2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude Review: The Magic Eraser

[@SkiRidesMTB]

Babe wake up, new BE arts and crafts geo chart just dropped.

[@bikersedge]

7th grade art class is paying off.

[@andersonsridebikes]

I'm really liking this trend towards longer rear centers (450mm for this Altitude). I just ordered the Raaw Madonna v3, largely because of the front/rear center balance of that bike on paper. The new Forbidden Dreadnought has a 460mm chainstay in a size Large!

[@bikersedge]

Yeah I think there's a sweet spot. Too long and the bike gets a bit cumbersome. Too short and the back end gets squirrely.

[@andersonsridebikes]

@@bikersedge Agreed. I'm 6'4" and always ride size Large because XL bikes traditionally feel very unbalanced to me and I struggle to corner them well. The growing rear centers makes me feel more willing to try XL bikes again.

[@michaelharmer8591]

@@andersonsridebikes did you get a Madonna in XL? I'm 6'3" and just ordered one. Hoping it's not too big!

[@andersonsridebikes]

@@michaelharmer8591 I ordered size Large, and it's still on the way to me. I honestly wouldn't stress about getting the XL though

[@toddjohnson779]

No other geo like the Madonna , high stack combined with reach to boost dh confidence , now I’m considering the new altitude.

[@Sck519]

I was able to demo one this weekend and I couldn't agree more with what you said. The GRIP is insane. I cleared several tech climbs that I often spin out or get bucked on, but it for sure didn't feel efficient. It wasn't bad, but the grip factor outweighed any issues with it not feeling quick on the climbs. It was also one of the quietest bikes I've ridden. I really loved it. If I was going to the bike park more than 3 times a year I would buy one. It did feel "fun" still but a little heavier than I would like. Unfortunately, I pedal too much for this version to make sense.

[@mpomer]

Your videos are the pinnacle of mountain bike reviews channels that are out there -keep it up! #theywillcome

[@petedog9581]

I just bought a 2023 Instinct carbon and it is a beast. It corners like a dream.

[@bikersedge]

It's a good one!

[@petedog9581]

@@bikersedge Interesting that Rocky changed the Altitude's shock position. Going full enduro mow. The Element and Instinct will share a frame platform.

[@mhowell13]

Beautiful footage! Look forward to that super secret segment hahaha!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. It’s pretty top secret. And cool.

[@mtbbreda]

Again a 10/10 video. Which actioncamera are you using the quality looks👌

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! I use the Hero 12.

[@brandonnewell4081]

As a Bobsled aficionado...you were rippin' on that Altitude.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Usually people on KZbin just tell me I need to ride harder trails. Haha.

[@johnfreemire6537]

If I hadn’t just pulled the trigger on a REEB Steezl this or the new instinct was on my short list. Love the review format!

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Both the instinct and altitude make up my entire short list for this year I think.

[@mrvwbug4423]

I'm glad they didn't go nuts with the reach. The 40mm bump in wheelbase on the L is already a big change. The weight bump is significant too. I have a 2023 Altitude C70 and it's 34lbs with Cushcore Pro in the back. My 2023 Altitude is already the best decender I've ridden, plush through chunk, takes big hits like a DH bike (yay 42% progression curve) and still has a super precise cornering feel at speed.

[@bikersedge]

It’s a long bike for sure. I liked the old one a lot. Really dig this new one.

[@marksandoval5361]

Way too much bike for me. My 150/160 travel Stumpy Evo is probably too much bike for me. But, your reviews are so good, I watched it anyway.

[@bikersedge]

Glad you like them!

[@mtb.barista]

About airtag holder… nice feature but ! I have experience putting mine into headtube and the signal was sometimes very weak. Hopefully they made enough testing :)

[@bikersedge]

I had one in this bike. The signal works just fine. I was able to find it with my phone and have it play sounds without any issues.

[@ryansteiger6960]

Thank you for the video. Can't wait to demo this bike 👍

[@bikersedge]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@WalterReyes-lo6mc]

Long chainstay for L and XL is good man! Sick bike

[@jakejohanson7998]

Love the video, as someone who lives in Utah I would love to get out and ride those trails. Is there anyway you could post the trails in the video description of upcoming videos or even respond to this comment.

