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Submitted by
ridejohnrobie
a Cross Country Rider
from bay area, ca. u.s.a.
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | north umpqua | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | excellent stock spec, sick handling and efficiency | | Weaknesses: | none so far. high bottom bracket took some getting used to | | Similar Products Used: | spec, santa cruz, trek, fisher, klein, maverick, yeti | | Bike Setup: | stock except for mavic crossmax xl's, tubeless, and cockpit mods (stem, bars, etc...) | | Bottom Line: | as advertised, this bike does it all well. sweet parts for the price, great spec. really efficient,i'm 225# and this bike never needs lockouts and can handle drops of 4-5 feet without complaint, not really designed for that, but nice to know. 35+ mile days in the saddle? yup. the adjustable bit is really nice, and works well. i used the stock wheels for a project bike and they are holding up great.as a long time shop employee, i have access to many bikes, and i put my coin into this. a great long travel cross country bike that can really hold it own with the all mountain rigs. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daffy165
a Cross Country Rider
from england
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | south downs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | merlin cycles | | Strengths: | looks the bollocks, rides perfectly | | Weaknesses: | whats up the the front mech cable routing and how the hell do you adjust the limit screws on the front mech with ease | | Similar Products Used: | marin east peak, rocky mountain vertex 70, santa cruz superlight(08) | | Bottom Line: | i bought frame only, so far all seems perfect, i got a bit confused wiring up the front mech as the cable seems to rub on the suspension welds so i have used a spare bit of cable outer to prevent cable rub, i have heard its a design fault?.
but i love the frame so the weaknesses i can live with | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DW
a Cross Country Rider
from Steamboat,Co.
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Emerald | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Haus | | Strengths: | Stock components. Geometry. Build Quality. Paint. | | Weaknesses: | None to date. | | Similar Products Used: | Coming off of '98 Homegrown hardtail. That was a nice bike. This is a whole different animal. | | Bottom Line: | I was deciding btwn this and Specialized Stumpy Comp, Enduro/ Santu Cruz Blur, etc..Loving this bike. Ergonmics, stock setup. It is a perfect bike for those in btwn hucking it and XC. Climbs like none other I have ridden. Front and rear lockouts are quick, easy and very efficient. Dial this baby in instantaneously for your exact riding style.Fast, comfy and can handle bomber downhill with ease. Quality bike worth every cent. 101% satisfaction. I was being steered towards a more "plush" freeride 6"-7" bike but for me- this was a more realistic ride. Does it all beatifully. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gus Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Steamboat Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | MRP | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Haus | | Strengths: | cool graphics, exellent suspension, very smooth, climbs like a machine, decends like a dream, cornors well, very versitile, I have done some local races with it and preformed better then I could of expected, great go anywhere do anything bike, | | Weaknesses: | nada | | Similar Products Used: | nothing I have riden can compare | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for tubeless rims/tires and crank bros egg beater pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for expert and intermediate cross country riders, as I said before you can go anywhere and do anything with this bike. The high price is the result of high quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, Montana USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Bangtail divide | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Gallatin Alpine Sports | | Strengths: | Best climber around. Hand built frame. I can tell how much time went into the building of this bike. great service from Rocky Mt.
| | Weaknesses: | I am 220 LBS so I get some ghost shifting from the rear derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | Not many, I have been ridding this bike for sooooo long. | | Bike Setup: | Chris king hubs and head set, Mavic rims, Thompson stem and seat post, Marzocci xc 600 sl fork, Hayes disk brakes, and XTR every where else. | | Bottom Line: | I bought one of the first ETSX's in 2001. After 4 years of hard riding I broke the frame. After the abuse I put the bike through I cant believe it lasted that long. What I don't have in ability I try to make up for in sheer aggression. Rocky Mountain was awesome they got me a new frame in no time at all. Bottom line is that after 7 years I am still unbelievably stoked to get to ride this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | (Frame review only) | | Strengths: | Frame/shock: sturdy, well developed smooth design for any off road terrain.
3D hinges, and Rear Carbon adds an awesome touch to the design | | Weaknesses: | -Price.
-Thin tubes on frame make it easier to dent :(
-Noticed on a few occasions that my heals were rubbing against the bike on the way up. | | Bike Setup: | Frame : 2007 Rocky Mountain ETSX Team
Fork : RockShox Pike 426
Gears : Sram X0 twist shifters
Dérailleurs : Front- Shimano M71 , Rear- SramX0
Brakes : Formula Oro K24
Crankset : Shimano Hone 2
Cassette : SRAM PG970 (11/34)
Pedals : Time ATAC XS
Seat : WTB Rocket V
Seatpost : Thompson Elite
HandleBar : Easton MonkeyLite
Grips : Ergon Performance
Headset : Chris King NoThread
Stem : Thompson Elite
Wheel setup : Hubs;Hope Pro 2 , Spokes;DT Swiss SuperComp , Rims;Mavic 321 , rubber; WTB MotoRaptor rear2.14/front2.24 | | Bottom Line: | Built a bike around this frame, and was extremely satisfied! I'd recommend this frame for sure! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Javier
a Cross Country Rider
from Burgos, Spain
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Many shops arund the world | | Strengths: | Los acabados, la geometria ideal para subir y bajar por cualquier lado. Una bici para muchos años. | | Weaknesses: | El cable del desviador roza en el basculante, hay que proteger la zona(funda de cable o de boligrafo bic.)
| | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher sugar | | Bike Setup: | Hygia, Kent Ericksen, SRP, MSC, Electra, Chris king, SLR AQUA, REBA, XTR 08 cristal gold tuned, HOPE, Mavic, ritchey V4 pro | | Bottom Line: | Bicicleta ideal para hacer largas rutas en plan competitivo. Peso contenido, unos 11,6kg lo cual la hacen apta para competir en circuitos duros de xc o si tu forma no es la mejor tapará muchos errores.
La trasera absorve muy bien todas las irregularidades y es muy difícil hacer topes.
Una bici que puedes llevar a donde quieras sin preocuparte por nada mas que disfrutar, da igual el terreno.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremiah Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga Springs,UT
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | TIbble fork | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Fisher's SLC | | Strengths: | This is a terry efficient climbing machine. It also descends with the best trail bikes and is very small bump complaint. | | Weaknesses: | None so far??? | | Similar Products Used: | 06 Stumpjumper FSR, Jamis Dakar XC, Jamis Dakar XLT, Giant Trance, Giant Reign | | Bike Setup: | 2007 ETSX 70 frame(no carbon swing arm, it's a long story), Talas RLC, Mavic 819's w/Hope XC hubs, race face hardware, Shimano M755, Easton monkey bars, Sram X9 dérailleurs, XT outboard bearing crank set, Hutchinson Spider tubeless tires. 28lbs | | Bottom Line: | This is the best performing bike I have ever ridden. It handles great and feels very efficient. It feels like 100% of your energy is propelling you forward, just the way it should be. Many people complain about the high bottom bracket, 14 inches to be exact. I like it that way, although I am on my tippy toes with the saddle at riding height, pedal strikes are few and far between. The higher center of gravity can easily be compensated for with minor adjustments to ones riding style. It's a pricey devil but it is worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Programmer
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX, US
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Jack Brooks Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun And Ski, Westheimer | | Strengths: | Great attention to detail. beautiful finish on paint and frame components. No weak components. Well thought out geometry. Frame is nicely updated from previous years. | | Weaknesses: | decals are still easily scratched off. A whole lot of adjustments take time to learn. Bike is faster than me! | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR, CDale Scalpel | | Bike Setup: | stock except for mavic tubeless wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 06 model. This is a great bike for anyone beyond beginner or someone who can take the time to figure out all of the adjustments. The talas RLC fork has 5 external adjustments and the rear suspension has 3 adjustments. This is in addition to the usual adjustments such as bars, seat, tire psi. Expect to be fast after you learn what is right for you. The best setup I got was similar to the base setup fox recommends for the fork and adjust the ride height for preference. Rear suspension is different for 06. It now moves 4, 4.5 and 5 inches and the frame is a little beefier in the lower, upper bracket and the linkage is a little beefier too. I prefer the 06 over the 07 as Rocky used a lot of Race Face parts and the 07 model uses more shimano part, a slight downgrade. Still learning the bike, but I haven't enjoyed riding this much in a long time. The tubeless wheelset gives me a little more traction and a smoother ride, so, it was a good upgrade. I prefer this bike of titus, trek, Giant, specialized. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Anns,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | 12 Mile Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Rapid City Cycle | | Strengths: | This bike has incredable handling with firm but smooth suspension. The bike has no brake jack and climbs like a goat. Great bike for racing or trail riding. The suspension is very ballanced. | | Weaknesses: | Had some creaking problems. Check your bearings near the seat
tube, they were dry to the point that damage was done. Also had problems with the race face crank. Replaced the chainring
bolts with steel ones and that solved the problem. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Slayer 50
Rocky Mountain Element | | Bike Setup: | Kenda Navagals with Stan's No Tubes | | Bottom Line: | Allthough I had a few initial problems I love this bike and it has been great all summer. Best bike I have ever owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross Country Rider
from Steamboat Springs
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Emerald Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Strengths: | construction, rolling ease, climbing ability | | Weaknesses: | What!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | every over competitor nothing even comes close | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for Maxxis tires, IRC are worthless | | Bottom Line: | incredible all-around bike that climbs like goat and rolls like you have a wind at your back. It shows that the engine (you) have to be in shape otherwise the bike is too much for you. This bike is for intermediate to expert riders and it is just a fantasic bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos Cadavid
a Cross Country Rider
from Bogota, Colombia
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | fast single track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | all over the place | | Strengths: | This bike climbs like a hard tail, descends like a free ride bike. The adjustability options when you combine the three travel settings and the platform settings on the shock gives you 9 different setups. Very versatile. | | Weaknesses: | one year of abuse, no complaints. | | Similar Products Used: | kona king kikapu | | Bike Setup: | sram X0 front, middle and rear. Thompson masterpiece stem and post, chris king headset, race face carbon bar, race face deus cranks, crank bros 4 ti pedals, spinergy wheels, xtr cassette, wtb rocket V ti saddle, Marzocchi marathon XC fork, magura Marta SL brakes, kenda nevegal tires | | Bottom Line: | I'm an international distributor, and have the chance to ride every bike out there, and I have. Hands down, this is the best bike in its class. Which class? The all mountain, hand made, ride all day bike class.
