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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mesh | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Valley Bike, Granby CT | | Strengths: | Great frame, good balance for overall use vs. 2 or 3 specific freeride, cross country, etc. bikes. Workmanship on my frame is excellent. Float good choice for shock, too. | | Weaknesses: | Stock component setup leaves a lot to be desired. Mine is built-up from a frame, I rode the near stock version last year - BB and Crank needed replacement, seat is a brick, but overall a decent setup. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro Pro (currently broken frame), Rocky Mtn CTX-70 | | Bike Setup: | XTR full kit except XT hub/brake calipers, Thompsen SP&Stem, Shimano clipless, Mavic disc rims handbuilt setup, IRD Composite Bar, Michelin Wildgripper Comp S Red Tires :)
Didn't know if I'd like new XTR brake lever shifters, happy to say like them a lot! Built strong-but-lighter than stock, just have to accept XTR costs $$$, esp. for replacement. Sweet crank setup. | | Bottom Line: | I rode the same bike stock last year for awhile, same issues as most the other reviews - too heavy tires, hard seat, crank/BB, all minus, Z fork great but blows up, plus is mostly all in the frame. This bike is tougher than my Enduro, stiffer and surprisingly a little quicker up front. Once dialed in the rear is plush but takes big hits w/o drama, f-to-r balance a little tricky with the Manitou Black fork. Ride 90% singletrack full of CT rocks and roots, this bike just takes it all in stride. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STEW
a Cross Country Rider
from Bountiful, UT
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Thunder Mountain, Mueller, Pipeline | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Look, Feel and Ride. Suspension. | | Weaknesses: | The stock seat is like an anvil. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Spice, Specialized RockHopper, Specialized HardRock | | Bike Setup: | Marz. FR 1 front shock, Fox Float RL rear shock, XT rear der, LX front and shifters, Shimano Hydr. discs, Hutchison Mosq. Lite Tires, | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike. I love to ride long climbs with fun stuff waiting for the ride back down. With not much work I dialed in the front and rear suspension: doesn't suck-n-bob on climbs, but rides pillow soft on the way down. I've used several front shocks and believe Marzocchi's to be the best. Once you get it set, you forget about your shock. It just works and you don't think about it. Rocky 3d-link has great lateral stiffness and still makes a smooth ride. This is my fourth bike and second Rocky. I love it. Only two (minor) beefs, one is solely related to my style of riding. First, the Selle seat. During a long ride it feels like you're sitting on a fence post. Thank you, gel pants. Second, I ride pavement a bit too much for the Hutch. Mosq. Lite's. They're getting chewed fast. Panaracer TrailBlasters are better for my type of riding. Still, this is a great XC + more bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Ozimek
a Cross Country Rider
from Girard,PA,USA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Asbury Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2025.00 | | Purchased At: | Park Ave. Bike in Rochester | | Strengths: | Frame, Marz. F1 fork, Fox Float RL shock | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat like a brick attached to a seatpost. Other than that absolutely nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing really | | Bike Setup: | Everything is stock except for WTB Speed Race saddle and Shimano 545 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome. Incredible. Spectacular. Confidence inspiring. This bike can pretty much do it all. I couldn't believe I found a brand new 2002 leftover this year. Quite a find. Anyway, other than I'm just getting back into riding shape for this year, I am blown away by this bike. Rocky Mountain built a definite gem. I don't really freeride, but I found myself doing things I would have never done before. Like I said at the top it really is confidence inspiring. The Marz. fork is buttery smooth and gobbles up everything. The frame is bombroof and the paint with the metal flake is killer. Just look at it when the sun hits it the right way. The brakes work fairly well for Deore discs. Only minimal squealing. It's just awesome. The rear end tracks very nicely. It stays glued to the ground going up or going down. The bike also locks out on either end for those steep ones or the road commute to and from the trail. I will review this bike some more with a summer's fill of riding on it, but overall I hope Rocky Mountain never stops building this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Goetti
a Cross Country Rider
from Muttenz Switzerland
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Garda Italy | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | H&S Bikediscount Germany | | Strengths: | Precise steering, excellent suspension performance, very fast in tight corners but still good directionality on fast downhill sections | | Weaknesses: | Composite bushings in teh rear need frequent maintenance, otherwise they get sticky | | Similar Products Used: | RM Element | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float RL, Fox Forx Talas RLC, Chris King, FSA Carbon Crank, FSA FR Stem, Syntace Vector DH Bar, DT Hugi FR Hubs, Mavic F219 Rims, Magura Louise FR Disc, Shimano XTR, Selle Flite Titan | | Bottom Line: | Excellent combination of up- and downhill performance. The bike is quit light (about 12,5 kg/26lbs) and will take heavy abuse without a flaw. The new Fox fork is a dream come true - what a difference to the RS Psylo before!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niser
a Downhiller
from Munich, BAvaria, Germany
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | lago di garda | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Rabe in Munich | | Strengths: | Fork, frame, BRAKES the deore hydro brakes are the best brakes i've ever had, mavic d 321 rims ( not stock but i have them) perfect allround bike | | Weaknesses: | no weaknesses but i can't stop thinking about riding the slayer, the stock rims if u go freerding and not only cross country riding | | Similar Products Used: | votec F7 ( german bike) | | Bike Setup: | stock but mavic D 321 rims and schwalbe 2'35 tires | | Bottom Line: | This is the coolest bike i've ever had
it is very good to go uphill and downhill it is a weapon compared to the other kind of bikes.