[@bikersedge]

I'm typically pretty cautious of sharing trail info - folks get sensitive about that kind of stuff. Happy to answer in the comments though. This was filmed on Bobsled and Paradise Rim.

[@shredwithscott]

Have you been able to try the bike with the float x2? I’d like to know how much the bike would weigh in a size large with the x2. Maybe it would be more bearable on the climbs in the c90 build rather than the c70 coil. Or is it just a general lack of anti-squat that is keeping this from pedalling better like the megatower v2?

[@bikersedge]

I haven’t been able to ride it with an air shock. In past experience it can make a difference for sure but not as big as you might think. That said I do want to try this one with air.

[@shredwithscott]

@@bikersedge what about the megatower v2 with a coil? Does that make it more gooey like the altitude? Next question…I’m looking at replacing my sentinel v2 with either a megatower v2, new altitude, or presumably a new enduro. Trying to get something with a bit more capable rear end, but don’t want to sacrifice a decently light, nice climbing bike. What do you think I’d miss about my sentinel with the Rocky or Santa Cruz.

[@bikersedge]

@@shredwithscott 1. Not really. Frame kinematics are the biggest driver for suspension feel. The shock can change it to a degree, but not significantly in my opinion. 2. There are always tradeoffs with bikes. If you want more DH capability, you're going to pay for it with climbing performance. The Altitude isn't decently light. You could make it lighter and a little nicer to pedal, but that will come at the expense of DH capability. The MT climbs better than the Altitude an is a little more well-rounded on the DH than the Altitude. I'd maybe suggest that one. It's a small step above the Sentinel.

[@Kovacs-sf1hi]

I can already hear the Santa Cruz/Spec fanboys coming to say that rocky copied them……

[@bikersedge]

Hahaha. Literally the next comment after yours was exactly that!

[@Kovacs-sf1hi]

@@bikersedge haha called it! Stellar review as always🤟🏻

[@roellecorregidor1201]

I own Rocky and Santa Cruz. This bike looks clean. This dude and Freehub Magazine do the best bike reviews on KZbin.

[@323johnnybravo]

They aren’t lying lol 😂 😊

[@bikersedge]

Honored to be mentioned with FreeHub! Thanks!

[@ivansikic5936]

Great review and this is nice SC in test 😅 .I will stick with my altitude 2022 for now

[@bikersedge]

Enjoy it

[@Proviction]

Got any trail recs for Hurricane UT, other than the IMBA epic?

[@bikersedge]

Not sure what the IMBA epic is. My favorite trails in the area are Grafton Mesa, Gooseberry, Paradise Rim and Zen.

[@64x83]

If I want to mullet it do I have to buy a 27.5 wheel separate?

[@bikersedge]

Yes. Stock builds only come with 29" wheels.

[@64x83]

@@bikersedge oh well, it's an excuse to buy a new wheelset haha

[@KiwiInGermanyMTB]

Are you sure? Pinkbike has the Geo chart with mx and 29 options.

[@benphillips1149]

​@@KiwiInGermanyMTBthat does not mean it comes with 27.5 sadly. I wish dual crown capable bikes came w a fresh fox 40

[@bikersedge]

Yes both options are possible. But you’ll have to supply your own 27.5 rear wheel.

[@AdventuresWithClair]

Awesome review, you probably haven’t been on an Evil Wreckoning for any extended time but I’m wondering if it climbs about the same, good traction but not efficient?

[@bikersedge]

It’s been probably close to 8-9 years since I’ve ridden the wreckoning. Couldn’t say.

[@AdventuresWithClair]

@@bikersedge what about this bike as an every day bike, something you have to pedal but descend. Or would you lean more into something closer to a sb140 for an every day machine.

[@bikersedge]

@@AdventuresWithClair I personally wouldn’t love pedaling this on a daily basis.

[@rockandchilimtb]

Dont you think wheelbase has been increasing a bit too much? Do you feel comfy on slow tech trails with this bike? Do you regularly choose XL bikes and went for an L because of of reach and wheelbase?

[@bikersedge]

I rode a little bit of slow tech on this. Honestly we don't have a ton of that here in Utah. We have pretty fast, wide-open trails. The wheelbase is much appreciated here. In the northeast that might be a different story though. I went with L because this was a good opportunity to downsize with the reach adjust cups. I'm always curious about trying a smaller size and it just worked out on this one.

