Submitted by
Branden Chase
a Downhiller
from Port Alberni, B.C, Cananda
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004
Strengths: Great frame. Strong an d light but at the same time this can be bad. Used it on dirt jumps, Tables tobs and always di as good or better then i wanted. Any one who wants a light good dirt jumping bike with a strong frame. This is the bike for you
Weaknesses: Very Skinnnnnnyyyyyyy Frame. always think its going to snap. if i have rode a heavier bike and use this on a jump i usually pull back to hard and BANG...right on my back. If you want a heaey bike look at some other
Bottom Line:
I dont reealy know about this but, A Good Strong (believe it or not)light frame that is good for dirt jumpin. I think any one looking for a good dirt jumper thats strong, light and a good beginner bike
This is a review for the 2002 Hammer. This is one incredible bike! It's the first steel framed bike I have ever owned. Rocky's steel frame produces such a solid feel and an incredible ride. Compared to an aluminum hardtail, this bike rides like butta! My only gripe is the lack of an off-set seatpost. I feel a little cramped on the bike, but other than that, it's my favorite ride!
Submitted by
William O'Brien
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001
Strengths: Hey all you Hammer owners and potential owners. I just discovered this review site, so I thought I would leave a few comments about my 1991 (YES..a '91 Rocky Mountain) "Hammer". That's right, I have owned my Hammer since April of 1991. It came spec'd with the first generation grip shift (refered to as the road version now) and a full Suntour component package. This "Hammer" also features the now extinct rear monostay. Email me for pictures of this classic. Note to all of you--throughout the years I have constantly upgraded the bike...moving away from the original rigid front fork to the present Judy shock, and a complete and continuous upgrading of my drivetrain and other components. Basically, The only part of the "Hammer" that remains is the frame...but that is also the heart of the bike...which has never let me down.
Weaknesses: Initially, having the grip shift in 1991 was ultra cool but not comparable to modern day shifters...including modern day grift shift. Also, Suntour's drivetrain didn't seem to be a perfect match with this 1st generation grip shift...but I still loved riding the bike.
Similar Products Used: I briefly traded the "Hammer" in for a brand new "5500" Wheeler in 1995, but in less than one month I busted and bent the Wheeler rigid fork while jumping across a stream. When I took the Wheeler in for repairs, I bought my Hammer back and have never let go of it since. I gave the repaired Wheeler to my sister. I have always weighed around 195+, and at my peak I competed well in sport class. Now I'm a weekend warrior like I was back in the early 1990s, and this Hammer has always been bulletproof.
Bike Setup: Kore stem, Nukeproof carbon handlebar, Mavic rims, grip shift, XT rear, XT front, V-brakes, Rock Shock, Salsa Skewers, Ringle front and rear rubs, Downhill Kooka cranks, Micro Chainrings, Shimano Clipless platform pedals, double butted spokes, Rock Shock seatpost.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Greg St. Clair
a Racer
from Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Strengths: Very stiff, yet forgiving frame. Strongest wheels I've ever rode. Very good parts spec. Full LX, no holdouts on the BB or headset.
Weaknesses: Lack of Disc Tabs on the frame, and could use a better stock seat. My nuts get a little sore after a long epic weekend ride.
Bottom Line:
When I frist bought the bike, I used it for serious off-road riding. After realizing how strong the frame really is, I've beefed the bike up with a pair of Mavic 521-D's, a Manitou X-Vert Air, and pulled off my large chainring. I n ow use the bike for Dual Slalom, and sick drop-offs. Overall, this bike is great for XC, as well as Trials, and as we new age kid slike to call it..."Hucking"
Similar Products Used: Trek 8500, Schwinn Moab 1, Norco Torrent
Bike Setup: I appreciated the full LX setup, kinda wished the Marzocchi Z-4 could have had a little more adjustability. Also, the Michelin Wildgripper Lite's kick some serious ass.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
vince calvo
a Downhiller
from COQUITLAM
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001
Strengths: Very true and strong frame never had a problem. All you other bikers that think this bike is a piece of junk don't really want to ride because this is one of the nicest rides out there
Weaknesses: the only weakness i found and it really is a weakness it's more my fault is when I fell while doing a 7 ft drop and the back rim came out of true
Bottom Line:
Great job rocky on another sweet BIke Hammer ROCKS
Weaknesses: frame is a little heavy but who cares, bent seatpost
Bottom Line:
OK I'll start by saying you can't diss the entire ride because of a wheel set. Fortunately I picked up my hammer with XT wheels off another bike. From day one the bike rode awesome. Good strong frame that's great on single track and climbs. I've ridden it now for 2 and 1/2 seasons with very few problems. Over time I've replaced the usual parts but all in all the thing has been rock solid and no I don't ride like a candy ass nor am I a mountain dew extreme freeride poser. Only real complaint I have for Rocky is to stop using Ritchy components all together. Everything by the Rich myster is under built and has no biz on a rocky.
