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Rocky Mountain
Blizzard Bike
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Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Steel is real! | | Weaknesses: | Some of the original components weren't that great and original paint was a little weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list. | | Bike Setup: | Currently:Marzocchi 3" travel fork, Raceface/XT/XTR etc.
| | Bottom Line: | With the pendulum swinging back to cross-country I decided to build up my '93 Blizzard which I had been using as a commuter bike until 2 years ago. This particular year was the only year that the frame was made from True Temper OX2&OX3 tubing. In addition it was welded by Chris DeKerf who of course used to work for Rocky back in the day.
What more can I say? Sooo much lighter than either of my dualies and makes you pay more attention to the trail conditions. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAC JAC
a Cross Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | outback | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | out west (BC) | | Strengths: | nice colors | | Weaknesses: | junk - the frame broke after a year of mild riding.
After dealing with Rocky Mountain they indicated that my fork was not setup properly for the frame (had over 80mm of travel).
It broke about 1/2 inch from the weld. After discussing this issue with various welding professionals, it seems as though if the heat is removed from the bike frame too soon the metal structure will change possibly causing it to fail.
This typically happens about 1/5 inch to an inch from the weld. Take note how rust forms on steel (not directly on the weld, but a fraction from the weld - the properties of the metal has changed). The process of annealing may fail causing weakness in the metal.
I just love how Rocky puts the blame on the consumer. And, then they want to sell you a crash replacement. I didn't crash the damn bike, it snapped. And, if I wanted another piece of crap I'd buy canadian again! | | Similar Products Used: | First time using Rocky. Tried Kona, Giant (very good warranty no questions asked), Diamond Back (tough bikes), GT (tough winter bike), Cannodale (it's breaking quickly and it's a road bike), Bianch (tough - esp there old steel frames) | | Bike Setup: | Raceface, XT, LX, Marzochhi | | Bottom Line: | Junk - stay away from Canadian made junk.
The service stinks 10 times as much (I'm not sure who I was dealing with at Rocky, but the guy just played the blame game and run around).
Listen, if you can't have a proper QA on your bikes, then don't build them. And, I've spent many years in retail (over 10), when someone starts blaming the consumer right off the bat, I know something scummy is going on. Listen to the consumer, before the consumer forgets you!!!
Canadian junk eh. Have another beer. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
martin larsen
a Racer
from copenhagen.denmark
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | byman | | Strengths: | the best trailbike I have owned.stable at speed.Steady as a trialbike in the tech.riding.of course it is not my racebike(i have a klein)but it is my playbike, my "get off my back,argh i need a ride on something fun and dependable" kind of bike | | Weaknesses: | weak??? | | Similar Products Used: | klein pulse,santa cruz heckler,kona kula, kona fire mountain,sintesi,trek, | | Bike Setup: | roox,xtr,syncros,raceface,king iso,hope disc,azonic,ritchey, | | Bottom Line: | happy happy.I missed a disc brake on the back, but I just solved that last week(i can weld),and now it is deelicious.it is a signature edition, thank you andrew at rm | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Got this used from a friend | | Strengths: | Light, topped out with all the best components, amazing control and cornering, good climing and fast descents. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the older models have a Marzocchi fork which I don't really like. Luckily, I got one with Rock Shox. | | Bike Setup: | Bilzzard with Rock Shox Judy XC's, syncros head set + seat post, race face stem, shimano XT all the way around, Race Face cranks, Mavic rims etc. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is f*#$'n amazing! The best bike I have ever riden! It rides like a dream! If you can find one new that fits, buy it, you will have no regrets. The frame is simple and not flashy but it works. Just give one a test drive and you'll be hooked! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clancy
a