THe brakes are very strong and the modulation is perfect, i always brake with one finger
the frame is so nice and the paintjob is godlike
with the new rims you can do anything and i don't have to worry about my part, that is because i don't weight alot
this bike is just fun to ride no matter what you do from street to downhill i love it and can't stop thinking of riding
thank you rocky mountain guys i love you | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
terry
a Cross Country Rider
from calgary, alberta
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | tri sport (windsor) | | Strengths: | This bike does it all! It climbs great, even with 5 inches of travel (though you may have to play a bit with handlebar height, stem length, fork set up, etc) and just bombs down nasty descents. The rear sus is firm and effecient but really sucks up big hits. It's tough but light and it looks cool. What more can I say? | | Weaknesses: | Though this is a great bike, I had some component problems. First the Marzocchi Z1's lockout blew the first time I rode it (and I wasnt even using it). I have no need for a it, so I didn't really care and didn't have it fixed, but still. Other than that, it's a great fork.
On top of this, the bb went on me after only about a month. That pissed me off! The middle chain ring wore out after only 3 months. Needless to say, I'm not too impressed with the drivetrain on this bike. The Race Face/SRAM combo is nowhere as good as shimano XT, especially when things get muddy. I think a bike like this should come specd with a higher end drivetrain. I'll be switching to a full XT drivetrain for next spring.
I didn't even try the stock tires--mosquito lights. I went for my old standby tire--panracer fire xc pro. | | Similar Products Used: | Voodoo Zobop | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I uprgraded front derailler and shifters to XT, changed tires and put on TIME pedals.
I did a lot of playing with fork and shock set up over the summer, but I finally got it right. I think the rear has to be set up on the plush side in order to get proper balance with the Z1 fork and to get the best downhill performance. Even with this set up, it still climbs well. I never have any need to use the rear lock out, except when riding long stretches of pavement. | | Bottom Line: | Even though I have some issues with the components on this bike, overall I have to say, I love it! It's fast (for a fairly beefy 5 and 5 bike) on flats and climbs and even faster on the downhills. Basically, this is a cross country bike, but on steroids. If your going to be riding on smooth, flat trails, go buy a hardtail, or a 3 and 3 full sus. But if your going to ride long, arduous, rock-strewn, root-infested trails with moderate drops and jumps (like those in Kananaskis Country) go get a Slayer. It'll get you over the pass and let you scream down the other side. And at the end of the day, you wont feel like Mike Tyson was giving you kidney shots for 5 hours straight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Birdman-X
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston,MA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | NONE
I have the '01. This is the wrong year for review but I
want others to know of RM's limitations.
| | Weaknesses: | The only stock parts left are the cranks, fork, handlebar and front triangle. The rest of the parts broke under moderate abuse. I am not a hard rider by any means. RM was originally helpful...the seat, seatpost and rear hub lasted about 2 weeks....and then every week thereafter something broke. NOT FROM FALLS. I broke my chainstay before the recall. They replaced it with a smaller diameter and smaller walled chainstay (off of the x-country bikes I presume) which now has a crack. They do not want to replace it with the proper piece under warranty claiming it is the correct one. I've met others with the same bike that have had theirs replaced and they are significantly thicker. It is like argueing with a rock talking to the warranty department. I also need to replace the seatstay. THEY CLAIM THEIR COSTS IS $280 FOR A SEATSTAY. Rob (RM warranty) told me the bike wasn't made for light freeriding and that I shouldn't have bought it. It was a x-country/trail bike and that I should have bought an RM-7. I then reminded him of their '01 marketing campaign for the Slayer - urban assault..do anything go big machine...blah..blah..blah... We spoke last week where I voiced my displeasure in no uncertain terms. He said they would work on a price that was more in line with sanity for the seatstay. The LBS just called. $270. I can buy '02 Stinky De-Lux frames right now for $799. Far beefier, bearings as opposed to bushings, 4 bar...sure they all break but I'm willing to bet I'll have far fewer problems with the Stinky than this POS. Rob said..."the Stinky is made in Taiwan". Woooo there sparky...now that is some logic. So I should be happy with my piece of crap because it is made in Canada vs. having a working bike that was made in Taiwan...someone that is supposed to make me feel better...I've always heard that B.C. bud is good...I made that mistake buying your product and I won't make it again. | | Similar Products Used: | RM Element (no problems whatsover); Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | The set-up used to change weekly due to crappy stock parts. Now that they are almsot all replaced...no changes...once the frame is changed it will be a Stinky etc., | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because I'm Canadian and RM's are supposed to be good. So much for being patriotic. Maybe I just got a lemon. That happens. However, RM warranty is horrible. Quite possible the worst service I've received in my life. It is the last time will buy a product from Rocky. I'm one pissed off owener. Unfortunately I don't have $$'s lying around to just buy a new bike. So everytime someone ask me how I like my RM Slayer I'll be sure to tell them how much I hate it. If anyone knows where I can find some lemon stickers let me know so I can put them all over my bike as a warning to others thinking about paying hard earned money on junk.
