2013
altitude.bikes.com
ALTITUDE MSLALTITUDE
ALTITUDE2013
We’ll cut to the chase and let you know that the 2013 Altitude is the most complete and best riding Trail
bike on the market. It’s the total Trail bike package. But wait a second, what is this category the bike
industry calls “Trail”? Didn’t it used to be just cross-country and freeride? Isn’t most mountain biking
done on Trails? How is this a category?
Adding definition to its ambiguous name, Trail represents riders who value descending performance
as much as climbing efficiency and light weight as much as durability. Trail bikes are for riders who
want one bike that can do it all. Or, in other words, Trail bikes are for most of us. We want a bike that
we don’t have to make excuses for on epic climbs, or when things get rowdy on the descents. This is
2013 Altitude.
The story of 2013 Altitude is not a new frame material, or wheel size, or adjustable geometry feature,
or suspension configuration, or pivot system, or geometry, or carbon construction process that would
enable us to make such bold claims about our new Trail bike; It’s all of them combined in one total
package. Every T was crossed and every I was dotted in the development of the 2013 Altitude and the
result is an entirely new and complete ride.
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NEWWHOLE RIDEA
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RIDER: THOMAS VANDERHAM – LOCATION: WHISTLER B.C. – PHOTO: STERLING LORENCE
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The term ‘Research & Development’ tends to be used loosely
in the bike industry. We don’t want to speak to what others do,
but for Rocky Mountain R&D is a cornerstone in our business.
Arguably, we pool more resources in R&D per bike than any
other brand. It’s this commitment to constant innovation that
has elevated our brand to where we are now – making some of
the most innovative products in the industry.
Our team of engineers in Vancouver has the luxury of a full
prototype and test facility just steps away from their desks. An
idea can be born in a meeting room, drawn on the computer
and turned into a prototype in a matter of days. This close
connection to the prototype and testing process allows us
to be as creative and move as quickly as we want. It’s not
unusual to see one of our engineers holding a welding torch or
operating the CNC machine. We feel that it’s critical to always
know how our bikes go together.
Then the really fun part of the R&D
process happens: riding. Our staff
is made up of avid mountain bikers
and we often head out with our team
athletes to put concepts to the test on
some of the most demanding terrain
in the world. Sometimes an idea is
approved or killed in one short ride and
sometimes it takes months.
We pride ourselves on our R&D process
that helps us make the innovative
products we do, always with the ultimate
goal of creating the best riding bikes
possible so you can Love the Ride for
years to come.
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LOCATION: RMB R&D FACILITY, VANCOUVER, BC - PHOTO: BRIAN PARK, JOANNE HUGHES
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2013
ALTITUDE 770 MSL
27.5” WHEELS
From the fi rst minute of Altitude’s design process, there was never any doubt that we would build it around 27.5” wheels.
The rolling advantage of a 29” wheel is indisputable, but the wheel size is limited when it comes to longer travel bikes. Bike
weight, wheelbase and other design constraints prevent manufacturers from creating truly nimble and light bikes with long
travel and 29” wheels. Although they are arguably the quickest handling, 26” wheels simply give up too much momentum
when rolling through the rough stuff. The limitations of both 26” and 29” for this kind of bike made 27.5” a no-brainer for
the Altitude.
Although tire casing sizes vary from brand to brand, on average the 27.5” size is almost halfway between 26” and 29”.
This means the 27.5” rider gets more rolling advantage than a 26”, while maintaining a super nimble and agile ride. The 27.5”
wheel size is the best of both worlds and it simply makes sense.
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OTHER SYSTEMS
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : SmoothLink™ SUSPENSION
Rocky Mountain’s patented SmoothLink™ has been referred to by at least one reviewer as the ‘Holy Grail’ of suspension systems,
because it delivers active bump absorption without compromising pedaling efficiency. A big statement, but science backs it up,
and please bear with us on the techno-speak for a moment.
