Rocky Mountain Altitude Alloy A70 1 Year Long Term Review

www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2603032/
After a year on the Rocky Mountain Altitude Alloy a70, here is my follow up review!
initial Altitude Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWXYgKqqgrprgJY&t=
Doing the Horsethief dropin on the Altitude: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6uXZY2farCtldE&t=
We rode the Whole Enchilada as part of my initial demo ride: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmjJh3-keJ6oiMk
Follow me on Instagram for more up to date #Sheynanigans !
thecrashingdad
The MRP Ribbon Coil fork i'm running: mrpbike.com/products/ribbon-coil-27-5
My pedaling innovations catalyst pedals: pedalinginnovations.com/
My Rev Grips: revgrips.com/
My bike:
www.bikes.com/en/bikes/altitude/2018
www.bikes.com/en/bikes/altitude/2019?tid=73

[@TheCrashingDad]

What wheel size do you prefer? What's the best all rounder bike? Alloy or Carbon? Shimano vs Sram? lol.... and the list goes on! hahaha

[@mtbboy1993]

What wheel size do you prefer? = I use 29er, and like it, but my bike is too short, I need a much longer bike(I hit the knees on the stop,fork,handlebar,shifter) for me 29er fits well, and 36 that would be for huge people. What's the best all rounder bike? = i don't know. that would be a light,stable,bike that fits well, which bike it is exactly I can't tell, it sure is not my 2014 Fuel ex. but I narrowed the list down to few bikes, as you might have seen on instagram. Alloy or Carbon? = alloy is less waste, easy to recycle. carbon is not, but only 800 bars I could get here in Norway at the time were green 20mm rise race face sixc35 bars, so that's what I went with. Shimano vs Sram definitely not the Sram rotors nor Sram brakes, cus they use Dot fluid. So Shimano it is, until I find something else that is better, but I am wearing out the piston seals so I have to deal with that again soon, but this time I have unused brakes, I recently had to swap brake, cus of huge bubbles and glazed pads., and inconsistent braking. so I will have to see if I get new set of seals or if they replace the whole brake. I still have the mechanical Trp brakes just in case, I run out of working brakes.

[@chumpmtb2554]

1) 27.5 (for now) 2) It doesn't exist 3) Carbon frame/Alloy wheels 4) Shim/Sram (In a perfect world, Shimano shifter and brake levers - Sram drivetrain)

[@TheCrashingDad]

Hey Johannes! yeah dude.. you've been hating your bike and shopping for a new bike for a LONG time! lol... WHEN are you going to pull the trigger!? and yeah.. my preferred setup is Shimano brakes and Sram shifting...

[@TheCrashingDad]

lol Chump MTB! XD i don't think it DOES exist!...there's ALWAYS give and take......

[@silentknight3279]

29 on hardtails and 27 on fully

[@joshuaarcher1337]

Great review! I believe I saw you with your group yesterday on Horse Thief drop, one guy conquered the sketchy drop on a hardtail, gave me hope. But now after this video, I’ll just be saving up for a good bike 😏 thanks for all the info

[@TheCrashingDad]

Lol 😂 even though I've cleaned it a handful of times... I STILL walk my bike down most of the time 🤷‍♂️😂🤦‍♂️ Great to run into you guys!

[@lost_in_the_woods]

I recently made the switch from 27.5 to 29! When I was getting back into mountain biking a year ago, I had the same original thoughts about 29 as you when I was demoing bikes - I found them much more difficult to handle, and didn't really like it. But after a year of riding and getting my bike handling skills back I test rode a 29er again and wow was I ever blown away. I got an Evil Offering & I've been absolutely loving it.

[@TheCrashingDad]

dude... the Offering is a SICK bike! congrats! *sorry for the late reply... for some reason i didn't get a notification for this......

[@TheCs1968]

I hope you demo a bunch of 29er bikes to see which you like best. Yumyum needs some competition. I loved watching your demos last year. It will be fun for us to see which you pick.

[@TheCrashingDad]

lol.. Yum Yum is AMAZING at what he does... haha... I'm going to try to get on as many as i can! cheers! Thanks!

[@238assante]

Nice input thanks. I'm looking for a new bike and was all about getting a 27.5 but in the past couple months in the back of my mind, the 29" is calling.

[@TheCrashingDad]

They're BOTH great 🤷‍♂️ personal preference... Hahaha As I push myself to go FASTER and faster.... 29 is the way I wanna go 🤘🏼🤷‍♂️

[@razmtb5028]

your right and on point thanks for sharing, nice review

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks Meister RA! some would say i'm right on point...others would say that this is all my own opinion! lol!

[@adammeade2300]

Right on, man. Been watching you vids for a while, since you first but plus tires on your hardtail. You've been very helpful. I came into MTB much like you. I used to do some MMA and boxing, but my aging body didn't care so much for being bludgeoned anymore. Was looking for a sport that I could age with. Being a country kid, MTB got me out in the woods...gave me cardio and exhilaration...and allowed me to tinker and nerd out on stats and gear. I got a pretty decent FS bike for my first steed...a 2017 Trek Fuel EX 29er. Turned out that I didn't care for the wagon wheels, though. Put some 27.5 x 2.6 Maxxis rubber on it and it feels much better. Still, I'm already pondering the day when I can get a better frame. Looked at Santa Cruz, EVIL, Pivot, Transition, Niner, Kona, etc. I do believe I'll be getting a Rocky Mountain frame when the time comes.

[@TheCrashingDad]

That's an awesome transition for your fuel ex to be able to run 27.5+ 🤘🏼 I go back an forth so much on small vs big wheels 😂🤦‍♂️ For bike park and jumping, I like small... For trail riding, I like big.... For super gnar and FAAAAST...I like big 😂 But I'm probably faster in my imagination than I am in real life... 🤷‍♂️ The Rocky Mountain bikes are awesome 🤷‍♂️ I'm also really eyeing that Ibis RipMo....🤤

[@bass-player.22]

I just watched your video were you had a cracked rib and you inspired me i'm healing from a cracked sternum and I wasn't sure about hitting the trails again but you may have changed my mind thanks

[@TheCrashingDad]

Uh..... I may have put myself into liability here 😂 I could still ride..but it hurt like hell anytime I moved, breathed, or was jarred by a trail bump 😬 Don't know if your doctor would recommend that! 🤣Check with her first 😬

[@jkamer2168]

How funny I used to get so annoyed with the 29er hate, glad you came around. Great long term review guy!

