Rocky Horror Bicycle Show [Archive]

rockyrider

12-07-2007, 01:52 AM

So the one member of my red/white Rocky family that I haven't really paraded out and about is the 2007 ETSX Team. I had acquired a 2007 ETSX 70 in February to replace my 2004 ETSX 70. The carbon swingarm was the big factor in that upgrade decision. That bike was a huge improvement over the 2004 ETSX, better geometry, stiffer rear end, longer travel shock for more bottomless ride.

Anyway, I was quite happy with the ETSX 70 and then those cursed fellows at my LBS (http://www.differentbikes.ca) tempted me with the last available ETSX Team bikes in red/white in my size, matching my Vertex Team (http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14199).

At the same time I came across someone who was looking for a 2007 ETSX 70 but they were sold out of his size until the 2008 models went into production (and he didn't like the 2008 colours). Some deals were made and some money changed hands, my 2007 ETSX 70 found a new home and I took delivery of the ETSX Team.

The Team has a scandium tubed front end and full XTR kit (I tried the X-0 kit off my ETSX 70 briefly - shown in picture), Mavic SLR wheels and all the groovy Race Face carbon bars and seat post. With the TALAS fork it weighs 26.5 pounds, with the Marzocchi XC700 it's 26.1 pounds. That's almost 2.5 pounds lighter than the ETSX 70. 2007 was the last year for the ETSX Team, it tops out at the 70 model.

That 2.5 pounds really does make a noticeable difference, the bike is really snappy feeling, and has the same 4"/4.5"/5" travel adjustability. For those XC trails that don't warrant the big hit capability of the Slayer SXC, the ETSX is terrif. So far the Mavic SLR wheels feel much better than the Crossmax XL's I had.

One of the reasons it has such a unique ride quality is the shock leverage ratio. It feels like it drives the rear wheel down into the ground on rough climbs. The front wheel almost feels like it hovers without feeling wheelie prone. The bike is comfortable and very efficient feeling to ride.

Spalls

12-07-2007, 02:22 AM

Thanks for the update, Rocky! So, how often have you caught a shin on the end of pedal when you head to the bathroom in the middle of the night?

rockyrider

12-07-2007, 08:56 AM

Never, I alway get out of the bed on the camera side. :D

I should put a couple of earthquake restraints on the top two bikes, just in case the promised big one happens one night.

bitterfish26

12-07-2007, 09:53 AM

ha wow sweet stuff and do the bike hangers/holders double as poles for thoes wild nights?

rockyrider

12-07-2007, 09:58 AM

I suppose they could, but they're awful close to the wall.

As I like to say, riding bikes gets me through times of no sex better than sex gets me through times of no bike riding.

Lars Kroll

12-07-2007, 12:04 PM

Hi
Good one about sex and biking.

Any feelings about Rocky Mountain breaking with Ritchie Schley ? - I do not know him, but he appears to be a cool and pleasant person. I saw his new brand (Rotwild) up close in Austria this summer, they`re pretty nice too.

It`s always a pleasure to follow your threads.

rockyrider

12-07-2007, 12:17 PM

I suspect that Richie was expanding his horizons beyond just freeride and DH biking, especially with the work he'd done on trail development at Whistler. Everyone needs to change it up once in a while just to keep it fresh, he'd been with Rocky a long time.

Thanks, I like leaving the threads laying around, it's the only way I find my way back home. :D

ironspoke

12-07-2007, 03:05 PM

Rocky,

A few questions that some of my fellow forum members may be curious about:

1.) Does your LBS figure their inventory and sales projections based on what you forecast at the beginning of the fiscal year?

2.) Have you considered the IF or Moots products they also sell?

3.) Does RockyMountain always offer the red/white color combo? I mean I know its on the flag and such.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael: I don't know anyone who could get through the day without two or three juicy rationalizations. They're more important than sex.
Sam Weber: Ah, come on. Nothing's more important than sex.
Michael: Oh yeah? Ever gone a week without a rationalization?

"The Big Chill"

rockyrider

12-07-2007, 03:47 PM

1) They claim that their winter vacation profit margin hinges on me, but I don't believe that. I bought my 2006 Slayer from them a week before they opened to the public. One of the owners used to work at Deep Cove bikes and I bought my first Rocky Vertex frame from him back in 2000. They keep trying to get me to buy a road bike :rolleyes:

2) I've looked at some of the IF and Moots frames that have come through their shop, very nice, and if I was going to buy Ti, it might be one of those.

