Rocky Mountain's New Pipeline - First Look

Apr 11, 2016
by Mike Levy  


The Pipeline is back.

Sort of. The name may be the same, but the bike is certainly not. Rocky Mountain's new Pipeline is a 130mm travel rig - with a 150mm fork up front - that rolls on 27.5+ Maxxis Rekon 2.8'' wide tires, a recipe that should make for a trail bike that doesn't shy away from some rowdy riding. Rocky Mountain will have two versions of the Pipeline in their catalog, the $4,799 USD 770 MSL with Fox Factory suspension and a drivetrain mix of Shimano XT and Race Face, and the RockShox Yari RC and Monarch RT Debonair spec'd 750 MSL (shown above) that retails for $3,999 USD.

Both bikes are assembled around the same carbon fiber front triangle and aluminum rear end, but Rocky Mountain has no plans for a frame-only option at this point.
Pipeline Details

• Intended use: trail riding
• Rear wheel travel: 130mm
• Fork travel: 150mm
• Wheelsize: 27.5+
• Carbon front triangle
• Aluminum rear end
• Single chainring only
• Clearance for up to 27.5 x 3.25'' tires
• Internal dropper post routing
• BB92 bottom bracket
• Boost hub spacing
• Sizes: S / M / L / XL
• Availability: mid May
• MSRP: 770 MSL - $4,799 USD, 750 MSL - $3,999 USD
www.bikes.com / @RockyMountainBicycles


Rocky Mountain Pipeline

Big Tires, Same DNA

The 130mm travel Pipeline shares the same carbon fiber front triangle with another 130mm travel bike, Rocky Mountain's Instinct. But while the latter rolls on a conventional 29'' wheelset, the Pipeline sports 27.5 x 2.8'' wide rubber that is going to give it a very different personality on the trail. The 27.5+ specific Fox or RockShox 150mm travel fork on the front of the Pipeline also sports plus-specific offset numbers, and the bike's 443mm long aluminum rear-end is also specific to the Pipeline and made to clear 3.25'' tires.

The usual frame details are all there, including internal cable routing for a dropper post and all of the other lines. However, you won't ever need to think about installing cable and housing to control a front derailleur - this bike is for single chainring drivetrains only. A set of ISCG 05 chain guide tabs are found around its BB92 bottom bracket, and, being a 27.5+ bike, Boost axle spacing is used front and back.


Rocky Mountain Pipeline


Familiar Suspension

While it would have made for an interesting story, Rocky Mountain wisely chose not to go with the unified rear triangle suspension design employed on the original Pipeline from nearly two decades ago. Probably a smart decision. Instead, you'll find their Smoothlink four-bar design on the back of the second generation Pipeline, a setup the delivers 130mm of travel and also one that's been a proven performer over the years. If it isn't broke, don't try to fix it.

The major pivots are all of Rocky's BC2 variety, a bushing-based design with hardened alloy inserts that control the contact area of the bushing surfaces to keep things rotating smoothly. The setup, which evolved from Rocky's ABC pivots, is said to be lighter and stiffer than a more common sealed bearing-based system.

Just as you'll spot on many of Rocky Mountain's other high-end full-suspension bikes, the Pipeline features their chip-in-chip Ride-9 geometry and suspension rate adjustment system (shown at right) that allows for, you guessed it, nine different configurations. You can tinker with this to tune-in more ramp up if you need it, but without altering the bike's geometry. Or vice versa.

While fewer and fewer bikes are coming with adjustable suspension or geometry, Rocky Mountain continues to offer more setup options than pretty much any other company.
Rocky Mountain Pipeline


Rocky Mountain Pipeline

Wide But Not The Widest

I've spent a ton of time on a few different plus-sized machines lately and have been happiest on those with 2.8'' wide rubber. It seems that I'm not the only one who thinks that this big-but-not-too-big tire size makes a lot of sense, with Rocky Mountain spec'ing both Pipeline models with Maxxis' Rekon EXO 27.5 x 2.8'' tires. While the difference between the Pipeline's tires and the 3.0'' rubber found on some other 27.5+ bikes may not seem like much, that 0.2'' of missing tire makes the bike feel more like a normal machine, but without diminishing the benefits of going with big meat - more traction and more forgiveness.