[@TheCrashingDad]

lol XD I don't know that I had a "hate".... I just jumped on the "make fun of 29er dudes" bandwagon, because it was funny.... hahah but there's no doubt of the benefits. Thanks!

[@craighorton3688]

I started very similarly to you and picked up a $300 Giant Rincon. A couple of full squish bikes later and I recently picked up a 2018 Rocky Mountain - Pipeline C50 and really like this bike. I like the adjust ability of the Ride 9 system and it had a great spec list from my perspective. It is so confidence inspiring on descents and corners - I have taken switchbacks that I could not on the previous bike (2013 Giant Trance x29). It's 27.5+ and I am liking the extra traction. Ride a ton of bikes and find the one you like best. Last year I tried over 20 bikes. The 29ers I liked best were the Pivot - Trail 429, Santa Cruz - Hightower, Kona - Satori, Specialized - Stumpjumper, and Rocky Mountain - Instinct. Upgrades on my bike were grips - Wolf Tooth Fat Paws, saddle - WTB Pure, clear frame protection tape, pedals - Shimano clips. Good luck on your decision.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks Craig Horton! - yeah... before I bought the Altitude I demo'd over 20 bikes too! lol..... now it's time to find the 29er hhahaha... that Trail 429 looks so awesome... I think the top contender that I'm going to be comparing everything to will be the Rocky Mountain Instinct... That Pipeline looks amazing... and it'd be great to have another wheelset to have the Instinct AND Pipeline!

[@yzedf]

Great review! I rented a Evil Offering, their 140mm 29er, while on vacation in Sedona. Such a fun bike, and more than enough bike for Hiline, but with the speed and agility to let it rip wherever I was riding. Plus you can have your threaded bb and lower standover height.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Yzedf - BAZINGA!... lol that Threaded BB and Standover attack! hhahahahaha the Offering looks amazing! I really like how the Evil platform feels... they do single pivot really well! ahhh… I LOVE Sedona.. and Hiline… such a great trail!

[@JakesBiking]

Great Chanel, just found it and I’m so glad I did.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks Jake! Hey! I haven't seen yours yet...I'll definitely check it out! 🤘🏼

[@JakesBiking]

The Crashing Dad Thanks🍻

[@followmylines]

I’ve got a couple 27.5ers, and a fat bike I have setup with 29+ tires. They’re ALL fun! Good luck with your decision.

[@TheCrashingDad]

The answer sounds like it's "more bikes... No matter what!" 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@Danimal_Mtb]

Buttz 😂 great video. I love how a 29er rides but I’m currently on a 26in hard tail with some narrow 27.5 wheels stuffed in the frame 😒 Hey it works and gets me out on the trail... just waiting on the new bike to roll in 🤘🏼😎

[@TheCrashingDad]

BUTTZ!!! lol! wow dude.... whatever gets you out on the trail is the BEST bike! and if that 26er -> 27.5 is getting you out... then that's awesome!... what's the max size tire that you can run? 2.25?

[@Danimal_Mtb]

The Crashing Dad it is a 2.25... when the tire is new I get frame rub on the seat stays for about 3 rides in 😂 but wheel flex is a whole other story 😒

[@BengLang84]

Standover height... The reason why I had to pick the stumpy. Thanks for the chat Sheyn! 😀

[@TheCrashingDad]

yeah.. if i would've put this video out before our chatting, we wouldn't have had that great chat! cheers Alvin!

[@BengLang84]

@@TheCrashingDad I love the Rocky mountain Altitude if not for the standover height. Well still thankful for the inputs you had shared to me. 😀 Excited for your new bike soon. Hehe

[@Hollywood8714]

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE THINKING 29er! What a sell out, what a conformist! What a great decision! I’m excited to see what you shred on next. Nice review, and great footage.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Always be a sell out! 😂

[@wasatchadventurer7227]

I was a rocky mountain 29er. But I went from a 2015 Giant Trance alloy 27.5 to a 2018 Norco Range carbon 29er. I like the feel of the 29er much better, feels more stable and definitely rolls over much easier. Although alittle slower up the climbs, the down hills are super fun! But going from a trail bike to an enduro bike made it much more fun. I used to ride downhill so the long travel 29er was the way to go for me. I can still climb decent on the uphill but get really rowdy on the descents. Lol

[@TheCrashingDad]

Wasatch Adventurer - yeah.. and i'm sure that you have totally gotten over the downside of uphill acceleration... the difference really isn't that much.... IMO haha

[@mtb_alan]

Thanks for the review Sheyn! Nice to get some insight into how you ride and how you set up your bike. 29er? Nothing wrong with it. I tried out the Scott Ransom and had a blast on that thing. Monster truck over the chunk but still really poppy somehow. I'm looking forward to seeing where you go and if you'll dig VPP compared to horselink. As a note: I rode my Bronson in the high position for a bit and dug it. It's in the low now (and prolly forever), but high was still solid.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks Alan 🤘🏼 I actually LOVE vpp - I think it naturally climbs a bit more efficiently because of the chain tension preventing the suspension from moving 🤷‍♂️ And the only real thing I noticed about vpp that I didn't like was my own fault and lack of technique... While going through a bumpy turn, if you apply brakes, vpp stutters a little bit... BUT I've since learned that I SHOULDN'T be braking in the middle of a turn 😂🤦‍♂️ And I've had problems with the "inchworming" effect while climbing... But that just happens when you don't say enough into vpp... So that's easily remedied... I guess I'm saying that with just about any bike, anyone can love it...and "problems" sometimes come down to "user error" 😂 (After the obvious travel and wheel size options/preferences are selected) Cheers!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Funny- I’m a guy that finds something I like and sticks with it. Not that I won’t try new things when I hear about them, but it better be damn good to get me to change. Got my 2019 Bronson set up just right for me (well except may switch to the Shimano 12 speed drivetrain in future- but that’s a luxury not a necessity) and I love it. Hoping to be able to ride this bike for a long time. I love the 27.5 2.6 150/160 setup. Big travel for big hits and gnarly terrain and drops, 27.5 makes it easier to maneuver and point and shoot, 2.6 gives me that extra traction and balance, while slack headtube descends and drops like a demon and steeper seattube allows me to pedal all day. Thought about a smaller travel 29er for my more mellow trails- like the Pivot Trail 429- but if I’m honest with myself I know I’ll just keep grabbing the Bronson. Maybe if I find myself out west permanently at some point and I’m hitting longer higher speed descents I may switch to 29er, but for me, for now, for trails I ride and what I’m doing, I love my ride. And that’s really what it’s all about right?