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Angles,colors,weight, handling!!!!! Perfect for gimps like myself with long legs and short torsos, no lower back pain | | Weaknesses: | dead feeling frame (kind-of), see below | | Similar Products Used: | So many others | | Bike Setup: | 2000 judy races, xtr v's, deore DX above bars and rear deraileur (8 spd) | | Bottom Line: | I had my specialized stolen, and my buddy Jon m. gave me this frame, a 97 blizzard with a front deraileur, The rest I have built up. I am trying to ride some reallyknarly stuff, with the idea being that apart from big drops, I can ride anything that a softie taled guy can ride. With this bike I can. I have to say, I remember riding this bike with judy xc's on it in 95 or 96, and since I put new taller forks on it, it is much happier with it's new angles. I want to put on some z3's or z1's to up that even further, and that way I could probably get some really big rubber on it. ****** Want to lower that seatpost some more? I hacksawed down my seat tube collar and cut down my seatpost tube, and with the new forks on it, big rubber on the back, rhino lites, and riser bars, I have a totally bombproof technical trials, downhill, ride that works like a charm for xc, (as long as i change my tires) I only say tht the frame feels dead because I rode my buddy's altitude T.O. and OH MY GOD!!!! how can steel feel this good!!! I have been spoiled! although I notice that they made it out of 853 in 2001, cool! this bike is perfect for guys like me who want it all; buy another set of wheels, and maybe put a z3 or z12 on it, and you can ride anything, any style. oh and by the way, this bike can turn on a dime, very precise! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rikifu
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Geometry, handling, durability - all the fun factors. | | Weaknesses: | Getting old (not the product's fault) - doesn't have suspension ready geometry & V-brake unfriendly due to cable routing style of '91. | | Similar Products Used: | Dekerf Generation (Ex-Rocky Mountain guy) | | Bike Setup: | 7sp DX/LX/XT (Upgraded to RF+) (Short)Rigid fork. Canti brake-sets. Riser bar. Clipless!
| | Bottom Line: | I had this bike since new from 1991 - and still can't let go. I thought of selling the Blizzard in '97 for a front suspension bike. So I bought a Dekerf Generation (which is another great bike) Some how over the years, the funds appeared in the bank account, and I still have the Blizzard. This bike have seen a lot kilometers. Many local trail and ski areas for the first several years. After my arrival of the Dekerf, not spending too much time on the 'for sale' rack, the 'Rocky' became my commuter bike. It was dressed with fenders and racks, bells and lights; the whole works. Now that I must commute by car, the 'Rocky' is back to an off-road mode. It climbs great, decsends fast, and has a very balanced feel. (Ah, steel is real) Through the years ot replacing worn parts and few upgrades, the bike is still dressed with both original (XT 7sp)hubs , (DX)headset, Ritchey Seatpost, and XT (Canti)Brakeset. Though not OE, the 737 pedal gets the honourary mention. It still spins! Kudos to the Big 'S' company. Depending on the trail to be ridden on any given day, I have a choice of the 'Rocky' (rigid) or 'Dekerf' (Front suspension), that both behaves so awesome and similar. This is probabaly the closest I'll ever get to having two loving wives. I would recommend this product for anyone looking for a quality bike, regardles of the weight and size, for racing, commuting, or for recreation. This bike has seen me do all three between 155 lbs to 195 lbs. 5 Chilis for being so faithful to me through all those years, and many more to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Flood
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria bc CANADA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Tuam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, strong, beautiful finish, great price. I landed a deal on a 98 signature series for less than $500 Canadian! | | Weaknesses: | Can only fit 2.35 tire on back;other than the need to protect tubes from corrosion, none. | | Similar Products Used: | Breezer lightning | | Bike Setup: | Tange Chromoly fork, WTB headset, syncros b/b, Magura 33's, Esp 9.0 sl, Time ATAC, White Ti bar, Kalloy Chromo seat post, XTR Rear/Bullseye front wheels,Rokko 2.4 front tyre & Elgato rear. | | Bottom Line: | Built locally for local trails-set up for rock & root-I can hang with buddies on mega-buck ti rides with ease. Totally confidence inspiring downhill, solid etc etc. If I could have only on e dirt bike this would be it. Plus I have less than 1200 Canadian into it! If I get a fork, It'll probably be a 4" travel deal like a White or a Noleen. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Downhiller
from calgary alberta canada
