BIG changes for the new Rocky Mountain Altitude!

[@rockymountainbicycles]

We're so stoked you like the bike, Jeff. Thanks for coming up for a visit!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the invite- and thanks for making kick ass bikes!

[@unkokusaiwa]

Support brick and motor that built your brand, not online shops and youtubers.

[@Cartsp70]

I absolutely love the look of this bike it’s beautiful 🤩 but where in the UK are your bikes available? I’ve never ever seen a RM on the trail or a bike shop that sells RM bikes 😢

[@MatTancock]

can't believe that review of the old altitude was in 2020, feels like yesterday

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I remember just like yesterday when they released lc2r pivots, but that was a very long time ago 😂

[@ericsharp5079]

I thought the same thing when he said it!!

[@Justin0048]

Jeff consistently makes great content. It always surprises me when I see that his subscriber count isn't growing faster. IMO, he's probably one of the top 5 of mountain biking content creators on KZbin, but for whatever reason the algorithm doesn't seem to be rewarding his efforts. It's a shame. Jeff is so direct and no nonsense when it comes to his videos, I suspect he is not cashing in on "viral" non-serious content, which I guess is good for his loyal viewers, but not so good for gaining lots of subscribers. Regardless, I'll keep watching his content and will hope that all of his great content gets in front of new viewers who will subscribe. Remember to click the like button on all of the videos to help get content like this to new viewers.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

He's just too honest and too lovable for KZbin 😂

[@Dream-season]

I totally agree… not to mention him riding relatable trails in such a fun and unique way

[@justinfournier1285]

Anecdotally, some of my riding friends don’t watch Jeff because his riding style is completely different than theirs so the opinions he shares aren’t valuable to them in their opinion.

[@Justin0048]

@@justinfournier1285 Interesting...I never even considered someone's riding style when considering which content to watch, but if someone's riding style is dramatically different then I suppose some issues or good features may not be as relevant or important. I often go into the reviews expecting that some of his nitpicks will not be noticed or even important to me, however I feel like he does try to be clear about certain things being his own preference versus an actual issue. Perfectly fine for everyone to have different strokes.

[@justinfournier1285]

@@Justin0048 There is a popular channel where the reviewer does a good job, but he’s almost always riding green smooth flow trails in Utah, so the vast majority of what he reports on bikes has nothing to do with how they will work in the PNW, where I am. I could watch just for entertainment but I don’t have time for that. I want to watch a guy who rides the way I aspire to, in the terrain I do, so I know his feedback works with what I am trying to do. I don’t care too much about someone using a hammer on a screw.

[@ericsharp5079]

That bunny hop over that rock? Are serious? How many riders out there pro or not can make that move ?!

[@pauleddy5146]

A nice job of engineering the weight toward the bottom. Shock, linkage and necessary parts are low which has to help the CG. Plus, it looks clean. Nice job!

[@LoamerMTB]

Good to hear Rocky is still killing it. My 2018 Altitude was an amazing bike. Won it with a $20 raffle ticket. Best $20 I’ve ever spent.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I LOL'd reading this comment last night! Congrats on the raffle win!

[@dylanknoll8092]

Congrats on the raffle win lol I bought my 2018 altitude a30 and have put that bike through absolute hell. Can't believe it's 6 years old already. I've worn through absolute every component there is to wear and the bike doesn't skip a beat. At the time bikes were smaller, so I felt fine being 5'10 on a medium frame, till I rode a large 2022 instinct and immediately felt more comfortable. If it weren't for the sizing issue I'd have no reason to be looking into getting a new bike.

[@LoamerMTB]

@@dylanknoll8092 Thank you! Yeah it was a really solid bike. Pretty fun everywhere but could still handle all the trails I wanted to ride. Also that blue and purple looked so good!

[@ninjazzrhythm400]

Shouldn't all bike should have loctite in the pivot screws?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I dunno, it's about the same size as a BB, and BB's are generally greased. I'll give it one more chance before loctiting it. This is a brand new, ground up redesign, so I'll absolutely cut Rocky some slack for a loose bolt.

[@unkokusaiwa]

Of course all threads should have the appropriate prep on them, be it ti prep, various compounds of locktite, or various grades of grease. Also, it's very easy to make sure all bikes go out and are solid from the beginning. Ask Santa Cruz owners if they have had pivots come loose. It all comes down to what level of quality control a brand deems as necessary, and how much they value their customers safety and time.

[@ICastle36]

That pivot around the bb..... I dunno... there is so much extra movement in that area because of the cranks. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts after a few months on this thing... The bike looks really cool but I dunno about the main pivot.....

