2021 Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 50 Test Ride & Video Review

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Rocky Mountain Altitude trail bike review

[@mtbyumyum]

Please join me here on KZbin Sunday, December 6th at 8:00 PM MST where we can hangout and discuss the new Altitude and answer any question listed here in the comment section. Excited to be with you guys, catch up and dive deeper into this new Altitude!!

[@Jacob99174]

J-dog, you put a lot of time into this, though you carry a full time job. On behalf of your viewers - thanks for your passion. We have benefited quite a bit from your reviews. Please keep them coming!

[@mathieusoucy7904]

I can second and amplify, this bike is SILENT. Probably why it felt so smooth. I also prefered the bike with the long chainstay setting. Ordered an XL frame right after I demoed it.

[@michaelmcdermott9445]

Tested a 29" today and exactly as you said, it's like riding a magic carpet. Couldn't put into words how fun and versatile a bike it is. Can't stop thinking about it haha.

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice! I actually just rode this bike again this morning.... love it!

[@kellyriffle4750]

I had an Altitude back in ‘11 and was looking at this same bike today..... Rocky is my favorite brand!

[@mtbyumyum]

This bike has come a long way since 2011... such a good well rounded long travel bike!!

[@jcmc8235]

My first bike was and is a RM ALTITUDE SRAM 70 CARBON and i absolutely love it. No regrets no ! Thank you for your reviews. It is appreciated! Be well. !!

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice, such a good bike!

[@CoberBox1]

Wow, can’t wait to see the mullet build/review.

[@mtbyumyum]

Video coming!!

[@jdazmtnbkr9571]

Nice lookin bike. I’m very interested in a review from you after you have it set up as Mullet & have some miles on it. Keep up the AWESOME SOME reviews!! 👍

[@mtbyumyum]

After five or six rides now in the mullet configuration, I think the bike is even better! I have it set up in the steepest setting and the bike is just so smooth

[@BrettSampson]

Was trying to decide between this and the Ripmo. Couldn’t find the Ripmo anywhere and Utah Mountain Biking had my size in stock so I bought the Altitude thanks to your great video. Appreciate all the effort.

[@kevindelzer2324]

just purchased one today!!!! Great review!

[@rideordie5377]

Congratulations, I've been looking around they are sold out everywhere

[@kevindelzer2324]

@@rideordie5377 i got lucky, just installed we are one union rims and i nine hubs

[@justinl8075]

The stoke is alive and well! Love to hear about the new Thunderbolt. Keep it up!

[@mtbyumyum]

More to come!

[@billw_mtb3220]

Great review! I absolutely love Rocky Mountain bikes. It sounds a lot like my Orbea Rallon actually although it has simple flip chip instead of the ride 9.

[@gregmccandlessmusic]

I've got a Rallon too and have demoed an Altitude, and the Rocky felt quite a bit smaller (and not just because of the wheels, as my size is 29" for both). I take the Rallon to bike parks all the time with no problems but I can't imagine taking an Altitude.

[@mtbyumyum]

My buddy might Zac still to this day thinks the Rallon is his favorite bike. I've still never had a proper ride on a size medium. I've ridden his size large around a bit

[@JamesRobertMTB]

This setup looks 👌🏻

[@mtbyumyum]

It's so fun!!

[@JamesRobertMTB]

@@mtbyumyum Looks so good !

[@crescendocycling]

Hey it was great to meet you in the Utah Mountain Biking shop yesterday! Thanks for the info on all the tires. I watched this video and saw that you have the Aggressor on the rear. You told me you don’t like that tire at all and that the Recon is the way to go. Do you ever do tire review videos?

[@bmoneyak]

"I fuckin just keep talking about this bike"...Thanks. Considering this bike and your video was what I was looking for.

[@colbyblasenak1770]

Great review yumyum and what a stunning looking bike!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you kindly!

[@JinPheh]

Hey YumYum! Random thought but do you happen to have a power meter at all? It would be an easy way to quantify a big part of the "easy to climb" discussion. Also, don't feel bad about longer videos, we're here because we want to hear what you think!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, power meter would be nice. I rode with power for years on my road bike but I've never had one on the mountain bike. I guess if I got power meter pedals I could just swap those onto each bikes that would be an easy way to do it

[@sebastianriosochoa5829]

hey Jason. As mentioned before. I love your channel! :) I watch every single video you upload. When are you planning to do the Occam Review? we really need it, as everyone says its the middle between a Ripmo and a Ripley... I think you would love it too. but we would like to hear your experience. I'm still between the Ripmo and the Occam, but cant find any comparisons (nor available bikes lol)

[@austinpierce6053]

I would love to hear what you think about this bike versus the Yeti SB150! Love the videos! Thank you so much!