There is a good lesson here...DON'T buy the first year bike and be the guinea pig...and then when you decide you like a bike...don't just ride it yourself....look for others that have some time on it and see the problems they have and how they were handled by the Company. So long RM....and do me a favour. Stop putting the Canadian maple leaf on your bikes...it is an embarressment to real Canadians.
By the way...when the bike was not broken and I wasn't geting jerked around by RM warranty, it was a pretty decent rig. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henrik Cosworth
a Downhiller
from Copenhagen, Denmark
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Strengths: | Ok cross country bike with limited down hill capabilities. | | Weaknesses: | The Company behind the product is the main problem. You can't complain over the service because it is non existent. They do not answer e-mails or for that matter pick up their phones. In other words piss poor support. Sorry about my French. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz bullit, Hot Chili Razor | | Bike Setup: | Hayes disc brakes, Manitou Black Air fork | | Bottom Line: | At a 4000.00 USD price tag in this country and the lack of support from Rocky Mountain it is not what you can call value for money. I can find hand build bikes here which are just as good if not better at less money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike swanson
a
from newton,n.c., catawba
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Raider's Camp/Harper's Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Clark's Bike Center, Hickory, N.C. | | Strengths: | This frame is one of the most durable, consistent, and well-crafted pieces of mtb. equipment I have had the pleasure of owning...this makes my fourth!!! (Rocky Mtn. Bike that is...) Right-On Canada!!! | | Weaknesses: | U have the introductory model Edge 19" with the following added: 1999 Z1-QR20, with Bl.Spire forkbrace, x-heavy springs in front, with upgraded rear vanilla rc w/800lb. spring, Shimano XT discs, 8" rotor in front, 6" in back, not enough clearance for 8". XTR 4-arm crankset, Sram 9.0sl rear hub w/14g dt,brass, on mavic hard anodized 521's front and rear, and a std qr20 front hub. Azonic shorty 75mm x 10 degree stem, Answer pro-taper bars with odi rogue lock-ons, thomson seatpost, and wtb saddle, salsa seatpost qr,Michelin 2.5 and 2.2 dh tires. the ones that look like the xc hot s tread. these weaknesses are only due to several successive blows off of trees, rocks, stunts, crashes, and being constantly treated like sheeett... | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | refer to above | | Bottom Line: | buy the 02 or the either one of the 03 models, you will be soooooooo happy!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy Wheeler
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheyenne, WY
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Carbondale Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork. | | Weaknesses: | None yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super-v 2000, Jamis Dakar. | | Bike Setup: | Hayes 6" disks, Z1 Freeride, Race Face. | | Bottom Line: | Great all around ride! Can't say enough about this bike. Fork is strong and plush. Frame is strong without being too heavy. Bike climbs good and descends as good as any 4-5" travel bike. If you are into long trail rides and want to be able to enjoy a night out afterwards, this is the one. Very comfortable all-day bike!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Watson
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland UK
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress Black | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Red Jersey Cyclery, NH | | Strengths: | The grin that comes with the bike. It's the poodle's plums | | Weaknesses: | rear end cable routing in compression | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | Hayes disc brakes, Michelin Wildgripper USB tubeless tyres on Mavic rims, Cannondale 24 spoke hubs, saddle with Maple leaves all over it (when do these Canadians ever stop???) | | Bottom Line: | You'd have to be insane to spend that much money on a bike, so come on, all you nutters: line up behind me and buy a Slayer...
It can go anywhere. Trick is to still be with it when it arrives. I will break long before this bike does. Light enough to get up hills even if you are not a superfit lycra-hound, and absolutely loves the downhill and bumpy bits. The Z1 keeps the bike going the right way long after I've lost the plot.