[@grantzahara9998]

Yay another custom tool just to service your pivots.....

[@jammerlr7780]

@@grantzahara9998Nope. Uses a SRAM BB tool. Nothing custom

[@grantzahara9998]

@@jammerlr7780 Watch the video again. There is literally a custom bb pivot tool with rocky markings on it being used @ 13:55

[@Boboo5]

​@jammerlr7780 that's for the raceface bb

[@rockymountainbicycles]

@@grantzahara9998 Every Altitude ships with the Main Pivot Tool to make sure you don’t have to purchase it extra.

[@Eric.V.]

You have to remove the entire crank set and BB to tighten the rear linkage? This bike will definitely get confused for Santa Cruz and Intense. Doesn’t Intense even already use the concentric bottom link design?

[@pdpcycling248]

Exactly.

[@RonnRider]

If they do, they stole it from Rocky Mountain as they’ve been doing it since the turn of the century. Can’t compare Intense to Rocky dude…just saying🤷🏾‍♂️

[@toddmarten3602]

Just bought the 2023 A30. Pick her up on my days off. So stoked. Going from hard tail to this

[@harleyharrison9180]

Nice dude same here! Couldn’t beat the price and those specs

[@mepa-e3b]

Almost the same design with santa cruz VPP, the only difference is the main pivot is located in bottom bracket..

[@nicholascaptures]

My thoughts but it really is different pivoting off the bb

[@pedrosanciny6345]

I am looking forward to detailed review. I would like to know, how the bike feels in steep config.

[@caleb5169]

The bike looks so much better I like the suspension on the bottom than the top but that's just my opinion.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

I don't think some loctite from the factory assembly would be too much to ask for as that would be super annoying to deal with after the 4th ride.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Rocky is pretty on the ball. If something like this becomes a widespread thing, they are the sort of company to fix it right away. I'll report in the follow up if there is additional loosening.

[@tenztops4636]

Man Jeff makes these trails look so easy, he just gracefully fly through the trail. It's like a effortless dance performance.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you!

[@petedog9581]

I just bought a 2023 carbon Instinct from Jenson based a lot on your reviews of the Altitude over the past couple of years. The bike is amazing. This bike is great and I'm glad they redesigned it to separate it from the Element/Instinct frame and suspension design.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Glad you're digging it! I am hoping to try out the new Instinct this summer. And would love to try an Element, too. But the prior gen (that you got) is also fantastic. Rocky bikes are soooo good, yet many in the USA miss out on that.

[@petedog9581]

@@JeffKendallWeed Wade Simmons is my hero. That's how long I have been riding mtb. The big drop over the truck is iconic and on that old school suspension and 26". Mind boggling.

[@mrvwbug4423]

On my 2023 Altitude I had to loctite my Horst link pivot bolts, they came loose several times. I am interested to demo the new Altitude to compare it to mine. Your videos of the old Altitude plus a couple of demo rides convinced me to bite the bullet and get an Altitude last year, absolutely loving it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Glad you're digging it! It's an under appreciated bike in the USA. Luckily it's on mega sale right now at Jenson. But everyone I've spoken with who has one just loves it. Rocky is somehow a total sleeper brand in the USA.

[@JFFilmsMTB]

@@JeffKendallWeed Just picked up Rocky as new brand for our shop in Virginia and purchased the new 2024 Altitude. Really hope we can get some awareness about how sweet these bikes are!

[@livefreeandshred9818]

Great review. I’d be interested to see your thoughts on a forbidden Druid and dreadnought v2

[@justinfournier1285]

I’d like to try one before I commit, but the only thing I see I don’t like is the steering angle, would probably buy now if it was 64.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I'll be adjusting it up to a ~64, will make a follow up video once I've tried all the things.

[@SamsBikes]

LOVE your videos and Reviews Jeff and man your riding in next level....

[@The.JZA.]

The other day I went for a ride and it was a little chilly so I put on a sweater over my tshirt. After pedalling I got hot and I was like "Damn I wish I had a backpack to put my sweater in" and then I realised I have in-frame storage. Some think it's a gimmick but I think it's a useful feature in certain scenarios.

[@hughperkin6765]

When is the Forbidden Dreadnaught V2 Review? 😀

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I would LOVE to ride a Druid!

[@mbac9395]

Druid would be a perfect bike for you I’m guessing

[@awkragt]

Oh man, my 2018 Instinct BC might finally get put out to pasture.

[@milktop1]

Altitower/ megatude looks great! Nice riding!!!