[@TheCrashingDad]

No. It's about always buying the latest and greatest... And having the best dentist/doctor bike...with horrible handling skills! "But it's got carbon wheels!" 😂 Lol.. I totally hear you... And I probably should just stick with it and be happy... And for all the same reasons you mention that you prefer 27, are the reasons that I didn't like 29 and favored 27..... But like I said.. as I push myself more in this desert chunk and grow my handling skills.... The less and less I see/feel the downsides...and the more I see the upsides to 29, 🤷‍♂️ Looks like I'm just trying to find an excuse to buy a new bike 😂 Make a whole video to justify a new purchase go my wife! 😂

[@dadventuretv2538]

The Crashing Dad LMAO. The best cure for the disease for me is that I know that if I were to even suggest buying another bike for a while I’ll be sleeping on the streets. I’ve seen your vids from when you started- your skills got better quickly- although hearing you’re former skater I’m not surprised. Amazing how anybody who has done bmx, freestyle, skate, snowboard picks up mountain biking quicker than on avg. But brother- road weenie in lycra- really??? Smh. Lol. My two cents- look into a bigger travel 29er- a 150mm or so. Like the new Megatower or the Pivot Firebird 29 and whatever the Ibis is- Ripmo? Or that new Fezzari La Sal Peak?. I think it will allow you to progress more. I don’t think a 130-140 29er is gonna do much for your progression, won’t be anymore playful and I think you might wind up feeling like you actually went down some from your current rig- or at most traded bags of sand. Whereas I think if you go 150-160 you’ll tackle even bigger stuff and go even faster. It’s about the only thing left for a bike to help you with your progression- you got the skills now to ride pretty much anything you want anywhere, don’t get too hung up on a bike or expect to radical a change in next bike switch like your last when you went from a HT to your Rocky Mountain. Now it’s really just more about finding a bike that just feels right for you. Re materials- I went carbon C on my Bronson- while not a drastic change it is notably stiffer feeling than alum- like every input is immediately transferred jnto action on the part of the bike.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks for keeping my feet on the ground while my head's in the clouds 😂 Yeah... The more I look, I think the lowest amount of travel I would go would be the 145mm of the Ibis RipMo...... 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@TrailDad]

Great review update 🤙🏽Got a 27.5 plus bike and am curious how slapping a 29 will feel.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks Dad! That's a great option to have! 2 wheel sizes! 🤘🏼

[@BigDescent]

I have both 27.5s and 29s on my Scott. Needless to say that the 29ers roll over gnarly stuff better; the 27.5s are more playful for me. The SC HT will be a good option to keep both wheel sizes ;-). Dude, great video review!

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks Big Descent! 🤘🏼yeah... I agree.. and I think it would be fun to have a short travel 27...and a long travel 29er... 🤷‍♂️ Sounds counterintuitive... But you get it! You get it... 😂

[@jakemtb674]

Nice review wew

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks Jake!🤘🏼

[@acfella100]

I almost sold my Rocky A50 but at the last moment I backed out of it. I love my Rocky...with that said I recently bought the new Giant Trance 29. It's truly a marvelous bike and I encourage you to try it. It feels like a long travel bike but is still lively and playful. I ride my Rocky out at South Mountain Natty and CDL and I've taken my Trance up to Sedona and rode Hogs and what not. They both have their place in my garage. Cheers buddy...

[@TheCrashingDad]

it's SO great to have both options! lol... i feel that way with my Smuggler, as a great pairing with the Altitude! and yeah.. something like the Trance is what i'm looking at getting.... OR something REAL long XD lol

[@acfella100]

@@TheCrashingDad actually I forget you had the Smuggler...similar to the Trance 29 so I'd get looking for something longer. I rode the Transition Sentinal. It was a pretty darn nice bike however I'm not sure I liked it more than my Rocky. Kinda why I bought the Trance. I've heard great things about the RipMo so it's likely you'd love it. As far as Carbon or Allow I buy Alloy since that's what I can afford...I am considering upgrading to carbon wheels. Now I much prefer Shimano brakes and shifting. I've got both drive trains and XT shifters with SLX or XT derailuers nice combo. Tho really appreciate the 50t Sram on my Trance. Choices choices...endless debate.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Carbon wheels will be awesome on an alloy frame 🤘🏼

[@Hotitalianman]

I want to buy an altitude A30. What do you think?

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@Hotitalianman - I think it's a great value 🤘🏼 but your best bet is to find a shop where it's already in stock.... Special ordering them takes forever from China... I know from first hand experience 😂

[@miself5709]

I had a 2019 Stumpy 29er...I loved the way it rode on the trail, BUT... with a 30" inseam, I couldn't adjust my riding style enough to keep the rear tire off my a$$ on steeps and occasional jumps, so I just ordered a 2019 Bronson Carbon R. Can't wait!

[@TheCrashingDad]

YEAH.. that is one thing that use to happen to me alot with 29.... AND it's one of the reasons i went with 27.5... dude.. you're going to LOVE the bronson! cheers!

[@miself5709]

Thanks man! I am pretty stoked! I look forward to seeing what you decide on and how you get along with a longer travel 29er. Either way I'm sure we will both be having a ton of fun!!

