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Submitted by
woofer2609
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | 7 summits (currently) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | Well specc'ed, versatile, versatile, versatile, oh, and did I mention, versatile. Fox Shocks, both the front and rear | | Weaknesses: | Creaks in Suspension, wish it had handlebar lockout for rear and front suspension, or some way of adjusting travel at rear end on the fly, but that's kinda infeasable.
The 26.8 mm seatpost on the '04 is too small! | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension rig, but the latest of Multiple Rocky bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized 2.4 tire rear, Nokian 2.35 up front, Selle Italia xo saddle, 27.5 " riser bar | | Bottom Line: | This is a quality ride, no bones about it, I just sold my 05 Norco charger, and the difference was night and day.
I'm 160 and 5'10" and a bit and the 19" was perfect for me, I am amazed at what I can climb on this bike. Leave the rear suspension active if you are on anything but fireroad or tarmac, 3.5" out back, and the shortest travel up front will allow you to climb almost anything, just slide your ass forward on the saddle. I wish it had remote lockouts for the front at least, but that's probably specc'ed on higher models. My bike now weighs close to 34lb's because of the big tires, but they don't rip out on the climbs, and allow me to set the travel long and descend lotsa technical stuff.
The geometry on this bike reminds me a lot of my RM Blizzard when climbing, you'll give up before the bike does. I have no problems calling a spade a spade, but this bike can certainly climb.
This bike would be on fire with a 31.8 seatpost so you could put in a collapsable seatpost, then it would be a real all-rounder.
The brakes are good, I am a little concerned about creaking around the rear suspension, but when that gives out, I guess I'll buy a Blizzard frame. This bike looks good too. I love the versatility of it; change the tires and the suspension geometry and go from XC to steep descents. This is NOT a downhill bike by any means, but in the 4.5" travel setting, and the seat down, you can ride some fairly deep stuff
The front TALAS fork is smooth and infinitely adjustable, I have nothing but compliments.
Fox is the best in my opinion. The brakes are acceptable, but nothing special, and everything else does a good job, The shifting has been no problem, so that's good | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Les Cundy
a Weekend Warrior
from Cornwall, UK
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Dartmoor & Quantocks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Certini Bicycle Co | | Strengths: | Top line Fox suspension front & rear with adjustable travel 4" to 5" make this a very good package. Formula ORO K24 brakes & Raceface kit are spot on for this amount of money. My complete bike weighs in at 28lbs which IMHO is about right for an All Mountain full susser and not too lightweight. The Canuck Red & White paint job makes this a stunning looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | Mibro tyres are no good for UK winter riding & were changed before it got near any mud. The WTB saddle was too firm for my butt so that was changed -personal preference. I had a new longer rear gear cable fitted as the previous one got clogged up with debris as it was short & attracted the dirt, I also had a longer ferrel fitted to stop the dirt getting in. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Trance 2, Spesh XC, FSR & Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Standard spec only changed tyres & saddle - see above. | | Bottom Line: | This is a stunning bike which has very versitile travel options between 4", 4.5" or 5" front & rear. This means you can both climb & descend with the best, this truely is an 'All Mountain' mile muncher. I have riden this bike on open moor, rugged natural trails & at a man-made trail centre in Wales all of which it excelled at, in fact I've been sporting the biggest Cheshire cat grin, my face aches. To sum up this bike not only looks good but it goes even better, if you get the chance, buy one, you wont be disappointed!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Coppock
a Weekend Warrior
from Guerneville, California, USA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anadale Sonoma Co | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO | | Strengths: | Adjustable suspension front and back. No bob on the climb with pro pedal set right. | | Weaknesses: | At this price, came with mechanical brakes and funky LX dual shifter lever crap....no dice! went to XT shifters and Avid Juicy brakes....nice! | | Similar Products Used: | Leader, Trek | | Bike Setup: | ETSX 50, Fox Talus RL forks, RaceFace Evolve XC Cranks, Sun Ringle Disc Jocky Wheels, Raceface Carbon bars, Thompson Stem and Post, XT Drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Keep suspension set low for the climb, jack up the travel for going down....what else. A great bike all around. No wobble or float on the rear end. Solid welds. Not to heavy (31 Lbs). After switching parts, a great ride that compeats with anything else in that market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Dodds
a Cross Country Rider
from London, Ontario
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Haliburton Highlands | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | 2007 ETSX 50 Frame is fabulous and the front and rear shocks are amazing - brakes are great and no fade on long downhills - pedals | | Weaknesses: | seat - drivetrain (spent waaay to much money trying to get it to work properly) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6300 | | Bike Setup: | Standard ride with new grips, Michelin XC Drys or AT's, Bontrager seat | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a joy to ride when working properly and i have logged thousands of training and racing kms on this bike in 2007. Two 7 day races - 750kms in Belize with lots of mud and heat and the Trans Rockies in August at 550 kms.