[@geronimo9595]

currently riding a carbon 2022 instinct. big ups to rocky!

[@YoungBoom3r]

Hope you get your hands on the new 2024 Norco Sight soon!!

[@halfgeek1394]

I do want to demo one of these before really having an opinion of it, but I’ve owned both a 21 A70 Altitude and 19 BC Edition Instinct, and they both rode amazingly well. This new design, with the super slack headangle, complicated rear suspension design, frame storage, and the weight, makes me feel more hesitant. But, I’ll give one a demo before really having an opinion, maybe it rides great, but If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

[@a8f235]

To be honest this is one of the most reasonable bikes out there in a long time because of the versatility from lots of possible geometry changes paired up with lots of options in different price ranges. When it also seems to be a very solid bike I find this to be a clever release to the market.

[@CaineGMTB]

i really dig your videos, Jeff. So entertaining 👌🏻I could listen to all of your reviews even while driving and not get bored. 👏🔥

[@Garrett-ic5jb]

You should review the Rocky Mountain growler

[@lagwall]

The new Rocky Mountain Santa Cruz looks Great! I love this style of frame design. As a BronsonMX rider I would love to see you go MX on the Rocky and compare it to the Bronson or Nomad. Also, I like the no beard look on you much better

[@Justin0048]

He said in the video he has no interest in turning it into a mixed wheel/mullet. I don't think he likes the way they ride compared to full 29er.

[@lagwall]

Yup, but I'd still like to see it and if I put it out there and others agree maybe it will be enough to make it a reality. 🤙

[@MTBMcPhee]

Great video Jeff, you're content is always great but the latest videos have been hitting another level

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you! It's easier to make videos when you have brand new, fancy product on hand!

[@capitalschool8765]

The dude is like all smiles while he's out slaying features.

[@Devin032]

Jeff have you ridden a Santa Cruz Nomad? I saw your Bronson video, curious how all these bikes compare

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I have a sweet spot for the branding of rocky but all the recent RM bikes I leased or borrowed recently were creaky and loosey. Idk lc2r has many advantages for the genre of rig but it damn well be well engineered for durability because you don't want that kind of thing becoming a brand feature...😅

[@MrErikchaugen]

Reminds me of the Nukeproof Giga, handsome bike!!

[@wayne6466]

Which do you buy? The 2023 model with maybe more pop or 2024 that takes the bumps out better?

[@tinglestravels]

Jeff, how does this new altitude compare to the Pivot Firebird? Im on the border between the two currently. Thanks!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Jeff you really have the best reviews and the best edits without being a friggin sellout. Much love 🎉🤘 Okay enuff simping for today, the one piece suits are not my cup of tea but I kinda see them as your superhero uniforms, oh geez I'm simping again 😅

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Laurent, I appreciate all the stoke and positive vibes!

[@ProWhiteAntiJew]

When is the long term review coming out? Is this your new favorite bike?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I've been riding/filming a bit on this to cap off the season. It's a great bike! A bit more aggressive than the old one, so it's less of an all-arounder, but better for the more gnarly stuff. I just used it for something like 20 consecutive laps on A line while testing bars. More Altitude content coming thru November!

[@vrwgq3q]

450mm rear end is going to add sledding stability, at the cost at yet another 10-20mm of wheelbase and possibly a tad less playfulness and flickability

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah I'm hoping to shorten front center with the reach cup, and to try the steeper head angle with teh Ride 4 chip soon here.

[@myusername1270]

I just took delivery of mine and the seatpost is rattling like crazy. Is that an issue you experienced? Theloamwolf seemed to have the same issue as me. Overall how do you compare the new to the old altitude for versatility and fun?

[@bryanwells3425]

So my new 24 altitude did the same thing, it was actually the Oneup post it's self, never have i ever seen a post rattle so bad, i swapped the post to another identical one up post and it is dead silent, seems the post bushings internally are inconsistant and some rattle bad at top out. if you post is quieter when the dropper is down vs up you can bet this is the issue. (speaking from a bike shop owners perspective) stick any other post in that bike :)

[@paull6678]

@@bryanwells3425 interesting how that happened with a one up post? on my bike it happens with the stock raceface turbine post as well as an aeffect post I tried sticking in. I guess any bushing rattle of different posts is amplified by the shape of the top tube on the bike and echos? ive tested alloy model 2024 altitudes with cheaper posts, and they dont have the rattle issue. Good to know that a different post solved your issue though. I guess I'll try another post and see if it fixes it.