SmoothLink™’s design characteristics mean that a line drawn through the main pivot and the rear pivot is always above the
rear axle at all points of travel. This is the key differentiator between SmoothLink™ and other suspension systems. The lower
linkage member is virtually parallel to the Average Chain Torque Line (ACTL), at all points of travel. THIS is the key to bob-free
suspension, since the two are parallel, the chain tension cannot act on the suspension.
Lower Link
Lower Link
ACTL
ACTL
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : SmoothLink™ SUSPENSION
Force at Rear Wheel Curve:Every bike manufacturer will show you a different suspension rate curve for their frame and try to demonstrate to you how
their design is superior. However, these curves are all dramatically different, and unless you have a degree in rocket science,
indecipherable.
The question riders should ask is how does each curve really FEEL on the trail? We want to change the conversation, and
demonstrate what happens with the force at the rear wheel. This is what you the rider will actually experience on your ride.
With SmoothLink™, the force increases steeply at first. This is the platform, giving you a firm pedaling sensation. Once the rear
wheel moves through the threshold it flattens out, climbing linearly, giving you that smooth, buttery feeling mid stroke. In the
end stroke, the forces begin to climb more steeply again, controlling bottom out. It becomes more and more difficult to reach
the hard, bottom out feel, preventing the rider from getting thrown from the bike under heavy impact.
FORC
E
TRAVEL
Pedaling Platform Zone
Active Travel Zone
Bottom Out Control Zone
This is what the rider will actually feel : the force at the rear wheel. Hard to push through the first 20mm (propedal).
Propedal blows off and give smooth, linear feel to 110mm. Suspension ramps from 110-150mm to prevent harsh bottom out, which
can throw the rider off.
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Lighter Rider, HigherStarting Pressure Slacker Geometry +
More Bottom Out Force
Heavier Rider, LowerStarting Pressure
Steeper Geometry +More Plush
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
040 60 80 100 120 140 16020
FORC
E (lb
s)
TRAVEL (mm)
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : RIDE-9 SYSTEM
Riders come in all sizes and ability levels, and the terrain they ride varies. Featured on our 2013 Altitude, our patent pending new RIDE-9
System enables the rider to customize geometry and suspension rate to their riding style and weight, so they can truly Love the Ride.
Nine possible geometry and suspension rate confi gurations are possible thanks to two interlocking inserts. By having two nested shock
mounts, we have a much greater range of adjustability. Rotating these pieces manipulates the position of the rear shock affecting the head
angle (66.6o-68.3o), seat angle (73.6o-75.3o ), and bottom bracket drop (-10mm to +10mm) of the bike, as well as the force required to bottom
out the suspension.
The dual rotating inserts allow for nine different positions. By moving
the shock forward, the geometry slackens and the suspension rate
becomes more progressive, giving greater bottom out resistance for
aggressive downhill trail riding. When you move the shock backwards,
the geometry becomes quicker and the suspension more supple, for
ripping around on technical singletrack and better climbing traction.
When you move the shock upwards, it requires a higher air pressure
to support the rider at sag. This is benefi cial to lighter riders, allowing
them to run “in the sweet spot” of the shock, and not wind up with an
under pressurized shock, which feels overly harsh. Conversely, when
you move the shock downwards, a heavier rider won’t need as much air
pressure, increasing shock and seal durability, and keeps the damping
range usable.