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | everything...its biking!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | PERFECT! came with high end components...excellent feel...climbs like a dream...light enough for xc but strong enough for downhill | | Weaknesses: | CHAIN STUCK...LEAKY SHOX | | Similar Products Used: | uh...havent used more im only 14 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK...except a new Race Face SYSten and Air Alloy low Riser when i broke the original in a crash. | | Bottom Line: | This is the sh!t...the bike for the everything rider i do xc,dh,ds,trials,and urban all on the same bike and its stand up good to punishment! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maria Foxworthy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bridgeport, WV
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
any Cooper's Rock | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
geometry, esp. short top tube; steel frame; top line components | | Weaknesses: |
rack mounts not practical (for those of us out on epic rides you gotta have a rack) | | Similar Products Used: |
Marin Pine Mountain | | Bike Setup: |
full Xt with RaceFace cranks, headset, stem and BB; Ritchy seatpost, handlebars, wheelset; Judy XC (changed out elastomers for springs rated for my weight -- well worth the extra weight) | | Bottom Line: | I can't say enough about this bike. WOMEN -- HEADS UP -- the short top tube allows a woman (short torso, long legs) to successfully ride technical ST (we have it in West Virginia). (The Pine Mountain was a very nice bike but I couldn't lift it over a log because the top tube was soooo long.) Climbs great, I ride technical stuff over my head all the time because of my confidence in the bike. Love steel frame ride and will not purchase aluminum. I'm looking to buy another Rocky to set up as an adventure bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Oakland
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anything Steep | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Steel Attitude, Great Geometry, High Bottom Bracket | | Weaknesses: |
Orange Cranks are Ugly
High Bottom Bracket | | Similar Products Used: |
| | Bike Setup: |
Outfitted with a Bomber Z.1,521's Race Face, MRP Chain Guide, ETC | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame for DS purposes and it has been great!! The best all around frame on the market in my opinion!! This bike laughs at the rough stuff and can clear logs with a 4 fork that stops many hardtails in their tracks!! FOR Dual Slalom: Great handling, reasonably stiff, excels on rough courses when full suspension isn't an option. The only drawback is the bottom bracket height tops 13 in a DS able set-up, a little high for those quick direction changes. Great for trails and descents! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rene
a Racer
from Veldhoven, Holland
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anything but flat | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
the real feel of steel | | Weaknesses: |
white | | Bike Setup: |
Rock Shox mag21 SL TI and some other expensive stuff | | Bottom Line: | the best frameset I could ever find for it's price. great in uphill as well as downhill, feels like heaven on singletracks. the feel is great, it's not as hard as alu, but still very rigid. how about 5 spacecakes? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Karr
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntsville,Al
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Land Trust | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
great frame and fantastic workmanship the parts pick is unique and the ride is wonderous | | Weaknesses: |
a tad heavy but for the trade off you get a real trail bike | | Similar Products Used: |
Mongoose zero GX..
Giant 890 | | Bike Setup: |
the rocky is set up with a judy with speed springs and a whites cart, also cermic wheels and huggie and syncros hubset, raceface cranks and bb and headset, and syncrose stem and seatpost... | | Bottom Line: | shhhh.. i bought this bike used for $600.. thanks John. its not the best bike in the world but its a sweet machine and i love the hardtail feal. o and the paint job is team rocky black white fade... in about 30 min i get to go ride it.. see ya. 5 big stars... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CLive
a Downhiller
from Vancouver B.C.
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Digger, north Shore | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
It is the most stable cr0-mo Frame ever built. | | Weaknesses: |
It does rust like any cromo. But if you are worried about that, go put on a dress and go pick some flowers. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cove Stiffe, the Al Version of this bike. | | Bike Setup: |
I rebuilt the Judy XC's with a lighter oil and a stiffer after-market spring. Added a pair of DH pedals and riser bars. That's it. This bike needs no other modifications to handel the nastiest trails out there. | | Bottom Line: | It is a bike that will track true and keep it;s rider On the trail.
