bikes could use the Horst-Link design on their bikes in the US? The patent is not valid in the Canada but, isnt dirt demo in the US...
thoes fox shocks are awsome, kona was in town & i was busting some sweet jumps & landing felt like landing on a foam pad, or a cloud.....
you know why Wade Simmons rides the Altitude? Because he's sponsored by them! So why put that in the title of the video? How about "Wade Simmons tells us what he likes about his new bike"
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carbon swing arm....wow pretty sweet
but isn't it just an fsr design?
and ha, sittin in class myself, a whole 4 people in this class