3) The Team bikes are always red/white these days. The one exception was the bike that Marie-Helene ran in 2006 which was silver/red to celebrate Rocky's 25th anniversary (and it was ridden by an Olympic silver medal winner).

ironspoke

12-07-2007, 05:55 PM

3) The Team bikes are always red/white these days. The one exception was the bike that Marie-Helene ran in 2006 which was silver/red to celebrate Rocky's 25th anniversary (and it was ridden by an Olympic silver medal winner).

Hmmmmm....sounds extremely poetic. Some marketing professional scored with that one as I know I will certainly remember it.

rockyrider

12-07-2007, 06:30 PM

It's very apparent that Rocky acknowledges Marie's successes. Having seen the Quebec crowd reaction at the World Cup races at Mont Sainte Anne and St.Felicien this summer, I suspect that Rocky's bike sales must have shot through the roof in Quebec since they brought her onto the Rocky team in 2004.

They had that silver/red bike on display in the Rocky tent, along with her Olympic silver medal and the silver plated bike shoes that Shimano gave her for winning the silver in Athens. I don't think Angelina Jolie would have drawn the crowd that Marie had for autographs at those 2 Quebec WC races this summer, especially after she won the race at Mont Sainte Anne in 2005 and 2006.

Mo0se

12-08-2007, 01:34 AM

Girls R0ck!

Angelina is soo00 friggin hawt!
But you know that girl in the pics
smile is not an act.

:)

rockyrider

12-08-2007, 01:57 AM

S'truth. That's the most contagious smile in our country. Luckily the Canadian Cyclist website has a gazillion race pics. :D

1mystk

12-08-2007, 03:35 PM

S'truth. That's the most contagious smile in our country. Luckily the Canadian Cyclist website has a gazillion race pics. :D

damninit Rocky :rolleyes:...now I'm going to be smiling all day... :D

rockyrider

12-10-2007, 12:33 PM

Rocky,

3.) Does RockyMountain always offer the red/white color combo? I mean I know its on the flag and such.

Just to followup on this question and be thorough, the T.O. (Team Only) or TSc (Team Scandium) frames have been mostly red/white since 1998.

19437
1998 Vertex T.O.

Prior to that the T.O. bikes tended to yellow/red (the RM corporate colours) or white with a few red or blue maple leafs on the bike.

19444
1996 Vertex T.O.

They reverted back to the solid white with a few maple leafs in 2001, but since then the Team bikes have stuck with the red/white (and always with red at the front)

19445
2001 Vertex TSc

19446
2002 Vertex TSc

:D

50 Mission Cap

12-11-2007, 01:42 PM

S'truth. That's the most contagious smile in our country. Luckily the Canadian Cyclist website has a gazillion race pics. :D

Let there be no mistake,

French Canadian women are the hottest in the world. The Cap has been a few places in his life - south america, southern europe, the caribbean, scandinavia, and of course the province of Quebec. Hands ****ing down the most gorgeous women I have ever seen - besides my wife.

rockyrider

12-11-2007, 02:22 PM

A Quebecoise gal on a BC built bike certainly does make a smokin' hot combo on the race course. :D She's been on the WC podium pretty consistently since 2004 and she has been the Canadian National Champion every year since 2003.

Canada Cup races are run with elite men and women on the course at the same time, the women start 2 minutes behind the men. Marie-Helene will normally pass between 1/3 - 1/2 the elite men's field by the time the women's race is over (typically 4 laps to the men's 5 laps). If the women ran the full 5 laps she'd likely be in the top 5 overall. :cool: In the post-race interviews she always comments on how the elite men backmarkers slow her down and make it hard to pass.

In the first Canada Cup race of 2007 she was 9 minutes ahead of the second place woman rider. In the second CC race she was only 3 minutes ahead of 2nd place rider because it was a bit rainy and she had a WC race the following weekend so there was no point taking risks. :D

When I was in Quebec at the WC races (http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14530) this past summer I was struck by the sheer number of attractive women (and also by the tremendous percentage of pregnant women). I suspect the two might be related. I'd have to agree with 50 and I've been a Westerner all my life. ;)

real_ss_budgie

12-11-2007, 07:24 PM

Let there be no mistake,

French Canadian women are the hottest in the world. The Cap has been a few places in his life - south america, southern europe, the caribbean, scandinavia, and of course the province of Quebec. Hands ****ing down the most gorgeous women I have ever seen - besides my wife.

yeah but you aint been to adelaide mate......