It's extremly light for cro-mo and soaks up all the bumps given it. It doesnt break the bank and comes with long lasting perfomance canadian parts. I can handle the speed and drops of the Shore, but it's best attribtue is it ability to Climb, and to handle the single traks. aww man, only 5 thinys?! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimi Surf
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
XT, Race Face, Ritchey, Chromo
Lite for Chromo
Nimble handling, Sooooweeeet | | Weaknesses: |
Headset cap (minor nit) The Syncross headset cap is prone to sink with any tension. It's made out of somewhat bendy plastic. I'll see how it holds up. | | Similar Products Used: |
Secialized Stumpjumper Comp '93 18
Kona Explosive '98 18 | | Bike Setup: |
17.5 (stock) All XT w/Race Face Cranks, Syncros bar, Stem, seatpost, Ritchey clipless | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp for 6 years, loved it. Very durable bike that rarely dissapointed. The old love was on it way to a complete parts replacement. What a better excuse to buy a new bike??? After much research I set my sights on locating a '98 model Kona Explosive ($1900) or Rocky Blizzard ($1650). After Pricing and trying both I decided on the Rocky. * TIP * If you live in the Vancouver area stay away from Bikes on Broadway. I brought the bike there to rectify a simple problem twice and they could not fix it. In fact they told me to live with it!! I talked to Rocky Mtn. (who were great) they set me up withr an appointment at another shop who fixed the problem in 15 minutes (thanks to Simon of Simon's Bike shop).I have yet to really put the bike through its paces, but so far (5 rides) it is really awesome. Climbs: On long climbs there is a slight bit of flex, but stiffer than the Stumpjumper. My legs don't climb like they used to, but this bike makes it much easier.Wide Open Speed: Stable, but not what it excells at (and not what it's designed for either)Tight Singletrack: Great!! very easy to throw around. Always feel like you are on-top of it. The bike tracks through rough bits allowing you to focus on the next move. This is the bikes best trait.Overall:
It is a great comprimise on all aspects (climbing, speed, handling) but there is little comprimise, it does everything quite well. The bike inspires confidence especially in tight situations. I can already clean bits of trail that I couldn't with my former bike and I'm still getting used to it. This is a great bike for the terrian I ride (wet, tight singletrack, mountain climbs), in fact it is capable of more than my old nerves allow. If ya want steel and decend down some trickey trails, this bike delivers a great package!!
There are better bikes out there, but for the money I think this bike accomplishes everything that should be expected of it and more. 5 things...
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Submitted by
Topher
a weekend warrior
from West Vancouver
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Since buying my 98 Blizzard, I've only had one major regret-both wheels were taco'la within 2 weeks, the back one went after the first ride. Mind you I usually don't trust anything but my bike stores had built ones(ON TOP SHOP RULES) Other that that the bike has smoothed the twists of cruisers and sucked up the big wheelies, not to mention all the technical shit in between. I up graded to a Manitou X-vert which I'd be happier with if I could find a stiffer kit for it. But Rocky Mountain makes great bikes for technical North Shore riding, and for $2500 for XT/XTR, Syncros, and Raceface ya can't complain about such a perfect hardtail ride. Love her and she'll bounce back from all the knocks. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Villeneuve
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my 96 Blizzard in November of 95....it's going to be 4 years that I've had this beauty. Prior to that, I never owned a bike more than 2 years without either getting bored, or simply upgrading because technology had made my ride obsolete. Well cowboys, I can safely say that I have no plans to get rid of my crotch-rocket....ok, maybe a new rise-bar and some new treads but, other than that, the Blizzard of 96 is still blowing. Alot of sweat and alot of steal.....sweet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Delkan Cott
a cross-country rider
from SouthEastern Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The Rocky Mountain Blizzard is the best bike I have ever ridden. I put a Judy XC Hydracoil on it and it is sooo plush. It's decked with full XC components and Specialized Strong Arm crank and riser bar. It has a RaceFace XY seatpost and Selle Italia seat. The components and frame rock!!! This is my second bike and it is the best climber and fastes bike I have ever ridden. I love the Ritchey frame because it is strong and it flexes. I've got WTB Velociraptor tires and Sun CR-18 rims with LX hubs on it. I also have Time ATAC carbon pedals (greatest in the world). It is the most awesome bike I have ever ridden and it was very inexpensive($1000). Now I'm going to go ride. FIve Dogs | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