ECC cart failed on Z1 fork early on so had it replaced by good people at Windwave, and I've managed to kink the rear brake hose between top tube and rear triangle, but the fun I've had doing it is more than worth two little glitches.
This is the finest bike I've ridden - I think they should be made compulsory. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Burlington, VT
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rasta man | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Earl's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Excellent suspension, geometry set up perfectly for a wide range of riding situations. Hayes disc brakes are a huge step up from arch rivals | | Weaknesses: | lame mosqito tires replaced with mofo 2.35 dh in front and mythos 2.1 in rear. mavic x221 are pretty weak. I ordered a ryno lite. Replaced stem w/105 0 deg.Other wise a great bike. | | Similar Products Used: | GT xcr3000. Another great bike but can't get the bushings and new I-drive bearings that I need due to company in ruins. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for wheels, tires seat/seatpost and stem. | | Bottom Line: | Climbs like a dream for a 5 and 5 ride and descends even better. Haven't been off it since I got it. It does it all. A few people complained about thiers because it broke doing 10 foot drops but they should have picked up an RM7 or something. Remember its still just a bike, use common sense.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GwEg
a Weekend Warrior
from Laval Qc Canada
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 9 Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Beausoleil Cycle | | Strengths: | Great all Around bike, big travel capability, handle very well, the 3D link suspension is very great... | | Weaknesses: | doesn't come with a fox pump or something like that, no chain slap protector but these aren't big deal | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Slayer stock | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike I ever! The Z1 soak up everything and the 3D link is very great and very stiff. I've not encounter the tire problem : I passed a day to Bromont (A DH mountain) and never got a pinch flat, they handle very well too. The deore hydraulic disc brake are great, they skweal a little bit when hot but not to get you deaf. They are powerful too and have great modulation! The frame is very strong and very stiff. The bike is light enough to do xc, strong enough to do a little DH and freeride!
But the bike is quite hard to find! I got the last 18 inch in canada! But I bought it a little late so I guess it was easier to find one when they produce it!
Well it's the best bike I ever own , If you can afford it, buy it and you wont regret it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RMS Dude
a Cross Country Rider
from ewtah
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2399.00 | | Purchased At: | Aardvark Cycles | | Strengths: | -Out of the box everything has worked well, not alot of squeaking and creaking like other bikes (Specialized) I've purchased new.
-Does what it's supposed to. Lighter than my old trail runner with same front travel and almost as much rear.
-Love the frame, tough but not too heavy. | | Weaknesses: | -Had to ditch the Hutchison tires
-I wish they could've spec'd a slightly wider rim, but the 223's have worked fine so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Bighit (2000) | | Bike Setup: | -Fox Forx Vanilla 125R
-Thomson stem and post
-WTB 2.24 Motoraptor front
-Panaracer 2.1 Fire XC Pro rear
-WTB SST98 Ti Seat | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, more suited to my riding tendencies than my old Bighit, alot less weight, especially lighter rotationally (in the wheels), still have enough travel in the rear to do the jumps and small drops I like to do.
Rear lockout is nice, I thought I would miss the coil-over rear shock but the airshock has been just as plush feeling to me and seems to ramp up enough at the end of its travel to avoid hard bottoming. Works perfect for my 170 lbs.
Mine came with the Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes and I love them. My last bike had Hayes Hydraulics and I had alot of problems with them, took lots of tinkering to keep them from being annoying and they ended up giving me inconsistent performance. So far the Shimanos have been trouble free, quiet, strong, and consistent.
The Slayer is an excellent trail bike with plenty o' travel for most of the general mountainbiking public. It's not the lightest out there but it feels light for the capability it gives. I enjoy climbing with this bike much more than I did with my old Bighit.