My main issues is with the drivetrain - I have replaced the rear cassette 3 times and have not been able to get the rear end dialed in to shift smoothly even after my mechanic went through every detail with a Rocky tech on the phone. Replaced dozens of cables as the cable housing by the cassette seems to trap mud. Any suggestions are gladly welcomed as I am so frustrated the ol Trek is starting to look pretty good and it shifts like butter with way more kms on it than the Rocky. I am thinking that my dimensions 6'2" 215 are maybe too much for the carbon swing arm.
Drive train complaints out of the way ... the suspension and frame are amazing. High speed downhills over rock and very rough terrain are not a problem for this bike. It rides with complete control and soaks it all up. YOu have got to ride this rig to understand the confidence it provides.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Biker
a
from Edinburgh, UK
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelspin Cycles, Huddersfield | | Strengths: | Speaking as both an engineer and a cyclist - it's a very good suspension system. Bike has great balance in the air, high finish quality, badge.
| | Weaknesses: | Weight, tall design takes some getting used to, high price for spec in UK, apparently poor cable routing on front derailleur (but isn't problematic in practice), suspension mount behind seat tube collects mud, when the shock pump is screwed on it fouls the lower frame mount on the rear shock in 4.5" and 5" travel positions, poor standover height.
| | Similar Products Used: | Orange P7, Cannondale F600, Specialised FSR120 Pro | | Bike Setup: | Only frame and forks remaining from original bike purchased. All other parts swapped out for lightweight alternatives. Cranks lengthened to 180mm to compensate for very high BB. Weight now 27lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I am 5'11" with 32" inside leg - so a longish back. The 18" frame is the right size for me but the high bottom bracket has made it hard to get the bike set up in terms of saddle height/standover/leg straighness when pedalling. Going from relatively 'long and low' designs to this was a bit of a shock, very different feel. It all makes sense after a few rides though ;o) and you do save a lot of money on damaged chainrings! The suspension system is really fantastic, smooth, bottomless, efficient. Such a beautiful bike too. Took a lot of money to get it how I want it. Buying a Rocky is a heart thing as much as a head thing though so prepare to wave goodbye to reason..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Toms River NJ
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Allaire State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Beachwood Bikes | | Strengths: | Climbs like a HT, adjustable rear travel, high bb makes it easy to clear any obstacle, awesome suspension design, hand built frame, extremely predictable and loads of fun on the downhills | | Weaknesses: | Had some shifting issues at first but swapped the rear derailleur from XT to XTR, added a SRAM pc991 hollowpin chain, XTR cassette, and XTR cables. Now she shifts like a dream. That was the only problem I had and it has definitely been corrected so I'd say the bike has no weaknesses as of right now. | | Similar Products Used: | Several high end HT's, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert | | Bike Setup: | 2006 ETSX-50 With Crossmax XL Wheels, Mostly XTR components, Raceface Carbon Seatpost, WTB Rocket V Stealth Saddle, Raceface Lock Ons, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1 Tires | | Bottom Line: | This is by far one of the sickest trailbikes out there. The adjustable rear travel makes this an extremely versatile bike that can be set up for so many different conditions. This bike can also be made to be very light by doing a little upgrading from the stock components. I never thought I'd ever say this about a bike but here goes. "This bike has made me a better rider". I am climbing stuff I never thought I'd be able to, and I have so much more confidence in my descents as well. Basically this bike will take anything you throw at it in stride, and it keeps coming back for more. Rocky Mountain makes some serious bikes. Own one and you'll understand. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | McKenzie River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | RiverRat | | Strengths: | See below | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | RF Next Carbon XC Bar, RF Deus crankset, RF Deus stem, Mavic XC717 wheels w/ Shimano XT hubs, stock front and rear shock, stock gearing. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my earlier post. In an effort to shed a little weight, I changed out the stock wheelset, stem, handlebar, and crankset in favor of some lighter parts. THE BIKE ABSOLUTELY CAME ALIVE AFTER LOSING ABOUT 2 POUNDS! I liked it before, but it felt sluggish on the climbs and when trying to accelerate hard. Now I don't just like this bike, I LOVE it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Albanyt, NY