olli
a cross-country rider
from germany
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a blizzard 1994. It is the best bike I have and I ever rode (and I have another Rocky Mountain DH t.o. built up as a frerider and a no suspension Specialiced.) I put an ROCKSHOX DH 1997 a Riser Bar and many very lightwight parts on it. So it weights 10,5 kg an it handles still very well!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrice Denis
a cross-country rider
from Longueuil ,Quebec
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
That start bat.I bough the frame only and the frame aligment was bad. I contact Rocky Mountain to explain the problem and give me good service.After 3 weeks my frame back perfectly aligned.After the first ride at bromont,i don't believe how this bike work well.DAM! this bike climb so well and is so fast on technical decent, that i think for a moment that this bike weigh 20 lbs!I drop the weigh of this bike at 24 lbs with some titanium parts.But all is in the geometrie of the bike.The lengh of my chainstay is a short 16.55 and i think that one of the reasons that this bike climb so well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Mutch
a racer
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a blizzard. I put rock shock sid's on it and a spinergy wheel set it is the best bike in the world by far! The frame is made of easton aluminum i think. I also but XTR components on it and race face cranks. Rocky makes the best bikes in the world. If this blasted computer would let me I would give it 6 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
X-man
a weekend warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I shopped around for a mountain bike for about six weeks before I bought my Rocky Blizzard. The more research I did including test rides and reading magazines and reviews at this web site, the more I realized that in order to get a good bike with quality components I was going to spend at least $1,500. I really wanted a steel mountain bike for its resiliency and strength, but every production bike I looked at was aluminum. Another thing I learned from mtbr.com reviews was that people who bought bikes always seemed to go out afterwards and upgrade all their components with after-market parts. Somehow it didn’t make sense to me to spend all that cash and settle for less bike. Rocky Mountain bikes rate high on all the reviews I read here so I linked to their site and looked over their line. First I was impressed by the quality of their components, such as, Marzocchi, Syncros, Ritchey and Race Face. Then I found a steel frame, Blizzard bike, with the XT Shimano parts package I wanted. Because Rocky is built just across the border in B.C. I found a local shop that specialized in the line. I have to say that what sold me was the fit, it was the right bike for me. I was pretty frustrated up to that point because I didn’t really find a production bike that fit me well and I am average height and weight. Second the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail is unbelievable. It’s a great climber and precise and nimble tracking bike. With all the trick after market parts standard, not to mention the Bomber suspension, and the price right in line with all the production bikes, this is a great buy! I would highly recommend that you check out a Rocky before you buy any bike. They are awesome! I’m saving up for their Turbo road bike next. 5 solid chilies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crazy eggbeater head
a cross-country rider
from N. Vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The blizz kicks ass. All rockys kick ass. this is because there made in Canada
by people who know what they are doing and they have quality canadian components. The north shore has the most technical riding in the world and my blizz holds up perfect in these conditions. give one a try they rip .....all rockys do, all canadian components do and , of course, so does Canada. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hamish G
a cross-country rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had a Alloy GT. This bike is very different to ride. Beautiful in one word. Not as fast uphill, but downhill and on single track it goes like an exocet missile. It loves twisty single track. If you want a play bike, then get a Blizzard. Nice paint job too.