[@Sharkytech]

yeah me too!

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

Another awesome review mate. The Rocky looks nice 🙏🔥👑

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks a ton!

[@shanemartin440]

Great review. I have a carbon instinct with 150mm fork and also find setting 5 to be best. Anything slacker and I get pedal strikes. No need to lock out shock when climbing, it's amazing. Best bike I've owned. Recently picked up a coil shock to see how it changes things. Only complaint is PF BB.

[@mtbyumyum]

What issues have you had with press fit bb? I've never heard of anyone having issues... Also, the Instinct with 150mm fork could be the perfect trail bike imho!!

[@shanemartin440]

@@mtbyumyum no real issues, just personal preference. It shreds! Keep up the great content

[@ww8wv1]

This bike is intriguing for sure. On another note you mentioned something that’s been on my mind... I’m a size large but one reason I’ve stayed with 27.5 is that I get pretty low at times off the rear of the bike and I don’t always want to be buying new shorts. I’d like to give 29” a try but just not sure.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, for me switching to 29 in the Steep or gnarly sections took an adjustment of body position for sure. I've had contact with my butt and the rear tire numerous times one time was really bad...

[@TheBikeRoom]

Great updated model, I'm still at that 'i can't part with my old Altitude' stage of the buying process. I can't have two (said my wife).

[@mtbyumyum]

haha I totally understand and the previous generation Altitude is money!!

[@abstraddic0442]

Great review. I though Rocky Mountain may send you a new one but it sounds like it already yours. How long are your pedals 65mm ? Surprised you're striking..Great job as usual...

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, in the lowest setting i got a few pedal strikes

[@hitchinaride2215]

Great review Thank you

[@mtbyumyum]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariorock76]

Hi Jason! Always nice to watch your reviews. I rode an Instinct BC Edition 2018 for 3 seasons, and this year I’m riding a Ripmo V2. I received it just before the release of the Altitude. I could have been mixed to choose between the two ... A chance that I do not like the colors of the Altitude. It would have made my choice easier! 😂 But that seems to be quite a beast! Nice bike! I have looked at the geometry numbers (29 er version) and I find that at position 4 or 5 (neutral) the numbers look a lot like those of the Ripmo V2 with the exception of the suspensions. Have you tried the Altitude in 29? If or, did you find that it looked like a little?

[@endoalley680]

I would be interested in a review of the mullet setup if that happens. I like the idea of the quickness of short 27.5 style chain stays, with the stability of a 29er up front. Once upon a time I did that to a Pivot Mach 6.

[@mtbyumyum]

Absolutely. Mullet video coming!!

[@zxtenn]

Glad they have the cables fully concealed now, i was looking to see if the carbon 90 M with the coil was available and was told no. Got my 19 Instinct BC back from the shop Today with the 10-52 XO installed, dropped just over half a pound, 29.7 now with 300 gram Stamp 11 pedals, bottle cage and fender, looks awesome, so clean i dont even want to ride it--hehehe

[@camerone5154]

Great review, been trying to decide between the C50 but leaning towards the A70, any thoughts?

[@mtbyumyum]

They're really like two completely different bikes... A70 has Fox 38 & X2.... weighs a cool 35 pounds.... Personally, it's a no brainer for me. C50 all day!! For $200 more you get a lighter weight carbon frame, Fox 36 that is lighter and for almost everyone will be more than adequate and the slx stuff is actually really good.... still has xt brakes. Easy decision for me. That said, if you ride mostly park or crazy janky stuff, the A70 might suite you better. I'd say 95% of everyone would be better off with the standard model. Good luck!!

[@bam1102]

I bought a 2019 Hightower LT primarily due to local availability and your video. Love the channel. #MachChicken

[@mtbyumyum]

MachChicken lol love it!! The Hightower LT was so much fun... thanks for saying hi!