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Pine Bush perserve | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | EMS- Esatern Mt. Sports | | Strengths: | Great clearance! I can clear almost any obstical. Excellent climbing up and speeding down hills. Super smooth on the downhills!!! The suspension is easily adjusted from 4, 4.5 and 5 inches and absorbs bumps effortlessly! Very fast and steady, with easy handling on the single tracks. Holds up well when crashed, very sturdy!! Gotta love the paint job, I got the green 2006. | | Weaknesses: | Only problem I've had is that the lock-out/rebound adjuster on the top right of the Fox fork hits the bottom frame when the handle bars get turned to far (like when I crash). It's put a couple of small nicks in the frame going though the paint. I have the small 15" frame so there's not alot of clearance in that area. Might not happen on the larger frames. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 8, Gary Fisher Cake 2, Iron Horse MKIII | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!!! and would buy it again. It's a great all around bike for expert or novice riders. Very forgiving! Great on trails or downhills! The ETSX-50 is so good I can't imagine how good the ETXS-70 can be! And you have to love the way the suspention looks!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is rock solid and the bob is truly minimal going up. The bike is superb all around, which is exactly what I wanted out of it. It is a very efficient climber and doing long climbs is not a problem. Like others have said, going downhill on the ETSX is a joy. It is such a smooth ride on technical downhill that I end up carrying more speed than I have in the past and flying through sections I used to move through cautiously. Really, the best review I can give is that I pass more people going up and down hill than I ever did before. Oh yeah, the paint job is ridiculous. I get stopped by more people at trailheads and gas stations (while the bike is on the car) to tell me how "sick" the paint job is. | | Weaknesses: | You pay for the frame with a Rocky Mountain so the components are not what they would be on a mass produced bike (think Specialized Sumpjumper FSR Expert). I got the Rocky because the components are going to be changed over time anyway but the frame is really the heart and soul of the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Spec SJ FSR, Yeti 575, Giant | | Bike Setup: | Only modification is to change the tires to Fire XC Pro. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 2006 ETSX 50 with the green maple leaf paint job. As I said before, you are paying a premium for the frame but I feel it is more than worth it. The bike rides great up and down and is a really comfortable ride. The suspension smooths out any rough sections. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | McKenzie River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | RiverRat | | Strengths: | Straight line stability rough, technical terrain is phenominal; great climber and superb descender; overall component selection; suspension efficiency; ability to adjust suspension between 3.5-4.5 inches; frame quality is top-notch; geometry puts the rider a little more upright, making it a perfect set-up for longer rides | | Weaknesses: | The wheelset is somewhat heavy, and the stock saddle didn't fit me at all. | | Similar Products Used: | None in the all-mountain marathon category; this bike replaced a 2002 RM Element Race | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: WTB Rocket V saddle, Expedo Mag/Ti pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike will make you a better rider. To this point, I haven't been a very good technical terrain rider. This bike changed that. It's taken me awhile to get used to it, but when you get this baby out on some technical terrain, it really starts to shine. It's extremely stable in rough terrain, which inspires a lot of confidence. I'm now riding sections I used to walk.
One of the major reasons I purchased this bike is the range of suspension adjustability it gives: put it in 3.5 inch mode and firm Pro-Pedal for fast rolling terrain for for extended climbs, extend the travel for technical sections or rough downhills, etc. When you have it in 3.5 inch mode w/ firm on the Pro-Pedal, the rear end won't budge when climbing seated. It's very effecient. For me, that adjustability makes it the perfect bike for the many different trails we have in NorCal.
My only change might be to a lighter wheelset to shave off about 1 pound of weight, but other than that, it's really great right out of the box! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis
a Weekend Warrior
from Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Spencer Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2049.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | This is a review for the 2006 ETSX-30, which is equivelent to the 2005 ETSX-50. I typically do all variations of All-Mountain riding, with lots of roots and singletrack.
Handling: Rocky Mountain does an excellent job on maintaing consistent and easy handling on all of their bikes.
Pedaling: The Energy Transfer System implemented on this bike is close to perfection, there is very little pedal bob, whether you are out of the saddle pushing the bike up a steep incline or cruising on a trail, each stroke goes right to the tire for ultimate power.
Decending: Once you do reach the top of the hill, and start heading down is where the bike shines. I was amazed at how well this bike could handle fast downhills that were both technical and fast. The ETSX-30 (2006) is great at holding a line if you are just pointing it and going for it, or taking it slow and cautious. This bike inspires confidence each and every decent.
Braking: The Shimano Deore hydraulic brakes do an excellent job for the money. The stopping power is superb, and riding the brake in the back is consistent and powerfull. Great brakes for the buck.
Cornering: The agile ESTX can corner with the best of them. I changed the 2006 tires for Specialized Roll-X 2.00 (Retail @ $50 each tire). The aggressive side knobs really grab the bike as it is leaned over. The suspension of the ETSX works so semlessly with the tires that it's possible to take the ETSX on corners with demand and authority.
| | Weaknesses: | The only tweak I would do on the 2006 ETSX-50 is change the tires to the Specialized Roll-X 2.00 if you can afford it. I did put lock-on grips and new pedals (Eggbeaters), but those are minor changes and were not changed due to a weakness of the bike/parts.
| | Similar Products Used: | Various All-Mountain/Freeride bikes.
| | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ change in tires (Specialized Roll-X 2.00), pedals, grips. | | Bottom Line: | I would have paid a lot more for this bike than I did ($2049). Some may think of this bike as an "Entry Level" bike for All-Mountain riding. They are wrong. The 2006 ETSX-30 has no major weakness, it is lightweight, five inches of ajustable suspension keeps it smooth, amazing pedaling efficency, corners like a badass, climbes like a mountain goat, decents like a fiend, coupled with performance-oriented components, makes this bike a perfect fit for one person, and that person is you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian del Rosario
a Weekend Warrior
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap + Skeggs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepaths | | Strengths: | Phenominally PLUSH
SUPER efficient - little/no bob during climbs
GORGEOUS looking bike
Good mix of strength and agility
Not light, but not too heavy either
Handmade is a nice plus, and it shows
All around a proficent bike | | Weaknesses: | Wish it was a tad bit lighter in terms of frameset
Some of the color combos are kinda out there
26.8 seatpost (2004 frame) is hard to find!
HARD to setup shifting for some reason...lots of ghost shifting in middle ring range of cassette and crank. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Giant AC1 | | Bike Setup: | Bought 2004 ETSX 50 frame on clearance for a sweet deal (Sweet all-black color too), all XTR drivetrain, raceface XY seatpost, WTB PURE Team seat (AWESOME), Avid Juicy Se7ens, Chris King headset, Race Face Diabolus DH stem, Race Face NEXT CF Riser bar, Fox Vanilla R fork, Mavic '06 Crossride wheelset, Syncros FLT 2.5 front, Syncros FLT 2.35 rear | | Bottom Line: | I admit I was drawn to the TESX because IMHO it is a work of art. It just looks beautiful to me. But ok, i've read all the reviews and it seems this bike is an all-mountain wonder. So i took a leap of faith and picked up a closeout 2004 frame because of a sweet discount. Normall it's way expensive, but for $900 I was so there. Anyway, I built up the bike with said parts and took it out for a spin on a local trail that has some nice climbs. OMG, the climbing prowess is unreal with this thing. I normally suck at climbing but with the ETSX I cleaned climbs faster than I would normally on my other bikes. And I was less tired. I read about how "magnetic" the rear suspension works from other reviewers, but now i know why. It's hard to describe but this bike just allows you to climb so much more efficiently and faster, especially over rought terrain. The bike is not the lightest, but it sure doesn't feel heavy.
Although it's not marketed as a freeride bike, it handles the downhill wonderfully. With the way I set it up, it is an excellent all-around decender. The rear suspension eats up everything with such a suppleness it's heaven. And it handles with great agility. My confidense has grown after the two weeks of riding it.
I simply LOVE this bike.
My only complaints are the hard-to-find 26.8 post for 2004. i hear they changed it for newer models which is great. Also, for some reason a lot of ghost-shifts can happen. I've read it from other reviewers and I am experiecing the same thing. if it's possible to sort it out...it's certainly tougher than the average bike.
IMHO the normal price of the frame is way expensive. But it's a tough one to say no too as it is damn good. It performs as good as I hoped...even better. And the fact it can stand as a work of art is truly awesome. The machine work on the linkage arms is simply beautiful. Rocky knows how to make a beautiful bike. And it's rare at least in my area. I have to admit I simply love owning a bike you don't see every day.
4 chilis for value because it's super expnsive if you buy it str8 up. 5 chilis for overall because even at full price at least you get what you pay for....happiness :D
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Dieckmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Spangdahlem, Germany
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepaths | | Strengths: | Nice design. The thing I like most about this bike, is that it suits my style of XC riding yet it is rugged enough that when that occasional downhill or technical section comes along, you have nothing to worry about. Still, I would not treat this bike entirely like a downhill bike. | | Weaknesses: | I won’t say “none”, because every bike has a weakness. I do think the design is strong, and it fits me very well. It would be nice to have an easier location to adjust the rear shock, however, I don’t find myself adjusting it too often. The only problems I have had are not with the bike design, but a few components. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth and Gary Fisher equivalents (I can't remember the names) | | Bike Setup: | I have a few mods. XT front and rear derailleurs, XT brakes and shifters, a Monkey lite XC handlebar that is wider for my arm length. Seat post adjustment. Yeti hand grips. Finally, an upgraded Race Face crank case. | | Bottom Line: | The BL is that I am a very happy customer. I usually buy everything cheap and used. Not this bike. I wanted a 70 but couldn’t find one on the market in my size, so I paid for a few upgrades and got a 70 equivalent (hence the high price). I rode my old Gary Fisher hard tail into the dirt until I bought this bike. Now I have had it six months and have over 700 trail miles on it. Not bad for a guy that works 80 hours a week. I dinged the bike on value a little because for the price, you could get slightly better components. Regardless, with Rocky Mountain, you are paying for the hand craftsmanship and the frame. For me, my bike has already paid for itself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Len
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | As others reviewers have pointed out, this bike is incorrectly listed in the Freeride category, it's definately an XC bike (Rocky calls it "all mountain race")
The suspension works very well, it's plush and does a great job of isolating pedal forces, so pedal induced bob is minimal.
