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Rocky Mountain
Hammer Bike
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Submitted by
Branden Chase
a Downhiller
from Port Alberni, B.C, Cananda
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Clear cut, ripper, And Pineline | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | bot it off some guy | | Strengths: | Great frame. Strong an d light but at the same time this can be bad. Used it on dirt jumps, Tables tobs and always di as good or better then i wanted. Any one who wants a light good dirt jumping bike with a strong frame. This is the bike for you | | Weaknesses: | Very Skinnnnnnyyyyyyy Frame. always think its going to snap. if i have rode a heavier bike and use this on a jump i usually pull back to hard and BANG...right on my back. If you want a heaey bike look at some other | | Similar Products Used: | none realy. Maybe except for that brodie force of joeys. No comparison. I liked my hammer better | | Bike Setup: | skinny frame, blackspire ring god, marozzchi (or what ever its called) EXR pro's. V brakes. Still a good bike | | Bottom Line: | I dont reealy know about this but, A Good Strong (believe it or not)light frame that is good for dirt jumpin. I think any one looking for a good dirt jumper thats strong, light and a good beginner bike | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Karr
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bullards Bar | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$985.00 | | Purchased At: | River Rat | | Strengths: | Incredibly solid feeling frame; components spec; beautiful paint job; Rocky's frame warranty | | Weaknesses: | Saddle; non-offset seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for the 2002 Hammer. This is one incredible bike! It's the first steel framed bike I have ever owned. Rocky's steel frame produces such a solid feel and an incredible ride. Compared to an aluminum hardtail, this bike rides like butta! My only gripe is the lack of an off-set seatpost. I feel a little cramped on the bike, but other than that, it's my favorite ride! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William O'Brien
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Revluc | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Factory Direct | | Strengths: | Hey all you Hammer owners and potential owners. I just discovered this review site, so I thought I would leave a few comments about my 1991 (YES..a '91 Rocky Mountain) "Hammer". That's right, I have owned my Hammer since April of 1991. It came spec'd with the first generation grip shift (refered to as the road version now) and a full Suntour component package. This "Hammer" also features the now extinct rear monostay. Email me for pictures of this classic. Note to all of you--throughout the years I have constantly upgraded the bike...moving away from the original rigid front fork to the present Judy shock, and a complete and continuous upgrading of my drivetrain and other components. Basically, The only part of the "Hammer" that remains is the frame...but that is also the heart of the bike...which has never let me down. | | Weaknesses: | Initially, having the grip shift in 1991 was ultra cool but not comparable to modern day shifters...including modern day grift shift. Also, Suntour's drivetrain didn't seem to be a perfect match with this 1st generation grip shift...but I still loved riding the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I briefly traded the "Hammer" in for a brand new "5500" Wheeler in 1995, but in less than one month I busted and bent the Wheeler rigid fork while jumping across a stream. When I took the Wheeler in for repairs, I bought my Hammer back and have never let go of it since. I gave the repaired Wheeler to my sister. I have always weighed around 195+, and at my peak I competed well in sport class. Now I'm a weekend warrior like I was back in the early 1990s, and this Hammer has always been bulletproof. | | Bike Setup: | Kore stem, Nukeproof carbon handlebar, Mavic rims, grip shift, XT rear, XT front, V-brakes, Rock Shock, Salsa Skewers, Ringle front and rear rubs, Downhill Kooka cranks, Micro Chainrings, Shimano Clipless platform pedals, double butted spokes, Rock Shock seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | If I can't break this frame nobody can!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg St. Clair
a Racer
from Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chicopee Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Very stiff, yet forgiving frame. Strongest wheels I've ever rode. Very good parts spec. Full LX, no holdouts on the BB or headset. | | Weaknesses: | Lack of Disc Tabs on the frame, and could use a better stock seat. My nuts get a little sore after a long epic weekend ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8500, Schwinn Moab 1, Norco Torrent | | Bike Setup: | I appreciated the full LX setup, kinda wished the Marzocchi Z-4 could have had a little more adjustability. Also, the Michelin Wildgripper Lite's kick some serious ass. | | Bottom Line: | When I frist bought the bike, I used it for serious off-road riding. After realizing how strong the frame really is, I've beefed the bike up with a pair of Mavic 521-D's, a Manitou X-Vert Air, and pulled off my large chainring. I n ow use the bike for Dual Slalom, and sick drop-offs. Overall, this bike is great for XC, as well as Trials, and as we new age kid slike to call it..."Hucking" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vince calvo
a Downhiller
from COQUITLAM
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | SFU | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Caps | | Strengths: | Very true and strong frame never had a problem. All you other bikers that think this bike is a piece of junk don't really want to ride because this is one of the nicest rides out there | | Weaknesses: | the only weakness i found and it really is a weakness it's more my fault is when I fell while doing a 7 ft drop and the back rim came out of true | | Similar Products Used: | similar product would have to be the Kona Stuff
| | Bike Setup: | this bike is the bessssst.