If you want a great all-around trailrider with plenty of fun travel, this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tahoskier _
a Weekend Warrior
from Truckee
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | bidwell park, Chico | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2450.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepaths, Tahoe City | | Strengths: | Frame/Suspension, Paint Job, Fork | | Weaknesses: | Weight(heavier than my last bike but I suck at climbs anyway), Rear derailleur cable routing, either rubs paint off the frame or hits my leg depending on setup. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cindercone, Kona Explosif, Ventana El Habanero | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thompson post and stem, King Headset, WTB Weirwolf 2.5 front, Salsa skewers and Seatpost clamp, ODI Ruffians. | | Bottom Line: | The Slayer is the best do everything bike that I've ever owned. I chose this bike over the Kona Bear Deluxe and the Specialized Enduro Expert. I was a little worried that I made the wrong decision. But as soon as I got it on a trail I never looked back. I picked the Slayer over the Kona because of the extra inch of travel and it was $350 less. And the Specialized just didn't feel right. It is a little heavy but I don't climb very well anyway. I never thought that I would prefer an air shock over a coil spring but it is nice being able to change the spring rate. The Z1 freeride is a great fork that will suck up anything that you hit. You can go as fast as you want on this bike it will always stick to the ground. Unlike most of the Slayer reviews, I like the stock tires at least for a rear. I did have to get rid of the lightweight inner tubes though. No matter how much air I had in them, I could always count on a pinch flat. And after ten years of riding, I have finally found a saddle that I like. I found out that the stock saddle on my bike is the Selle Italia Onda, if anyone is interested. The only problem that I have found on this bike is the rear derailleur cable routing near the seat post. It either hits my leg or rubs on the frame when the suspension compresses depending on the setup. I'd appreciate any advice from other Slayer owners. Bottom line is this is the best bike purchase that I have ever made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from park city, utah
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | blackhawk/payson canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | canyon bicycles | | Strengths: | Such a well balanced bike. Geometry really inspires confidence in all conditions, and makes this bike so stable. I love the fact that you can pick a line and it sticks it. Components are really good - Hayes discs have been great, and the Z1 kills it. Beefy, good looking set-up as well. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Hutchinson tires suck. Saddle was easily the worst ever. Can't get everything, and a couple sh*** parts ensures we'll keep dropping bank on new parts, right? | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit | | Bike Setup: | stock (mine came with Hayes - better than Shimano discs), 'cept for a big ol Azonic Love Seat. I also switched to Michelin Hot S 2.1's after much debate. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, this rig kills it in all conditions. I was nervous, as I was stepping up from a race hardtail, and not really sure I was dropping cash on the right bike. That thought evaporates quickly as I try to wipe away the s***-eating grin during every ride. The balance of travel front and rear is superb, and once the Z1 broke in, it saved my life on several occasions - great fork! I love the handling - very stable and smooth, and I have been totally surprised by how well and efficiently it climbs for a 30 pounder. Rails the trails that you can carry speed on, but is nimble enough to handle technical singletrack. I'm not a huck-boy - I ride trails and take small-medium drops when I can find 'em. Obviously this bike can handle much more punishment than I throw at it. Stock Hutch tires were terrible - I can handle a fast wearing tire if it has traction, but these things were garbage. Added the sofa-sized Azonic Love Seat and actually think it works great for trail-riding if weight is not an issue. Can't imagine a better bike for someone who rides trails, but doesn't race (I actually raced it saturday at Deer Valley just for fun- lots of funny stares from the hardtail boys!) - isn't afraid to air it out, and loves haulin' arse on the down hill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod
a Cross Country Rider
from Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3900.00 | | Purchased At: | River Valley Cycle | | Strengths: | Very Strong Frame and Fork
Lockout Front and Back
Ecc lockout on the fork works very well in helping to climb steep tight trails
Paint Job looks sweet
Bike of the Year Award
| | Weaknesses: | My ecc on the fork never worked from the start i had to get it repleaced.
Cheap Hubs | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock Except Easton Monketlite Bars Thompson Stem and seatpost Shimano 646 Pedals WTB Laser V Stealth Saddle
Hayes Brakes
| | Bottom Line: | This is a solid bike for anyone who can only afford one bike and wants the best of a mix of a freerider and a cross country bike This bike climbs very good for the 30 Ib weight
and decends perfectly The Marzocchi is very smooth and eats up everything in its way
i love this bike and would reccomend it to anyone wanting an all around bike that can do anything
5 Flamin Chilis only because they don't have 6 to the
Rocky Mountain Slayer | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Long Island NY
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Junkie | | Strengths: | Z1 freeride forks, Rock solid frame design, Makes you feel superhuman. Hayes brakes! | | Weaknesses: | Front and rear derailers. The Hutchenson misquito tires get pinch flats when you look at them with the stock tubes. You've got to run 60 PSI in these things.(I weigh 185). Cheap ass skewers. Headset. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing else in the killer bike out of the box catagory. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to XTR rear derailer, XT front derailer, XTR shifters. And normal tubes. | | Bottom Line: | Killer performance. Very fair price for an incredible performing bike. The bike is very balanced, so much so that it feels much lighter than what it really is. The metal flake paint job is very cool, Z1 Freeride forks are hard to beat,and the ECC really works. It seeems like you can climb trees when the ECC is activated. After about ten hours the forks broke in and are very smooth. Wheels are exceptional for out of the box, I upgraded to XTR rear derailer and shifters, and a XT front derailer. Pinch flats in both tires on the first ride! I have never seen tubes so thin! It might be a good idea to drill out the presta holes to accomodate schrader valves so you can put some DH tubes in. The stock headset is disappointing, I would have expected something a little more beefier, definitely will have to replace before end of summer. The brochure said it came with Shimano disk brakes, I was pretty stoked that mine came with Hayes, very happy! Get one before they realize that they can get more cash for these things.Five flaming poop thingies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C.O.Y.
