When it comes to signature ride quality, Rocky Mountain has it nailed. Every bike that originates from this Canadian company has serious descending chops. That downhill comfort is just the way Rocky’s are built. On the flip-side, many of them are quite capable ascenders as well (though, in my tests, they are rarely the fastest to the top).
With 2014 being the year of the 27.5 wheel, it makes sense that Rocky would launch what I’ll call the perfect execution of the tweener wheels. For me, 100mm is the perfect amount of suspension for a 29er. Frame designs don’t have to be extremely funky and XC efficiency is achieved. For the 27.5 wheels, I’m looking at 120-130mm as the sweet spot. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the 2014 Scott Spark SL last month and I think the 120/120 Thunderbolt will be way fun both uphill and down.
For 2014, the Thunderbolt will have the following features:
- 7005 series FORM custom hydroformed alloy
- XC-tuned Smoothlink suspension with ABC Pivots
- 27.5″ wheels (650b)
- Tapered head tube
- 142mm E-Thru axle
- Internal cable routing
- Stealth dropper post routing
- BB92 pressfit bottom bracket
- Models: 770 (pictured), 750, 730, 710
- Pricing: 770 ($3999), 750 ($3299), 730 ($2599) and 710 ($2099)
More Info: Visit Bikes.com