[@erinb4919]

Do you think the more nimble feeling you have on bike due to the 27.5 config vs sb150 etc? And do you find the bike as stable on steeps and chunk in mid ride 9 position? vs the slackest position. Geo in the mid position puts it more in the trail bike category vs enduro... I would thus expect it to be more lively vs the bigger bikes megatower/ sb150 etc

[@Cg-fh5re]

Hey. How do you like the stretched out geom in terms of reach compared to the last altitude? With the 2018-20 models I always felt them being a bit too short reachwise. I am also 5ft8". Unfortunately the new frame is so much heavier....

[@geopietro]

If I remember correctly, RM uses a pressed fit BB instead of a threaded BB. Is that a concern? Thank you for another great video Jason.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep, press fit bb

[@kevinkmiller]

I have had 2 Rocky Mountain Slayers, and an Altitude, all with press fit BBs. No problems- not even the slightest of creaks. 👍🏼

[@geopietro]

@@kevinkmiller Good to know Kevin. Thank you.

[@paalraie]

Just got the 2020 instinct by edition! How does it compare to this altitude? Great review!

[@Schofseggel2]

I would also be interest in a small comparison to the Instinct BC. You liked the BC a lot 3 years ago Jason, how does the new Altitude compare?

[@brunohd4254]

I have a 2019 Instinct C70, was thinking switching to the new Altitude, how does it compare climbing and flattish up and down trails

[@mtbyumyum]

If you're not going MachChicken down hill, the Instinct would be my pick. That 2019 C70 is about as perfect a trail bike as you can get!! Just does everything really well... The new Altitude is good with an emphasis on the descent!!

[@mtbbomberodad10]

@@mtbyumyum I bought a A50. Rode it today for the first time. Love it.

[@rataflas]

I have a feeling the Altitude 29er may not be a sporty and playful as the one you just reviewed.

[@mtbyumyum]

Possibly. The smaller wheel makes the bike real likely

[@g496r500t]

Where are the Specialized reviews? Epic at least

[@mtbyumyum]

Sadly I never got a ride on the Epic.... really bummer too... I was excited about that bike.

[@jeremyl9203]

If only I had a Rocky Mountain dealer

[@mtbyumyum]

Call Mike at Utah Mountain biking in Lehi, Utah

[@chrismelero7116]

Do you think your feel for the bike and review would be different if it were a full 29er model? I would ride a Large so I wouldn't be able to get it in 27.5

[@ZippidyMTB]

Have you tried the 2021 Trek Slash? Would be an interesting comparison.

[@mtbyumyum]

Planning on riding a lot more Trek, Specialized and Santa Cruz bikes next spring!!

[@asselinpower]

Nice bike man 🤘, not sure about the Mullet set up though... it would be cool to try but in the long run, I m sure it s going to be better as a 27.5. I think if it was a better bike in the mullet set up, RM would sell it that way.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, it's hard to say. I have 3 or 4 rides in the 27.5 configuration and 5 or 6 rides as a mullet. It looses that snappy feeling just a bit but overall, for the right sort of terrain the mullet is really fun. Get the confidence of the larger tire up front but the bike still feels really maneuverable.

[@bryceh7469]

I have the 2019 Altitude (the exact bike you reviewed a few years back, bought from the same place). I'm curious to hear a comparison now that Rocky Mtn has given the Altitude a nearly complete overhaul. Did you have any comparative type thoughts while you were on the new one? Anything notably better or worse, or maybe just different? And one of these days I'm going to see you out there on Jacobs. Great review!

[@mtbyumyum]

Riding the new Altitude in the steepest setting is most similar to the previous generation Altitude. Still maneuverable but the shock tune doesn't feel too harsh or progressive. Honestly, I only got 3 rides with the 27.5 wheels... 2 on Jacob's and 1 in AF down Mud... bike feels awesome! If you loved your previous gen Altitude, this is more of the same and a little better. Most of my rides have been Mullet!!!! Also, the lowest setting was a bit much... didn't love it but then again, I rode the previous Altitude in the 5 setting most of the time. hmu in the spring and you can demo it. As I recall, you're a Medium right?

[@bryceh7469]

@@mtbyumyum Awesome! I'll definitely do that. Can't wait to hear more about the mullet ride! Yeah I'm a medium. I ride in setting 4. The slackest wandered in the climbs but maybe a steeper seat tube would help that. Love that bike though!

[@jaketheriprrr]

Jason, I’m sure it would be as stable as those other bikes in the long chainstay mode. You should try it, just because.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, that's a good point.... I should have tried it but was just loving how playful the bike is in the shorter chainstays.