| | Bottom Line: | Great job rocky on another sweet BIke
Hammer ROCKS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob
a Cross Country Rider
from waterloo ontario canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hydro cut | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | wheels mine held up better then any other wheels ive had before
The frame handels well better then some other bikes ive had
| | Weaknesses: | the fork sucks big time i like the 99 jetts better | | Similar Products Used: | rocky cardiac
specilized m2 comp fs | | Bike Setup: | as it came | | Bottom Line: | a good bike for the money
i like eery thing but the fork it sucks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chowda Pilot
a
from All over
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any of them | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Looks, price, | | Weaknesses: | frame is a little heavy but who cares, bent seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher pro Cal. | | Bike Setup: | full xt, raceface, nukeproof warheads, manitou sxr | | Bottom Line: | OK I'll start by saying you can't diss the entire ride because of a wheel set. Fortunately I picked up my hammer with XT wheels off another bike. From day one the bike rode awesome. Good strong frame that's great on single track and climbs. I've ridden it now for 2 and 1/2 seasons with very few problems. Over time I've replaced the usual parts but all in all the thing has been rock solid and no I don't ride like a candy ass nor am I a mountain dew extreme freeride poser. Only real complaint I have for Rocky is to stop using Ritchy components all together. Everything by the Rich myster is under built and has no biz on a rocky. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, B.C.
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Hammer Race last year...boy is this bike a piece of shit...the wheels suck, the shocks are useless & what's with the cheap yellow grips?!?! Rocky is supposed to have a reptuation for good bikes, but I was totally let down by this bike. One of my friends rides a Thin Air, now that's a great bike. Bike of the year my ass, save this bike for girls. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim gibson
a racer
from Moncton, NEW B, Can
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I took the advice of a friend and bought this bike. What a rip off!!!! The wheels sucked and I won't even mention that the frame tacoes as easy as a... um... taco! Well I guess I did mention it. But, as Darren Little mentions (near end of page), I got girls, and I mean lots of girls! The bike sucks, sorry guys, but Mary is nice!