Hand/of/Midas

12-12-2007, 12:49 AM

Let there be no mistake,

French Canadian women are the hottest in the world. Hands ****ing down the most gorgeous women I have ever seen - besides my wife.

agreed, my girl is french canadian, and gorgeous, and when i named off all the riding towns in canada it turned out she's got family at them all, time to meet the family! with bikes in tow!

rockyrider

12-12-2007, 01:17 AM

agreed, my girl is french canadian, and gorgeous, and when i named off all the riding towns in canada it turned out she's got family at them all, time to meet the family! with bikes in tow!I can highly recommend making the trip to Mont Sainte Anne for the WC weekend (July 26-27, 2008) and then spend another week there riding the XC and lift assist trails.

And then you could make the trek 300km north to St.Felicien, lots of great trails with a good variety but no decent rental bikes, bring your own.

Mo0se

12-12-2007, 12:19 PM

In the heat of the summer.. Rapture in Misery Race. :)

19488

19489

rockyrider

01-21-2008, 06:17 PM

and now for something a bit more goth...

I may retire my 2000 Vertex frame in favour of something new that I acquired.

RepublicanSS

01-21-2008, 10:02 PM

I don't see any red? I give credit to Canada, they gave Rocky Mountain Bikes and Labrador Retrievers.:D

and now for something a bit more goth...

I may retire my 2000 Vertex frame in favour of something new that I acquired.

rockyrider

01-21-2008, 11:05 PM

Hence the Goth version... ;)

Or possibly I'm just trying to prove Paul Simon wrong

"everything looks WORSE in black and white"

Ha, I say!

robcycle

01-21-2008, 11:40 PM

Scotch tape? :confused:

-Rob.

rockyrider

01-21-2008, 11:44 PM

Scotch tape? :confused:

-Rob.Nah, 3M is Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. No Canadian connection there (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_Tape)

Canadians did invent Basketball.

RepublicanSS

01-22-2008, 10:53 AM

is the black raw carbon? like my cervelo' the carbon is not woven and the bike appears black. Canada gave us Cervelo's too.

labrador retrievers
Cervelo's
Rocky Mountain Bikes
Basketball?

I take back anything derogatory I've ever said about Canada, though I don't want Canadian Healthcare.;)

K-Man

01-22-2008, 11:04 AM

Their 'ockey gene pool is deep, eh?

rockyrider

01-22-2008, 11:12 AM

is the black raw carbon? like my cervelo' the carbon is not woven and the bike appears black. Canada gave us Cervelo's too.
Yep, black raw carbon monostay rear end. They used an almost identical rear end on the Rocky road bike frames a few years ago. We'll see how it rides. If I like the way this frame rides, all that carbon may set the tone for the direction the bike will go for kit... hmmmm... A DT Swiss front fork and a Race Face Next carbon crankset?

phlatlander

01-22-2008, 11:39 AM

What's next, Rocky?
20701

rockyrider

01-22-2008, 11:59 AM

My LBS keeps trying to entice with those skinny tire thingies, but that's a whole different hobby. I have no parts other than saddles that fit.

And even though one of the guys at my LBS has been riding the gnarly Bridle Path XC trail on his cross bike in preparation for racing Test of Metal on a cross bike, I am not convinced of the advantage of having a road bike where I can ride off road 12 months a year.

phlatlander

01-22-2008, 12:40 PM

robcycle

01-22-2008, 03:42 PM

... I am not convinced of the advantage of having a road bike where I can ride off road 12 months a year.It isn't necessarily an advantage, just another way to enjoy cycling. Like singlespeding. It makes your old trails new again. Well, road cycling offers a completely different set of challenges, some of which will transfer over to the dirty bike. And it sure is funny to be riding with some roadies, watch them swerve like lunatics around it, and point at it. Then you careen through it, or bunnyhop it and they just don't know what to think :eek:

And skinny tires on dirt? Man, I love it :cool:

-Rob.

RepublicanSS

01-22-2008, 10:23 PM

I agree, I ride a Cervelo' Soloist Carbon Dura ace model. I rode it 40 miles this afternoon (closed up shop a little early:D) with my friend that races elite cross country.

