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Rocky Mountain Vertex 970 RSL 29er Hardtail

5/5 (2 Reviews)

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MSRP : $3657.99


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Product Description

Remember the first 29ers They were slow-handling and flexy. It looks like those days are coming to an end. The full monocoque carbon fiber Rocky Mountain Vertex 970 RSL is a race thoroughbred. The slightly stretched top tube gives the bike a roomy feel with plenty of space to crank climbs without feeling cramped. This roominess doesn't hurt handling, however. The Vertex is quick and whippy, thanks to steep head and seat tube angles. Stiffness is not an issue, either. In fact, it's one of the Vertex's strong points. Features like a tapered head tube, massive down tube, Pressfit GXP bottom bracket, and a 142 x 12 mm thru axle rear end mean lateral flex is virtually eliminated. Rocky built vertical compliance into the ride as well with chainstays that are thin vertically and have a wide cross-section All that in a frame that weighs about 1000 grams means we'll be expecting to see you on the next available podium.


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Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

User Reviews

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Dan a Cross Country Rider

Date Reviewed: June 11, 2013

Strengths:    Frame stiffness and vertical compliance. Very quick handling

Weaknesses:    Brakes. Formulas are on or off. Poor modulation.

Bottom Line:   
I have been riding 29ers since 2008. This bike handles like a 26" wheeled bike. Climbing on this bike requires proper weight transfer to maximize traction. Downhill steering is precise but quick. This is a true XC racing machine. Not a moving couch. You need to be fully attentive to stay on the trail. Low speed handling is tricky. Bike begs to go fast and will push you to comply. When not racing or riding with fast buddies, this bike has to stay home. Riding it slow is not an option. If you are looking to race, this is your ride. More vertical compliance than aluminium frames. Purchased after breaking a Scandium 29er frame, and can ride longer with less lower back stress.
Components are good, internal cable routing is easy. DT swiss wheels are OK. Converted to tubeless easily with Specialized tires. After 3 month of riding, they need minor truing.
Comfortable saddle.

If you want a XC race bike, this is the one to purchase. If you are planning on marathon racing and long rides, be mindfull that this is a fast reacting ride that can be a challenge as you get tired and are not as attentive.

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Duration Product Used:   4 months

Similar Products Used:   Misfit Dissent SS, Titus RacerX 29, Kona Kula 29

Bike Setup:   Stock except grips and tires. Went tubeless with Specialized FastTrak tires
Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Brian a All Mountain Rider

Date Reviewed: November 6, 2012

Strengths:    Light, design absorbs trail shock without sacrificing rigidity. Cost effective alt to the big three and a decent build.

Weaknesses:    Cant seem to get the brakes to "break in" . Still rough when breaking hard. Have had them apart twice now. The stop great but just very loud and sounds like you are down to the metal. Will have to take the bike down the slopes before winter sets in. Wish it was fabricated in the US or Canada.

Bottom Line:   
First carbon HT, took a ride on a carbon Stumpy, Santa Cruz Highboy and a Giant. For the buck and ride I thought this was the best pick. It rides aggressively so you want to go fast, sometimes too fast. The bike seems to want to stick to the ground and locks into the corners. On most of the local trails you finding yourself always wanting to push yourself harder. The bike just asks for it. I ride this with my race pals so it isn't the primary ride but it is fun to take out here and there for sure. I am still a little hesitant to get a carbon HT bike too far in the air for fear of the obvious. We'll see.

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Favorite Trail:   State College area

Duration Product Used:   5 Months

Price Paid:    $2100.00

Purchased At:   Ebay

Bike Setup:   Stock
Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

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