ps Why don't they allow anti-stars? It deserves one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe-boy
a cross-country rider
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '96 Hammer. I recently moved to CT from Toronto. I was riding along in and around the big city. Here is the 'burbs I am closer to alot more technical stuff and better climbs. I even raced the ol steed a few weeks back.It was spec'd with LX and a Segino crank. It is true that the wheels are nasty. I just replaced my rear wheel, chain, cogs and chain rings. Not bad for a couple of years of riding.I give it two bar-ends up. I love the feel and geometry of Rocky Mountains. And I like that I don't ride a Cannondale out here in New-England. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Hammer Race for about 4 months now and I am really impressed. I have gone over the bars, crashed into trees, taken some bad air, and just pounded the heck out of the bike. The bike has really stood up to the challenge and I just love how nimble it feels downhill. The only problem I have what-so-ever is with the rapid-fire shifters (Shimano DX) and it was only because the wire was routed improperly. Overall.......the bike kicks my @ss!!! Some of the best money I have ever spent!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James bond
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver Canada
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The bike Rules. You get what you buy. The wheels may be a little sketchy but overaLl the bike is a good buy. This goes out to Dave,John,Houlden, and both Daves. YOU CAN KISS MY WHITE HARRY A$$. GET OFF THE PAVEMENT AND LOSE THE TRAINING WHEELS. CANADA IS THE BOMB | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Rocky Mountain a few years back. It got stolen, and I couldn't find another company I would rather see my insurance money go to. So I got a '97 Hammer. So far (two summers and a Winnipeg winter) everything is perfect. If any of the people are reading this who had a problem with the wheels, lose some f***ing weight. I ride the shit out of mine and it still runs good. Maybe the problem isn't the bike, but the chunks riding it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Webster
a cross-country rider
from Castlegar, British Columbia
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '96 hammer, and I love it. I haven't had any problems. The only
time my wheels came out of true was when I got a dog leash stuck between
the spokes and cassette, so I don't know what you guys are whining about. My
seatpost also bent, but that was when my dad pulled into the garage with my
bike on top of the car. I installed a Syncros seatpost, and haven't had any problems with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Swan
a weekend warrior
from Kitchener, Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased my 97 hammer in late December and love it!! I was riding a Giant before this ride and cant beleive the way this bike likes to climb.
I do have one complaint and that is the same as everyone else..the Wheels!!After just one ride my back wheel was out of whack and both front and rear spokes were loose..not just one or two..but a whole bunch!! My were also signed by Chip..???Other than that, for the components and the frame it is a damn good bike for the money!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Schock
a cross-country rider
from Kingston, Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my '97 Hammer last summer. I have raced it, jumped it, ridden in snow with it and most other conditions normal to a cross-country bike. I changed very little- I swapped the GS X-rays for LX RF+, swapped on ATI grips and added bar ends. I would measure my mileage on the bike in the hundreds.
I had one problem with the bike and that was with the wheels. Within the first month or so I had the bike into the dealer twice to re-tension the wheels. Both loosened up and caused noticeable warps. If I was the guy who built the wheels I would be embarrassed(mine are signed by Chip). Since then the wheels have held up well and not come out of true.
The bike is for cross- country. Downhill it at your peril. If you feel that you have not ridden well unless you break something then you have more blood and money than brains! Maintain your equipment and buy the right bike for your kind of riding. I agree that the wheels are disappointing but a couple of truings should solve that.
Overall I really like this bike. It is so well spec'd that after nearly a year I can't think of anything I want/need to upgrade. Nice bike- for x-country riders/racers.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff King
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver Canada
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I have just one thing to say... I see that the ONLY problem that is obvious on this list is the spoke and wheel problems. $1000.00 for this bike, you get LX/XT - RaceFace - Ritchey - A great frame. If you are worried about the wheels, get yourself some new wheels. Try getting a bike of this price with these components anywhere and you won't mind paying an extra $500 bucks a year for rim replacement. A bike was made to be ridden, if you ain't bustin your bike up good on every other ride you just are not givin it all. I do have one suggestion for Rockey... Look into changing pedals to Time. Cause Damn!It is good to see how many good reviews this bike earns. Keep it going! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex W.