[@colinsutton7944]

Do you like this bike more than the Santa Cruz Bronson? I'm stuck between these two bikes :(

[@kurtmaier6502]

Any chance of commenting on Norco Sight vs. Rocky Mountain Altitude? Enduro-Mag just gave the Altitude their “Best in Test” award. Curious as to how the Sight vs. Altitude would compare?

[@MTBCoop]

Rocky Mountain is your favorite on the downhill?? That's has to say something! Might have to get my hands on one 😎

[@mtbyumyum]

This bike is as good as it gets on the descent!! Not to say it's light years ahead of the Yeti SB150, Hightower, Nomad, Megatower, Revel Rail, Firebird, HD5 and others.... but yeah, it feels more open and just soooo smooth!!!

[@vmartel7556]

I'm 6 feet 2 inches and i'm not sure if an XL is fine or I should go with the smaller L. What do you think ?

[@stevendanielson8104]

Jason, your feedback on bikes is awesome and I've been watching and reading the comments on many videos. I've narrowed down my short list for a new bike purchase to the Switchblade, Ripmo, Altitude and Sight. Given that I'm an avid climber I don't want to sacrifice climbing ability. Of these 4 bikes which order would you rank them in climbing prowess (best to worst).

[@mtbyumyum]

Switchblade can't be beat climbing.... Ripmo second

[@SuperSTEIN24]

I have the 2020 Sight. The pedaling position is great and it has awesome traction in tech stuff, however I think it probably has more pedal bob than the ripmo and switchblade. Not sure about the altitude. One of my friends has a ripmo with a fairly light build and doesn’t see the need for a short travel bike that’s not almost dead XC oriented. The sight is really slack and long, to be fair I’m on an XL and could ride a large if I wanted. But it feels crazy stable and very confident inspiring in steep and tech terrain. Super happy with the bike overall. I’d say though if climbing is your top priority and you don’t ride a lot of steep trails, I’d lean towards the ripmo or switchblade if you have less chunk where you normally ride.

[@mtbyumyum]

Most of the really gnarly steep descents in my area require a very difficult climb. That's why the switchblade makes a lot of sense personally

[@stevendanielson8104]

Thx so much for the feedback. Very helpful and put down my deposit for the Switchblade today; in 2 weeks it should be here. Can’t wait.

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice! Did you buy from my link below the video to CC or from Salt Cycles?!

[@edlawrence2643]

Hearing great things about the specialized enduro, people raving about the downhill abilities and say it’s climbs pretty good. I have an instinct A70 and demoed a new altitude C50 27.5 last year.(wished they had the 29er). Descending, it was so much better and more fun. Climbing was pretty good too, only 20 seconds off my PR. Really having a hard time deciding what to get. Hope to demo an Enduro. Any thoughts or comparisons about the specialized enduro?

[@edlawrence2643]

Also, do you think upgrading to a Fox float X2 would improve the traction on the downhill?

[@jack91522]

Do you still think the mullet setup is the way to go for you?

[@courtnayromkey2722]

Hi! Do you still have it? I’m considering buying one today. Any long-term review thoughts?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep, still have this bike. Love the mullet. I think Mike at Utah mountain biking still has these in stock.

[@ericthatcher]

I wish Rocky Mountain would use threaded BB instead of press fit.

[@mtbyumyum]

I've never had a problem with press fit... in fact, I've never heard of anyone having a problem with it.

[@ericthatcher]

@@mtbyumyum that’s good to know.

[@keithmcdowell2613]

@@mtbyumyum riding bikes for 25 yrs and never had 1 issue with a press fit BB. Love my altitude 2018 A70 but an upgrade to the new bike in 29r would be awesome !

[@Schofseggel2]

You really liked the Instinct BC a few years back, since the new Altitude also replaces that bike, how does it compare in your opinion?

[@numpsi5630]

Does the altitude really replace the Instinct BC? Both are still available.

[@Schofseggel2]

@@numpsi5630 that’s how I understood it. The new Altitude seems like a mix of the old Altitudes travel and the BCs 29 wheelsize. I understood that when the new Instinct comes out in 2021, there will be no more BC edition... Still, I would be very much interested in a comparison ;)

[@highrever140ss]

Thats one of my complaints too. Seat tube are way too long. Get the seat out of the way!! Transition sentinal and scout, and the ibis bikes have really low seat tubes.