[@jaredle1]

​@@bikersedgecurious how tall you are as I'm right between a large and extra-large myself

[@bikersedge]

@@jaredle1 I’m 6’2”

[@dash0173]

Surprised they went this way with the altitude. I loved the last one because it felt like it could get up and go still. that's what I loved so much about my altitude but of course that's something that can probably change on the consumer end of things. I enjoyed how well my altitude climbed but maybe i'll still enjoy this one? Idk, might get a raaw this time around.

[@bikersedge]

At the end of the day an enduro bike will never be a climber's bike. They'd suck at their jobs if they did that. That said, some climb better than others. I don't think the Altitude (new one included) has ever been the best of the bunch. But it's a hell of a bike on the descents.

[@kyleslater5245]

I hope they do this style of suspension on the instinct. I don’t think I’d get this as I have the 2024 powerplay altitude… so already clearly lazy. I would go for a lighter shorter travel bike though.

[@bikersedge]

The new Instinct just came out and it’s 4 Bar. Not in the cards this time around.

[@erichbachman7363]

Used to love my old RM Altitude except its shock positon, combined with the X2 shock's protrusion of its schrader valve. Why did'nt I like that, well it damn nearly kille me a few times because said protrusion had a tendency to catch my shorts, so going from a crouch to standing postion could end up in my short getting caught. On a more severe occasion that led me to be thrown OTB on a run in for a10ft drop, the run in was also wooden and narrow. Thats when I decided to look for another bike. I see the 2024 version fixes this. I know a weird exp, but am I the only one who had this issue? I will be hesitant of bikes with similar design as the old RM but I see tons of bikes has the shock up there. Other shock brands or perhaps twisting the shock could probably remedy this.

[@chefmarkkalix]

The air-can is easily rotated to cure this issue. Have you tried different valve positions?

[@bikersedge]

^ this could be a good fix for you. Or some lycra shorts apparently.

[@taramilne4008]

Is the Instict more like a Bronson V2? The bike shop says the new Altitude is comparable but after listening I'm thinking not.

[@bikersedge]

Bronson V2 is really old. Can't imagine it being anything like the new Instinct. The Instinct is the trail/all-mountain bike and the Altitude is the Enduro bike. Maybe similar to the current Hightower and Megatower.

[@michaelmcdermott9445]

About time ❤️

[@bikersedge]

Worth the wait.

[@flow2tech]

I want kom climbs and hard hitting descents . Rocky element is my jam

[@bikersedge]

Also a good one. Completely different ballgame, though.

[@flow2tech]

@@bikersedge of course.. ..I just don't like not being able to tech climb well before the fun begins...It adds hugely to skillset..🤘

[@scrutch666]

Climb comparison between this and norco range? I love how the norco descends but its the bike i ride the least because its such bitch to climb with. My powerplay altitude replaced it pretty much but my fav bike is still my ripley, especially on jump flowtrails. I actually also take it on rough dh trails because its so easy to control that it becomes a fun factor to jump 0ver the gnarliest stuff and i love finding lines.

[@bikersedge]

This climbs better than the range.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Im swapping those lightweight tires for dh casings on my 135mm trail bike. It depends where you live I guess. 😅

[@bikersedge]

Same. DH casings on everything. It’s nice when it comes with them already.

[@donavonhartman]

How much do you weigh running the 450 lbs spring?

[@bikersedge]

So I misspoke in the video. Had a 500lb. I’m 200lb.

[@JOE-uq8oh]

How does this compare to the giant Reign 2023?

[@bikersedge]

This rides way bigger and deeper than the Reign.

[@Eric.V.]

You have to admit, it looks just like a Santa Cruz with diff logos. Is it the same suspension platform?

[@bikersedge]

It sure does. Looks don’t mean much in the bike world. It’s a very similar platform to VPP but it’s not the same.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

I really like that hat, where's it from?

[@bikersedge]

Sendero Provisions

[@the6ig6adwolf]

@bikersedge thanks bruv 🤙

[@fireteanuradu1520]

What action camera do you use?

[@bikersedge]

GoPro 12

[@superseinar1787]

How would you compare this to the SB160?

[@bikersedge]

I’d go watch the mega vs 160 video. Then come back here to see this vs the mega.

[@MrT0rres]

How would you compare to the spire

[@bikersedge]

Very similar probably. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden the spire. Tough to make a good judgement right now.