Bike Setup: full xt, raceface, nukeproof warheads, manitou sxr
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, B.C.
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought the Hammer Race last year...boy is this bike a piece of shit...the wheels suck, the shocks are useless & what's with the cheap yellow grips?!?! Rocky is supposed to have a reptuation for good bikes, but I was totally let down by this bike. One of my friends rides a Thin Air, now that's a great bike. Bike of the year my ass, save this bike for girls.
Submitted by
jim gibson
a racer
from Moncton, NEW B, Can
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I took the advice of a friend and bought this bike. What a rip off!!!! The wheels sucked and I won't even mention that the frame tacoes as easy as a... um... taco! Well I guess I did mention it. But, as Darren Little mentions (near end of page), I got girls, and I mean lots of girls! The bike sucks, sorry guys, but Mary is nice! ps Why don't they allow anti-stars? It deserves one
Submitted by
Joe-boy
a cross-country rider
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have a '96 Hammer. I recently moved to CT from Toronto. I was riding along in and around the big city. Here is the 'burbs I am closer to alot more technical stuff and better climbs. I even raced the ol steed a few weeks back.It was spec'd with LX and a Segino crank. It is true that the wheels are nasty. I just replaced my rear wheel, chain, cogs and chain rings. Not bad for a couple of years of riding.I give it two bar-ends up. I love the feel and geometry of Rocky Mountains. And I like that I don't ride a Cannondale out here in New-England.
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have had my Hammer Race for about 4 months now and I am really impressed. I have gone over the bars, crashed into trees, taken some bad air, and just pounded the heck out of the bike. The bike has really stood up to the challenge and I just love how nimble it feels downhill. The only problem I have what-so-ever is with the rapid-fire shifters (Shimano DX) and it was only because the wire was routed improperly. Overall.......the bike kicks my @ss!!! Some of the best money I have ever spent!!
Submitted by
James bond
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver Canada
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
The bike Rules. You get what you buy. The wheels may be a little sketchy but overaLl the bike is a good buy. This goes out to Dave,John,Houlden, and both Daves. YOU CAN KISS MY WHITE HARRY A$$. GET OFF THE PAVEMENT AND LOSE THE TRAINING WHEELS. CANADA IS THE BOMB
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
I had a Rocky Mountain a few years back. It got stolen, and I couldn't find another company I would rather see my insurance money go to. So I got a '97 Hammer. So far (two summers and a Winnipeg winter) everything is perfect. If any of the people are reading this who had a problem with the wheels, lose some f***ing weight. I ride the shit out of mine and it still runs good. Maybe the problem isn't the bike, but the chunks riding it.
Submitted by
Shawn Webster
a cross-country rider
from Castlegar, British Columbia
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have a '96 hammer, and I love it. I haven't had any problems. The only time my wheels came out of true was when I got a dog leash stuck between the spokes and cassette, so I don't know what you guys are whining about. My seatpost also bent, but that was when my dad pulled into the garage with my bike on top of the car. I installed a Syncros seatpost, and haven't had any problems with it.
Submitted by
Jason Swan
a weekend warrior
from Kitchener, Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
I purchased my 97 hammer in late December and love it!! I was riding a Giant before this ride and cant beleive the way this bike likes to climb. I do have one complaint and that is the same as everyone else..the Wheels!!After just one ride my back wheel was out of whack and both front and rear spokes were loose..not just one or two..but a whole bunch!! My were also signed by Chip..???Other than that, for the components and the frame it is a damn good bike for the money!!!
Here is my El Martillo, finally built up.
Stats:
55 cm Electric Blue El Martillo Road Frame (Pic #1)
Reynolds Carbon Fork/Carbon Steerer (Pic #2)
Full 105 components Except Read More »