a Cross Country Rider
from Epping, NH
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-City Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Great balance of front and rear suspension. ECC works very well for the climbs. Pedals very efficiently. Very light for bike with this set-up. | | Weaknesses: | Can't think of any. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list | | Bike Setup: | stock except I put on a set of Panaracer Trailblaster tires, and a slightly longer stem. | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike to be an all around trail bike and I am not disappointed. It took a couple of rides to get it set to my liking but once I did I love the bike. The suspension eats the roots and rocks, and my already slow climbing has not suffered. Bottom line is the bike is just plain fun to ride, and I've had great service from Gerry at Tri-City. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, CT
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | 6.1 lbs, strength, geometry, finish | | Weaknesses: | ? | | Bike Setup: | Dream spec, light | | Bottom Line: | I'd ridden a Rocky Element for 2 yrs and was looking for more plush without too much mush. At first I was going to upgrade the fork, but then, well, I kinda wanted discs, so there's a new wheelset, so after test riding several long travel trail bikes, I got a Slayer frame ($1230) and built it up pretty light, about 26-27 lbs. I don't huck or jump, I just ride the rocky hills of central CT, so this made sense. I was unsure if I'd wasted my money until 5 minutes into the first ride. First, the travel is worth it, even just for trail riding (remember the rocky part of my neck of the woods). But I sort of expected that. What I didn't expect was the reduced fatigue from not having fight the handlebars or absorb as much abuse from the trail. Third, the handling is much surer and more stable than the Element. Perhaps this is due to the slacker geometry combined with the greater quantity and quality of travel (Manitou Black Super Air). Whatever, I'm more confident in technical situations and downhills. My concerns about the front end lofting on steep climbs were unfounded. Finally, bobbing is minimal, I really don't notice any, although I usually manage to climb seated. In conclusion, I highly recommend this frame for trail riding - the bump absorption, stability and handling make it a real joy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim Bick
a Weekend Warrior
from guelph
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Olies Cycle | | Strengths: | Ilove this Bike !!! I purchaced it last spring hoping the bike would be able to take on variety of different rides. I have taken it it out with buddies on long x country trails and had no problems keeping up. The bike can handle difficult terain no problem including drops and techenical rocky sections. The bike climbs well and the ecc and rear lock out help on long steep climbs. The bike rocks on the down hills,the Z1 freeride soaks up what you throw at it and the hayes will stop you every time when you get to the bottom .The Rad Tube set looks great and is extemely tough. | | Weaknesses: | no problems | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky instinct trek fuel specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | Giro seat XT hubs Hayes brakes ODI Ruffin grips(try them you will never go back to wired on grips )Easton Scandium Bar shimano 2003 xtr pedals (best pedal ever) | | Bottom Line: | If you like to on long epic rides and exploreing different types of riding with one bike this one might be the best on the market.Easton Rad tubing ,5"Z1 freeride fork Hayes brakes ,Fox rl with lock out Canadian made enough said Hard to beet this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabe
a Downhiller
from New York
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | High Caliper Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great All suspension Bike, 2001 model slayer is better. Fork, rims, frame is awesome. Super strong, looks awesome the best bike i've ever riden! | | Weaknesses: | magura Clara brakes always trap air and need bleedinh, race face seatpost not very strong but get a thomson Elite, maxxis and hutchinson tires which ever you get wear quickly get a good DH tire even if it weighs a good amount it helps! | | Similar Products Used: | none very unique | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Rocky Mountain Slayer, Thomson Elite, fox vanilla rear suspension, wellgo platform pedals, Face face LP cranks | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money if you can afford go with Hayes hydraulic brakes, and bigger profile Tire and double bolted seatpost if you are a bigger buy or like to huck big or both. This Bike is awesome and if you can find it go for the 2001 model because the coil rear shock is better and its more freeride whereas the new rock is more XC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FoolCyclist
a