[@masonjohnson5583]

I have a pretty capable trail bike already, should I buy this or a dh bike?

[@masonjohnson5583]

For context, when I go to collage I want to race dh and enduro competitively

[@bikersedge]

If you want to pedal or do any climbing, snag this. If you only shuttle or chairlift a DH could be cool.

[@keithgarn9038]

Where are those red rock trails?

[@keithgarn9038]

Found it. Paradise and bobsled. Should have known

[@rl9810]

So, the super top secret bike... When will we learn more?

[@bikersedge]

Maybe tomorrow.

[@rl9810]

@@bikersedge Mysterious!

[@oliverburke3743]

So what's the top secret bike?

[@bikersedge]

Top secret duh.

[@justsayin3600]

Talking about too much bike, I test rode a Pivot Firebird. I ride local trail bues, blacks and double blacks. It was too much bike for the trails I ride. That's the most important thing in my opinion. Get a bike for what you ride. But it's always better to be over biked than under.

[@kevinmanzo862]

What bike wins the uphill award would you say

[@bikersedge]

Of all bikes? Or the enduro category?

[@kevinmanzo862]

@@bikersedgehow about all around uphill and also enduro? thanks!

[@falkyn06]

This vs sb160 vs spire?

[@bikersedge]

This is closer to a spire than it is a 160.

[@falkyn06]

@@bikersedge good to know...I did love the spire!!

[@falkyn06]

​@bikersedge how do you rate them as the most well rounded... I know they are big enduro bikes, but I have mellow trails at home and a bike park an hour away...

[@bikersedge]

@@falkyn06 sb160 is most well rounded. Then altitude. Then spire.

[@bikersedge]

HD6 would be the most “trail”

[@shotbythebeard]

Where are these trails? They look amazing. New sub!

[@bikersedge]

Utah. Thanks!

[@hl4734]

But but but, does it have down tube storage?

[@bikersedge]

Yes….

[@akosyjonathan]

How tall are you in cm?

[@bikersedge]

188

[@ludwig4895]

Came for the bike-review …stayed for the fantastic look of the beard 😅

[@bikersedge]

Is getting out of control these days.

[@zirie]

looks like an enduro?

[@bikersedge]

Personally I think it looks a bit like the 24 Altitude

[@William.N]

Is the super top secret bike the new Tesla hoverbike?

[@bikersedge]

Rivian R1B

[@TheMirrorVision]

Whoever thinks the Airtag holder is stupid should have their bike stolen and then see how valuable it would have been to track and recover it!

[@bikersedge]

Exactly

[@NaZ2307]

looks like a sess.... santa cruz

[@bikersedge]

Not a bad thing in my book.

[@taylorklein2378]

Bobsled!!

[@bikersedge]

Yup.

[@jessiekruse7627]

Mega V2 alllll day

[@bikersedge]

I love that one! Still one of my favorites to this day.

[@Seebema]

Its longer than my truck!!

[@bikersedge]

Close to mine as well and I drive an 18-wheeler.

[@chefmarkkalix]

Great video, disappointing copy of the SC.

[@johnr5001]

If it was a direct copy, I'm sure SC would litigate. Just cause it looks similar, doesnt mean it's a copy.

[@bikersedge]

^ this. Looks similar - not the same. Looks mean next to nothing in the bike world.

[@chefmarkkalix]

@bikersedge incorrect. Looks (in this case, vpp like) dictate linkage design, pedal platform, shock position, etc. I feel RM is typically more clever in their design language (proud Element owner here), sad.

[@bikersedge]

Suspension looks certainly don't dictate suspension kinematics. For instance, the Tallboy pedals nothing like the Megatower - even though the suspension design looks very similar.

[@trietngo7104]

VPP patent expired in 2015 so no such litigation from SC

[@Danwhit5]

Too long

[@bikersedge]

Tough to looks at one geo number in isolation. You have to look at all the parts including suspension. Or better yet, ride it before you judge it.

[@Danwhit5]

Idk man 1280 wheelbase, 450 chain stay and a slack 63 HT. Numbers like that don’t lie

[@bikersedge]

Sure. It’s a slack, burly and long bike, but it’s certainly not too long for every rider and application.

[@51249ca]

nasty soundtrack to the start of the video

[@bikersedge]

It took me months to compose that music.