Both the 770 MSL and 750 MSL also come with Alex's mega-wide XM35 rims that should go nicely with the 2.8'' wide Maxxis tires.

Rocky Mountain Pipeline


Rocky Mountain Pipeline

Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Rocky Mountain Pipeline


So, What is the Pipeline For?

Nothing in particular, which is what makes most of these plus-sized bikes so much fun. This is just a first look at the Pipeline, with information and photos supplied by Rocky Mountain, so I haven't been able to ride the new bike yet in order to confirm or deny whether the Pipeline is as good of a time as its tires and geometry have me suspecting that it is. But that's the only thing these 27.5+ bikes are suitable for, having fun, and that's a good thing because most of us are here for that exact reason. Flipping through Rocky's catalog reveals that the Pipeline's brothers include the 150mm travel Altitude, a big-hitting 27.5'' wheeled bike that's raced on the EWS circuit; the 130mm travel Instinct 29er that I'd probably prefer over the Pipeline for all-day epics; and the 120mm Thunderbolt that's more of a lighter duty trail bike.

And the Pipeline? With 130mm out back and a 150mm fork, it could do any of those tasks, too, but its 2.8'' wide tires mean that it's probably going to go about it in its own way. We'll find out what sort of way that is when we get our hands on one soon for testing.


Photos by Margus Riga

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

128 Comments
  • 105 5
 Has it a metric shock ? I don't want to buy a new bike that is already obsolete.
  • 23 3
 You should also ask if it's 26+ and boost+ 152, because that this bike is already outdated.
Also, not 12 spd either~!
  • 9 5
 Looks like a trunnion metric shock, no? One of the 12 additional new shock length/stroke "standards" that will be making our lives SO much easier when it comes to sourcing replacement shock in the future.
  • 3 2
 I take it back.. not a trunnion, just another pivot next to the shock one confusing things. Could be anything...
  • 29 3
 All this new Boost and metric bull ish, we forgot we're still supposed to be mad about PF bottom brackets.