[@mtbyumyum]

Exactly!

[@chickenlips9549]

Did you notice an annoying sucking noise coming from the rear shock on the rebound? It's so loud I'm thinking of selling my bike after 1 month

[@akammer1000]

How would you compare this to the 2020 Rocky Instinct BC Edition?

[@michaeltheodorakis9473]

Adam. I’ve had both and still have the Altitude. It’s a lot easier to go faster on the Alti. Climbing is perhaps a little better on the Altitude as well along with a propensity to get air a little easier than the BC. Hope that helps

[@bradywhite520]

Have you tried the new stuntjumper evo? Wondering how that bike will compare to this one

[@mtbyumyum]

Not yet. That bike looks super slack...

[@jymtb]

How would you say the Altitude 27.5 compares with the Revel Rail?

[@fademasterfade227]

So you thought the bike was pretty good?

[@jaybartlett2561]

I'm 5'5"...currently riding a previous gen Switchblade with 27.5 plus size tires. Thoughts on someone my height riding a 29er? I do like steep trails and hitting bike parks. I suppose with this bike I don't have much of a choice anyways since I'd probably be on a small size frame right?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, it's up to you but I think if I was any shorter I would stick with the smaller Wheels. I like the 27.5 wheel size on the type of bike personally! This type of bike just suits the smaller Wheels in my riding experience

[@jaybartlett2561]

@@mtbyumyum Makes sense! I need to demo a 29er i think just to solidify that in my mind. However i do love the way my current 1st Gen Switchblade rides. I really don't want to shell out thousands to get a new bike and was going to upgrade the FOX DPS to either a DPX2 or a DVO Topaz and bump up the Fox 36 fork from 150mm to 160mm. Any opinions on those upgrade ideas?

[@FlyEaglesFly333]

If you put a 27.5 on the rear with a 160 fork on the front I would think even in the steep setting you would get pedal strikes constantly.

[@mtbyumyum]

After 5 or 6 rides in mulet mode, no pedal strikes!! Bike feels awesome

[@akjdhfkqwrhetkjanfvkkkresae]

A 29er fork and wheel will move the front end up at lease 50mm so overall your BB will be significantly higher

[@mitchrobinson8098]

How does it compare to the ripmo? I have a ripmo on order and would consider changing.

[@mtbyumyum]

I really wish I could have ridden this in the 29 version... It would give a way better comparison to a lot of other bikes I've been riding this year... Dang it!! I would say the Ripmo climbs better... this feels more playful and maneuverable... very good trail manners!! Not sure what it would be like in the 29er though...

[@trailblazeratv6306]

$5400 is a good price. I just paid $5200 for my 2021 giant trance 29 advanced pro 1

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I was excited to be on this particular build. I think it's a price point where you get the most bang for your buck. Any more money than this and I honestly believe you're getting a lot of diminishing returns for your money

[@trailblazeratv6306]

@@mtbyumyum my Giant Trance 29 came XT everything and carbon wheels and bars for $5200

[@mtbyumyum]

Dang! That's awesome

[@michaeldiamond7063]

What is your comparison with the switchblade? Climbing, descending?

[@mtbyumyum]

Switchblade climbs better, has slightly better trail manners, although this isn't bad for such a long travel bike, and the Switchblade I think would have a time trying to keep up with this through the rough stuff... would be fun to ride them back to back!!

[@chinno321]

Do I have to assemble the bike?

[@highrever140ss]

tube. There a kona dealer near you. How about the kona process x.?

[@zxtenn]

I agree about smoothness, my 2019 BC gives a very smooth ride. Previous bike was a 2018 Spectral and had its share of pedal strikes with the 175 cranks and also i noticed/felt pedal kickback and i am just an intermediate rider, maybe delivering mail as you say. Glad to see they have full internal cable routing now, the outlet under the BB needed attention although i never got the cables caught on anything. I went to Dupont last weekend and going down steep and rocky terrain is a piece of cake even with my limited skills. I left my ride 9 in medium and never experimented. You never tried a coil? My local bike shop doesn't even do rentals now with COVID, stupid masks still required

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, getting demo bikes has been incredibly difficult with covid... never tried a coil

[@dav31078]

Don’t almost all bikes climb well if you flip the shock to pedal mode?

