Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Strengths: Steel is real!
Weaknesses: Some of the original components weren't that great and original paint was a little weak.
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.
Bike Setup: Currently:Marzocchi 3" travel fork, Raceface/XT/XTR etc.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
JAC JAC
a Cross Country Rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004
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!
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.
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
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Submitted by
martin larsen
a Racer
from copenhagen.denmark
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
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???
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
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,
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Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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!
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Submitted by
Chris Flood
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria bc CANADA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
kevin
a Downhiller
from calgary alberta canada
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2000
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
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!
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.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maria Foxworthy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bridgeport, WV
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000
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)
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.
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)
Strengths: Steel Attitude, Great Geometry, High Bottom Bracket
Weaknesses: Orange Cranks are Ugly High Bottom Bracket
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!
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?
Bike Setup: Rock Shox mag21 SL TI and some other expensive stuff
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Karr
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntsville,Al
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999
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
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...
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...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CLive
a Downhiller
from Vancouver B.C.
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
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.
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?!
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.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimi Surf
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999
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.
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...
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
Overall Rating:
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.