On another note, why is it always Sram/RS pushing these new standards. I'm starting to loathe that ugly conglomerate. They do make some pretty decent stuff though.
  • 3 0
 @maxlombardy: Boost was Trek's idea. Klein's had press fit BB's in the 90's.
  • 16 0
 Buy a hardtail then, they never go obsolete!
  • 2 8
flag allix2456 (Apr 11, 2016 at 8:34) (Below Threshold)
 @bubbrubb: Enjoy your 38.1mm Headtube!
  • 7 1
 Looks like a Session... just kidding. Looks like a Rocky Mountain, of course. While I'm at it, am I the only one who is bored of all the bikes looking the same across the whole range?
  • 1 0
 Needs metric and needs to accept multiple wheel sizes for 2016-2017 purchases, unless its 150/160 bike.
  • 1 0
 @allix2456: my 26" qr and 1-1/8" head tube work just fine for pulling the kids around in a trailer, hitting the jump lines, or doing a 20 mile single track loop at nap time. I have many other bikes, but my hard tail gets the most miles because less is more at the end of the day.
  • 81 6
 What is this? A chainring for ants?
  • 1 2
 30T?
  • 4 0
 @mentalz: Spec. says 28T.
  • 15 0
 Someone needs to open an MTB School For Kids That Can't Ride Too Good!!
  • 2 2
 Probably very small because it will be 29-30 lbs. with 2.8 tires mounted.
  • 13 8
 Why is this relevant? Swap chainrings if you need another... or was this post simply for gathering PB street cred...
  • 3 4
 Well, plus bikes are aimed more at beginner-intermediate riders, so it would make sense for them to have a smaller chainring if they haven't developed a ton of fitness yet.
  • 11 1
 I need a chainring that is at least.... 3 times bigger than this!
  • 4 3
 I rode 29+ bike a few weeks ago. It had 30t chainring and I never used the 42t cog on the rear Blank Stare I am looking forward to see Eagles with 2x setups up front... high cadence is more efficientz, betterz and saves knees. They may not hurt you know but they will in the future. I curse you unless you spin some circles. Give me 120RPM btch. Then we will complain about low BBs, long crank arms and rock strikes...
  • 28 3
 Rocky failed, if you were going to re introduce the pipeline, regardless of the bikes purpose it should have had a purple front end and a green rear end
  • 3 0
 Especially that RM Team is riding purple version of RM Altitude...
  • 14 2
 Fair play! We actually considered it, but it just didn't look the same without a URT.
  • 1 0
 I suspect they'll have a Rally edition with that exact color scheme (Purple everywhere, green color blocks and lettering, with green over purple decals on the rims/shock/fork). Might be a next-model-year type deal, worst case. I can so easily picture that bike, with some green hubs, maybe even a full bright-green Spank kit on there (Oozy Bars/Stem/Rims/Pedals).
  • 2 1
 Plus the old pipeline had the 4 5 6 inch rear travel with a quick release. With an air shock you could have totally matched spring rates to leverage ratios quickly and had as versatile a bike as the old pipeline.
  • 3 0
 @RockyMountainBicycles: Failed was harsh, sorry, I had heard rumors of the Maiden was going to be called the pipeline with a limited edition frame only in the correct anodized purple and green and I was very excited. Saw this and was also hoping to see a frame only in purple and green. Be sweet for Rocky and others to have some limited edition throw backs. Your anniversary Vertex for example was amazing!!
  • 1 0
 @RockyMountainBicycles: At least you could have done some purple highlights as a bit of a throwback to the original. Missed opportunity there.
  • 1 0
 Those new ones are nice but I think I'll stick with my old school one (although a purple/green one would have been nice) www.pinkbike.com/photo/13369764
  • 26 6
 Haters gonna hate, but I think this bike is brilliant. I'm currently on a Thunderbolt BC, and I'd love a second bike with just a bit more travel and big tires for traction. I'm not a racer so I don't care about fat tires slowing me down, so this really makes a lot of sense.
  • 9 3
 I think modern mid-plus tires actually speed up many people on this type of terrain. Most of us don't push the limits of cornering to such a degree that the squirm of larger tires becomes a problem. If not pushing that hard, the added traction is a good thing and worth the trade-off. I predict 2.8 tires will become quite common in some parts of the world. They're phenomenal on rugged terrain.
  • 7 0
 You can probably stick a 29er wheelset in there when you want to go fast..
  • 4 1
 You've now officially bought into the "you need to bikes for the same trails" marketing. On the Internet. Just like me.
  • 2 1
 I'm just getting my Altitude today or tomorrow! Super stoked. Demo'd one and I loved it. Thunderbolt was just a little bit too small of a bike for so I went for the slightly more burly version
  • 1 0
 @dirtjumper771: plus tyres barely add half of an inch to the radius and with lower pressure end up effectively at similar size as "standard" wheel size. So you may insert both 275 and 29.
  • 17 5
 You can keep your tiny chainring and fat tyres, I like to ride fast.
  • 27 5
 You sound better suited on a cyclocross bike.
  • 5 2
 The '16 29" [Specialized] Enduro also runs 28t chainrings, and 27.5+ tires have the same[rough] height as 29' tires.
It's not like you're running a 28t on a regular 27.5' tire/bike, but the Enduro's have SRAM d-trains, so they at least
have the taller 10t cassettes to help mitigate the 28t on the top end
  • 2 0
 I go staggering fast on my 29±. I've never railed corners faster on any bike ever. I've also never climbed loose techy climbs better than I can now. I literally needed lower gears because of the phenomenal traction. It's the first time in my 25 years of mountain biking that the limiting factor in cleaning tech climbs was due to my ability to turn over the pedals instead of traction. That with consistent fitness.
  • 2 1
 @hllclmbr: while still getting my fitness back after a few years busy at school and not riding. I'm having the best climbs of my life on my new Norco Torrent 27.5+ seriously funniest bike I've been on in 25 years of riding. No not racing, heck I'm only riding for maybe a few hours per week with my kid even so speed isn't an issue. It's been a good time! But you know pick a wheel size and be a dick about it still stands here.
  • 1 3
 I'm not rich enough to keep up with fashion so most of my bikes are 26" with a couple of 24" for jumping. I'm a wannabe bmxer so small wheels are best.
I had a TT race the other week, a mate turned up on his new 650+ and was 7 seconds slower than me, he would have been much closer without the extra weight on his wheels
  • 2 0
 @turbohippy: That's simply unknowable, but I don't think anyone is making the claim that plus size tires are optimal for racing.
  • 13 2
 All it's good for is having fun? Sounds like shit to me. I would never own a fun bike. Too useless.
  • 1 1
 Glad you are out riding for what other reason if not to have fun? The chance that you're actually a full salaried racer for more than a few years in life these days is not worth chasing. And the only way to justify doing world cups as your job you pretty much have to have as much fun as Steve Peat.
  • 4 0
 Santa cruz hightower- pivot 229 trail- Ibis mojo 3- Scott Genius plus- stumpjumper 6fattie- salsa bucksaw.........