Road riding is a blast too. Rocky the Cervelo' is Canadian also, great fun you should try it.

RepublicanSS

01-22-2008, 10:25 PM

That's a cool road bike. My Cervelo' has the aero carbon post compared to that bike that has the seat mast? Do you have to cut that one down like the Looks and the Scotts?

What's next, Rocky?
20701

rockyrider

01-22-2008, 10:51 PM

That RM Solo actually has an aero carbon adjustable height seat post.

My LBS is actually trying to get me to buy one of these Wilier Izoard (http://www.wilier.it/files/images/CATALOGO08/bici08/IZOARD_white_red-3.jpg) bikes. You are taking your life in your hands riding a bike on the streets of Vancouver, drivers are apparently bicycle blind. There's a bicycle/car accident almost every rush hour on the traffic report.

LeeMcGough

01-23-2008, 09:39 AM

I think that if I ever get a road bike, it won't be one of those fancy racing ones, since I have no intention of racing. So many of those bikes are just not suited to anything but being in a peleton. The angles are too steep, and they are just uncomfortable. I would pick up a touring bike instead. Of course, it wouldn't be as "tech", since it wouldn't be CF, but I think the touring bikes are much more ridable. Plus, you can throw packs on a touring bike.

LeeMcGough

01-23-2008, 09:42 AM

Oh, and that Vertex team looks pretty damn sexy, even if it does have carbon fibre stays. Or maybe the carbon is what makes it look so damn good. Dunno. Looks nice though. Let me know if any of your bikes are feeling neglected. Hey I know! Next year, let's organize a forum ride around Rocky's neck of the woods. No one would even need to bring a bike, Rocky's got ya covered:D

rockyrider

01-23-2008, 10:54 AM

I'd consider lending my underwear or a toothbrush before lending a bike. :p :D

K-Man

01-23-2008, 11:02 AM

I'd consider lending my underwear or a toothbrush before lending a bike. :p :D

Hey, I heard of them, Team Hugh Smile. They did the 24 hours of Canaan, sharing the same underwear and toothbrush. :D

rockyrider

01-24-2008, 11:51 AM

So here's the evaluation build of this bike.

Took my 80mm 2006 Marzocchi Marathon Race fork and painted the lowers gloss black to match the frame (which looks slick with the black ano stanchions and black crown), and moved most of the build over from my 2000 Vertex hardtail.

I still have grease on my fingers from the build, so no riding impression yet. That will happen over the next couple of days.

K-Man

01-24-2008, 12:05 PM

So over the top.

Luv it. :D

rockyrider

01-24-2008, 12:28 PM

Nahhh, OTT would be with the DT Swiss XCR80 fork, RF Next carbon cranks and DT Swiss XR1250 carbon rim wheels. :D hmmmmmm.....

rockhound

01-24-2008, 02:20 PM

Why don't you buy 50's Waterford?

http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16183

rockyrider

01-24-2008, 02:22 PM

That's not a Rocky.... :p

K-Man

01-24-2008, 04:24 PM

Nahhh, OTT would be with the DT Swiss XCR80 fork, RF Next carbon cranks and DT Swiss XR1250 carbon rim wheels. :D hmmmmmm.....

Wuz referring to MY budget, not yours, Mr. Deeppockets. ;)

rockyrider

01-24-2008, 06:46 PM

Wuz referring to MY budget, not yours, Mr. Deeppockets. ;)Not so deep that I can actually afford to own property in this part of the world. So I rent my place and drive a 16 year old Subaru, and own bikes. It's all in placing priorities (easy to set when you're single). :D Of course these priorities also guarantee I'll remain single.

K-Man

01-24-2008, 07:23 PM

Not so deep that I can actually afford to own property in this part of the world. So I rent my place and drive a 16 year old Subaru, and own bikes. It's all in placing priorities (easy to set when you're single). :D Of course these priorities also guarantee I'll remain single.

Separated at birth.

I love you, brother. :D

rockyrider

01-25-2008, 08:09 PM

I had a chance to get this bike out on my test track loop in my neighbourhood. The carbon monostay rear end is super stiff, out of the saddle hammering up short steep climbs and not trace of flex. On some surfaces it seems noisier than the all scandium frame but none of the vibration makes it up the seatpost to the saddle.