[@Shepski15]

I put a 27.5 on the back for DH laps to resolve that problem. 🤘

[@dadventuretv2538]

Mi Self if you are on facebook join the Bronson owner group. facebook.com/groups/727115730662608/?ref=share

[@povtrails1219]

Cannondale Trail 7 29er? I started on the same bike. Definitely more confident on a newer full sus with proper components. Great review!

[@TheCrashingDad]

@everyday Mountain Bike - yeah.... our trails are GNARLY! needless to say... I tried my best to have fun with that bike.... but you DEFINITELY get what you pay for! lol

[@rotorwind177]

I loved the instinct when I demo’d it at Sedona bike fest! Be interested to see what bike you choose. And yeah broken collarbone sucks. Did that on an ATV crash few years back! Cheers

[@TheCrashingDad]

It REALLY IS such a great bike... I got to ride it for a bit for the Fruita Fat Tire Fest... And ugh! ATV crashes seem like they would be BRUTAL!

[@rotorwind177]

The Crashing Dad only broke it in 5 places 😬😨

[@mtbboy1993]

A big con with high stand over height is popping my toes in place would be a struggle, but with mine it's not. So for me that's a must, but it should be anyway, for mountain bikers, but as long as it's not too high and effecting cornering, or techy sections, it's not a problem. on mines it's just so it's touching in the middle, which is fine, still enough room to move legs when cornering or doing wheelies, but I see the marks from knee guards hitting the All mountain style guard on the top tube.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Yeah... Honestly, I don't notice it 🤷‍♂️ But I can see how it's a big deal for people...

[@mtbboy1993]

@@TheCrashingDad as long as you won't be hanging of the top tube it's fine.

[@kingrat738]

29er FTW!!

[@TheCrashingDad]

👏 yes.... FT whole W 💪🏼😂

[@yuriboiblu]

love it! it is on the bike :-) 75%

[@TheCrashingDad]

🤘🏼

[@akammer1000]

Check out the Rocky Mountain Instinct 29. Similar geometry. I'm on a Rocky Alloy now and thinking about moving into the Instinct as well.

[@TheCrashingDad]

That one is intriguing me a ton! 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼

[@captaintraction4024]

Rocky Mountain baby...

[@TheCrashingDad]

🤫shhhhh.... Spoilers! 😂

[@danielnegru]

Cool bike 🚲

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks! 🤘🏼

[@JamesStoup]

The best bike is the one you're the most comfortable on :) But the latest crop of 29 are just so damn good.

[@TheCrashingDad]

True dat...to BOTH 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼 OR the most bike that you can afford.... As long as it gets you out and having fun 🤷‍♂️

[@50mtb44]

Nice review. Try the brand new Ibis Ripley - great geo - fun short/mid travel 29er.

[@TheCrashingDad]

that new Ripley looks SICK! *sorry for the late reply... for some reason i didn't get a notification for this........

[@raymondc9896]

About the Instinct: I think RM came up a bit short on versions of it. There's a big hole in the middle. They should have made a 140mm DPX2 rear and 150-160 fox 36 front version, that would have sold well. I started with the 140mm version then put a 160mm Ribbon coil on it then changed out the DPS for a 216x63 Cane Creek DB IL coil with an offset front bushing so it's like a slacker BC version and I find this perfect and the bottom bracket height is spot on.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Raymond... I've actually highly considered getting the 140/140 instinct and doing just what you did... Using the 140/140 for everyday trail riding... Then throwing a 160 MRP ribbon coil up front with an MRP Hazzard coil in the rear.... WhaBam! TWO bikes 😂🤷‍♂️

[@raymondc9896]

I was going to get a Hazzard but it wasn't out yet when I wanted one. As long as it holds together the little CK coil is really nice(and cheap). I've done maybe a thousand km on it and so far so good. The bike has done over 3k km without fault. I would an Instinct again tomorrow if this when missing.

[@MTBGarage]

I'll throw one wrench into the plan, while testing has been a bit limited, the SBG geo on the scout has a LOT of what 29 brings to the table without giving up much of the the 27.5ness? is that a word? The shop I demo'd the ripley from is loving the Rockys too, I'll be demo'ng one or two in a few weeks!

[@TheCrashingDad]

YEAH MikeRides MTB.... hmmmmmm…. that SBG is pretty awesome... Which also makes me curious about a 29er with the shorter offset, slacker HTA, steeper STA, and longer reach...………………

[@MTBGarage]

@@TheCrashingDad The Ripley and scout felt VERY similar, even with the Ripley being 1.5dg steeper, I think for what you want, the RipMO is MObetta though, the scout feels like 150 rear travel compared to how the 120 of the ripley felt.

[@huntstyle]

Squijjy! Great review! I just replaced my pressfit BB. Never had any creaks until the bearings were shot. Replacing it wasn't that hard. Getting the old one out was way harder than putting the new one in. That's... what... she... said??

[@mtbboy1993]

most creaking is either from bb bearings bearing worn out or the bearings moving due to bad tolerances, which happens a lot, even with carbon bikes, the reasons are mass-produced with bad manufacturing techniques, and bad quality control. for example two different sizes of hole in the bb shell, just slightly different is enough to cause creaking.

[@TheCrashingDad]

lol Matt! did you have to buy the tool to hammer out your bb bearings?

[@TheCrashingDad]

yeah... that's why i was looking at the Wheels MFG as a solution, IF that ended up being a problem... haha

[@mtbboy1993]

@@TheCrashingDad I had to, with SHimano BB that meant ddestroying hte BB, but I wanted direct mount chainring, and as abuse ready cranks as possible, so I went for Turbine then Tried Atlas, feels like good choice. but Race Face BB was junk, but Wheels manufacturing don't make bb92 30mm, so I I would go there now, I guess the new Shimano XTR cranks would be good option. I wanted to avoid bent spiders, twisted chainring. but the stock cranks were junk, even pedal fell off. but those were not xt or xtr, just m552, they were flexy too.

[@huntstyle]

@@TheCrashingDad yep, I sure did!

[@Shepski15]

SBG Smuggler... Then throw a 27.5 on the back for DH riding... I love mine with the @mrpbike Ribbon Coil!