Hamish Gordon | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a cross-country rider
from Long Island, New York
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my Blizz about a month ago, and man do I love to ride the thing! it is a great ride, stiff steel, that doesn't rob your energy like a wet noodle, but not overly stiff like som big tubed Al bike, the Blizz climbs well, and is great in singletrack, the bike holds a line in the twisty stuff like nobodies busines an is nice in fire roads but I find the Blizz is best on descents, where it is frgiving , and predictable, I was going down some near vertical drop offs on my first tiime out , that would have thrown me clear offf my old rig, but the blizz just kept a smoothe line, and well I didn't fall,
so in my opinion you should get one of these bad boys, especially if you like stiff bikes that don't kill you | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat
a cross-country rider
from Long Island NY
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Rocky Mountain has a new website at WWW.Bikes.com
so you should check it out! so now i must fill up space because I need to have 50 words, now this is a good idea but I think that they should not be so strict about it. Okay now they need only Five more words. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
teresa
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just received my Blizz from Phat Tire on Tuesday and I have been riding it everyday since. Plush ride and the Bomber is sweet. The best part is the silent rear hub so I can leave work early without people hearing me sneak out the back door. Five chilis from this Texan! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smarty
a cross-country rider
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a '97 Blizzard at a not-so LBS and just can't say anough about it. I love every aspect of this bike from the frame (materials and geometry), the tires, rims, gruppo, Judy XC, Avid brakes, Synchros stem, XT and the RaceFace cranks.....I just love my bike. It's pretty sad, but I think about riding this damn thing all the time. I was riding a Klein Attitude and the Blizz just blows doors. Took the Blizz out for it's first real ride and didn't not want to stop, the mind and bike were willing, the body was not. Only needed to tighten up the headset (brain fart from the LBS) but other than that it's been killer. I'm really looking forward to this spring and summers riding and racing season. I've used this page to research extensively. It's a great page. FULL FREAKIN' ON WITH THE FIVE JALAPENOS!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my new Bliz since the summer and I can't put it down. Sun, rain, mud, snow: it kicks in all conditions. I used to ride a Stumpjumper and it was ok but this bike is an awesome machine. I like the idea of being outfitted with local stuff aswell ie: Synchros & Race face. After six months of hard riding I have had no major problems. Canada kicks ass!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Actually this a review for Altitude T.O. Same material I guess - Tange Prestige, except with Altitude it includes the chainstay and the seatstay.
Formerly owned a Thin Air, stripped the parts of it and put them on my new frameset and Whoa! Being under 130 Ibs, I kinda know this frame would fit me better but it's more than I expected. Sharp edges in the bumpiest trail ( washboard - exposed roots - rocks ) are blunted to the point that it makes me want to go faster - but I refrained cause I want to enjoy the beautiful paintjob before the onset of another racing season. The seatstay flexes quite a bit with V-brakes and it doesn't quite have the stiffness in the bottom bracket you would normally get from and alloy frame. Perhaps ( only perhaps ) this will be my last bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from WI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
where to begin?....i got a 97 rocky blizzard with a BAM Z2 bomber...i got a
white one with nice graphics (although i do have one shitty spot in the paint
that i hope is only the paint) i put control tech team issue bar ends on, and
that is it....the bike is heavier than my trek carbon composite by about the
weight of the fork....i love the geometry of the bike for climbing and over
all riding and since my old trek is rigid, i love the bomber...really LOVE it.
the handling of the blizzard is amazing at most speeds (i say most since i have not been on any huge downhills really).....slow speed handling on the uphills is beautiful and on winding singletrack it is like an extension of myself....it took me a few times of almost launching myself over the bars to get used to the power of the avid v style brakes, but now they are truly amazing to me....since i was riding a rigid dx-xt bike before, it is fairly relative to say that the bike is astoundingly better, but it is about as critical as i can get...i would recaomend this bike to anyone...it is just an added bonus that it is a very, very uncommon bike in my neck of the woods and not just another cookie cutter bike like all the trek and fischers(the aformentioned factory is about 10 minutes from my house) although i don't really have any complaints of my trek 8700 since it served me well over the last 4 years....well enough said and probably too much, but if you have a chance to ride a blizzard, do..you will be hooked as i am......five chilis for this bad boy and some guacamole and chips to boot.....yahoooo | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Nigg
a weekend warrior
from Reutte, Tyrol, Austria, Europe, Earth
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The 2st bike i owned, starting riding mtb's, was a 89' Scott Builder. 2nd has been a 92' Cannondale SM 1000. Both quite good for my needings.
After 2 years pausing till 96', I decied to buy a new bike -> Rocky Mountain Blizzard! Damned, what a difference!
This is the dream bike, I ever wanted. Light weight, high quality components, outstanding abilities on single tracks, climbings and downhills. Just perfect for the Tyrolean alpine trails! Also it has the coolest hardtail geometry with that sloping top tube.
Till now I never had any problems with that bike and surely, the next bike i am going to buy will again be a Rocky Mountain (maybe a Vertex TO or Altitude TO)!
