FIRST LOOK: All-new Rocky Mountain Altitude

Rocky Mountain have released details about the all-new Altitude that will feature a host of next-generation features.

Billed as an ‘aggressive’ trail bike, the redesigned frame adds stiffness, improves pedalling efficiency and lowers small-bump sensitivity.

The Altitude now comes in both carbon and alloy models and its RIDE-9 geometry and suspension adjustment system means it is able to tackle any terrain – from technical loam, to flowy jump tracks and slickrock singletrack.

Next-gen features include tooled axles, single-sided bearing pivots, integrated “spirit guide” chainguide, boost spacing, and metric shock compatibility.

Climbing performance should be improved by the moderately steep seat tube, while descents are likely to be more controlled thanks to the increased reach, slackened headtube angle and lower bottom bracket. Agility is maintained with the retention of short chainstays.

Rocky Mountain insist the bike is future-proof given the fact it is compatible with Di2, Fox Live, and a dropper post simultaneously. Wheels are 27.5” Wide Trails (and 26+ compatible), with 160mm of front travel and 150mm at the rear.

The Altitude comes in Carbon 90, 70 and 50 flavours, with the Alloy versions now called 70, 50 and 30.

Models are expected to be available in the USA from May 15, with American prices ranging from $6999 for the Carbon 90, down to $4099 for the Carbon 50. The most expensive Alloy 70 comes in at $3999, with the cheapest Alloy 30 priced at $2899.

Wade Simmons, who has already ridden the bike on the Sunshine Coast, Tasmania and New Zealand, said: "The Altitude has always been my go-to, do-everything bike, from technical climbs to burly descents. This new one improves everything I love about the bike—it’s smoother, stiffer, lower, slacker, quieter, and nails all the little details. Just like this old freerider, the Altitude gets better with age!”

You can watch Simmons, Vaea Verbeeck, Remi Gauvin, and Carson Storch put the Altitude through its paces here: https://vimeo.com/214787268