Submitted by
J Citizen
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto ON Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Don Valley Native
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$725.00
Purchased At:
Sportinglife
Strengths:
Good solid steel frame, great dimensions; low centre of gravity, stable, responsive and a nice paintjob with removable decals. Its handled my 200 pounds for years. im still loving the Avid V breaks, has a pretty nice headset and decent rims
Weaknesses:
Although heavy, I like the bike for the frame, But the components leave something to be desired. I personally would have loved to pay an extra two hundred dollars and ditched any STX junk. And I know you all hate the seat, but I dont mind it. Any of you out there interested in disc brakes need not apply
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
In the last 6 years Ive replaced/upgraded almost everything. Right now Im riding with Manitou SX forks, Deore FDR, LX RDR, LX Cranks, replaced cassette/chain/freehub, IRC Mythos, Hellbent risers.
Bottom Line:
6 years ago 1000$ Canadian (725american) wasnt bad for this bike, Ive been happy with the ride. The frame feels great so I plan to ride it into the ground, replacing things piece by piece. If you can get one of these cheap I totally recommend. It will last you forever. + I love buying Canadian
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Vandereyken
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterrey, Mexico Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the high desert at sunset
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
some on-line store years ago - cambria I think
Strengths:
Sweet handling and very reliable.
Weaknesses:
Probably a little heavy
Bike Setup:
Originally stock. I have replaced the rear derailler just this week with a used STX of the same vintage. Original rock shox which are the same color as the frame - kind of stylish. Rapid fire 7 speed all pretty much stock. I have not been able to remove the seat tube in about three years. Probably on my third seat.
Bottom Line:
I used to ride a lot. My old Cannondale mountain bike (1989) has been ridden around the world. When I started racing 8 years ago this Rocky was about all i could afford. I raced her for 3 1/2 years. i would have been national champion in my second year for advanced men but broke my hand three days before the championship. My second last race was four years ago and I placed third in the Grand National in Mexico . this was against much much more expensive machines. Since then I have just used it for cross-country exploring. It has over 7,000 miles on her. I have stripped some of the parts off my daughters diamond back to replace worn out parts without spending any money so the bike is probably heavier than when I bought her. It is a very reliable bike, the LX derailler just blew out last week. I essentially stopped true maintenance about three years ago other than oiling and occasional cleaning. if it was a cheap option I would upgrade all the parts and race her again but it will be cheaper to just buy a new bike. One question- How do I remove a seized seat post? An awesome ride for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ottawa xc rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ont. Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the 6.9 at camp fortune
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
second hand, direct from owner
Strengths:
A good bike, pretty light for steel. Good components, average shocks. I liked the dimensions of the bike more than some other bikes, for exapmle, the 2002 norco charger.
Weaknesses:
Steel isn't the best product for riding up-hill but it does the job well enough.
Similar Products Used:
rockey mountan trailhead
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for my purposes (urban riding, x-c), I love rockey mountain, this was actually my second choice to a 2003 trailhead but the price made the difference. so far the frame and shox have been able to take all the pressure i put on them -- two foot drops, from a standstill hopping horizontally and moving. I should say more but i've only had the bike for two weeks so i'll stop here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WILSON
a Cross Country Rider
from Wake Forest, NC Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Pedal & Padal sellout
Strengths:
strong, shox, looks great, good shifting and grips
Weaknesses:
saddle
Similar Products Used:
mongoose(cheap junk), Kona(similar to soul)
Bike Setup:
stock, new sadle and pedals
Bottom Line:
Perfect for me, lightweight and strong. good shox. I got a really great price (almost 500 dollars off retail) and it was never used before. get this bike if you can find it $500 or less. For intermediate trail rider
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from sheffield england Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
wharncliffe woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
sshockwave
Strengths:
great frame,
Weaknesses:
saddle was changed quickly
Similar Products Used:
khs, kona, specialised.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great frame, I have ridden loads of different bikes over the years, and can honestly say that nobody builds bikes like rock mountain. I know the soul is low down in the rocky pecking order, so god knows what the top end bikes ride like.A great bike for hacking the mud, from novice to entry level racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh mackenzie
a Racer
from charlotte nc usa Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
tsali
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
strong frame, ok shox, and headset
Weaknesses:
everything just wasnt strong enough but its not bad never broke
Similar Products Used:
own a trek 9.8,specialized rockhopper,anda specialized ground efects FSRand rode every shwin made (work there)
good bike if upgraded will last untill u can come up with money to upgrade toook me a year and i ride hard im the hardest rider i know the frame will take anythin u give it a good overall bike a little heavy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a
from Victoria Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hartland (its great riding)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Strengths:
It's an awsome bike for anyone who is an entry/intermedate rider. The LX components are holding up perfectly. Tru-Vative Cranks are very nice
Weaknesses:
Indy c
Similar Products Used:
Rocky mountain
Bike Setup:
Lx front/rear. Indy's. Everything else is rocky.