[@TheCrashingDad]

I DO rather like my 2015 Smuggler 🤔🤘🏼

[@Shepski15]

@@TheCrashingDad you'll love the SBG 2018/2019! I have run it as Frankenwheeler on DH shuttle laps and it is so capable. 🍻

[@MN-ch7pc]

Well, I do ride Rocky Mountain Bikes since 1996 and still it means "love the ride" to me 😉 Since 1,5 year mine is the Altitude PowerPlay C70 and will not change the 27,5" in the feature. But at all the bikes you said I would prefer the Instinct C70 with Sram. So go and demo it...

[@TheCrashingDad]

DUUUUUDE Martin! the Powerplays are AMAAAAAAZING! i would totally do an ebike! and yeah.. i got my butt on an Instinct for the Fruita Fat Tire Fest... and LOVED it!

[@MN-ch7pc]

@@TheCrashingDad yep 😀 And my wife has a Turbo Levo women's hardtail, an my 8 year old twin boys got Propain Yuma's at Xmas. Go and visit Propain. German sender in the class of YT, mostly gravity bikes...🤩 Next Thursday Bike-Parks open around our place and we visit one together as family (regarding your Crashing Sister vid). Let them start early and have fun together as family 😄

[@TheCrashingDad]

THANK YOU! @@MN-ch7pc- i'll have to check that out! and yeah.. i'm TOTALLY excited to get on the trails with the kiddos!

[@coryd7762]

Cant believe it's been a year! I remember you still working on the hard tail. Weird. I'm sure weirder for you as I'm a complete stranger who watches you at night...on youtube.

[@TheCrashingDad]

i like to watch SO many people at night.................on youtube : |

[@teej0nine]

Thanks for your review. BTW you look like Corey Feldman

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks TJ 🤘🏼 And, I've heard that my whole life ,😂😂🤣

[@TrailBreaker]

I am absolutely, positively 100% a 27.5 and 29er rider. any questions?

[@TheCrashingDad]

Question: when is the 36er coming ? ;)

[@ryandury]

I recently got the A30 and love it. Coming from the Switch S1 this was a huge upgrade. I love how light it is and you're right, it's super playful. What would you suggest as a first upgrade for this humble model? I'm thinking the breaks but don't know what a step up from the stock would be. Thanks

[@TheCrashingDad]

You're PROBABLY right on the brakes... Those level T brakes aren't the best... But with that model, I'd just wait until you break stuff or wear out the drivetrain to replace things... Maybe an air shaft insert for the fork.. like the MRP ramp control... But then again, you could just do air tokens. Same with the shock... I'd upgrade your grips for sure 🤷‍♂️😂

[@ryandury]

@@TheCrashingDad Thanks! You're right, i'll prob wait till things break, but i have been thinking about adding some volume spacers for better shock progression. Appreciate the feedback!

[@azdirtlife4280]

I am waiting for 33 inch wheels to come out 😁. There is no denying that having more travel allows you to take really big features 🤷‍♂️. I tried to find squidgy in the dictionary, but couldn't find it 🤔. What's wrong with a broken collarbone?

[@TheCrashingDad]

i need to turn in a new word application to Websters XD lol

[@maxanderson7090]

Dang sorry about the rib! Hope it heals up quick! And thumbs up for 29 :)

[@TheCrashingDad]

Lol... Better the rib than something more serious 🤷‍♂️ was a good reminder to slow down a bit. And yeah... I'm drooling over your white Hightower 🤔🤘🏼

[@maxanderson7090]

Get yourself one! I'm sure OTE would get you a good deal! I think you'll like how 29 handles the Valley chunk

[@Cartsp70]

I tried the 29” megatower dude it’s amazing, no way does a 27-5” handle better than the 29” I tested the megatower it was AMAZING 😉

[@TheCrashingDad]

It totally seems like an all out race machine ! 🤘🏼

[@Cartsp70]

🤙🏿

[@Cartsp70]

The Crashing Dad mmmmm , I only tried on a trail with some small jumps but it’s a great trail bike , I hear the Yeti Sb150 is better though , best to demo the Yeti , they are ridiculous expensive tho dude like £7000 !

[@trailladymtb7700]

A good bike definately makes a more confident rider!

[@TheCrashingDad]

💯... But then when you're confident...can you take that confidence to bikes that aren't as "capable" or "aggressive" ? 🤔

[@trailladymtb7700]

@@TheCrashingDad Everything in moderation. Lol. Be Safe, Have Fun, Happy Trails! ☺️

[@marc-antoinemetivier2854]

The Altitude 2021 is now a 170mm front travel bike and is available in medium 29' ;)

[@TheCrashingDad]

It's ALOT of bike 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼 I think I might go for the more trail oriented 140/150 instinct 29er.. For 99% of my riding 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@marc-antoinemetivier2854]

@@TheCrashingDad Fair enough!

[@TheCrashingDad]

But don't let me deter you from getting an Enduro slaying machine! 😂🤘🏼

[@marc-antoinemetivier2854]

@@TheCrashingDad it's too late for that, my altitude is already preordered 😂

[@jonathanvasquez9604]

Instinct vs Altitude? Which do u prefer Sir? Planning to get one. Ty

[@TheCrashingDad]

It all comes down to wheel size choice 🤘🏼 Now that I want to go to 29 for racing/speed... I'll be choosing the Instinct 👍🏼probably bc edition.

[@nategentle6892]

Brand new diamondback release 29 135 rear 140 front alloy is a great option for you

[@TheCrashingDad]

I'd never considered Diamondback before.. mainly because it's been hard to demo one... but i'm going to be hitting the Outerbike demo events this year near me.... hmmmmmmmmm thanks!

[@davidhughes7856]

any reference material you can direct me to the dt swiss conversion you did and estimated cost it took you to do it? thanks also I agree as much as majority of it is the rider, having a properly equipped bike gives said ride more confidence to push their limits and expand their skill set.

[@TheCrashingDad]

David Hughes - this guy did a great vid on it 🤘🏼kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5C7oYWQeLGHjpY

[@TheCrashingDad]

David - I also think it was like $150-200.... The free hub itself is like $50... Then the 54t star ratchets are a hundred something 🤦‍♂️ but the 18 and 36t star ratchets are less... But I figured WHY GO LESS? 😂

[@davidhughes7856]

@@TheCrashingDad awesome thanks Sheyn

[@mikethadeeter]

Where’s the pink bike link?