This is my 6'th Rocky Mountain, and the quality of their frames is about as good as it gets. Beautiful welds and flawless, tough powdercoat finishes. You pay a premium for a handbuilt frame like this but it's worth it to me.
The adjustable (3.5 - 4.5") rear travel feature is cool. I run mine at 4" as I'm an XC dork at heart. | | Weaknesses: | The price is high, but you get what you pay for. A buddy just broke his 2004 ETSX frame after a solid year of hard use, and I see others have had failures. Any frame will eventually fail if subjected to enough abuse, but I'm not worried about mine as I use it as intended (not a hucking bike) and if it does fail, that's what a warranty is for. | | Similar Products Used: | My first XC Dually, I have owned several "freeride" duallies and lots and lots of hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | I bought a frameset only and built the bike from scratch so it's a bit of a "one off"
Rockshox Reba Race fork, Spinergy Xyclone wheels, XT discs, XT/XTR/Raceface drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | It took me a while to get used to as I'd been on hardtails for XC riding forever, but I must confess it's a hoot to ride and i like it more every time I ride it. It hooks up incredibly well on rough climbs and lets me get away with all kinds of mistakes that a hardtail would never allow. I was initally unhappy about paying the weight penalty over a hardtail, but at 26.5lbs (mine is a couple pounds lighter than "stock") it's light enough and I doubt I'm any slower going up than on my hardtail. I'd recommend an ETS-X to anyone interested in a "do anything" XC Trailbike, and I'm sure it would do fine in the occasional XC race if that's your style. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bull Mountain, Stanley Gap | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | Very comfortable, versatile with adjustable fork (90-130mm) and rear shock (3.5-4.5). Definitely well made, designed for rough conditions in British Columbia. Excellent climbing ability. Very similar to my Giant NRS which is saying a lot. Excellent suspension design, which is Rocky Mountain's version of VPP. Great all round bike. | | Weaknesses: | Not really a weakness but almost too many adjustment possibilities. Some components could be better, like the LX cassette. Hence, you pay more then other bikes when you compare just based on components. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far. By the way the components listed for this bike are from last year. For 2005 the Talas fork is the RL, and it comes with eggbeater pedals among other changes. Also this is definitely not a freeride bike. It is a cross country bike. The longest rear travel is 4.5 inches. Please move the ETSX to the cross country section. | | Bottom Line: | I am very impressed with this bike. It is deceptively fast. On a four mile course that I have done many times I improved my best time from my old bike by a minute and a half. But the main reason I wanted this bike is that it is more comfortable so I can ride multi hour rides without feeling too beat up. The NRS is a very efficient bike but on a long rough downhill you definitely take a beating. The ETSX is amazing going downhill. It soaks up bumps so well. And again the climbing ability is right up there with my NRS. On the 12 mile Bull Mountain loop it handled the 3 mile initial climb great and then just flew on the downhill. FYI, my 19inch stock ETSX-50 weighed 28.75 pounds, which is not bad. But the effeciency of the suspension design is what really makes the bike. I was prepared to give up some on speed in order to have a more comfortable ride. But with the ETSX I am actually a little faster but much more comfortable. By the way Todd at Atlanta Cycling was great. He really set up the bike well for me and they even allow a 30 day trial period which made the purchase much easier. If your looking for a plush but efficient cross country bike definitely check out the ETSX. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NICK IN LA
a Cross Country Rider
from LOS ANGELES,CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | SANTA MONICA TO VENTURA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO---BLOW OUT SALE | | Strengths: | THE WHOLE DESIGN,OPTIONAL REAR TRAVEL---IN THIS CASE THE PRICE. | | Weaknesses: | SOME GHOST SHIFTING-NO BIG DEAL | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED FSR-PRO FLEX-KLEIN ATTITUDE-KONA? | | Bike Setup: | UPGRADED THE DRIVE CHAIN TO FULL XTR,DUMPED THE FORK (RS DUKE SL) PUT ON A MANITOU ll, HAYES NINE XC DISK BRAKES, SINGLE FUNCTION XTR '03 SHIFTER PODS-NOT THAT NEW MULTIFUNCTION JUNK,EASRON MONKEY LIGHT SL BARS,FROG PEDALS, MAVIC CROSSMAX XL WITH IRC MYTHOS XC 2.1 | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS SO FAR THE BEST FULL SUSPENSION BIKE I'VE OWNED! DOES EVERYTHING GOES EVERYWHERE AND WANTS MORE OF IT. YOU DO HAVE TO KEEP ON IT WITH TUNE UPS WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM A HIGH PERFORMANCE MACHINE.I HAVE THE 2003 MODEL FRAME WHICH HAS THE RAD OVAL TUBING DESIGN-VERY TECH-I DO ABOUT 4-8 MILES UP HILL WITH AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF SINGLE TRACK DOWNHILL INCLUDING SOME MINOR AIR INVOLVED SAY ABOUT4-6 FEET AT THE MOST,KIND OF LIKE DOWNHILL SKIING JUMPS(SMALLER SPEED JUMPS) BY THE WAY THE ORIGINAL WHEEL SET WAS A MAVIC 223 WITH STANDARD DEORE HUBS-THE WORKED GREAT. JUST WANTED TUBELESS. I HAVE CALLED ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOR TECH INFO SEVERAL TIMES AND ARE A PLEASURE TO DEAL WITH,NEVER A QUESTION ABOUT WARRANTY THOUGH SO FAR SO GOOD! I BELEIVE THIS IS A GREAT BIKE FOR ANYBODY THAT DEMANDS QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE WITH A HIGH TECH LOOK!AFTER READING THIS AND THE OTHER REVIEWS GO OUT AND BUY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brock
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, British Columbia
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3750.00 | | Strengths: | High bottom bracket. Nimble ride. Smooth and forgiving travel. | | Weaknesses: | Chronic ghost shifting! Rocky needs to get this straightened out. I and others went through hangers like crazy, w/o ever banging them on anything.