Bottom Line:
People shouldn't hack the bike just because they ride it like maniacks. It is an excellent bike for the price!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clay MacEachern
a Cross Country Rider
from Truro Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Victoria Park..
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$433.00
Purchased At:
Hub Cycle
Strengths:
Everything. Adding heavier springs in the Judy's. Great feel..fun
Weaknesses:
None...well I wish the frame was set up for disk brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Diamond Back-Ascent EX, Giant Boulder..
Bike Setup:
stock..with exception to clipless pedals and beefier brake pads...
Bottom Line:
this is my second Real bike.. I think it is great! very well balanced good parts ..nothing broke yet.. Iam looking foward to hanging on to it.. I got a GREAT deal on the price, it was a clear out(Thanks Bruce). I am a heavy rider and this thing has taken all the hits so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Ralph
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Catharines Ontario Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Short Hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Rapid City Cycle
Strengths:
Good Frame, Components
Weaknesses:
fork?
Similar Products Used:
1997 GIANT ATX-980
Bike Setup:
I dunno
Bottom Line:
Good bike for entry level guy like me. I don't use it all the time so I really can't feel many weaknesses or strengths but it gets me around. This is a great B.C. bred bike with decent components and a good value for a guy who hits the trail on weekends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Bohdal
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brunet
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Tri-Sports
Strengths:
Frame, Tires, Climbing
Weaknesses:
Front Derailer, Front Susp,
Similar Products Used:
Kona, Specialized
Bike Setup:
all stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first "real" XC bike. Everythingthing else has been a Sears special. I had 4 friends buy bikes in a similar price range. Kona, Specialized and KHS, all entry level bikes. Mine has taken a beating and hold up nicely. It's been in once for a tune up (bent outside chainring and a potato chip in the tire) Other than that, like I said this bike can really handle the punishment of off roading. If you're looking for an entry level bike to do some serious crashing (learning) on this is the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gatineau Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Sportables
Strengths:
Judy C Shocks, Rims
Weaknesses:
Front derailer, Seat.
Bottom Line:
My brother and I both have the same bike. We have not been the most kind owners to it. We have raced with this bike and tortured it over the summer. Except for the necessary tune ups and replacing of cables and brake pads it has proven to be the best buy ever for a bike. Compared to many of our co-cyclist who, on average, have more expensive bikes, theirs have not stood up to the same punishment we have subjected ours to.
If you are looking for an entry-level mountain bike this is the one for you.
My only reservation would be that on the 2000 model the quality of the shock would appear to be less. Instead of the Judy C, it has been replaced by the Jett XC. I am still not sure if it is of comparable quality?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John k
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: September 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oil Can
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Tailwind cycles
Strengths:
frame......cranks, derailleur
Weaknesses:
rims, seat, riser bar
Similar Products Used:
kona nunu.
Bike Setup:
stock, with rhyno lite rims, rock ring,
Bottom Line:
This bike won't break off a 10ft..that's pretty kewl....i broke the cr18 rims in 2 months, everyting on my bike is pretty much fuked up now....i replaced the riser bar, brakes, seat (3 times)....but hey man...great starter bike to learn the traits of the shore...i dunno....anyways..me not saying buy this bike..but if you are buying a bike....BUY A ROCKY MOUNTAIN>.....it's the best brand out there.....Wade simmons rides a rocky and so should u........
Ride on
J/k.....ride anybike you want....hehe
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield, Idaho, USA! Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Freegold/Phillips Creek loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Sturtevants - Ketchum, Idaho
Strengths:
Everything but the Seat, and the rear der. The Judy "C" is fantastic.