I off hand rejected the concept until I demo'd the hightower 27.5+ and had a blast. Hightower enroute! I've waited out the storm of new standards since my 2012 Blur LTC and other than 12 speed I think I've got enough under the belt with this move.
  • 2 0
 Did you ride the Hightower in 29" mode as well? How about short-ish travel aggressive 29ers like Process 111, Transition Smuggler? Curious how that would compare to the Hightower in + mode.
  • 1 0
 @g-42: unfortunately i don't have those direct comparisons. I've ridden a Giant trance x 29, and the bronson 27.5 I just have really loved my blur ltc, and I felt a huge advantage in the larger wheels. Before buying, I had it narrowed down to the Mach 429, and the scott Genius plus. in particular, I was looking at chainstay length, overall weight, and price point/specs, and reviews from vitalmtb etc. this rockymountain would have definitely been on the list as well, but it looks as though it's not 29 compatible, which is something I wanted to have for xc races where it would be advantageous.
  • 3 0
 @g-42: hightower is plus more wayy more fun than 29er mode.
  • 2 0
 i was too a non beliver, i went to a demo try and my son try a stumpjumper 6fattie, he was fast and jump everything
  • 3 0
 Legendary Pipeline was able to drop anything else, even big stairs in the street. A playful bike that liked to be in the air most of the time. A nukeproof bike that goes with the legend Simmons. But we have to admit that the legend is older now and the teen spirit that was in it has gone.
  • 6 1
 Well I'm excited. That bike looks stunning and I love my 27.5+ hardtail so I'm ready to go full squish. Can't wait to see that new Maxxis tire as well.
  • 7 3
 Most of the Stumpjumpers fatties that we sold came back for tire swaps. Either customers complain about flats or they get tired from the handlebars pulling hard on their arms from the added traction.
  • 16 3
 Sounds like they need stronger arms.
  • 6 7
 @hllclmbr: This bikes are aim mostly to beginner riders.
It has become a nightmare because we loose money on the tire swaps just so we don't get returns
  • 8 0
 @enrico650: I've been riding mtb since 1991, and I'v also been riding my Trek Stache 29+ for a couple of months, almost exclusively, because it's one of the most fun bikes I've ever thrown a leg over. I'm not really much of a newb, imo. I also don't understand what you are referring to regarding the handlebars and traction. Can you expound on this phenomenon?
  • 4 2
 @enrico650: Why aren't you selling bikes that come with regular tires in the first place, or not stocking plus sized bikes, if you, your shop, and apparently your customers can't get behind the product?
  • 4 1
 @hllclmbr: You have to get the tire pressure just right.
Too much and it bounces, too low and it becomes hard to turn or it pinches flat.
Your riding or mine it's not in question, it's the new owners wich I'm majority are new to the sport.
They don't have the care wich is needed to this tires.
They just want to ride. And even with proper information about the tire pressure.
  • 2 1
 @hllclmbr: read my comment again.
I said Stumpjumper fattie .
  • 3 1
 Sounds like Specialized would be well-served with finding digital pressure gauges (that fit in the SWAT compartment roll-up bag) and simply including those with the bike. I actually think they should do that, because of how important it is, but slapping a 'SWAT' laser engrave on a de-branded $12 gauge and listing it as a $40 value is probably a brilliant business decisions, and hopefully would lead towards more happy customers on those wheelsets.
  • 1 1
 @tehllama: To inflate 3" tires?
To do that you need a big pump.
A pump that fits the SWAT compartment would be tiny.
  • 2 0
 @enrico650: he said pressure gauge not pump. If you aren't educating your customers as to the importance of an accurate gauge, then you aren't doing your job right. I use a 0-15 psi Accu-Gauge and adjust my pressure down to .25 psi before every ride. I also use regular pumps, hand and floor. No wonder things aren't going right at your shop. You should be selling a low pressure gauge with every plus sized bike you sell and stressing the importance of using it. Why aren't you?
  • 1 1
 @hllclmbr: Relax man .
When a bike leaves the store we provide information and in most cases we sell them the Specialized 's Air Tool pro pump.
After dumping around $7.000 customers expect the bike to do everything for them.
It's the nature of the beast when you sell high end bikes.
When a customer comes back ,you help them but , if he wants different tires ,he gets different tires.
You can try to educate but you can't argue with them
  • 2 1
 @enrico650: what? If they want new tires, they pay for tires.

