Rocky Mountain Bicycles

First off, Rocky has eliminated many of the model names in their lineup into “families” of bikes. In most of their lineup, (exceptions to follow) models will be differentiated by numbered suffixes (30-50 or 70 with 30 being the lowest end model) to denote spec.
The RM7 has been replaced by the RMX lineup, available in a Wade Simmons Signature frameset, top line Team, mid level Pro and “self titled” RMX. The bike has been changed considerably for 2004, including an updated front triangle that gives increased standover and the thrust link system has been beefed up at the rear. The rear swingarm has an increased wall thickness, and the front pivot “Vander”clamps have increased in size by at least 30%.


As for spec, the Team sports a Marzocchi 888R, Manitou Swinger 6 way and Saint groupo, the Pro gets the 888RT, a Swinger 4 way some Saint parts and Race Face’s Evolve FR crankset while the RMX gets a JrT, Fox Vanilla RC Hayes HFX9’s and other assorted goodies.

My personal favorite in the Rocky family would have to be the latest Switch iteration. Again, changed significantly for 2004, the bike makes use of a much lower leverage ratio to get a full 6 inches of rear end loving from a longer stroke shock.


Top of the heap is the Schley signature frameset which (in addition to running a Fox Vanilla RC) differs from the standard Switch by running a 1 1/8 headtube instead of the 1.5. This was done to appease Ritchie’s long time sponsor, a26nd 1 1/8 advocates, Marzocchi.


Next up is the Switch Pro, equipped with a Manitou Swinger 4-way, Sherman Breakout Plus (with SPV) and mostly Saint parts (like you have much choice if you want to run any Saint product).


The base model Switch shares the Easton RAD tubing in a most cost conscious package. Your hard earned $2900 CDN gets you a Vanilla R, Marzocchii Drop Off comp dual crown fork, Shimano Deore disc brakes and various Race Face and other goodies.

Finally, there's the Switch SL, a light duty freerider with a 1 1/8 headtube. Using an Easton RAD SL tubeset and Fox Float AVA RL, Rocky managed to shave nearly 1.5 lbs over the standard Switch frameset. The bike runs Marzocchi's Z150SL, Race Face's Evolve XC triple ring crankset as well as various Easton, Hayes and Titec goodies.


Other news in the Rocky camp is the signing of Alison Sydor to their race team. Alison will race the 2004 World Cup season on the team she started on so many world championships ago.