Rocky Mountain Bicycles is a mid-sized bike manufacturer out of British Columbia, Canada that has been turning out quality, near-custom rides for over 21 years. At Rocky, they build dependable and durable bikes built to withstand both North Shore abuse and the non-abuse of the average consumer. Something that stands out at Rocky Mountain is that everyone at the company takes deep personal pride in every bike that leaves their factory. So much so, they stamp every frame with the words “Built in Canada.”
Rocky Mountain Bicycles are not made or manufactured–they are “Built.”
Finishing touches like impeccable powder-coat paint, Easton aluminum tubing, handbuilt wheelsets and up to a 5-year frame warranty on full-suspension and hardtail aluminum models.
As the premier sponsor of the last four videos in the Kranked series from Radical Films, you’ve seen the Rocky Mountain RM6, RM7, RM9 DH, Pipeline and Element DH bikes tested on Vancouver’s North Shore and throughout the World. Their bikes are serious machines, typically weighing more than comparable rides, but definitely more durable.
For 2001, my personal steed was the 2001 Rocky Mountain Edge. I chose the Edge instead of the identical Slayer because I was going to custom-build the bike anyway, so the Edge came in at a lower price-point for the identical frame and shock.
Rocky Mountain Edge On The Trail
At first glance, the bike looks intimidating–with the moto-style riser bars, slick black paint job and a solid-looking frame. My first spin on the Edge was mixed. I liked the rear suspension… very supple and active. But the Z1 seemed really soft to me. So much so that I felt I was going to endo or bottom it out with every obstacle.
I felt no bob when climbing and the suspension was much more supple than the Element Race I had ridden the year before. I was sold on the frame, but getting used to the sensitivity of the Marzocchi Z1 took some time. My previous bike had a Manitou X-Vert which isn’t nearly as supple as the Z1.
I asked around and everyone I talked to said to give myself some time to get used the fork, but once you’re used to how it reacts, you’ll be amazed. After a couple of rides, I really loved the supple feel and instant tracking offered by the super-stiff QR20 thru-axle.
The Edge climbs exceptionally well for a 35-pound bike. By no means can I keep up with XC geeks, but I don’t feel myself lagging on long ascents. I’ve become all-to-familiar with the granny gear, but it all pays off when descending.
The Rocky Mountain 3D-Link rear suspension is a proven design that’s been used by Rocky for over 5 years. It soaks up small and large bumbs equally well and remains active with no noticeable brake jack or lockup.
Overall, this bike is a true trailbike with the ability to take you to the top of the hill without keeling over, but delivering the goods when pointed downhill.
The Bottom Line on the Rocky Mountain Edge
Overall, this bike is excellent for a modest freerider who wants a bike that will climb up anything and still descend with confidence. This is a great trailbike that inspires confidence all over the trail. If you get off course, this bike will handle it until you get back on top of it.
If you’re looking for a great XC/Freeride machine that can do it all comfortably, this is the bike for you. If you’re looking for a full-on DH bulldozer, look elsewhere as this frame isn’t quite beefy enough to handle hard-core DH riding and big drops.
For 2002, the Slayer gets a Fox Float RL to differentiate it from the Edge. Also for 2002, the Edge gets new colors, new Shimano parts spec and Titec Hellbent risers (goodbye Rocky boomerangs!).
7 Comments
I just reviewed the new 2008 Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC 70… what an amazing trailbike!
I own a 2001 Edge and have Ridden other bikes like Giant, Iron Horse and a few other, but honestly, nothing beats my Edge. I’ve taken this bike around on some of the worst trails in San Diego back country and some of the more relaxed trails, and every time, I just can’t get over how flexible the rims are when I land hard, or how well the forks take a drop.
When I go blazin’ down a extremely rocky part of a trail at high (suicidal) speeds, this bike absorbs all the shock, clears any rock or bump and just simply dominates everything I’ve put it through.
The only downside is the gear shifter which got bent after one particularly hard fall and has never worked 100% since.
Definitely a worthy bike, but I think it’s time to look at some upgrades, like fixing your shifter. I’d guess a new rear shock would improve performance as well. If you’re still loving the bike and getting good use out of it, some of those upgrades will serve you well.
You may need more clarification on the “Built” instead of “Made”. I live in Colorado and am amazed at how many people here are confused by semantics. They probably assume the frames are welded by grizzled mountain man types when they’re really made as widgets in Taiwan. Clever marketing, but somewhat dishonest also. Advice: Pay the money and BUY REAL AMERICAN.
@Ed
No doubt bike companies are being tricky with their use of “built in”, “designed in” or “made in”. For one, Rocky Mountain is not an American company, but they do still manufacturer much of their product line in Canada. I reached out to the local Rocky Mountain sales rep last year about where their frames are manufactured and he sent me the following:
Pingback: Rocky Mountain Slayer SXC 70 Mountain Bike Review - FeedTheHabit.com
Pingback: Rochy Mountain Slayer | Anunturi vanzari biciclete