Negative: WTB brakes and price in Europe (~ $3500)
But I still can recommend this xc machine to anyone who likes happy trailing! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Popielarz
a racer
from West Vacnouver, BC
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THis Bike is the Shit, it kicks ass i love my bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Davidson
a cross-country rider
from Palo Alto, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Earlier this year I was considering buying a new bike because my 95 Blizzard was getting out of date for the kind of riding that I like to do. I like the feel of my Blizzard so instead I just bought a new fork and V-brakes. Since then it feels like a new bike and I've renewed my love affair with my Blizzard.The Blizzard is light and nimble. The geometry is built for great traction on the climbs and excellent control on the steep downhill.I love the quality of Rocky Mountain bicycles. The ride is great and I have never had any problems with this bike other than normal wear and tear. My next bike will probably be a Rocky as well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Shurvell
a weekend warrior
from Winnipeg, MB
Date Reviewed: August 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS BIKE ROCKS!!!! It's even better when I put air in the tires!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from Squamish, BC
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Recently purchased a 1997 Blizzard after owning a 1988 Blizzard since new. Since technology has changed a lot since then I spent two months researching and riding bikes of various configurations and materials but it all came back to the Blizzard for performance and value (I changed the shock to a Z2 Bomber at no charge). Nice XT setup with some Raceface and Syncros goodies to set it off. Fantastic single track abilities, climbs really well, and as stable as you need for fast decents. A perfect machine for this area of mountainous single track with roots, mud, and granite, and plenty of logging roads. The more I ride it, the more I like it. It gets a top rating from me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Ellis
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Rocky Mountain has a reputation that very few mtb companies can match. A wicked no nonsence image together with some of the highest quality rides in the business. In 93 I upgraded to a Blizzard. This bike does everything, climbs like a goat, carves single track like nothing else, and remains stable (fairly!) on the fastest fire road decents. Its an incrediably tough bike which has served me well through out my travels, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vancouver B.C, London Canada and Keystone Colorado. I would recomend this bike to anyone in search of a single track demon or just a durable light bike that will take them the distance every time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PETE
a cross-country rider
from VAN. B.C.
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This reviews directed at bill wattson from New Joysey,bill apparently has a Specialized fetish,and considers all other mtb shit{at least rocky mountians}.Having ridden an M-2 for two years know the bike well.All was fine untill i was exposed to rocky thin air/rocky hammer.Upon ridding my friends bikes soon realized my m-2 glaring weaknesses.1/frame was way to harsh 2/b.b. is about 1/2 to low,for tech. single track.3/chain stays about 1/4to long 4/not very light for a high end alum. mtb.I sold my M-2 to by a Blizzard,it climbs stuff the M-2 would never get up{short stays/forgiveing chromoly},it descendes way more controlled,and is a knife in the tech-stuff{higher b.b./slopeing top tube.The Blizzard is killer bike for anyone but the extreme racer who needs the ultimate stiffness of easton alum.The possitive points of the bike my not show unless you use the bike for climbing mountians{lots in Van. none in joysey}. Not every one races on norba style pancake flat courses so broaden your horizons Bill and try a rocky for a while in real mountians,Im sure you to will see the light!LIVE TO RIDE,RIDE TO LIVE,PEACE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noel Buckley
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My old 1992 Blizzard has stood up to TONS of pounding. I'm 190 lbs, and this bike has somewhere around 25000 (yes three zeros!) kms on it. It has been through three to four sets of components, and it still rides great. Although I am looking for a new bike now, it's singletrack prowness, rocket climbing ability, and quick handling will be the standard to which every bike I demo will be compared. If you want a rockin' steel bike that is a technical single track surgeon, there is no equal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Pearson
a cross-country rider
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just upgraded from a Rocky Mountain Equipe to a Blizzard, and I this is one sweet bike. The judy xc fork is a big
improvement from the Quadra 21R. I rode a Proflex 955 for about 2 weeks and it was not even close to the Rocky, on single
track or climbs. You can't go wrong with this bike! If you are reading this and are a US resident, check out the value at
RMB- our CDN $ makes it a amazing deal for US riders...and no I don't work at RMB,....ride the bike and you'll be going
off like an idiot too!! | | Overall Rating: |
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