[@TheCrashingDad]

It hasn't officially made it there yet - going to try to sell it locally first 🤷‍♂️😬

[@TrailBikeBebop]

Does it come with the MRP? 😉. I’m on the fence for wheel size on the next bike. Hope that rib is getting better

[@TheCrashingDad]

Lol... I definitely WILL be selling it with the MRP ribbon coil fork 🤘🏼 I might be putting the original handlebars, stem, and saddle back on it 🤷‍♂️

[@TrailBikeBebop]

Uh oh. I’ll get a hold of in a bit. 🤙

[@TheCrashingDad]

lol! XD

[@EverydayMTB]

Welcome to the cool kids (29er) club 😎 If you need a process 153 demo you know where to find me. 🤘

[@TheCrashingDad]

Lol Matt 😂

[@TheCrashingDad]

We'll see what I end up on 🤷‍♂️

[@DougA597]

Do yourself a favor. Take a peek at the Spot Mayhem. I ended up with the Rollick 150 after being at least a skeptic. I'm amazed at how legit the living link platform is.

[@TheCrashingDad]

I've heard ALOT of great things about the Spots! 🤘🏼 Thanks!

[@mtnbikon391]

Rule number 1: Have fun. Rule number 2: Ride hard. Rule number 3: try new things. Follow these rules and you will have a ton of fun!!!

[@TheCrashingDad]

Rule 1+2+3= periodic crashes and injury 😂🤘🏼

[@curtisjones1137]

What did you do to swap the 3 paw system for the ratchet system? Love this vids man. Hope to run into you some day. I’m on a 2018 rocky instinct BC REGARDS

[@TheCrashingDad]

Curtis - the 3 pawl system only engaged 18 times for every 360° turn of the wheel... The 1st advantage, is that the star ratchets give 54 times of engagement for every turn... But ALSO (the best part) is that it engages on ALL 54 points.... Not just 3. So the whole load of your power output is distributed way more evenly...across an interface that is SO easy to maintain.... There are ALOT less moving parts (no springs for the pawls)... You love that instinct bc ?

[@curtisjones1137]

@@TheCrashingDad The BC is great. I'm 6'3 so I'm on an xl. I probably need to ride a few other long travel 29ers to have something to compare it to. I went from a 110 mm xc bike to this. This bike has given me way more confidence in the ruff stuff. I want to get up to grand junction and ride up there at some point. Was there a conversion kit to make the switch to the ratchet system? Regards

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@curtisjones1137 I also wonder how much you "give up" on the climbs (if any) to the regular instinct.... My bike shop, over the edge, did the conversion for the free hub body 🤷‍♂️

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@curtisjones1137 - but I think there IS one that you can buy,.... I just had the experts do it 🤷‍♂️😂🤦‍♂️

[@curtisjones1137]

@@TheCrashingDad I had the 140 f/r instinct first, then added the fox 36 to 160mm and the dpx2 155mm rear after the fact. With the carbon wheels I have the bike came in at just over 30 lbs vs the just under 30 lbs before any changes. I think the bike feels the best in the longer travel setup. I do use the climb switch on long smooth climbs and just open on ruff climbs. It feels like it did in the steep position most of the time but when you get into ruff stuff it gets a bit deeper in the travel it feels more like the neutral to slacker ride nine adjustment setting. You do lose the ride nine adjustment with the longer rear shock. thanks for the info on the hub upgrade.

[@chumpmtb2554]

I should buy your bike.. I ride 150/160, 27.5. I use RevGrips. I ride an Ergon saddle.. It's the perfect bike for me, aside from the fact that I already have the '19 Bronson, haha! I'm thinking about making the jump to wagon wheels myself. At 5'8" I've never really considered it, BUT (all the things you said). However, I'm going to keep the Bronson for the gnar trails and park and look for a 120/140mm 29er for my more everyday, pedally stuff. Maybe the new Ripley, Trance 29, or regular Hightower..

[@TheCrashingDad]

lol Chump MTB! yeah... i'm currently set up that way with the Altitude and the Smuggler (115/130 29er).... and i'm starting to lean toward wanting a short travel 27.5 for a fun flickable trail bike.. and a long travel 29er for big chunk/park days... hahaha! counter intuitive AND opposite of what i currently have.. lol! I'm 5'9" with a really short inseam... and yeah, i didn't really like 29ers at first because they felt so huge underneath me... but as i became a "better" rider, all that has gone away... (now i'm being redundant..lol)

[@chumpmtb2554]

You're right.. I'm going to need to add a 5010 and a Ripmo to my stable after I pick up the Ripley. Gotta be prepared for anything, haha..

[@TheCrashingDad]

Chump MTB - hahaha.... wouldn't it be nice ;)

[@dadventuretv2538]

Chump MTB check out Pivot Trail 429 too. I demoed it and was really impresssed.

[@chumpmtb2554]

@@dadventuretv2538: I have definitely heard good things about that bike :)

[@themiddleagemasher8108]

Same boat man. I have the 140/120 Smuggler and a 170/160 Commencial Meta 27.5. Hummmmmm

[@TheCrashingDad]

Middle Aged Masher - do i DARE say that I would love a short travel 27.5 trail bike, and a long travel 29er enduro bike? lol

[@bokiker2079]

get the instinct dude!

