Comments on: 2009 Rocky Mountain Altitude 90 RSL Quick Bike Review

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:16:03 +0000

Always a tough call when the deals are similar. Honestly, it’s been several years since I rode the Altitude and the geometry has likely been refined since that time. And, the feedback you’ve heard on the 575 may also be from the older design as well.

If it’s a 2011 575, then it’s got the tapered HT and re-designed rear triangle, right?

If it were up to me, I’d likely go 575, but again, the Altitude may not be as twitchy on the down as it once was. Good luck and thanks!

By: Pierre

Pierre — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:02:24 +0000

Hi Jason
Thanks for the recommendations. Right now I have two smoking deals. Its between a 2011 Altitude 70 RSL and a 2011 yeti 575.
Some say the yeti is flexi and has brake jack.
What would you recommend they have similar components slightly used and both $2000.
Thanks for the great service you provide.
Pierre

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:15:11 +0000

Pierre

Looks like you really want the do-it-all “superbike”. Good luck with that. Just kidding.

There are so many great options in that regard and you named a few of them. I’d suggest looking at some of the following:

Ibis Mojo
Turner 5-Spot
Yeti SB-66 (Al or Carbon)

I’d also throw in there the Niner RIP 9 as an option if you want to go with big hoops.

AND… if you take care of your bikes, I see no issues with going carbon.

By: Pierre

Pierre — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:26:23 +0000

Hi Jason
Thanks for the awesome reviews. I’m 56 and have been riding mountain bikes since 1981. I made my living on a bike for awhile. I have DH (RMX) a nomad and a giant trance xo. I’m doing more enduro riding and find the trance an awesome bike but a bit short on the top tube (medium). I live near Nelson BC and the trails involve lots of climbing (up to 6000′) and technical descents. I have a bad back and need a good climber. I’m leaning towards the Altitude but am also considering the SC blur LT and the yeti 575. I’ve heard the altitudes are twitchy going down but thought a longer 150 fox talas would help on descents and ascents. What would you recommend for a light efficient climber. I’m also after a plush ride. Weight is important too. I do many all day rides (8 hours). Will carbon hold up? Money is not an issue.
Thanks
Pierre
Thanks

By: Randy

Randy — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:00:13 +0000

Awesome and thanks for the quick reply. My concern was the downhill aspects of the bike and have test ridden both on the street, which isn’t really a test:) They felt similar, thought that the RM accelerated faster but the LTc was very plush indeed. Styling I prefer the LTC, but no water bottle spot which seems lame as I prefer to ride without a back.

My dilemma is that I have a smoking good deal available on a RM 90 with full XTR, 140mm front fork, etc… that would cost about $500 less than a LTc with an XT, 150mm Talas front fork setup. I am leaning LTc despite the great deal on the RM 90 because is seems to be more versatile in the configuration (XC to Trail/AM), style is sweet and lots of good reviews available. All the RM 90 reviews have made mention of it not being very ‘Rocky’ like on the downhill which concerns me a bit.

Thanks for the input.

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:29:57 +0000

I may have to defer to others who have had longer ride time on both the Altitude 90 and the BLTc. I rode the Altitude 90 as a prototype now two years ago. All I remember (aside from what’s written) is that it did ascend really well, but I felt it was lacking a tad in the downhill.

I have ridden the BLT2 (aluminum) at length and really enjoyed it on the downhill, but felt it was a little sluggish on the up. I have heard that the BLTc is almost an entirely-different beast than the aluminum version and that climbing and ascending are a dream.

Really tough call… do you have any shops that can lend you a demo? I’d say the BLTc would likely be my first choice between those two if I had to go into it blind, but if you can ride the RM Altitude and love it, you won’t be disappointed.

By: Randy

Randy — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:14:24 +0000

Hello Jason,

Similar question to the above, I am trying to decide between the SC Blur LTc and the RM Altitude 90? How much of a better climber is the RM vs. the Blur LTc and is the Blur LTc very noticable better on the downhill? I ride primarily in Kananaskis on longer trails (3-6 hrs)with some steep downhills and am having a hard time deciding between these two…they are so close! Have to admit, the Blur appeals more visually but looks are not everything:) Would really appreciate your feedback if you have a moment.

Cheers

Randy

By: 2011 Rocky Mountain Slayer Unveiled - FeedTheHabit.com

2011 Rocky Mountain Slayer Unveiled - FeedTheHabit.com — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:28:18 +0000

[...] both the Smooth Link suspension and Straight Up geometry for better climbing efficiency. I rode the Altitude 90 RSL at Interbike 2008 and liked it overall, but found it to be a little hesitant on the down. With the launch of the new [...]

By: stuart keshen

stuart keshen — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 03:22:45 +0000

thanks so much for your reply. I am a weekend warrior who does some moderate trails in the toronto canada area. I am sure either bike will be great, just thought I would get some input from an experienced reviewer. Thanks.

By: Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:08:47 +0000

Stu… good question. Both bikes seem to be well-suited to an all-day marathon-type ride. Both are similarly-equipped, but the Rocky has more travel. However, with that increase in travel, you get the efficiency of the Straight Up geometry.

The Trance X2 offers a big bang-for-the-buck at nearly $800 less. You will have slightly less travel, but that’s a lot of coin. Hard to say without knowing more about your riding style and intended use.