[@casestudymtb]

I shared your love for the old Altitude, so I'm incredibly annoyed that you also like this one, I was hoping new bike day could wait a couple more years.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

LOL the old bike was AWESOME! I'll keep working on getting this new one dialed in stay tuned for more vids.

[@johncoons1666]

The old bike is awesome. I’ll never get rid of it.

[@jasonpatrickdeleon4701]

Can you review Dartmoor rocbird enduro frame thanks

[@djgolf3256]

I like the new suspension design a lot. Looks cool.

[@jeffschroeder8875]

I don’t understand that bottom bracket. Why are you tightening it and then installing the cups? None of my BSA threaded bottom brackets are like that. Oh dang. That’s a pivot point!?

[@daishiko8830]

Can you try the dartmoor blackbird its a budget enduro frame

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ah not really a thing here in the US, sorry mate!

[@MrSupermugen]

Not surprised they said about stiffness, The old bike struggled under heavier riders as it would blow up the shock bearings very easily.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Man, for me at 175lbs, it was fine, but definitely thanks for the feedback.

[@MrSupermugen]

@@JeffKendallWeed I used to only get 2-3 rides from a new before they blew up, tried new frames links etc for reference im about 100kg. They used to flex and destroy the bearings/shock bolts

[@felipebofarull7458]

Hey Jeff, nice videos! have you tried the new Giant Reign? the current version is next level! It would be a really good review comming from you

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Felipe! I rarely ever see Giant bikes, and almost never get asked about them, so I'm not tracking them too close. Crazy, but it's how things are here in the PNW!

[@felipebofarull7458]

You would really enjoy swinging a leg over one of the currenr models! Realy agile and fun while being a race bike🫡

[@thelastshadeofgrey]

Digging that thumbnail (left up corner) ;)

[@teddysnaps4786]

Sounded noisy, did you ever figure out what that was?

[@MrSupermugen]

want to get myself one of these

[@milktop1]

Rockies are too expensive. I don’t even consider them. It’s too bad because Ive always admired them from afar.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Same here, I had a dude who wanted to exchange his low spec 2003 slayer for my 2001 full xtr Kona hei hei, of course I said no. It's the closest I was to owning a Rocky Mountain, I leased and demoed a ton tho 😂

[@AndreasRavnestad]

What the hell. Where did the adjustability go? The previous Altitude was almost perfect. They just needed to change the BB to threaded and it would be the literally best frame on the market. This redesign was unessecary.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Trends, to make you buy another bike, why do you think the industry is switching back to high pivot, it's a déjà vu thing tbh

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's similarly adjustable, just only 2 positions instead of 3. I do wish there were still 2 chainstay lengths, but that's just me. Excited to shorten the reach, and use some taller bars!

[@ryanvdonk87]

how many swedish fish fit in the frame storage?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ryan asking the questions that really matter.

[@mt-wizard]

How much taller are Rocky Mountains now?

[@dash0173]

Compromises compromises. It’s really the bane of my existence in the mtb world. I just want a bike that’s 220mm but also has the ability to be a rigid gravel bike 😭 I’ve owned two bikes simultaneously and while it’s not the end of the world seeing one bike not get ridden as much, the hassle of simply owning two expensive bikes is just not worth it imo.

[@Matsuman_mtb]

Can u review da status 160?

[@windowshots]

It doesn’t seem to matter what bike you ride, you make them all look good.

[@Tequila628]

Prior Altitude us just visually beautiful, this one is ugly. And how am I supposed to tighten that main pivot in the field? Yikes! Seems to me that RM just went with the trend. Splendid riding as always, Jeff! 🌟

[@ethanrevitch]

Jeff, when will you review Forbidden Bikes?

[@Seebema]

Definitely solidified itself in the big rig category. New Instinct is closer to the last gen Altitude

[@JeffKendallWeed]

How so? It's same travel as the old one. Seat angle got a degree steeper, head angle 1 degree slacker, that's it. I do want an Instinct tho!

[@Slinkylinky179]

@@JeffKendallWeed It's hard to find an accurately labeled geo chart for the last gen alt, but it looks like hta is 1-1.5 degrees slacker and the wheelbase is something like 20-25mm longer. There are brands where that is the difference between their All-mountain and Enduro bikes. I think there has been a push for enduro bikes to get way bigger and burlier in the past 3 or 4 years. The original reviews for the current gen (probably not for long) specialized enduro called it a "mini dh bike" all the way on the far end of the category. Now, it's pretty middle of the pack, maybe even kind of steep at 63.9 hta in low bb mode. I think it also released when enduro bikes all came with 35/36mm stanchion forks which is pretty much never done in the long travel category now. I think there was a perception that the old Altitude was a little conservative in the geo or "versatile" (not enduro enough) and I do think they were trying to fight that perception here. That being said, I'd love to try either of them haha.