Weaknesses:
The seat was awful. It didn't last long. The rear der is the Deore LX and it is adequate, but something a little better on such an awesome bike would have been nice.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Hopper(s)
Bike Setup:
Specialized seat, better grips, but everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike in the 5-7 hundred dollar (retail) range in 1999 & 2000. I live 7 miles from the Southern border of the Sawtooth National Forest and we have everything here, but nice urban bike trails. I have put at least 500 miles on this bike and they were not easy miles. Everything has held up very well and the experience has been a very good one. Uphill needs some getting used to with the frame geometry, but once you figure it out you wouldn't want to live without it. The downhill has lots of awesome handling. My hats off to Rock Shox on the supposedly lowline Judy "C," because it is plush and is an integral part of this bikes stellar handling. The fork is a bit heavy, but the extra pound has never bothered me. Its too late to purchase this bike new, but if you are looking at buying one used, I would reccomend it highly. This is a great beginner to intermediate bike. I am a recreational cross country rider that rides twice a week on average, and it will take me quite a while before needing an upgrade. Of course I want dual suspension, but the Rocky Mountain Soul will fill my needs for quite a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Bustin
a Weekend Warrior
from Nova Scotia Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
THIS BIKE IS THE STONGEST BIKE EVER MADE! I run this bike in to the ground and still nothing breaks.. The only thing I have broken on this bike was the bottom bracket and the rims, but only because I ride urban and do 6-8 foot drops on pavement, and its CANADIAN!
Weaknesses:
The bottom bracket could be a bit stronger
Similar Products Used:
nothing
Bike Setup:
Sun rhino lite rear, xt rear derailur, new yeti grips (rocky mountain grips are not the greatest).
Bottom Line:
This bike is awsome, even doing 6-8 foot drops this bike stood up. Even though this bike is meant for xc riding its still tough enough to take any thing on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Guse
a Racer
from Waterloo ontario canada Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
sweet street (at the hydrocut)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
awsome fork,frame, im a freerider who races the same bike on the weekends, it takes a beating,
Weaknesses:
lx dereillieur (only cause i snapped it in half) BB, creaks a lot, tektro brakes, i can never get them set up good. rims bend to easy,(maybe i just shouldnt ride off of 6 footers), seatpost (i bent it, but i cant buy a new one cause i just bought a XT rear changer)
The best bike ive ever owned, itll take a beating if you know when to stop, i race it and i love it, climbs good and doescends awsome. the fork is in my opipnion the best fork for the proce (Judy C)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anywhere off the Concrete Jungle
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
LX derailleur, Judy C fork, Rocky Mountain handlebar
Weaknesses:
SRAM brakes
Similar Products Used:
first decent bike
Bike Setup:
stock, Axiom stem
Bottom Line:
It is a wicked bike for the money, a bit heavy, but good. A decent cross country bike, and can easily be upgraded. As an entry level bike it is great. I would recommend it for anybody just getitng into the sport. The claimed 26 pound weight is a bit off, but pretty close. I love this bike, I love Rocky Mountain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aubrey
a Cross Country Rider
from stamford, CT Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Real solid bike
Weaknesses:
not a lot
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
Upgraded front der. to XT, added rockshox seatpost, titec cockpit, better grips and saddle, panaracer fire xc tires, LX crank and more.
Bottom Line:
Follow up to my earlier review. Made a ton of upgrades and the bike was sweet. As soon as I got it how I liked it, some dirtbag broke into my basement, cut my kryptonite cable lock and stole it. I'll find you! I demand vengance!
Anyway, I'll be buying a new Rocky, so that should tell you how I felt about the bike. I miss it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Gossett
a Weekend Warrior
from Little Rock, Arkansas, usa Date Reviewed: January 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the pigtrail - north arkansas
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything on this bike is solid, great tires, solid brakes, strong frame, very lightweight, very smooth bike, good shifting mechanisms, it basicly rocks
Weaknesses:
hard saddle
Similar Products Used:
trek 6000, tassajara
Bike Setup:
stock - except for a saddle, and rockshock seatpost
Bottom Line:
excelent bike, I would recommend this bike for anyone that is getting into mountain biking, I originally went to a local general merchandise store, paid $250 for a mb, rode it two days, it threw me when the front chain blew off, couldnt keep it on and took it back promptly. I tried a few friends bikes, and decided to jump into the local bike shop to spend some money for a good bike. the soul is the one bike that impressed me the most, and I bought it. I have taken it through some very tough terrain (oachita mnt range) without even a squeek out of it. if your looking for one for under $1000 then this is your bike. hats off to the guys at the local bike shop for recommending this one. the only thing that I have added to the bike are a suspended post and a better fitting saddle, besides that it is a great bike right out of the box.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thom
a Racer
from Washington State Date Reviewed: January 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame is strong and responsive, decent forks, cranks, cassette, etc.