It is not the set up, nor the components. I have had it looked at by two of Rocky's biggest dealers as well as sending it back to the Rocky factory so they could double check the setup.
I suspect the problem is too much lateral movement in the suspension.
The balance point of the frame could be brought a little forward which would make the bike a bit better for climbing.
| | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stcok xt, with a talus fork. | | Bottom Line: | If you enjoy having your biked tuned after every ride, this is the bike for you.
Considering the price of an ETSX and the reputation of Rocky Mountain, the bike should be much more reliable.
As someone from BC it is hard for me not to recommend a Rocky ETSX . But I just cant...no way.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beniamin
a
from Panorama City, CA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | los pinedos | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle world | | Strengths: | build quality, geometry, rear suspention, | | Weaknesses: | what was that question again??? | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, santa cruz blur, yeti 575 | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for a longer stem | | Bottom Line: | thanks to the high bottom brocket I can ride over anything. regardless if you're climbing for hours or discanding on a technical singeltrack, well calculated geometry and the one of a kind rear suspention come together to make both pleasent. I use to own a hardtail and a 6" trail/fr bike, ever since I purchased my ETSX, I sold my trail/fr and haven't felt the need for my hardtail. it is heavy for the cross country racer, but then again I dont race, I ride and I ride hard. one more thing, in the back of my seat tube I found the name of the guy who welded my frame together, now that says a lot about the quality control. thanks Clarance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a
from Hull,Québec, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | Climbing Abilities
Amazing control on descent
Very Comfortable when dial in.
Fox suspension is very reliable as well as efficient.
Quality bike hand made in canada! | | Weaknesses: | Bottom Bracket is very fragile but I guest this will save your derailleur. The hutchinson mosquito air lite tires that came with the bike don't last long. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona King Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new Panaracer FireProXC's tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is excellent! I had my doubt initially because of the weight and the fact that it is consider an all mountain racing bike (between all mountain and XC bike). So I did a lot of research and debated between the kona King Kikapu for it lightweight and XC speed compare to the ETSX. After a few days,I went for the ETSX and I do not regret it at all.
The ETSX has some much more to offer if you are not into short and fast competition. Actualy, it is the best bike for a raid or long competition (>100k) because of it's double suspension and your position on the bike.
It's hability to climb is amazing for a bike at 29-30 Lbs. I was afraid of that when I bought it and wow, was I ever suprised! I am not kidding, you can really feel like if someone is pushing you gently going uphill compare to my specialized stumpjumper. Sure, it is more heavy but believe me, it is worth it because the difference is not a big deal for the descending benefit this bike provides you. And this is the big plus of this bike, the downhill is simply amazing!!! The control you have is perfect. I am more confident with this bike than ever. And if you put the back suspension at 4.5" and lower you seatpost...it will let you do almost anything...keep in mind that this is not a downhill bike but it is very solid and I have no problem doing some rough trails now. In fact,I am always looking for the dirty line now compare to before when I had to avoid some rocks and roots.
Rocky Mountain as really done a great bike with the ETSX design. Sure, you pay more for this, since it is handmade in Canada but the quality of the frame and attention they put on the bike is more than worth it.
If you are looking for well design, well made bike with amazing control on descent without to much sacrifice going uphill and very good cross country capabilities, this is the bike for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Clawson, MI USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Island Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Main Street Bicycles | | Strengths: | Comfortable geometry, quality components, climbing ability, front and rear travel | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Giant NRS1 | | Bottom Line: | Overall a great bike for weekend riders and riders looking to get in to semi-competitive racing. Weight is greater than ideal, but why buy a FS bike with weight in mind? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain High | | Strengths: | The ride is sweet. Flys over any terrain with ease. Fast on the downhills - gets better the faster you go - and really digs in with your butt on the seat for loose uphills. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires are rubbish. Upgraded to Panaracer FireProXC's.