[@tynelson9003]

Great video!

[@aestheticsinger]

Headtube angle? Specialized?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah man, they use a similar head tube cup system on the Stumpy Evo.

[@notaTRDPro]

You sold me on the ‘22 Altitude, CF WR1/i9 Hydra wheelset, WTB rubber, etc.. stop making me buy so much stuff!!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha that is an AWESOME bike! Please ride it for many more years! I loved that bike for most near everything!

[@briancrumpacker]

This is NOT an all new suspension platform. This is a 2006 Rocky Mountain Slayer. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

LOL what?! It has NOTHING in common with the '06 Slayer- that was a single pivot! Sure, it had a linkage driving the shock, but they are vastly different. Same acronym somehow tho lol Read more here: www.pinkbike.com/news/bike-evolution-rocky-mountains-slayer-from-2001-to-today.html

[@almabatekert_villanykorte3387]

I always liked the old altitude,but this new versions seems like just another santa cruz knockoff with one extra overcomplicated thing added just for the sake of looking (and maybe riding) a bit different

[@finroddd]

definitely looks more interesting than the 2020 model.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha I LOVED That old model!

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome bike

[@theJoey851]

wow

[@TwoK24]

Wow

[@ExhumedToConsume]

When I grow up, I wanna ride like Jeff Kendall-Weed. Hell I am grown up, I just want to ride like Jeff Kendall-Weed.

[@razorree]

so every new version of every bike has more travel, now it's 170/160 ?? before it was Slayer territory

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's same travel as the old altitude. Seat angle got a degree steeper, head angle 1 degree slacker, that's it.

[@davidcrawford9421]

Better than the horstlink? Really?

[@MioRissolo]

suspension looks like a GT RTS to me...

[@Conkee1711]

I demand more wheelies.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh, stay tuned, I'm sure there will be plenty in the follow up vid!

[@alexgordon8277]

Ah no, loose bolts can be a pain in the butt!

[@mrpachuco696]

I like high bb bikes

[@cliffordrichardc]

Wish rm can shipping to hong Kong

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Find a freight forwarder, Cliff!

[@chefmarkkalix]

"So slack, it's unemployed "

[@paulthompson6357]

I LOL'd on that statement too. Jeff killing it with his grammatical genius.

[@roddas26]

No high pivot yay 😁

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahaha the Altitude PowerPlay is indeed a high pivot- so I was worried this would be too. Glad it isn't!

[@Boboo5]

Spiiiicy

[@toHelluRide]

VPP???

[@Jimbocalypse]

You’re insane at riding bikes. Geez

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Jim!

[@AverageJoe97]

Did Santa Cruz patent expire? I see RM is using SC pricing now. Bikes are too expensive now. No thanks.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yea the patent on counter rotating links is up.

[@kwic73]

2014 called, they want there paint back 😂

[@JeffKendallWeed]

2001 called, they said they want you to go back to their grammar school. (jk!)

[@jfergmma]

Boom roasted

[@bstevens7647]

I had a 2023 Rocky Mtn Altitude 4.0 . It required a lot more rider energy than a Brose, Bosch or Yamaha to get the most out of it. The biggest drawback was the battery charging system overcharged the battery and the battery exploded and burned everything in my garage to ashes. Rocky Mountain seemed to want to help, but in the end they just wanted to get the burned bike out of my possession and pretend it never happened. I feel a duty to warn potential buyers of the very real danger of keeping a Rocky Mountain bike indoors. The damage to my home and property is over 350k, and I am lucky to be alive. Don't take the risk with a Rocky Mountain E-MTB. It is not worth it.

[@MrSchuetzendorf]

I would have preferred hat the rider in this review was human.

[@rekamniar]

She is really beautiful. She needs a long term review with a motorcycle camping (wink wink)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

YES!!!! Thanks for all the comments over the years, btw!

[@boogiedownbronx73]

Its expensive

[@unkokusaiwa]

Don't buy online. Buy from a local shop. These videos are far less important than a local shop

[@EMTB17]

Counter rotating links 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@rustybunny351]

I’ve got a 2023 Rocky Mountain altitude and really confused on the way ride 9 can you inform me on how they affect the bikes feel

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I posted a full video trying all 9 positions. It’s just 3 geo settings and 3 suspension settings. I preferred middle geo, and more progressive suspension- but did remove a volume reducer first.