I'm not a beginner in any sort of way and I absolutely love my plus size. It's so fun. I'm on the specialized tires and they're awesome, tons of the grip, only downside is that it took them a while to stop seeping sealant through the sidewalls. So I just had to stay on top of the pressure.

@rockymountainbicycles this bike is dope as well. I rode the Sherpa for a couple weeks when it first came out, and I had ridden the Thunderbolt and all I wanted was a thunderbolt BC with midfat tires. Super stoked on this. Wish I was still selling Rockies.
  • 2 0
 @enrico650: I totally feel you on that. Still the effect of selling sports cars but seeing cheap tires put on them, there's so much performance on the table that requires a tiny bit of user input. I still think an easy-to-use painted on table that can be hand-filled with fabric marker with Fork/Shock/F Tire/R Tire pressures, and including a pressure gauge would go a long way towards making it really easy. At least when well-heeled customers come back complaining, the manufacturer and local support will have done everything they can.
  • 8 3
 A non freeride Pipeline? Shouldn't this be a shorter travel Maiden design? Lame sauce.
  • 7 0
 Wait for the Slayer to come back to scratch that itch
  • 3 0
 This^
New Slayer is in the works. It's going to go up against Nomad, Delirium, Uzzi and Darkside type bikes.
  • 1 0
 @shredb4dead: It was kinda a no brainer after the maiden but now we know it's coming in the next few years...
  • 1 0
 @shredb4dead: More details please. I too miss my old Slayer.
  • 3 0
 @charmingbob: Honestly I don't know any details. Only thing I know is Rocky is working on a new Slayer. My guess is 170mm-180mm range and 2017. IMO it wouldn't make much sense to do 6.5" or less bike with the Altitude around.
  • 5 0
 I still own my 1999 Pipeline. That bike is still awesome, hard to believe some of the things i rode on it back then.
  • 1 0
 I still have mine as well. I just updated the bars and stem and went out for a pedal, and it is still a very capable bike on the trails. Climbs better out of the saddle than my Slayer.
  • 2 0
 This is basically how I've ran my own Instinct for a really long time - 150mm Pike out front of 130mm travel rear, just with 2.4/2.35" 29er tires on it. Truly brilliant riding setup, and with the added traction of 27+ this will be a really usable and forgiving bike for loose and slimy terrain.
Also, slap a boost hub 29er wheelset on it, and it's a bike I'd consider worthy of the Pipeline heritage: the setup is that good over rough stuff.