a racer
from ONTARIO
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is great, I owe rocky a good review.I've raced it for 3 years, and have replaced most things. I really like the frame though. It was really well set up when i got it, and was a smooth ride. Last weekend i raced this bike against pro/elite adults on ti bikes. I like this frame so much that i'm going to keep this bike even when i get my torrent.Also if you do minimal cleaning and occasionally replace your cables and housings it will work great, the only two upgrades i really recomend are; a rounded profile back tire (such as a continental), and esp9's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a racer
from Sask,Canada
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My Hammer is a '96. The only problems that I had were one bent seatpost, another bent seatpost, a loose bottom bracket lockring , and not waiting for the '98 model year to come. My powdercoat is still intact even after a huge handlebar ding. Not that that matters, the ride is awesome! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a cross-country rider
from Lambertville, NJ
Date Reviewed: March 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Hammer in January 98 and average about 40 miles on per week. I'm 215 lbs. and 6'4, and this bike stands up to everything I put it thru. Last weekend was a nice 6' drop into a ravine, and my wheels held up just fine. I dont know what everyone below here is talking about, other than the fact that they neglect their bikes by not checking out all the components before and after the ride. Spokes don't loosen up that fast and wheels only taco when you're squirrelly...
Other than than rhetoric, this is the best value out there for a 1k price. And you poor Canadians have to live with Shimano stuff will your brothers south of the border here get nice Race Face cranks and the like. Thanks NAFTA!! I upgraded mine with Noleen Elite forks (great for songle tracking), XRay 800 shifters, and Time ATAC carbons (best of the best). If your ever in Newtown PA stop in a see Scott Wilson @ Evolution Pro Bikes. He's great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a weekend warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Add one more vote to the these wheels are crap pile. My scrawny 145 pound
frame managed to demo the back wheel twice in about a month. And my wrecks
weren't that bad, either. Lets face it...the Hammer is a decent bike, at
a decent price, with decent components. The wheels are not decent. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill S.
a cross-country rider
from Rutland, Vermont
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have to agree with the anti-Hammer sentiments expressed below. The Hammer certainly goes where you point it and manouvers well on singletrack but reliability is a huge concern. I am a 180 pound rider and the wheels and spokes cause me nothing but grief. I ride hard but I'm not a maniac so I can only assume that all the positive comments made about this bike below are from calm riding candyasses who enjoy pleasurable Suday afternoon rides on railtrails with all the other yuppies. Therefore, if you want to give the Hammer rave reviews, learn how to ride like a real mountain biker first and then post your comments. And to little Tyler, when you grow up you'll understand that just because someone signs their name to a product (in this case - a wheel) that doesn't necessarily guarantee quality. It's called a marketing gimmick. Hell Tyler - you're dumber than Homer Simpson. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Miller
a cross-country rider
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
1996 Rocky Mountain Hammer with upgrade to Manitou 5 XC Pro fork. Good price. Canadian made! I bought this bike for my 15 year old son. His friend owns one.
My son loves it, and so do I. I started doing some cross country races because of it. It sure beats my 1992 Norco Sasquatch. I agree with many of the previous comments about the bikes VG performance. We bought it late in 1997, so I can't comment on durability. My son's friend it very hard on bikes; he has destroyed the back wheel and both tires. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Jones
a weekend warrior
from Aldergrove, B.C.
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my 97 bike for about 4 months now and the only thing that's
happened is the rear spokes loosened up in the first 5-6 hours.Tailwind cycles in Richmond took care of me. And the bike has been great ever since. All I've added is a set of fenders,I built, and some Nite hawk lights. The bike does everthing I want it to. Now all I have to do is teach myself to release from my pedals when I throw myself on the ground.
See ya on the trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schnozz
a weekend warrior
from Halifax NS
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All around good bike. With regards to the Warranty claims below, Rocky Mountain expects it's dealers to do the running around for you. If you buy on of these excellent bikes...make sure the shop is just as good. I am very lucky to have a shop that stands by it's reputation. It gives awsome support, stuff like three free tune ups a year for the entire time you own the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Sass
a cross-country rider
from Northville, Michigan
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought this bike in July of '97 so have about a half of a season on the bike. I absolutely love this bike especially for the money. I am 6'2 and weigh 215 pounds, ride pretty hard and have had no trouble with the wheels either so the gentleman below must really be animals or overly abusing. I would suggest this bike to anyone as a solid buy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a cross-country rider
from ON, CANADA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This goes out to the fat-ass downhillers who bought the bike (see below)
--OK Boys, buy a 40lb freeride bike, The Hammer is a all out X-country bike,
This bike has served me extremely well, no problems with the wheels whatsoever.