Best part is no heel strike on the chainstays or seat stays, all the curviness pays off. It's supposed to snow Saturday so I won't get a chance to ride this frame and the all scandium back to back, but it will be interesting to see if there's a difference.

rockyrider

04-16-2008, 10:54 PM

Nothing like a new part to start a cascade of hand me down parts swapping about the bike fleet. :D A brand new 80mm SID Team front fork just arrived, weighing a scant 1496gms with an uncut steer tube. That drops the weight on the red/white Vertex Team to 21.71 pounds. In the brief toodling about I've done on my block, this fork feels very nice.

The Marz Corsa moves over to my prototype Vertex Team with the carbon rear end. It turns out that there were only 6 of these black/white carbon rear end prototype frames built, so this is a pretty rare handbuilt Rocky Mountain bike.

Who needs Christmas when you can have UPS deliver a new part. :D

robcycle

04-16-2008, 11:18 PM

Rocky, you might be something to aspire to.

I'm definitely with you on setting your own priorities. Now to get out of school so I can exercise them. Maybe a trip up to BC to check out the fleet ;)

For that matter, how do you guys refer to your multiples of bicycles. My ex-wife used to call it it fleet, I've always liked quiver, and I'm sure there are many more. What are they?

-Rob.

rockyrider

04-16-2008, 11:59 PM

Why I call them my family of course... :rolleyes: :D

robcycle

04-17-2008, 12:09 AM

A bike will never make you sleep on the couch or get jealous for riding another bike. I have to kick them out of the bathtub sometimes though :rolleyes:

-Rob.

Hand/of/Midas

04-17-2008, 12:33 AM

Rob, i call them my stable,so when im talking to a buddy and the ladies overhear they think i have horses. women LOVE horses.

rockyrider

04-17-2008, 12:57 AM

A bike will never make you sleep on the couch or get jealous for riding another bike. I have to kick them out of the bathtub sometimes though :rolleyes:

-Rob.And riding my bike gets me through times of no sex better than sex gets me through times of not riding my bike. :D

rockyrider

04-17-2008, 10:42 AM

The bright orangey-red SID decal was making my brain twitch, so some creative decal splicing with the accessory decal kit that comes with the fork hides the orangey-red and leaves the dark red that matches the frame.

Hand/of/Midas

04-17-2008, 10:53 AM

cool, i didnt know it came with a decal set. what colors does it?

and rocky, since you have both, whats your XTR vs. NOIR opinion?

mimbresman

04-17-2008, 11:04 AM

Super bikes! Sub-10kg hardtail. You'll need your cape fer sure! :D:D

rockyrider

04-17-2008, 11:12 AM

The red decal is applied under clearcoat, and then you get a kit of overlay decals in silver, pink/mauve, sand/beige, and orange.

The Noir has a wide chainline, at 51mm it's getting way out there for noise free middle to big cog use. It also has a wider Q factor by about 2mm. It doesn't shift as smooth as the XTR which are near magic, but it's pretty decent compared to Race Face Deus cranks that I had on that bike. The clear finish scuffs every bit as fast as the anodized finish on the XTR.

The Noir and XTR don't have as much heel clearance as the Deus, so if you pronate a bit when pedaling like I do, the cranks will get heel scuffs quickly.

jerman

04-19-2008, 06:49 PM

Rocky, just how many bikes have you owned?

rockyrider

04-19-2008, 07:15 PM

Rocky, just how many bikes have you owned?If I count "guest bike" builds that I have cycled through every couple of years, maybe 20-25 in all since 1981.

rusty68

04-21-2008, 10:00 PM

Rocky,
How many bikes do you own now??
Rusty

rockyrider

04-21-2008, 11:11 PM

More than 2, less than a million. :D

Right now I have 7 that fit me and one small guest bike.

K-Man

04-22-2008, 10:43 AM

Rocky,
How many bikes do you own now??
Rusty

Actually, what Rocky meant to say was:

B = N + 1

rockyrider

04-22-2008, 11:03 AM

That's why I qualified it by saying "right now". :D These things are subject to change without notice.