from Corvallis, OR USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame, Suspension, Fork, Looks, Strength, EVERYTHING | | Weaknesses: | None, well actually......um none, except stock tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Bear DL, Giant AC | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, Thomson stem, post, Hope Minis, XT front derailleur, XT shifters, King Headset, Nokian Gazz Core 2.3, 646 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike flat out rocks. Best bike I have ridden. The Slayer is the ultimate aggro trail riding rig. It just eats up any trail I can find. The bike is even pretty nice for light free-riding and dirt jumping. I usually mess around on campus urban riding after every ride and the bike does well there too. It has take 5' drops to flat concrete with no problems and is a joy to jump at the BMX track with. The only problem I have had is that I have too much confidence on this bike and get myself going too fast on some trails. The Slayer even climbs really well, the suspension acts perfectly on uphill obstacles and has the lockout when the ride up consists of long sit down sections. The ECC on the Z1 is super nice for tough uphill switchbacks. Everytime I ride this bike I come home with a huge smile on my face. If you are looking for a tough trail bike that rides circles around the competition then pick up the Slayer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Meador
a
from Montana
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gibralter | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Rocky Mt. Bikes | | Strengths: | Burly frame, yet fairly lightweight. Cool paint. Incredible ride, up & down. Marzocchi's ECC is a real good thang! Did I mention they make it in a 20.5" frame? And lastly, the name. SLAAAYYYYERRR! | | Weaknesses: | Stock hubs are a bummer. Stock seatpost flexy and not too confidence inspiring. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Element Race, Titus Loco Moto | | Bike Setup: | Non-stock. North shore cranks, Hugi hubs, Upgraded fork to the QR20 Z.1. New post, stem, and a Chris King headset, of course. | | Bottom Line: | If you can only have one mountain bike, you'd do well to look long and hard at the Slayer. This bike climbs surprisingly well, and descends like a mother. Although I wouldn't call it a freeride bike, it's handled my oversized body on some large hucks up on some B.C. trails. Good at pretty much everything, but where this bike shines is on all-day epics. Light enough to shoulder for long hike-a-bikes, but burly enough to handle low-maintenance or no-maintenance backcountry trails. (Fairly common in NW Montana). Yo, it even has two bottle cage mounts to handle lighting batteries and bear spray! Buy a Slayer if your rides include a smattering of every kind of terrain. Don't buy a Slayer if all you do is ride lift-assisted mile-long downhill trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | downieville downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Weaknesses: | still thinking of one... | | Bottom Line: | FUN! FUN! FUN! After MTB riding for 10 years, I never thought a bike could have such a positive effect on my technical abilities and overall joy of MTBing! Soaks up all bumps (large and small) while maintaining rear wheel traction. Excellent climbing bike. FUN! FUN! FUN! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dogsoldier9
a Racer
from Burlington, VT, USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Watershed Wahoo, NH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Earl's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Frame desigh/weight. Active suspension and travel. Air shock lockout/fork lock out. Travel and disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't clean itself...... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 Disc, GT LTS, Trek 8500 LT, Mongoose NS9.7DH, Trek 2200. | | Bike Setup: | Psylo SL Fork w/U-turn, Rolf Dolimite Disc wheelset, XT Disc Brakes, Race Face stem/seat post, XTR Crankset/Derailuer, Monkey Lite Handlebars, Grip Shift, Italia seat. | | Bottom Line: | I probably won't break this bike. Warranty has it's drawbacks and I think the Slayer will take a few seasons. The fork is super sweet once springed up for my taste. XT disc brakes provide the best in breaking since I sold my motocross bike. Shutter bump stops are easy, DH stuff is a rockin rush. The balance of front to rear travel is soo sweet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fedder Better
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The one's that FLOW | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2450.00 | | Strengths: | Strong frame. Nice suspension. Great fork. Front and rear lockout options. Hayes hydro disk brakes. Feels good. | | Weaknesses: | So-so cogset. Parts spec. Cheapo hubs. Tires. | | Similar Products Used: | None really. | | Bike Setup: | Stock early release setup (Mavic 221, RM Hubs, Hayes Hydro Disks). S&M flats -- chucked the clipless. | | Bottom Line: | Ooh, this bike rocks. At first -- escpecially if you're used to hardtails -- the bike feels kinda tall and squirrly, but once the suspension starts to break in, it's all smiles. The balance in front and rear is excellent and when setup right, you have the agility of a XC fiend, with a little bombability RM is known for. I initially setup the rear shock a little too hard since i was riding a flat/climbing trail. It didn't quit feel right when i rode a up and down/rocky/ledgey trail so i let off some air and noticed a marked improvement. The rear didn't skid as much and the little drops almost disappeared. The climbs up the steep rocky stuff also seemed to be a bit easier. Nowhere did i feel excessive play or flex even when cranking the hills and the frame and fork track as true as you want it. I ended up rolling and flying through stuff that i normally slowly clunk my way through. The parts held up and the brakes did great considering they're still pretty fresh. Sitting and pedaling was right on as this bike felt like it was made for my exact body dimesions.