I don't know what those guys below did but I know that wheeltech knows what they are doing because the builder signs the wheel that they build.
Also, in Rocky Mtn. has never ever had to replace a frame, although I am sure they would with no questions asked. Hint--Don't buy the bike from a mailorder becuase they give the shit end of the deal, good prices/bad service .
Buy from your offical Rocky dealer, and ride away that you have invested in the best Mtn Bike around!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan
a cross-country rider
from Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike at a great price canadian made and built to be rode hard a little on the heavy side but the cromoly frame gives a softer ride than alumminum and only a bit heavier you get better components than any other bike in this price range. Got it from a great store the Bike Shop in Calgary check it out
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a cross-country rider
from manitoba, canada
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
industrictable, but bit of a tank. rock shocks are now bomber z-3, and i put on some victor clipless pedals. the tires are not too quality, but that is a cheap and quick fix. other than that, a great bike, i've had mine fo four years now and it is still going strong. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Albany, New York
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
If you're looking for a bike where you get guarantted spoke breakage and a company that couldn't care less, buy the Hammer. I'd be willing to bet that Simon, Nathan, and Rick who rave this bike below have either been paid off by Rocky Mountain or they ride on smoooooooooth surfaces. And I just hope that when they do have their first breakdown, they're on a ROAD in the middle of nowhere and when they finally get back to civilization and call on Rocky Mountain to fix thier machine, they get the same crappy response from the dolts at Rocky Mountain - it's all your fault - our bike is perfect. This bike is junk. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a downhiller
from VT
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I looked at this bike a long time before I bought it and I liked it so I bought it. I weigh 195lbs I eat rear wheels every 2 months so I prayed that this would hold up. It was a cr-18 rim w/ brass nips. After my first run down the MTN I got to the bottom and did a 360, I tried to pedal but I couldnt so I looked at my rear wheel. I thought I might be halucinating at first, but then I snapped out of it and realized that about 15 of my 32 spokes was schredded(seriously).Rockey Mountain didnt want to do shit. So I am screwed and I still have to buy a new wheel. This was the socond short ride that I had ever taken on the bike. So please if you want this bike and you want it to be beefy replace the rear wheel. As far as the frame goes it will live forever. The -2 stars are for dissapointment. Steve | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a weekend warrior
from calgary
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Best bike I have ever owned - no break-downs or problems yet. Totally impressed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a weekend warrior
from London, Ontario,, CANADA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Wicked bike. Just upgraded from a 5 year old Trek 930 shx..... WOW This bike handles beautifully off-road, under wet, dry, any terrain, blah, blah, blah. I have the '97 Hammer Race, and the components are great for the price. I have had no breakdowns yet! Love the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John E. W.
a cross-country rider
from Camrose, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Lovely bike, if I was a waif model. The spokes love to burst when you load up this overpriced citron with more than an anorexic biker. God help you, if over the summer you put on some muscle and breach the load bearing requirements. Alas if you are over 13 years old and bought this bike. Astounding how the frame has not fallen apart yet. For over $1000 I would at least expect something that can hold up my weight on pavement. Oh well, I gues I will have to get another full time job to be able to afford two new wheels this fall. God, knows, the people at Rocky Mountain, have no problem selling new wheels. They obviously thought of this when they built the bike. Their factories must be producing four wheels for every bike sold. So much for the rebate!!!!Rocky Mountain should be ashamed of themselves. HIsssssssss
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Houlden
a weekend warrior
from Prince Edward Island
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
One of the worst mistakes of my life. Wheeltech wheels (from Rocky's in-house wheel facility), with their cheap knock-off spokes guarantee breakdown on half your rides. Rocky is terrible in the customer service department which would be better referred to as the warranty denial department. I do hear that Rocky will cover the cost of parts and repairs if the Hammer spontaneously combusts while sitting in storage. You ride it once, warranty void. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
barry
a racer
from ontario
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i love this bike, it sticks to corners like glue and is awsomn to climb and decend with, i'm a cross country racer and the only problems that i have had was the crappy lx componentry. i've upgraded the r derailer to a G.S. 7.0, and am going to get an xt casset, and m90 chain, i've also just bought syncros xlt rims to replace the crappy ritchy 440's
since rocky mountain made the frame, i give them 5 stars, but the lx doesn't get anything!