The oldest bike I have right now is just 8 years old, my 2000 Vertex hardtail, so the collection is quite fresh. :cool:

Cogratchet

04-22-2008, 06:04 PM

I thought I had gone totally insane putting $1200 into a new bike... After finding my way here I've realized that I still have a long way to go. *phew* Thank God!:cool:

robcycle

04-23-2008, 03:00 PM

More than 2, less than a million. :D I had this conversation last night. I tend to define things in terms as loose as possible that are still true. Just how I am. :o

-Rob.

rusty68

04-23-2008, 09:34 PM

I thought I had gone totally insane putting $1200 into a new bike... After finding my way here I've realized that I still have a long way to go. *phew* Thank God!:cool:

Agreed. I have 4. Although, one is a very old, but ridable road bike which I got for free. My wife thinks it's way too many! I used to only have only two!

I should add that she was shocked when she saw the picture of Rocky's bedroom earlier in this thread. I took great pleasure in her reaction.:D

Rusty

rockyrider

04-24-2008, 10:18 PM

I should add that she was shocked when she saw the picture of Rocky's bedroom earlier in this thread. I took great pleasure in her reaction.:D

RustyI get that a lot.

Hand/of/Midas

04-24-2008, 11:32 PM

Agreed. I have 4. Although, one is a very old, but ridable road bike which I got for free. My wife thinks it's way too many! I used to only have only two!

I should add that she was shocked when she saw the picture of Rocky's bedroom earlier in this thread. I took great pleasure in her reaction.:D

Rusty

see, i got 7 bikes BEFORE i got my girl, that way i dont have to convince her to let me add anymore.:D

rockyrider

04-25-2008, 12:40 AM

And I have 7+1 bikes instead of a girl so I have no such conflicts :confused:

:eek:

:(

:mad:

WTF, I have 7+1 bikes.... :D

and a small problem with commitment

rockyrider

06-25-2008, 10:42 PM

mimbresman

06-25-2008, 11:48 PM

Needs to be a 650B!:rolleyes::)

rockyrider

06-25-2008, 11:54 PM

Needs to be a 650B!:rolleyes::)Ironically picking the middle solution would be oh so very Canadian.

Hand/of/Midas

06-26-2008, 05:39 AM

1.looks sweet.
2. new mavic wheels?
3. is that a elsworth style ECT pivot?
4. mallet pedals on a 5" bike?

rockyrider

06-26-2008, 09:05 AM

The Mavics look like a set of the Olympic lightweight wheels they were offering to some race teams with milled rims to reduce weight. There were a few of those visible at the World Championships.

The rear chainstay pivot is above the axle so I am guessing it's close but not so close to ICT or Horst Link to be an issue. :confused:

The factory test riders like Wade Simmons, Andreas Hestler and Matt Green have been riding the protos on the North Shore, so flat pedals might be one suitable option.

rockyrider

06-26-2008, 10:02 PM

I think we should just be friends... :rolleyes: :cool:

MMcG

06-27-2008, 04:18 PM

The first shots leaking out of the German dealer debut of the 2009 Altitude, the replacement for the ETSX. A 5x5 FS bike with half the chain growth and pedal kickback of the ETSX. I am going to need to move to a bigger place. :rolleyes:

Or I'll be able to sell my Slayer and ETSX and replace them both with this bike.

Did I mention that they are going to build a 29'er version as well?

Is a 29er version of this Altitude a definitive? Have the RM 29er Hammers been selling well?

If it is a yes, any idea of the chainstay length on it? Will it be super long like most other FS 29ers?

rockyrider

06-27-2008, 04:43 PM

Is a 29er version of this Altitude a definitive? Have the RM 29er Hammers been selling well?

If it is a yes, any idea of the chainstay length on it? Will it be super long like most other FS 29ers?I don't know if the 29 Hammer has been selling well, but the 29er Altitude is apparently real, based on the info from this post on MTBR.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showpost.php?p=4603086&postcount=43

I haven't seen any of the 29er prototypes, I had spotted the 26" protos in the past six months being ridden in North Vancouver. I doubt they'll be able to get the chainstays any shorter than the Niner RIP9 and still fit the wheel in there.

rockyrider

07-31-2008, 05:48 PM

Spotted at Mont Sainte Anne... new Rocky Mountain full carbon fibre frame Vertex hardtails. Not a bad record so far, in their first full week of public exposure they have a Canadian National Championship gold medal, a World Cup XCO gold medal and a TransAlps gold medal earned on this frame.

rockyrider

08-16-2008, 12:19 AM

So I am tinkering with the art of optimization. Taking my adjustable travel ETSX and optimizing it for the 100mm travel setting that I use 90% of the time by using a fixed travel 100mm fork and replacing the travel adjust QR in the back with a Ti bolt. Almost 3/4 of a pound lighter, it's sitting just a squoosh above 25 pounds. That rear shock QR was 65 gms by itself.