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A
B
IF
DE
C H
- FRAME SIZE XS S M L XL
A HEAD ANGLE (deg)66.6°-68.3°
66.6°-68.3°
66.6°-68.3°
66.6°-68.3°
66.6°-68.3°
B SEAT ANGLE (deg) 73.6°-75.3° 73.6°-75.3° 73.6°-75.3° 73.6°-75.3° 73.6°-75.3°
C SEAT TUBE (mm) 381 419 457 483 521
D HORIZONTAL TOP TUBE LENGTH (mm) 540 565 585 605 630
E HEAD TUBE LENGTH (mm) 100 110 120 130 145
F CHAINSTAY LENGTH (mm) 428 428 428 428 428
G BOTTOM BRACKET DROP / RISE (mm) -10 to +10 -10 to +10 -10 to +10 -10 to +10 -10 to +10
H STANDOVER HEIGHT (mm) 734 734 734 734 734
I WHEELBASE (mm) 1095 1120 1142 1163 1189
ALTITUDE GEOMETRY
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : StraightUp™ GEOMETRY
When Rocky Mountain debuted StraightUp™ Geometry with Altitude in 2009, its characteristic steep seat angle was the fi rst
in the industry. However since then it has changed they way the industry looks at longer travel full suspension bike geometry.
Now, imitators abound. With longer travel full-suspension bikes there is a tendency, once sagged, for the rider to wallow behind
the rear wheel, making for ineffi cient pedaling and positioning on the bike. Altitude’s relatively steep 74.5° static seat angle
ensures that once sagged, the rider is still in an optimal pedaling position for optimal power output. This is just another
ingredient in creating the most effi cient trail bike possible.
STRAIGHT UP™ GEOMETRY AS DEMONSTRATED ON ALTITUDE
STRAIGHT UP™ 74.5°
THE COMPETITION
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ABC™ REGULAR SEALED BEARING
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
61.87
30.12
PIVOT TORSIONAL STIFFNESS
TORS
IONA
L ST
IFFN
ESS,
[N-
M/D
EG]
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : ABC™ PIVOT TECHNOLOGY
Our patent pending Angular Bushing Concept™ (ABC) pivots represent a paradigm shift in high performance suspension linkage
in the most literal sense. ABC™ pivots consist of an angular contact polymer bushing which rotates on a tapered alloy pivot. By
carefully controlling the tolerance of these pieces, we are able to specify a torque value on the pivot and can eliminate binding,
which has been, until now, impossible. The more you tighten a typical bushing system, the more the pivot will bind. Not so with
ABC™ Pivots. And get this; they’re lighter, more durable, and laterally stiffer than a cartridge bearing. On Altitude, we saved 120
grams by switching to ABC™ pivots while increasing rear end pivot stiffness by 105 percent. Yes, you read that correctly; ABC™
pivots are more than twice as stiff than a sealed cartridge bearing. Plus, they need almost no maintenance– just clean the contact
surfaces from time to time.
We first introduced ABC™ Pivots in 2011 on Element RSL and MSL and most of our customers are still riding the same bushings
that came on their bikes. The technology has been such a success for Rocky Mountain, that it was a no-brainer to use them
on 2013 Altitude. The result is not only one of the stiffest and lightest trail bikes on the market, but one that also requires less
maintenance.
ABC™ PIVOT LOCATIONS
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : SmoothWall™ CARBON CONSTRUCTION
There’s a wide range of quality in carbon bicycle construction nowadays and it makes a huge difference in the ride and durability
of a bike. It’s diffi cult for the customer to tell what’s inside the frame. If we could put windows in ours to show what’s going on, we
would! Before we get into detailed tech-talk, the take away is that our carbon manufacturing process in conjunction with ABC™
pivots put us at the very front of the pack of the industry in stiffness-to-weight ratio and frame durability. A super light bike isn’t
any good if the rider loses power to frame fl ex or the frame is fragile in crash situations.
Rocky Mountain’s FORM C13 High Modulus SmoothWall™ construction is 100% designed, engineered and tested in house by our
engineering team. SmoothWall™ construction is achieved by sculpting the inner surface of the frame as carefully as the outer,
with the help of an inner mold, as opposed to the traditional air bladder. This results in no excess resin, fi bers or fi ller, meaning
no stress risers or extra weight.