oh ya, my brakes gave out on me in a race cousing me to hit a tree, so i got some cnc machined aluminum curve brakes!, like 'em better than v brakes | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick S.
a weekend warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike for the price!!
Rides smooth and handles well in single track.
Suits my not so heavy body weight (155 lbs.).
Chromoly not so bone jarring as aluminum for my weight. Even though it is a hard-tail, bone jarring roots and rocks don't seem to hammer you.
Twitchy steering when you ride it really slow, with front wheel flexing sideways somewhat. Speed things up and everything is fine.
Bunny hops, front wheelies, and back wheelies are easy to do.A huge and major improvement over my low-end, no suspension bike.
Highly recommend this quality, no gimmick bike and Rocky Mountain!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig R.
a weekend warrior
from Seattle, Washington
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike RULES!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Parks
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great Bike handles well. But too heavy. I have found since owning this bike I'm upgrading parts to put my bike on a diet. First I started with the wheels I up graded to White Industires Hubs and mavic hoops. Next I droped the suguno crank set and went to Race face. Love the x-ray shifters. And nice touch with the xt rear derailer. I'm quite happy with this bike and will probably buy another Bike from this company in the near future. Thanks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LK
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My 96 Hammer Race has served me well for over 1 year and 4000 trail km's. Riding lots of technical, tight singletrack (roots, rocks, logs), the Hammer performs well under most conditions. Tracks like its on rails as long as you keep the speed up. Slowing on bumpy sections can make it a bit jammy. Ramming yourself over very rooty sections will show the best qualities of the Hammer Race. The Q21R eats up the bumps and the frame keeps you straight and on track. Upgrades that I have found worthwhile are LX V brakes (stop on a dime) and a spring for the rear derailleur. Major disappointment are the wheels as I have taco'ed both of them and they never really seemed to want to stay true. All in all though this bike looks great and rides great. Whether its sliding down hill, slushing through streams and mud, or driving yourself over 2-3ft log climbs, the Hammer Race has been a joy to ride. As a converted roadie, I am fully satisfied that the Hammer Race will continue coming back for more as I improve my technical skills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This Bike kicks @$$. All who complain about it can go to hell! Though i do agree i may be on the heavy side but it's not that heavy. Throw some spin rims on it and the bikes a feather. It performs excellent. Though I hate the rapter tires they corner worth shit. But they can easily be changed. The bike is a good deal it eaven costs the same as the 96 version even though it's way better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike kicks ass it's just to heavy. I like the upgrades that Rocky has put on the 97 bike I put the XT v-brakes on it and I'm kickin ass now. I love this bike it handles really well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Suh
a racer
from Honolulu, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great all around bike - fast climber, good descender, quick on singletrack. No complaints except that it's a bit on the heavy side and the Sugino cranks aren't up to par. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John MacKinnon
a weekend warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I really fell in love with my 96 Hammer Race the first time I saw'er. Since last May I have flown her [in a box] to Moab, Utah and Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland. The bike performed very well on Slickrock - very responsive and even paced. I have had a few problems with my chain breaking - the first week I had the bike and then while riding Slickrock. I suspect that the frame arrived in the bikeshop a little out of shape which places unnecessary tension on the chain....as it has broken both times with little to no tension placed on it. I was riding in some stickey mud the other weekend and the chain kept jamming and kicking off - After looking at the chain I noticed that it looked worn - I only have about 500-600 km on the chain....a little premature wear in many respects. I am planning a trip to Winter Park in a few weeks and I suspect that I will need to buy a spare chain to prevent any challenges in the field. I would be interested if others have experienced problems with their chain breaking or wearing quickly.Other than the chain problem....the bike it fabulous. I like the specs on the 97 - but I wish they would have kept the same colour scheme.Good riding.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BeLieVer
a weekend warrior
from Marathon, ON
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Kick Ass! Great Handling! Great Components for the price, and best of all Canadian Made, (so what if I'm bias) GREAT job Rocky Mountain! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Peterson
a weekend warrior
from St.Albert
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've never owned this bike but a good friend does. He got his in 1995 and when i last rode it rode better than my brand new Hoo Koo E Koo. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a weekend warrior
from Comox BC Canada
Date Reviewed: April 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Absolutely no question, the very best bike I've ever owned. I'm a heavy guy too
and found this bike perfect for my size, 19.5 for a 6'0 215lb. clydesdale.
