Rocky Mountain Launch the New Altitude
Taking trail to new heights. Often imitated but never surpassed, the all-new Altitude pushes the envelope of what a modern trail bike is capable of.
For 2018 we’ve designed an all-new frame to increase stiffness, improve pedaling efficiency and small-bump sensitivity, and include a host of next-generation features. Now available in both carbon and alloy models, the Altitude allows for a wide range of RIDE-9™ adjustments to tackle any terrain—from technical BC loam, to clapped out EWS tracks, flowy New Zealand jumps, and Moab slickrock singletrack.
“The Altitude has always been my go-to, do-everything bike, from technical climbs here on the North Shore to burly descents in the Italian Alps. This new one improves everything I love about the bike—it’s smoother, stiffer, lower, slacker, quieter, and nails all the little details. Just like this old freerider, the Altitude gets better with age!” — Wade Simmons
Technologies (carbon)
• Smoothwall carbon
• FORM alloy
• RIDE-9 adjustment system
• Smoothlink suspension
• Size-specific tune
Technologies (alloy)
• FORM alloy
• RIDE-9 adjustment system
• Smoothlink suspension
• Size-specific tune
Key details:
• Improved suspension performance
o We’ve increased overall progression and support at sag, while making small-bump performance even more sensitive. Higher anti-squat values dramatically improve pedaling efficiency.
• Next generation features
o Comprehensive evolutionary updates across the platform include features like tooled axles, single-sided bearing pivots, integrated “spirit guide” chainguide, boost spacing, and metric shock compatibility.
• Updated Ride-9™
o Our Ride-9™ system provides a wide range of geometry and suspension adjustability; it has been moved into the link for lighter, narrower packaging.
• Progressive geometry
o To add control and descending capability, we’ve increased reach, slackened the headtube angle, and lowered the bottom bracket. We’ve retained short chainstays to keep the bike agile, and used a moderately steep seattube for efficient climbing performance.
Technical Details:
• Increased anti-squat for better pedaling efficiency
• 27.5” Wide Trail and 26+ compatible
• Bearings at all pivots, including at lower shock mount (compatible with aftermarket shocks as well)
• Blind pivots maximize heel clearance
• Lighter, tooled rear axle
• Improved cable management: large headtube ports, full shift housing, large downtube access port, and internal shift and brake housing within the front triangle
• Future-proofed to be compatible with Di2, Fox Live, and a dropper post simultaneously
• Seat-tube lengths have been adjusted to accommodate longer dropper posts at maximum insertion.
• Chainstay and downtube protectors. *Due to production delays, the initial shipment of 2018 Altitudes will not include downtube protectors. They will be shipped to shops free of charge as soon as they’re ready.
• Integrated “Spirit Guide” chainguide, with 2-bolt ISCG05
• 1x only
• Lower standover height
• Significantly stiffer thanks to one-piece seatstay, new envelope, and updated layup (25% more lateral stiffness)
• Modern parts compatibility (boost spacing, metric shock lengths, post-mount 180mm brakes, etc.)
• All sizes fit a water bottle in front triangle, even with a reservoir shock
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Weight:
o Frame & shock: 5.45lb (2470g), size Medium
o Protectors, chainguide, & axle: 0.57lb (260g)
o Altitude Carbon 90 & Carbon 70 complete: 28.4lb (12.88kg), size Medium
• Select models and sizes available from May 15th. Regional availability may vary.