The most important characteristic of SmoothWall™ technology is that it enables us to construct frames with the highest carbon
layup density. SmoothWall™’s super high fi ber to resin ratio with maximum compression of the pre-preg carbon layers results in
the lightest and stiffest construction possible. SmoothWall™ also allows us to use full length (uncut) fi bers, yielding a stronger
frame. This all adds up to one of the most sophisticated carbon frames in the world.
Altitude MSL utilizes a precise carbon layup schedule, using multiple types of carbon weaves in specifi c locations to maximize
stiffness and impact resistance while minimizing weight. We’ve taken special care with the Altitude to reinforce the high impact
areas (underside of downtube, chainstays, sides of seat stays) with impact resistant carbon weave, negating the need for clunky
bolt on protection.
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1.
2. 5.3.
4.
2013 ALTITUDE TECH FEATURES
1. 142mm E-Thru Rear Axle
We put a lot of hard work into making Altitude’s frame one of the stiffest in the industry, so there was never any doubt whether
to use a 142mm rear axle. Not only is it the stiffest setup possible, wheel changes are easier than ever.
2. Internal Cable Routing
A bike with such clean lines should have clean cable routing. Altitude’s internal cable routing keeps things tidy, and importantly, is very
service friendly. No fishing around with a coat hanger and headlamp needed!
3. Rear Shock Remote Cable Routing
With many remote options available for the new generations of rear shocks, cable routing is an issue, but we allowed for them with clean routing
(external on alloy and internal on MSL).
4. “Stealth” Dropper Post Routing
Tired of ripped hydraulic lines or that loop of cable bunching up when you drop your saddle? Both are a thing of the past with
Altitude’s “Stealth” routing.
5. ISCG-05 Chainguide Mounts
For Super-D and Enduro style riders, we spec’d ISCG-05 mounts so you need not worry about dropping your chain.
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RIDER: THOMAS VANDERHAM – LOCATION: WHISTLER B.C. – PHOTO: STERLING LORENCE
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2013 ALTITUDE 750 MSL SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME FORM™ C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall™ Monocoque Front Triangle. FORM™ 7005 Series Custom Hydroformed Rear Triangle. ABC™ Pivots. Tapered Head Tube. Press Fit BB. Internal Cable Routing. ISCG05 Tabs. RIDE-9 Adjustable STRAIGHT UP™ Geometry + Suspension Rate
FORK Fox 34 Float 150 CTD 27.5"
FRONT TRAVEL 150mm. Rebound / Climb (Lockout) - Trail (Compression) - Descend (Open) Settings / 15mm Axle / Tapered Steerer
SHOCK Fox Float Remote CTD Custom Race Valved
REAR TRAVEL SmoothLink™ Design 150mm. Rebound / Remote Climb (Lockout) - Trail (ProPedal) - Descend (Open) Settings / Adjustable Suspension Rate
STEM Race Face 6° x 60-70mm
HANDLEBAR Race Face Evolve 3/4 Rise Ø31.8mm x 725mm x 9° Sweep
BRAKES Avid Elixir 50 XM Hydraulic Disc 180mm
SHIFTERS Sram X7 MatchMaker Triggers 2x10spd
FRONT DERAILLEUR Sram X7 S3 Direct Mount 2x10spd
REAR DERAILLEUR Sram X9 Type 2 All Mountain 10spd
CRANKS Race Face Turbine 170-175mm 36/24T 10spd
FRONT HUB Wheeltech SL Hi Tension Straight Pull / Precision Sealed Japanese Bearings / 24H / 15mm Axle
REAR HUB Wheeltech SL Hi Tension Straight Pull / Precision Sealed Japanese Bearings / Alloy Freehub / 28H / 12 x 142mm Axle
CASSETTE Sram PG-1030 11-36T 10spd
RIMS Wheeltech Inferno 25 27.5" by SunRINGLÉ
TIRES Schwalbe Nobby Nic Folding 27.5" x 2.35"
SEATPOST RockShox Reverb Stealth 30.9mm x 380-420mm
SADDLE Rocky Mountain XC Light