I'm no pro but I do know that I am hard on bikes and this one has stood the test so far. The many upgrades that appeared on the 1997 model are for the better i.e. XT rear derailler, LX V brakes w/ Avid levers, RS Indy xc, among others. Here's the kicker, same price as the 1996 model, in an ever increasingly priced world it's nice to see some savings being passed on to the consumer. Bought at Cyledeli on Denman Island, Jon runs a small but top rate shop there.
If I had a beef it would be this, the fact that I bought it before the end of the ski season is limting my riding time but with the good weather just a few short weeks away I'm sure me and my trusty steed will often blaze many a trailkeep the rubber side down..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Chalifoux
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a Hammer Race '96, in May '96. Overall this is an excellent bike.
It has a good quality frame which give the bike excellent handling.
I am a fairly heavy rider and the bike can take the beating.
However I ran into a few problems. The RS Quadra 21R turns out to
require a lot of maintenance in the muddy conditions I ride in. Every 4-6
rides I have to take it apart, clean it and reassemble it. I added tie wraps to the top of the boots and made a little hole in them. This help a lot but still,
as soon as some mud gets it that's it, the fork james and needs to
be cleaned. I will beat this one for one more season and probably replace
it with something like a Bomber-Z2 next summer.
Another issue I have is play in the headset. Again, once in a
while I have to take it apart and reassemble to pack the bearings.
Finally I replaced the rear derailleur spring and added an Avid
Rollormajig to improve shifting. These two cheap upgrades indeed improved
shifting, which is now precise and quick. Overall the bike is good, but requires tweaking and maintenance to
maintain its top performance. That is probably something to be expected
when riding and the great Wet Coast.Having to buy another bike today, I would defenately look for a better quality
fork; either a Judy or a Bomber. I would also want V-brakes, which are present
on the '97 model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Bergob
a weekend warrior
from Comox, BC
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the Hammer (1997) and have been very impressed ... most important for me is that I have a 'bad back', am 6'3 tall and weigh about 230lbs ... my best recommedation for this bike is that on or off the road, I have not had one ache or pain from riding. The frame is responsive, the components work well together, and the bike seems very forgiving in rougher terrain. I upgraded to an RS Judy XC, Continental Comp (rear) and Leader (front), and Look SR2 (Moab) pedals that seem more appropriate to a guy my size.LIKES: overall quality, responsiveness, roominess and components. Also, company reputation and its Canadian!Dislikes: some wimpy components on a big (21) frame ... this complaint is not limited to this bike or company. Shameless promotion: Many kudos to local dealer (Black's Cycle) for no-worry upgrades and extras to suit my needs (see above).Highly recommend this bike with some changes to suit individual riders' needs and wants. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Danielsen
a racer
from Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My bike is a stallion waiting for an adventure. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kaamil El-Rayess
a weekend warrior
from Winchester, Massachusetts, U.S.