If I had to start over with new bikes and could only have two, it would be a RM Pipeline and a Canfield EPO, with a Minion DHR2/SS 29er carbon wheelset and a Rekon+/Ikon+ 27+ aluminum wheelset.
  • 2 0
 I think it looks great! Basically what I converted my Thunderbolt into (150mm fork, 1x) but without the + tires.

I'm sure people who can use this bike for it's intents and purposes will love it.
  • 1 0
 Both myself and my friend bought 770 versions in the summer. We both had the chainstay fail on the non drive side at the weld. My friend has been waiting over a month for replacement and was told today it will be another 2 months. I caution anyone against this bike based on the flaw in the chainstay and the sub par warranty experience. I've contacted rocky to see if they're developing a safer chainstay without the flaw and have received no response.
  • 1 0
 Longer chain stay than expected, but would be a very compelling option as a frame only. Pity they didn't go this way. I was wishing I could fit my + wheels in an Instinct frame. Saw the headline, then sighed reading the complete only line.
  • 5 5
 While the difference between the Pipeline's tires and the 3.0'' rubber found on some other 27.5+ bikes may not seem like much, that 0.2'' of missing tire makes the bike feel more like a normal machine, but without diminishing the benefits of going with big meat - more traction and more forgiveness.

Huh? But the difference between my current 2.4 rubber and 2.8 is worth me spending $6000?! Seriously, I don't have traction issues w/ 2.4 tires. I guess I just don't get the + thing. Also, my bike already feels "like a normal machine"...
  • 4 3
 Well said! these "reviews" are just mouth pieces for the industry fantasy-trips. It is ridiculous to think that the difference 2.4-2.5 to 2.8 is a "game changer"!
  • 2 0
 My slayer was an absolute blast and regret selling it now.this would look the dogs danglies in that aubergine,eggplant plum crazy purple colour.
  • 3 0
 I would buy the shit out of this if I were to be looking for a new bike. Because Simmons.
  • 4 0
 Zzzzzzzzzzzzz....where's the new 165mm Slayer dammit!
  • 2 0
 I've never owned a Rocky, so my opinion is invalid, but I can't get around the fact that all of their trail bikes look so similar.
  • 2 0
 Looks life fun, so much whining. No one has ridden the bike but everyone has an opinion.
  • 1 0
 Now that Rocky are re-introducing bikes using past model names: Blizzard, Pipeline...how about a new bike using the xs speed name.