[@mtbyumyum]

Each bike and suspension platform is different. Some bikes respond really well to riding in the middle setting on the shock like this Rocky Mountain. Others, like my Yeti SB130 feels much better and has greater traction in the options setting.... middle setting can feel a bit harsh... Other bikes you put them in the trail setting and they struggle to find traction in loose terrain.

[@davidbahr8599]

Another bike on my list now! How to pick one?!?!? 🤔

[@mtbyumyum]

Just buy them all haha!!

[@youssefkarmous6227]

can you compare Rocky Mountain Instinct VS Altitude ?

[@mtbyumyum]

I am currently waiting to get a ride on the new Instinct.... looks incredible and I cant wait to ride that bike!!

[@kylecline3272]

Trance x review please

[@jennifersandoval7525]

Here's my perception of long-travel mountain bikes! Heavy---especially in the affordable sub 5000$ builds. Pedal and climb poorly---require lockouts. Very heavy slow-rolling tires. Super long, low, slack geometry. Descends very well but suck everywhere else. Are there any long-travel bikes the defy my expectations? How many riders actually need more than 160f/140r travel?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I think you're right... unless you throw a lot of money at a long travel bike, you have a heavy bike with otherwise poor trail manners of which most people are riding... basic trails not double black all the time. To your point, the 140mm bike can handle most all double black trail to begin with so why over bike?? I'm on the same page as you here...

[@A.D.D.O.C.D.T]

That’s why I Ripmo 👑🙏

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep... Ibis builds light frames!!

[@L4J20]

At 5’5” would you recommend 27.5?

[@mtbyumyum]

Absolutely!

[@jsw5387]

How is the Fox 36 at 170mm? Is it stuff enough?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I thought is was great!! Bike feels super plush and ready for anything but still has a pretty sporty feel for such a long travel bike... good trail manners. Would be interested to see if the 29er feels as maneuverable and sporty.... likely wont....

[@jsw5387]

@@mtbyumyum would it be better with a 38 or ZEB? Or would you say it's fine without?

[@mtbyumyum]

I've never ridden the 38.... sounds like everyone who rides the 38 loves it

[@GOTCHAPARK]

Oh man ...great review . Mojo 4 or Rocky mountain carbon 50 .....

[@mtbyumyum]

hard to say... I used to own the instinct bc edition.... such a good do everything bike!! Because they're different wheel sizes, it's just hard to say. 27.5 is just more maneuverable and sporty feeling... Would like to get a ride on the new Altitude 29er

[@oliverburke3743]

What shoes are thise dude?

[@mtbyumyum]

5 year old shimano m735 or something.... I'm about due for new shoes. haha

[@jeremyrobinette2563]

What gloves are those?

[@mtbyumyum]

amzn.to/3mPsETz

[@mtbyumyum]

For any cold weather riding between 20-50 degree's, these are money!!

[@durace99]

You said 75 degree head tube angle lol

[@mtbyumyum]

haha yeah, I caught that too lol haha was hoping no one would notice lol

[@durace99]

Sorry.

[@_F5X]

🤙🤙👌👌

[@mastabad2]

Lol. Geez... so like one of the first bikes you demo from 2021 and it’s basically better than the bike you called the bike of the year from 2020?

[@mtbyumyum]

I don't think the new altitude is a better bike than the switchblade. Maybe I need to go back and watch my video to see if it comes across that way. I just said The Descent was more fun. The bike is more maneuverable and nimble in the 27.5 configuration then my 29er switchblade. They're just different animals. I'm sure if I put 29 inch wheels on the altitude it would make it feel less maneuverable. It boils down to being a function of the wheel size

[@mastabad2]

@@mtbyumyum Fair enough. Thanks for the explanation.

[@matthewallen769]

If you have to flip the shock switch to get a bike to climb "great", then it doesn't climb great.

[@mtbyumyum]

Are you sure we're talking about the same thing here.... It's not locked out. On the Fox DPX2 there are 3 settings on the shock. Open, Medium & Firm. Riding the new Altitude in the Medium position is very good. I didn't climb with it in the firm position. Some bikes have a lot of climbing (pedaling) management built into the suspension design. Others, like this Altitude, climbs better in the medium (middle) position on the shock. Hope this makes sense?? Thanks!

[@matthewallen769]

@@mtbyumyum Actually, you were clear. And I appreciate you specifying that you used the switch. However, basically every bike these days climbs really well with a lot of compression added. It's not really a data point. If a bike DOESN'T climb well in the open position, then that is relevant IMO.

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Not a fan