Bottom bracket is cheap. Needed replacing and will upgrade if it goes again. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 55, RM Slayer | | Bottom Line: | I can't express how much I love this bike. yes, its heavy compared to my old RM Blizzard but with every descent it just gets better and better. It rides rooted and rutted single track with ease and pops you out the end with a huge grin. Try and you'll see. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes, Saulsalito | | Strengths: | VERY FAST
POINT AND SHOOT DOWN ANY TERRAIN
SUPERIOR STEERING
REAR SUSPENSION IS SUPER PLUSH
FRONT FORK-FOX TALAS R IS SWEET
COMPRESSION DAMPENING IS ALSO SWEET
| | Weaknesses: | HUTCHINSON SPIDER 2.0 TIRES THAT COME WITH THE BIKE REALLY SUCK. WHAT A WASTE OF GOOD RUBBER. THE SIDE KNOBS HAVE BIG GAPS, LIKE THE WTB-MOTO RAPTORS 2.24, ALSO SUCK
SEAT IS CHEAP- CARBON/PLASTIC RAILS ARE VERY FLIMSY
| | Similar Products Used: | ROCKY MOUNTAIN SLAYER 70, 50,
ELSWORTH ID
| | Bike Setup: | STOCK
TIRE UPGRADE: WTB EPICWOLF RACE 2.1 (PERFECT FOR THIS SET-UP)
GOT A BETTER SEAT | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS ONE AWESOME RIG. IT HANDLES SO WELL ON ALL TYPES OF TERRAIN. ONCE THE SUSPENSION IS DIALED IN, THE RIDE IS SO PLUSH! THE REAR SUSPENSION AND VERTICAL TRAVEL DESIGN IS AWESOME. THE BIKE IS VERY FAST AND HANDLES EVEN BETTER AT HIGHER SPEEDS.STEEP CLIMBS WITH TIGHT SWITCHBACKS ARE NO PROBLEM WHILE ABOARD THE ETSX-50.
ON CLIMBS-STAY SEATED AND BREEZE UP ANY SLOPE, OR FLICK THE REAR SHOCK INTO LOCKOUT MODE, STAND, AND HAMMER LIKE A HARDTAIL.CAN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAT THAT!
I HIGHLY SUGGEST ANYONE READING THIS TO GO AND TEST RIDE THE ETSX-50.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zugg
a
from Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | great climber-suspension does not bob at all and is very responsive doing salom type turns
high bottom bracket is sweet, clears many logs/rocks that other bikes have to "bash" or launch to get over | | Weaknesses: | price.
parts package could be better.
| | Similar Products Used: | elsworth ID-- Sweet ride!
rocky mountain slayer 70, 50 nice, but heavy
| | Bottom Line: | Rocky Mountain bikes have always had a great reputation. The new ETSX-70, 50, 30 have the same awesome full suspension frame, just different parts and price points. These rigs are not cheap, but compared to many other "long travel trail bikes" in the $2,000 range, Rocky's are the best. Ride one and see for yourself!
The ETSX-50 climbs up stairs with ease! On the desents the suspension is sweet, and it smooths out stutter bumps.
I checked out the Elsworth Truth, but the rocky is way cheaper and has a higher bottom bracket. Awesome for big log/rock crossings.
This bike has not gotten much reviews online or in print, but that will change soon. The people who ride Rocky's ETSX-70, 50, 30 will ride past you with a big grin because theses bikes are designed for the long haul. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn J.
a Weekend Warrior
from Kinnelon
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Town Cycle | | Strengths: | All-around versatility.
Build quality.
Ability of suspention to absorb anything you throw at it, going both uphill and downhill.
Eats up singletrack. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle - rock hard, but that is an easy fix. | | Similar Products Used: | Klien Palamino, Gary Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Easton Monkey-Lite XC carbon fiber handlebars, Panaracer Cinders, Eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | I have been amazed at the ability of this bike to power through everything I have thrown at it. I mainly ride rocky East Coast terrain, and since I have been riding this bike, I have been able to clean very technical sections of local trails that I was never able to do on other bikes. This bike has made me a much more confident rider.
Climbing ability is fine - maybe not as quick uphill as my Fisher Sugar, but it definately tracks better uphill than the Sugar does.
Some other reviews have commented on high price...it's this simple: you get what you pay for.