Ya know its gonna be fast called xs speed!
  • 4 2
 So they pained an altitude in orange and changer the tires' size. brilliant
  • 8 1
 well actually they started with an Instinct, built a new rear end with boost spacing, switched the fork to longer travel with boost to improve wheel strength and make up for the fact that 27.5+ actually measures about 28.5" in diameter instead of 29" so they made the bike suit more aggressive riding and adjusted bb height in one simple move... but ya, they just painted an Altitude Orange and changed tire size.
  • 3 1
 The end is nigh indeed Wade is trying to sell us plus bikes! I'm going to hide in my panic room!
  • 2 0
 Those chainstays look a bit long..
  • 1 0
 It IS a plus size bike. There's not a lot room to spare in the chainring/tire area. If I remember right people were complaining about the same thing with the Scott Genius with plus sized tires
  • 2 0
 Rocky hasn't gotten on the super-short chainstay train quite yet. It makes their bikes super stable at speed and through the rough stuff, but there are times where I wish my RM Instinct had a bit less rear-end.
  • 2 0
 I agree... but only sort of. I have a 27.5+ hardtail with shorter chainstays and while I love the ease of lifting the front wheel I have found it more likely to want to wheely on climbs because of the crazy traction out back
  • 1 0
 @bikekrieg absolutely nailed it - that long 452mm chainstay means stability up and downhill. In this case, the longer fork (561mm A2C iirc) means the climbing stability enabled by the longer CS is actually rather important, as is the high-speed stability.
There are definitely times where I too wish I had a little less rear end length, but being a taller (and fatter) rider those are rare compared to the times where I'm delighted that the bike is so planted over rutted turns and awkward chunky segments. Considering what the 27+ tires can enable on the bike, I think carrying over the chainstay length from the Instinct was exactly the right call.
  • 2 0
 I'll take a nicely designed seat tube angle with longer stays before any bike with a stupidly slack STA and super short stays. 1" longer stays are easy enough to manage but having my saddle 2" out of place sucks.
  • 1 0
 I had to look the original pipeline up, very cool bike and yes, they should have at least kept the purple-green color combo.
  • 1 0
 Looks pretty cool. Never been to North Shore, but I bet those 2.8s are well suited.
  • 1 0
 I kinda want one of these so I can put 29er wheels on it and have a boosted instinct BC edition...
  • 1 0
 QUESTION- Can you fit a regular 29 x 2.25 or 2.3 tires on the bike and ride 29 wheels?
  • 1 0
 It's basically an Instinct - it should take 2.4" tires out back (based on the clearance of my 2.35 Ikon out back) fairly comfortably, maybe more depending on what flavor of mud you get.
  • 1 0
 Looks awesome - sizing is tiny though. As a 6'4" dude, I want this bike with a longer reach please!
  • 1 0
 Great, an Altitude with an extra big rear triangle.
  • 1 0
 Are those MAXXIS tires????
  • 1 0
 看起来很不错的样子
  • 3 6
 I rode the Altitude 2 weeks ago. Nice geo but they need to either drop Fox or get dampers from 36 and X2 into it. I could believe how much of crap the fork and shock felt. The only acceptable setting was climb mode. It completely ruined what otherwise was a very cool bike.
  • 1 0
 I'm glad I'm not the only one disappointed in the small cost savings from lower tier fox dampers; the Rally and BC Editions of each bike in the line are so much better than the main parts of the line, it's confusing why they're making bikes that aren't specced with the same mindset.
  • 2 0
 @tehllama: I rode a base carbon model with 34 and Float on CTD Evo Factory. Already on Trail setting the ride is harsh, with hardtail-worty grip when climbing on boulders and roots. Then you try to pump something like a natural roller, or load a berm, and bike just blows through 2/3s of its travel. It descend well in open mode but bobs like an idiot despite the fact I used only the big 34 ring. This weekend I tried a cheaper Process 153 with Pike and Monarch+ Debonair it's a much better composed system. I like how swift Altitude feels while it deals with local descents in excellent manner, but Gosh, I'd rather ride it on Suntour stuff.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Pike and DBA Monarch is the ticket - even running kinda excessive sag (35%) to compensate for oversizing the shock on my Instinct, and running a 150mm Pike (basically a 150/146mm travel kit) I'm getting a much more poppy and precise setup through the rollers, and a completely different level of composure in rougher stuff.

I'm sure the revised damper and air spring setup in the '16 Fox34's and EVOL-DPS can cumulatively fix a lot of the Fox woes and get it performing correctly, but considering what the full-SRAM sourced kits can run, I'd be miles happier running GX 1x11, Guide RS, Pike RC, MonarchDBA RT3 level stuff on Aeffect kit that costs a good bit less than the pricier XT and Fox Factory level stuff.
  • 1 0
 If it were really a pipeline, it would be painted purple and green.
  • 1 0
 So can this not be run as a 29'er if you wanted to do an all day epic??
  • 1 0
 I miss my Pipeline!
  • 1 0
 Rocky Mountain pineapple
  • 1 0
 Wauuuuuuuu ! Smile
  • 2 4
 Rocky Mountain Pipeline = AM version of the Rocky Mountain Element pretty much. Looks rad though!
  • 2 0
 So an Altitude that got fat?
  • 4 7
 Keep ramming plus size tires down our throats.
  • 5 0
 Here's what you do - don't buy one.
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