The Reaper is a bike of new sensibilities. A custom in -house CNN machine yolk allows for shorter stays, and lightweight for increased strength and maneuverability. RAD tubes in the front end allow for a long travel fork and unmatched strength and lateral rigidity. Limitless like the terrain around you, with an uncanny sense for the right line, the Reaper goes anywhere.
Strengths: Tough. I ride this bike DH, freeride, whatever, I ride this bike and it hasn't broken. My friend Nick is a bad-ass DHer who jumps huge stair gaps on his 2000 Reaper and it hasn't broken yet. The bike weighs 32 lbs.
Weaknesses: Stock Equipment. Within 6 months, the ONLY things I haven't replaced are the 2001 frame, FSA Pig headset, Marz. Z3 fork, and seat collar q/r. Everything else sucks, especially Race Face Prodigy poop- I bent the cranks 15 minutes into my first ride, and seatpost about 2 hours later. R.M. stem sucks too. The worst is the Grip Shift. The bike weighs 32 lbs.
Bottom Line:
If you break alot of stuff and love hardtails, this bike is for you. The RAD tube frame rides smooth in the woods for an aluminum, and withstands drop-offs most DH dually riders think twice about. I would recommend a strong rear wheel. Also, if you buy a Rocky Mountain, BUY A THOMSON SEATPOST!!- their use of 26.8 mm seatposts is lame for a bike meant for DH, freeride, urban assault, general abuse. Any other seatpost will bend- take my word now or buy one later. THE GEOMETRY of the Reaper is awesome. It's laid back to get your weight off the front, but not too long like many DS bikes comparable to it. The Reaper is built much smaller than most hardtails, which makes it handle technical terrain with ease. The relaxed geometry does initiate some BMX style sway action when hammering up to a big gap jump or when climbing a short steepy, but this is good. The only hardtail I've seen that can take the abuse I've thrown at the Reaper is an Azonic- which also boasts the RAD tubing. Kona's hardtail bikes are good too. 32 POUNDS- yes, that's right, I ride a 32 lb hardtail mountain bike. I figure it's bulletproof so I won't have to be fixing stuff on the trail or damaging my wallet every time I ride at my favorite burly spots, and it's good training for my XC/ road racing (no I've never shaved my legs). I also have a Marin Team DH and a new Gary Fisher Sugar 2+, both kick ass full suspensions, but the Reaper has been the best bike I've ever owned, and rides just like my Marin. Reliable, dependable, burly, loves my 6+ hour epics into the unknown. DON'T BUY IF: you even think about your bike's weight, never break down on the trail, or crave the cushy feel of a dually. Rocky Mtn has made my dream bike for all around riding, jumping, concrete, dirt, XC, DH, and DS!!! (4 chilis for value cause the O.E. stuff is weak)
Bike Setup: 2001 Reaper, Z3 5" fork, 36 spoke wheels Rhyno Lite front and Mammoth rear, North Shore cranks, Shimano drivetrain, XTR v-brakes, Pro Taper bar, Thomson post.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Bateman
a Weekend Warrior
from Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Strengths: Sweet Frame, sram drive train works good, Great front fork haven't bottomed it out yet, brakes have been good so far, race face crank solid.
Weaknesses: hubs suck, already toasted my rear hub, handle bar and stem need to be changed,
Bottom Line:
The 2001 rockey reaper seems to be pretty good so far, after a few changes the bike is a great free ride bike that can climb if you want it to. The frame seems to be bullet proof and the weight really doesn't seem that bad. If you want a hard tail that can take abuse this is your bike. THe magura brakes are actually pretty good, haven't had a problem with them yet. If you want an all purpose bike this is your bike.
Bike Setup: Hayes, LX rapid fire shifters, Wellgo platform pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Boone, NC
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2001
Strengths: Stout and stiff. Beefy. Not worried about frame failure on this bike. Overbuilt, in a great way. PAINT JOB KICKS MUCH REAR-END! Nice 5" Marzocchi. Comes with a fender to piss off all my XC friends. Nice relaxed geometry makes for a great play bike. Hey- It's a Rocky Mountain...
Weaknesses: Stock handlebar has a weird bend. I prefer rapid fire, but the Grip Shift works good. Wish fork was QR20.
Bottom Line:
Why is it in the Full Suspension category?- Well, I don't know, but I can tell you that I've dropped it over head high onto pavement, and it has handled everything I can dish out so far. Great all around bike that will hold up to anything- freeride, DS, XC, hell-maybe even DH. It is a nice bicycle. I bought it so that I had something that enjoyed being beat up. This bike is awesome, Bill. I like it. I can't wait to race it DS. How much does it weigh?- are you serious? THIS IS THE ULTIMATE HARDTAIL!!! Freeride tell you can't pedal no more. Amen.
Similar Products Used: Yes, all that Canadian stuff is great. It doesn't matter what it is- Rocky bikes, Arc'Teryx backpacks, Race Face components and clothing, North Shore Videos... It doesn't matter, IF IT'S CANADIAN MADE, IT'S BUILT TO LAST.
Bike Setup: Mostly stock 2001 Reaper, except White Industries Rocket 88/ Rhyno Lite wheels, Raceface BB and North Shore cranks with Kooka Crankcase bashguard, Pro Taper Bar, XTR V-brakes.
I now have my RIP9 together and it rides great. It's a small frame with all black theme. That's why I call it the "GRIM REAPER". 29.2 lbs
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I can't find any information on the RMB reaper 1/2.
does anyone have any experience with the reaper? durability, costs?
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Ahoy Everyone!
I have wanted to get into mountain bike riding for a little while now, and having recently graduated from college I figured now would be an excellent time to pick Read More »
It's official! The next race at Bootleg Canyon will be the Reaper Madness DH.
Online registration will open on November 1st. Watch for BIG savings for pre-registered racers. The c Read More »
Registration is open for the 1st qualifier of 2012 for the Gravity Nationals.
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