[@TheCrashingDad]

🤔 hmmm.... Ok! 😂

[@captaintraction4024]

Bc edition

[@fromxctoletssee]

nice man.i am looking at a second hand altitude carbon. Have you ever thought about changing the front to a 29. put in a 140mm 29 fork change the linkage at the back and off you go. the enduro guys are doing that now.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Interesting...what would you change the linkage in the back to? I've thought about putting a 150 29 up front...🤔

[@fromxctoletssee]

@@TheCrashingDad well u see the moment u change the front you will lift the BB. some people dont like it. so if you go 29 then 150 front wont your BB height lift a lot. thats why if you could drop you linkage as much as u you can when u make the change so that there wont be a massive change

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@fromxctoletssee OH, you mean just the ride 9? Yeah... I mess with that all the time 🤷‍♂️😂 And yeah.... It's tough, because you end up with a bike that's not really balanced... 150 rear, 130 front..... It's probably much better done on a 130/150 27.5 bike.... That way your axle to crown measurement remains the same when you put in the 130mm 29er front end.... And you end up with a more balanced bike 130/130.... BUT .... I would imagine that I wouldn't be thinking so much about the "ups" if I made that change.... It would be all about the "downs" 😂 🤘🏼

[@fromxctoletssee]

@@TheCrashingDad yea creating a jekyll and hyde bike will only be for the DH's. i cant imagine a bike like that will be fun on the up hills and all day riding. I have been playing with the idea but end of the day i spend up to 5 hours a day on the weekend on the bike. weekdays 3-4 hours 3 days a week. for that i need a bike that can pedal well up hill and smesh it on the down hills.

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@fromxctoletssee wow...I envy that kind of ride time! 🤘🏼 Yeah... You need an all day everything shredder 🤷‍♂️

[@BengLang84]

I think you are going with the Megatower 😀

[@TheCrashingDad]

lol.... that's a possibility!

[@BengLang84]

@@TheCrashingDad whatever it would be it is for sure a great bike 😀

[@BrianVaughn]

Those 30mm internal rims should be mandatory on bikes. Those wide rims make a big difference in confidence.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Seriously! I was thinking my whole rear end was LOOSE! 😂🤦‍♂️

[@BrianVaughn]

@@TheCrashingDad I've been known to have that problem.

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@BrianVaughn 😐🤔😂🤦‍♂️

[@TheArsenalGoonship]

29er. Ibis Ripmo or new SC Hightower!

[@TheCrashingDad]

DUUUUUDE... BOTH of those bikes would be AMAZING 🤩

[@tomchase2954]

Awesome review. How tall are you? I'm trying to decide between a small and medium. Thanks!

[@TheCrashingDad]

I'm 5'9" when my spine is straight and uncompressed 😂 But my legs BARELY fit with the 150mm seatpost slammed all the way in...

[@tomchase2954]

Thanks. I'm 5'6" so I guess I'd need a small.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Depends on your legs... Alot of people don't have the short leg/long-torso issue that I do...🤷‍♂️ I know some 5'4-8" people that can ride a medium.... I'd try them out if you get a chance to demo 🤘🏼

[@erbspalsey]

I'm 5'7" and I just bought the a70, I demoed both the small and medium. On tight tech turns, the bars hit my knees on the small (especially if I was on the seat nose for climbing). At my height and shoulder width, I'll cut off a few centimeters of the bars which will make the reach on the medium feel more comfortable. The standover is the same on all models and is measured without any sag,and is fine with my usual pant inseam length of 30". I went with the medium and am super happy (my last ride was a small giant anthem sx)

[@stevenjam7119]

Opinion...RM Instinct BC Edition Alloy50 $4700cad OTD, Trek Slash 8 $4599cad plus tax? Im 6'6 so lookin at 29ers, hows RM as a brand to deal with and reliability/durability?

[@TheCrashingDad]

That's an easy one for me... The Rocky all day over the Trek 🤷‍♂️ BUUUUT that's MY opinion 😂 I hate the kinks that trek puts on their seattubes... Can't get looooong droppers in there 🤦‍♂️ As far as Rocky as a brand... I haven't had any problems where I would need to deal with them... But the local rep is an awesome dude..and I think it mainly comes down to the bike shop, and how much they stand beside you... Especially if they'd need to go to bat for you. For me, it's the bike shop that makes the biggest difference 🤷‍♂️ Have you ridden both? I'd start there... 🤷‍♂️ Nowadays, you could almost pick your favorite brand, favorite color, wheel size, size.... And be happy 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼

[@stevenjam7119]

@@TheCrashingDad ive ridden the slash 8 and only the regular instinct carbon 70 both in a large which is a size too small im 6'6 so xl demos dont exist where i live lol. My LBS offered me that bc edition deal and it seems pretty damn solid for price to spec wise and cheaper than any bike after tax with similar specs

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@stevenjam7119 sounds like they like might stand behind their bike too ? 🤷‍♂️🤘🏼

[@Strider362]

instinct BC edition!

[@TheCrashingDad]

🤔.... OK! 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼 It would be nice to have a big ole bike that doesn't have a limit.... To let me find mine 🤷‍♂️

[@OutdoorGold]

First!!!! Again 🏆

[@TheCrashingDad]

SECOND!...again 😥

[@OutdoorGold]

Better luck next time!

[@chuckfinley3152]

Did you see the punters crash yet?!?!?!? CRIKEY!

[@TheCrashingDad]

CRIKEY, INDEED! 😂 First thing I did was take his post and put it in my Instagram stories with "is it you? Is it me?......." 😂 It's at least worth 7 weeks of a JOTW nomination 🤔

[@chuckfinley3152]

The Crashing Dad lol glad he’s ok, but daaaaaauuuuuum, I thought about asking BCpov if we could name the drop after him, something Australian lol or even better let Daily name it cause he will have no mercy lololol

[@chuckfinley3152]

The Crashing Dad I tried looking but couldn’t find it, my dubious past prevents me from creating an instagram account without buying a new device and hacking the neighbors wifi lol

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@chuckfinley3152 lol... My Instagram handle is "thecrashingdad" 🤷‍♂️ it's not private...so you should be able to see my account .... And it's in my stories...they disappear after 24 hours..

[@jonathanvasquez9604]

Still available? Ty

[@TheCrashingDad]

Yeah - trying to sell locally 🤘🏼 Western Slope or Moab, Utah [e-mail]

[@jonathanvasquez9604]

How much are u selling it? Ty

[@TheCrashingDad]

I haven't decided yet... I need to service and fix a few things on it first... Then I was probably going to ask my buddy, Outdoor Gold, for some help on the sale 🤷‍♂️ I didn't really intend on trying to sell it with this video, but people are already asking 😂🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@mtbyumyum]

get the Ibis Ripmo dood!