Bottom line - if you are looking for a versatile all- around trail bike, this Rocky will take your riding to the next level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Fantastic geometry. great climber. fantastic descender. no lateral flex detectable in the rear triangle. eleveated chainstays keep the ride fairly quiet (no chainslap). awesome orange color! | | Weaknesses: | price, weight | | Similar Products Used: | ellsworth truth, gt i-drive, rocky slayer, sc blur | | Bike Setup: | stock 4" travel fr and rr. | | Bottom Line: | i got a hold of a stock etsx50 to race the sea otter classic. the sea otter course has a little of everything so it made a great trail to test a bike. i set the travel at 4"front and rear. i pumped the rear shock up to my body weight.
when climbing i couldn't detect any bobbing of the suspension whether sitting or standing. even though the stock parts on the etsx50 were fairly heavy, you never feel it on the trail. this bike really likes to climb. the suspension worked well absorbing small bums on the trail. it works so well, that you really don't realize that it is working.
on the descents the suspension really shines. it took all the studders very well and the fork was flawless. fox forks have a very smooth feel to them and the rear suspension of the etsx compliments it very well. the ride was very balanced.
the geometry of the bike made it very easy to quickly make my way through the twisty singletrack (great singletrack on the sea otter course). i was able to make all the corners with ease. the bike was so stable that even when you hit a rough spot just before a hard corner, i was always in able to confidently make the turns.
the parts mix is mostly shimano deore. they are a bit on the heavy side, but work fantastic. the shifting was nice and the brakes worked great. plenty of modulation so i was skidding around every corner. i was able to brake late and still have plenty of control to get around a corner. the hutchinson spiders worked great on the variety of surfaces in this race. i had good traction in the hardpack and sandy sections. no problems rolling through all the rutty sections. once in awhile they would feel as it they were just about to brake, but then they would grab.
this is a great bike. i would not hesitate to buy one. i am looking to replace my ellsworth truth with one. it could benefit with some lighter wheels, but it is overall a fantastic package. it is a little pricier, but then again it is still handmade in vancouver. it is definitely no more expensive than the smaller boutique brands and some of those aren't even made in house anymore. this rocky is well worth a good look at. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shimon
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any new discovered "single" | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | -Superb climbing ability
-Excellent single tracks maneuvering
-Very efficient suspension
-Parts specs of ETSX 50 are "fare" - does not require immediate upgrades to perform well (example, the specked FOX TALAS R is good enough, RLC is superb nice to have)
-Quality of "semi-custom" bike
-Flare color “works“ for me (personal taste) and the paint is very abrasion resistant | | Weaknesses: | The high BB design led to VERY high stand over clearance compared to 2003 models (I'm 5'9" and 18" bike is marginal for me)
The wheel base could be a bit longer to add high speed stability
Rear derailer hanger is made of cheese
Price... You have to pay for "handbuilt"
| | Similar Products Used: | Hardtail TREK, GT i-Drive, Specialized Enduro (for long term test) and many others for "parking lot test" | | Bike Setup: | Stock but... a cassette changed to 11-34,
seat changed to WTB speed V, tires changed to FireXC Pro | | Bottom Line: | Worth every cent to whose who has those cents...
I had long time concerns between RM ETSX and Specialized Enduro (many other good bikes are also had been concerned). It is out of the question that Enduro gets you better deal for your hard earned money, you can argue about which bike goes better downhill, but... it doesn’t even comes close to the ETSX when your direction is uphill (especially, when it's "a bit" more technical than just a fire road). The bike is a mountain goat and dominates on the single tracks.
If you can afford it (50 or 70, the ETSX 30 is underspecked) - go for it! ...The only reason I took one chilly off the value rating is the very high price with respect to moderate specked parts... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Showtime
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | never give in | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Trip, Santa Cruz | | Strengths: | Rear 4 point cantilever suspension is trick! High bottom bracket rolls over most. Frame angles allow balanced aggressive riding. Frame adjustment (3.5, 4.0, 4.5) allows for greater efficiency on specific sections of the ride. The color "Flare" with polished aluminum castings is ticklish | | Weaknesses: | Too many gears. 9 on the back is excessive. I could loose 2 but that would be for all the bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Superlight, S-works | | Bike Setup: | Factory Stock except chain | | Bottom Line: | This bike completes me. After riding for 35 years I am at one with Terra Firma, the Great Spirit, all that is. After a few adjustment problems in the Fall of '03 when I got the bike, I have ridden through the winter into spring with pure joy.
Climbing is like I'm on a hard tail, no lockout required with this suspension design. Add to that the Fox Pro-Pedal shock and it is a climbing hard tail.
Long fast rides are what I enjoy. Four to Five hours in the saddle and I am still ready to go up another hill.
Down hills are faster than ever, no chatter, no hooking, no waiting for the rails to grab on the turns. Transitions are smooth, smashing into turns it grips hard, jumping out of turns on the gears is solid. Technical climbing and descending is a joy. Big hits and drops on the downhill make it complete.
My buddies are riding Blur, Superlight, S-works, Turner, etc. and we are all having a blast. A lot of good stuff these days.
This bike is more than I asked for. I am a stickler for demanding what is marketed and sold. The engineers have dialed this one in tight. I like this bike so much I missed the "03-'04 surfing season.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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