A few things kinda concerned me on my first rides. One, the brakes seem to be rubbing against something (pads, brake body, or something), but i figure it'll go away with a little time (i hope). Two, the rear hub is already loose and will need to be adjusted. Three, the shifting is kinda goofy; i've had a few missed shifts and stuck chains especially up front. It seemed like i was gonna need to pop my thumb out of it's socket in order to shift into a higher chainring. On flat trails, it's not a big deal or a big problem, but when riding to the base of a steep hill and needing to drop a few gears, it sucks. All really minor problems since all can be adjusted.
Overall, this is a sweet bike. It works as advertised and the slightly heavier wieght is not even noticeable. Swap out the rear tire maybe and climbing is on par with any decent hartail. I haven't used the lockout, but it's a nice feature to have for the endless bummer climbs. If yer looking for a XC-savvy bike that can drop down the rough stuff when needed, this is the bike to get. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Buckdome
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Captain Jacks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Nice paint job on a beefy, well built frame. It came with Hayes brakes, Killer! Zoke Z.1 is buttery smooth. Parts spec works well together. A quality bike, seems built to last. | | Weaknesses: | Fox air shock. It works well, but not as plush as a coil over, especially for a heavier rider. Race face Bars are too narrow, replaced them with a pro taper. Skewers were marginal quality. I am a little concerned about bushings instead of bearings at the pivots, but no squeak so far. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 GT I drive. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of the handlebars and skewers. | | Bottom Line: | I had been riding a series of GT I drives for the past 2 years, but they kept breaking. I was forced to buy another ride when they went out of business and would not honor warranties. The Slayer is a great bike for an all around rider. Enough suspension to go anywhere. The only thing that will hold you back will be your brain, not the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric butler
a Cross Country Rider
from neenah wi
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any tecnical trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | single track factory | | Strengths: | strong frame. headtube will never bust. extremely efficient for a soft tale freerider. plush fork. user friendly...extremely easy and fun to ride. toss on the proper rims for your riding style and this bike is everything that could ever be wanted | | Weaknesses: | not too many. i put the wrong rims on so i ended up torking the rims multiple times until i bought a downhill rims | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky five or six | | Bike Setup: | hed downhill rear rim ryno lite front rim tioga psyco tires, fox foat r rear shock race face cranks primo meat tenderizer pedals kore lite rise bars profile boa stem titec seat post and downhill saddle | | Bottom Line: | great freerider that rides like a hardtale until you hit the drops and the downhill. fork will give you 100% travel. the best bike for an all arround rider. heavy enough for downhill light enough with the efficiency for cc and it has the travel for the big drops | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Shaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Abbotsford BC
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Life Cycles | | Strengths: | Looks. Rear shock. Relative light weight for a solid frame. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight (similar only in that it has wheels and a back shock | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Psylo xc, Mavic X-317 on XT disc hubs, Avid mechanical discs, Shimano LX/XT drivetrain, Easton Monkey Lite bar, King headset, Terry Fly saddle, Nokian 2.6 front, Maxxis Swamp Thing 2.3 rear | | Bottom Line: | I bought frame only on a warranty claim for my broken Oxygen Race. The msrp on the frame, I was told, is $1600, and I got a $500 credit from my lbs for the Oxygen frame, so I paid $1100 (Canadian bucks)for the upgrade.
The only other dual suspension I have ridden regularly is my SC Superlight, which I reserve for dry weather riding (still set up light and fast, with v-brakes and 2.1 inch tires)
The suspension on the Superlight really does stiffen up under braking. This results, in my hands, in a fair amount of trepidation on steep sketchy downhill (I confess to being mildly cautious anyway, and I definitely don't do big drops...).
I rode my friend's RM Instinct briefly before I settled on this bike. The linkage design is identical, but the rear pivot on the Slayer is a larger lever, giving 5 inches vs 4 inches travel. I was immediately struck by the active rear suspension under braking. The rear tire "sticks" to the ground through tough sections much better than the Superlight.
I settled on the Slayer so as to have two entirely different ride experiences.
My setup is perfect for the winter slop we get here. I've struggled a couple of winters with inadequate tires and brakes, and this is wayyy more fun, though the price is paid going uphill (what to expect with a 2.6 lb front tire?).
I can ride moderately tough trails with confidence, even when soaking wet and muddy, and I can keep my more downhill minded friends well within sight for a change. And slugging my 32 lb-ish bike uphill all winter is decent training...
The frame weighs 6.1 lbs, so setting the bike up for lighter weight dry weather riding would be easy.
The Fox RL shock is a luxury, though the bike really does climb fireroads well even when not locked out. I do like climbing, and I suspect others who enjoy the climb won't be put off by this bike.
If the Superlight is a good bike for those who want hardtail responsiveness with the benefits of some suspension, this seems to be the bike for the cross country recreational rider who is looking for a little more confidence and a more solid feel on increasingly difficult terrain.
And my friends drool over it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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