Weaknesses:
Bad saddle, sucky grips
Similar Products Used:
K2, Cannondale, Jamis, Mongoose, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. I dont know what the other negative responses about the Soul where about. Either they got a lemon or they really dont know, in depth, what they are talking about. I do frame design and chromoly is a great material to work with. As far as some of the smaller items, the saddle, grips and things like that, no biggie to change those. Its a great bike for cross country and a little downhill. The frame is pretty light weight, unless you are a smaller framed person.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from Nelson,B.C. Date Reviewed: December 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
palmanary
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
every thing
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
none because its the bomb
Bike Setup:
changed the pedels, leavers, shifters, grips and put a ring god on
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks ass its the best bike for under a thousand. And it stands up against 6ft drops like nothing else around
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, B.C. Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The bike has great gears, breaks are good, and shocks are fantastic!!
Weaknesses:
None really, the bike could be a little lighter, and it could come with a better saddle.
Similar Products Used:
Kona
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Simply it's an awsome bike!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Don Trails
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame Fork LX components good climber good on decents too.
Weaknesses:
gets just a litte twitchy on high-speed singletrack.
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX 840, Specialized Hardrock, Gary Fisher Tassajara
Bike Setup:
RockShox Judy C Michelin Wildgripper X-Sport
Bottom Line:
Very, Verrry nice bike to ride. The Riser Bar on it rocks on the decents and climbs. The cornering on this bike is really sharp and solid. Something i needed time to get used to were the tires on it (which i love now), the Michelin Wildgrippers. The rear tire is amazing, but when turing on cement you feel as though the front tire is sliding away and it sounds like it too, but really it's not. Excellent bike.. I don't know WHAT the hell those other guys were talking about by saying the bike isn't good, because this is a SMOKIN bike and i wouldn't trade it for anything.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tina
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fairfax, VA Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Absolutely great bike that takes a hell of a beating.
Weaknesses:
A little rattling in the highest gear.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock, Trek, GT
Bike Setup:
Changed to Judy XCs - created a big difference in the feel of the bike (for the better); added clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line - this is a truly great bike. It's costs a little more but compared to most of the yuppie crap out there, it's worth it. It handles very sweetly - everything from easy towpath trails to mountrous singletrack. Highly recommended.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Overall comfort
Weaknesses:
The middle gears tend to make some noise even after break in tuning
Bike Setup:
out of box
Bottom Line:
this bike is very easy to control on the trail. It is also nice to ride in the city with slicks on.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aubrey Theall
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stamford, CT Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Build quality, frame geometry, solid ride.
Weaknesses:
Saddle and grips aren't too good. Fork works well, but is heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500, GT Backwoods, Trek Y3, others
Bike Setup:
Swithced factory saddle, grips and other minor stuff.
Bottom Line:
Good ride, good looking bike, works well out of box- spec'd out well for the money. If you like a steel frame and don't want to empty your bank account, this is a good ride for you. Climbs well- reasonable weight for a steel bike. Judy C works well, but is heavy- my bike weighs about 27.5 lbs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
absolutely nothing, say it again, absolutely nothing
Weaknesses:
the company and the people in it
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Do you think these guys care when the frame develops splinter cracks. Nawwwwww - I'm just a rec rider - they only care about racers. Now a spare bike and the people at Haro tend to give a shit. DO NOT BUY ROCKY MOUNTAIN!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great Price Exceptionally light for a steel frame. The bike feels extremely tight and handles well.
Weaknesses:
Front Suspension is way to soft. Crappy Factory Saddle.
Similar Products Used:
Comparably priced Specialized and Gary Fisher Bikes
Bike Setup:
Drive Train is Full Shimano LX. Rock Shox Indy C forks. Shimano 434 pedals.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Takes Tons of punishment and is perfect for taking to the trails and various offroad abuse. The front suspension I found was much too soft for my taste, but what do you expect from an entry levelRock Shox fork. I found this bike to be extremely light for a steel frame, and have no complaints in that department. I would like know what the hell the guy who reviewed the RC-SOUL and only gave it one chili is talking about. I've haven't had a single problem with my bike other than the fact that I replaced the sadddle and threw on the shimano M-434 pedals. If you're just getting into mountain biking this bike will definitely set you up for the next couple of years.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Superman
a Racer
from Metropolis Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Hmm let me think ................................... ................................still thinking ........... ........................................................................Ahh I know! Its reliable? No never mind, its the furthest thing from that ....... .............................................................. ..............Ahh who knows? I don't think anything is good about it.
Weaknesses:
-the parts suck -costs too much -everything ends up breaking -too damn heavy I could be alot more specific but I don't want to bore the readers.
Bike Setup:
As it came. (unfortunaty)
Bottom Line:
DO, I repeat: DO. NOT that is right not as in NO. Buy this piece of dung. To sum all that up........DO NOT BUY THIS HUNK OF DUNG FOR A BIKE............get it?............got it? ..... ...........Good!
Overall Rating:
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