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
An amazing ride! I'm just a beginner, but when my friend let me ride his, I felt like a pro!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kai Hofmann
a weekend warrior
from Lahnau (Germany)
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have upgraded my Hammer wiht a RS Judy XC, Magura Johnny T. and a XT rear derailleur. This Winter Ive added a DH bar, because I dont like a stretched positon on my bike. I had some problems with the wheels, so i took them back into the shop and after that they are ok, but not great. The Sugino crank had to be fixed a second time. Overall I like the bike very much, because it is very calm on high speed passages in the the forrest or on downhills. The hammer is a durable high speed hardtail with a well balanced geometry and good comfort in the tail. It is great combination with the Judy for my short, but sometimes radical courses, carrying a 100kg rider. The well done frame and my updates are the advantages of this bike, esp. the Maguras (first i had some XT v-breaks on it - they suck!). For more information check out my homepage at http://www.uni-giessen.de/~ged3/mtb.htm (written in german, sorry). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geof Harries
a racer
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
After trying out many a mid-range hardtail this spring, I bought the Hammer Race based on one main attribute. I am a top ranking sport class racer and will moving up to Expert for next season, so I wanted a bike that could be hammered (hence the name maybe?) for a season full of racing (I'm also quite big; 6'3 and 190 lbs.). The Hammer Race proved to be up to this task; the frame is light, extremely durable and stiff, yet somewhat compliant for absorbing the little bumps in the trail. Rocky Mountain spec'ed an XT front derailleur and a Control Tech stem on my bike out of the box, so already I was on my way to tricking the bike out...something that I've wanted and unfortunately, HAD to do over the summer.
The Ritchey Rock 440 rims with the 15 gauge spokes appear to great for someone that is much smaller in stature than me...not only did the wheels come out of the Wheeltech factory (Rocky's wheelbuilding centre) with several spokes loose and 2 nipples stripped, but I had brought the rim back to the shop where I had bought it after only 1 week to be trued. Furthermore, I had to have the rim completely rebuilt with new 14 gauge spokes a month later (luckily, Rocky paid for this). I've now gone to a Mavic 217 SUP UB Control with 14 gauge spokes on the rear.
Other casualties include a bent seatpost (Rocky's stock seatpost appeared to be too short), handlebar (bent this during a enduro-race and replaced it with a Race Face bar), tires (the WTB Velociraptors, although great for traction and cornering, wear out extremely fast), grips (Rocky's grips were very uncomfortable) and front shock (Rock Shox Q21R to Marzocchi XCR-2 for performance reasons...big riders watch out! The Marzocchi XCR and XC700 fork legs flex quite a bit and cause the brake pads to rub on your rims when you stand up and crank on the bars).
The geometry of the Hammer Race is slackened slightly compared to Rocky's higher end steel frames, such as the Blizzard and Altitude T.O. Although still steep enough to be quick in the singletrack, the Hammer Race needs to be really powered into turns in order to keep up to more steeply-angled bikes. At speed, and especially in long downhills, the Hammer Race is very comfortable. This is the key to singletrack riding on this bike: go fast. The bike will respond to your body language very quickly if you keep it at around 15-18 km/h on average.
The Hammer Race also climbs very well both in the saddle and out; just hunker down on the bar-ends and the bike will just 'scoot' forward underneath you. This is the stiffness I have talked about earlier.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the Rocky Mountain Hammer Race to Sport class racers and people who ride a lot of buffed and quick singletrack with long climbs and descents. If you want to ride at a higher competitive level, and especially if you are of large stature, be prepared to upgrade some of the components as you go along...it will happen.
I give the Rocky Mountain Hammer Race...
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren Little
a weekend warrior
from Calgary Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best bike ever! Rated best bike in Mountain Bike
Magazine for 1996, it offers all the best stuff you could ever want in a
bike. It has primarily LX and XT components, clipless pedals and a 21R
upfront which makes this a very sweet package. I suggest buying this
bike to impress girls. | | Overall Rating: |
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