I doubt that I will miss the adjustable travel much, as I can always ride the 6x6 bike when it will get gnarlier, but I would have to say that this setup makes a very nice dedicated 4x4 bike.

mimbresman

08-16-2008, 12:05 PM

Eeeeey Rocky! Now you got me counting grams on my Litespeed. Damn you! :rolleyes:

rockyrider

08-16-2008, 01:47 PM

Just so you know where you can get some titanium bolts...

http://www.torontocycles.com/Selling/Titanium_Bolts.html

http://www.tastynuts.com/site/frames/frameset_shoponline.htm

BMAC

08-16-2008, 10:17 PM

I've been using these for years with good luck. http://www.srp-usa.com/index.htm

rockyrider

08-16-2008, 10:21 PM

Are they still in biz? I remember trying to place an order late last year and had no success completing the transaction or getting any response to an email.

BMAC

08-17-2008, 06:17 AM

Are they still in biz? I remember trying to place an order late last year and had no success completing the transaction or getting any response to an email.

I just went to the payment page,I've had some problems ordering before but their products are still in bike shops.

BMAC

08-17-2008, 07:11 PM

I just placed a order with them so I hope they are still open.

rockyrider

08-20-2008, 02:10 PM

Oooooooo, spy shots of the new full carbon 2009 Altitude 5.5" travel bike. This is my next acquisition me thinks. These shots were from a German website of a dealer BBQ event at Crankworks in Whistler. Dang! That is a nifty looking bike and down into the Ibis Mojo weight range since the frame with RP23 Fox apparently weighs under 5.5 pounds. Not really enough maple leaves for my taste... :D

rockhound

08-20-2008, 02:13 PM

I don't care for the new downtube designs like this.

Trek, Specialized, Rocky, etc.

It looks like a pooch on a menopausal mom.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_full_suspension/session/session88dh/

rockhound

08-20-2008, 02:17 PM

If I count "guest bike" builds that I have cycled through every couple of years, maybe 20-25 in all since 1981.

Wow, I'm ahead of Rocky and I haven't been doing it anywhere near as long as he has!?!?

rockyrider

08-20-2008, 04:03 PM

Do you mean a pouch on a marsupial mom?

It's the 21st century and apparently Trek, Giant, Spesh, Norco and many other squish designers are going with the swoopy tubesets. Supposedly it stabilizes the BB shell and pivots better as the seat tube and downtube wrap around more of the shell.

I don't care for the new downtube designs like this.

Trek, Specialized, Rocky, etc.

It looks like a pooch on a menopausal mom.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_full_suspension/session/session88dh/

rockhound

08-20-2008, 11:26 PM

Do you mean a pouch on a marsupial mom?

Nope, I'm talking about the embroidered vest-wearing, scrap-booking females that dot our continent.

ironspoke

08-21-2008, 09:51 PM

Not really enough maple leaves for my taste... :D

I've been seeing some press releases of the new Rockys and the FIRST thing I noticed was the lack of maple leafs and the second thing I thought of was you and your fleet of red and white bikes. Dont you have some kind of an "in" with them or something? I cant believe they changed them without consulting you. ;)

rockyrider

08-21-2008, 11:21 PM

Well I did send them an unsolicited paint job idea for the carbon Vertex through the guys at my LBS who are better connected with the powers that be. The new paint design comes out of the Quebec office, and I think they're getting tired of maple leaves down east.

rockyrider

08-25-2008, 10:01 PM

The Rocky website has been updated with some of the 2009 carbon stuff. The swoopy looking carbon Altitude CR90... Now this is sexy looking in black, kinda like Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. I want one. Either one.

