Today we had Rocky Mountain on a visit in the store, talking about their brand, bikes, style and what they want. A MTB brand. And thought about that, with people. I can only say I know 3 mtbikers, 3 different people and riders but they are true mtbikers. I’m not, just a wannabe because mtbikers are the coolest. Look at Marco Aurelio Fontana, Nino Schurter or why not a women rider like Alexandra Engen. We don’t have to hope that they leave mtb for road or something else, they won’t (and no, I don’t know Schurter or Fontana). They are mtb. But is there any other brand than Rocky Mountain that is breathing mtb? Yes, Santa Cruz, more brands I don’t know, do you?
Rocky Mountain has it’s Altitude that seems like a perfect bike for All Mountain but to much travel for me. Cannondale got a Trigger that is more racing but with perfect amount of travel, but too small wheels. When I was thinking of an All Mountain bike earlier I wanted 650b (yes I tried it), around 130mm of travel, a wide flat bar, 1×11 or 1×10, not enormous discs and as usual a great weight as I’m a weightweenie after all. Ended up with build a Liteville 301 as I got one for a good price.
But if you can’t you should look at this. Santa Cruz Solo with a high-end frame, 125mm travel, 650b, some nice specs, awesome colours (Liteville is plain boring design) and did an awesome video with the DHiller Steve Peat in Scotland:
If you like it, or just curious and wants to know more, you can look at more pictures and read about it here: MTBR