[@TheCrashingDad]

Jason... i've been drooling ALLL over that bike at my LBS... the saliva has probably decreased the value.....

[@mtbyumyum]

@@TheCrashingDad I've wanted a ripmo for almost a year now... just never had space for it in the quiver... I ordered one 3 days ago hahaha should be here Wednesday next week!

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@mtbyumyum - I've seen your bike room....🤔 It can TOTALLY take like 10 more bikes!

[@Cartsp70]

The Crashing Dad New Sub 👍🏽👍🏽

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@Cartsp70 thanks Paul! Welcome aboard! 🤘🏼

[@kipmadsen6292]

What happened to the instinct?

[@TheCrashingDad]

This was the bike I had BEFORE I picked up the Instinct BC 🤘🏼 This vid is at least a year old 🤔

[@msc9374]

So are you riding a 27.5 or 29er ?

[@TheCrashingDad]

MSC - I'm now on 29 🤘🏼

[@msc9374]

The Crashing Dad How was the transition from 27.5? And I don’t know which to go with 29 or or 27.5

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@msc9374 - the more comfortable I got with my bike handling skills, the less awkward 29ers got.... Granted, bike Geo still is King... But all I see are the benefits now.... I still like 27.5 if I'm in the air though....... Bike park stuff ... BUT I'm sure that as I get better in the air, the more I'll get used to 29. It's all personal preference.... For something that feels more controllable and maneuverable - maybe 27 is the way to go... For all out speed and rollover...29...🤷‍♂️ Try a bunch of both, and let your heart decide 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼

[@raphaelcruise9807]

i came from a 29er to 27.5 and I'm not going back 27.5 is the way for me

[@TheCrashingDad]

i wonder if everyone switches from what they originally started on ;) lol....... actually i started on 29..... then 27+....then 27... and now i'm going back to wagon wheels! hahahaha

[@raphaelcruise9807]

I don't know bro I'm 5'5 in hight and I found 27.5 to be a nimble and playful bike I enjoyed it I just feel more at home corners well, stops well and accelerates well after cooking from a back to back switch and seems I can throw it easy to be honest 27.5 is a balance of 26 and 29 so you get both advantage of them with a really small disadvantages but at the end of the day it comes from the riders what he wants and loves we all go biking because we want to be happy and to have fun and that's why I have 27.5

[@TheCrashingDad]

OH YEAH.. it's totally what feels best for YOU, your trails, your style...etc Raphael Hokage! I guess you could call ALL of our reviews "opinion pieces" hahaha

[@MTBFlowRider]

Don’t you already have a 29er? Transition Smuggler? 🤷‍♂️

[@TheCrashingDad]

heck yes I do!... it's 115/130mm.... and i'm thinking i want to go with a bit more squish... and carbon... lol! hahahaha Dare i say that i'm feeling a short travel 27.5 and a long travel 29er? hahaha counter intuitivve, i know...

[@MTBFlowRider]

Nice! Ripmo is calling your name.

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@MTBFlowRider lol... MAYBE!

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

Great review. 29'ers? Ugh.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Thanks!... Yeah... Ugh 🤦‍♂️😂

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Dagnabet! Now I have to hate on you! (Ignore the fact that I have both wheel sizes)

[@TheCrashingDad]

😘my🍑 Lol😂 They really are BOTH great 🤷‍♂️ I'm almost thinking I prefer (if I could have two bikes)... A short to mid travel 27.5 ... And a mid to long travel 29er....🤔

[@marvinmarket1213]

sounds just like me, saving up for better bike currently, since i just broke a collar bone Why not invest in a GNARly bike that i can do even crazier things on.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Lol 😂 just when you think you've found your limit... You find a bike that helps you dig deep to push past it! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼😂

[@silentknight3279]

I like 29 wheels on hardtails and 27s on fully

[@TheCrashingDad]

@John Spartan - that's definitely a good baseline!

[@xxzmk]

Who knows maybe you will have both 27,5 and 29

[@TheCrashingDad]

Vaphyr.... it's funny... right now i have a short travel 29er, and a long travel 27.5.... and now i'm kinda wanting a short travel 27.5 and a long travel 29er.... XD I think i need a deeper wallet, and a bigger garage!

[@xxzmk]

The Crashing Dad yeah the wallet and the prices are always the biggest enemies. I myself cant afford a trail bike due to me being a student. I have a 27,5 short travel xc bike.

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@xxzmk but you HAVE a bike 🤘🏼 no matter what kind... It gets you out! 👍🏼

[@PaulThePunter]

Get a Scott genius.

[@TheCrashingDad]

Drop Scott my address ;)

[@mc540flip]

You’ll be faster on the 29er!

[@TheCrashingDad]

i'm ALREADY feeling it on the short travel 29er Smuggler (my 2nd bike)!..... i'm addicted! lol

[@mc540flip]

The Crashing Dad BTW I also came from skateboarding. I’ve been riding for 5 years now and absolutely love it!

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@mc540flip do you ever wish that you did BMX instead? 😂 Sometimes I do... But I remember the skatepark turf wars..... 😬

[@mc540flip]

The Crashing Dad I’m stoked I skated then discovered cycling because I feel I got the best of both worlds. But I do ride with bmx guys and they rip, so maybe a little.

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@mc540flip lol... My ankles (and all the ripped tendons and broken bones) wished they didn't skate 😂🤦‍♂️

[@UnprofessionalKyle]

29? Twentyy niiinee???? Shame on you!!! We must stay with the old, damn that progression! But not as far back as 26. (Sarcasm - I really don't care)

[@TheCrashingDad]

I'll take the Sheyn-Shame 🤷‍♂️😂

[@UnprofessionalKyle]

@@TheCrashingDad Sheyme on youuuuu!!

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@UnprofessionalKyle hahahaha 😂 Oh yeah... BTW we named you guys "Kytney" 😎

[@UnprofessionalKyle]

@@TheCrashingDad that gives me an idea for an anniversary gift.... A knee-kite. Kite that looks like a knee. I'll have to explain the joke to an emotionless reaction, but it'll be good for me!

[@TheCrashingDad]

@@UnprofessionalKyle sounds like a great "Kyle-Move" 😂