1mystk

08-28-2008, 01:40 PM

rockyrider

08-28-2008, 01:43 PM

when rocky wants - there is trouble stirring :D... either you need a bigger place or you will have to part with one of your others...:eek:

perhaps you can hang a bike as your dinner table chandelier? that would be cool...

sitting at dinner in candlelight carbon;):D:pThe dining room is already where my Park service stand is located.... :D There is one existing bike on the market (http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18129).

rockyrider

11-02-2008, 12:12 PM

I placed my order for the Altitude CR90 frame and the Vertex 70 carbon frame with my LBS, they added them to their booking order with early January delivery. Only a couple of months away... only. :D

rockyrider

11-02-2008, 12:27 PM

Some shots of the "development build" on this 2009 Vertex 70 carbon test frame, I'll be able to move my build kit over to my frame when it arrives in January. I have to give this frame back to my LBS.

phlatlander

11-02-2008, 02:15 PM

We knew you could not resist the dark side.
26919

rockyrider

11-02-2008, 02:37 PM

It's so feathery light...

rockyrider

11-02-2008, 02:57 PM

We knew you could not resist the dark side.My LBS had built up a set of these for someone last weekend, they were taunting me with them. Eyewateringly expensive and incredibly light. :eek: About like tweaky carbon road wheels.

kpomtb

11-02-2008, 06:03 PM

I just don't know about carbon for mountain bike wheels.

I see the guys at your LBS like the kids in the old Life cereal commercials. Let's get Rocky, he'll try anything.

Those boys better treat you pretty well.

LeeMcGough

11-03-2008, 10:34 AM

That Altitude frame has some strange (to me) numbers. Then again, their better bikes aren't exactly crap. A 76 degree seat tube though?
I know you will set me straight after a few rides though, Rocky.

rockyrider

11-03-2008, 10:50 AM

When the bike is at the correct sag in the rear, the seat tube angle is about 73 degrees. It feels a bit weird at first but it prevents too much rearward weight transfer when the suspension is weighted. It keeps the weight more centered between the wheels so it climbs like a goat. It doesn't give you as much rearward weight bias for descending as the 6x6 Slayer SXC does, but it feels very well balanced for longer travel XC stuff than the Slayer SXC. Andreas Hester and Wade Simmons have been beating the daylights out of these bikes on the North Shore for a few months now, so they can do the freeride stuff that doesn't involve big hucks.

And the bike is light. The CR70 version weighs about 26 pounds for a 5x5, the CR90 will likely be about 25 pounds when built up.

LeeMcGough

11-03-2008, 11:00 AM

Ok, that makes a bit more sense. Maybe they should post a "sag corrected" geometry chart, because 76 sounds odd indeed.
You have the Slayer SCX still, right?

rockyrider

11-03-2008, 11:10 AM

Ok, that makes a bit more sense. Maybe they should post a "sag corrected" geometry chart, because 76 sounds odd indeed.
You have the Slayer SCX still, right?Yep, still have the SXC because there are still trails out here that need that kinda capability.

The bike that is most at risk at being made redundant in my collection is the ETSX Team, the Altitude is very much aimed at that kind of riding, and the Altitude will be about the same weight as the ETSX despite the extra 1" of travel.

LeeMcGough

11-03-2008, 12:23 PM

A few weeks ago, I did a couple of laps of the local loop with a couple of Trans-Rockies vets, both of whom were on ETSX frames. They both had nothing but praise for those bikes. Those bikes would need an extra foot or so of chain in order to produce chain slap, which is a nice feature on a squishy. Don't need the chain removing material from the chainstay!

rockyrider

11-03-2008, 12:32 PM

The only downside to the ETSX's elevated chainstay is that the cassette ingests a bunch of vegetation if you're riding heavily overgrown trails.

LeeMcGough

11-03-2008, 01:59 PM

That isn't much of a downside, considering every cassette gets gummed up by overgrowth. Guess not having a chainstay there increases the rate of cassette composting?

rockyrider

11-03-2008, 02:17 PM

I've had some moderate heavy brush derail the chain and cause ghost shifts until the vegetation was cleaned out from between the cogs. Not too often but it does happen now and again.

BMAC

11-03-2008, 10:25 PM

I've seen a lot of Race-Face parts on your bikes,I'm looking at their seatposts for my hard tail.Which one do you like best for a rigid ride?

rockyrider

11-03-2008, 10:59 PM

The most comfy ride will be the Next carbon post, it made a huge difference in damping tire knob vibration getting to the saddle, even on the scandium bikes. I'm around 195-200 pounds and the Next carbon post have been quite reliable.

The Deus have the same offset of the clamp and are a nice stiff aluminium, but on a full rigid bike they'll transmit a lot of tire buzz to your butt.