If you can spend that extra amount on a hand crafted bike, go for the ETSX, this bike rocks and so will you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James K
a Cross Country Rider
from blacksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | shenandoah mtn trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | rowlettes | | Strengths: | durable, reliable, smooth, well balanced - a good backwoods all day rider. It's been very easy to maintain and a pleasure to drive around the forest as fast as my legs - or gravity - will allow me.
The bike has excellent ground clearance to get over stuff, and yet I did not find it to be cumbersome in its height.
I also like the all-metal construction (no carbon) for durability in rock gardens, etc. | | Weaknesses: | I am annoyed that the ETSX 10 bike retails for less than the ETSX 70 frameset, even though the frames are identical.
The frame is a big chassis, and while it generally handles really well, there are times when its girth and slack head tube really come to the surface. Specifically, when manging hairpin turns around trees or rocks, the bike needs some coersion. I wouldn't call the front end handling snappy, but I don't know that I could expect a bike with 4" front and rear to be very snappy. | | Bike Setup: | SRAM 9.0, hayes nine, marzocchi marathon 120, XT 6 bolt hubs, trail bear tires...blah blah... | | Bottom Line: | i purchased the frame and added some unglorious, reliable and easily servicable components. The bike rides very smooth, handles great and is a pleasure to ride. It weighs 29-31 lbs, depending on what tires /wheelset I put on.
It's not a race bike. It's a perfect all day, backcountry bike that I feel confident riding over wicked rock gardens and burning down mountain sides with. Owning this bike furthered my technical skills 10 fold.
I'd guess with the lighter team version and a large dose of XTR type stuff, one might have a potential race bike especially for longer races, as the design does not seem at all naturally sluggish. Afterall, RM markets this as a marathon bike. On the same hand, I wouldn't call this bike a super fast accelerator, but I think that can be said for a majority of dual suspension rides. It's slower than a fuel, for instance, but it sure makes up with its superior plushness and longevity. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Mikaelian
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC , utah usa
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Fischers | | Strengths: | It is an efficent climber , with a plush ride. Adjustablity.
You can shorten the awesome TALUS fork for steep climbs. Or shorten the rear travel for mellow rides. | | Weaknesses: | What? | | Similar Products Used: | Have not tried anything similar | | Bike Setup: | Stock,, I just put on some Nevagal's. Great traction. | | Bottom Line: | Great cross country trail bike. You can set it up to comfortably ride any trail. It is great for long rides , such as the E100 in Park City that I used this for the past 2 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Simons Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Not only does this bike look good, it´s amazing in what it´s designed to do...kick ass on the trails! | | Weaknesses: | Problems with XT rear derailer. | | Bike Setup: | As purchased with the exception of adding a pair of Crossmax SLs and UST. Highly recommended! | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for regular weekend rides and the odd marathon race. You´ve got to love the way this bike rides, from steep technical climbs, to single-track to fireroad with speed. This bike has swallowed everything I diced up. Icing on the cake was having this ride for our Transalp last year. Everyone in the group was just dying to try it out and for a good reason...it´s by far the most kick-ass set-up on the market! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Sempovich
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ned's Atomic Dustbin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3191.00 | | Purchased At: | Rocky Mtn. Bike & Boards (Rocky Mountain House) | | Strengths: | Energy Transfer System, Fox suspension units F/R, XT Disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailleur hanger, Shimano "Rapid Rise" shifting in the rear. | | Similar Products Used: | Element 70, Kona Kikapu Deluxe, CAnnondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | In the middle at four inch travel for Clydesdales around 180 to 210 lbs. is the sweet spot. Harder riding towards the freeride zone go to 4.5/5 for optimum control at speed. | | Bottom Line: | The bike rolls like lightning whether x/c'ing or back country riding. Dump the rapid rise and go to regular shifting, otherwise pack extra chain links or consider knee repacement(s) in the future. Strongly consider purchasing an aftermarket derailleur hanger or pack lots of extra RMB hangers. Pakcs up easily under significant torque or glancing blows to the derailleur itself. When dialed in, the ETS keeps the wheels under you in spite of the terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Walden, VT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Kingdom Trails & Farmington, NM | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Earls in Burlington | | Strengths: | versatility- easily convertible from commuter bike on packed dirt roads and pavement w/o bounce to hardcore, smooth out the roughest trails, climbs like a mtn goat, it just works! | | Weaknesses: | Too early to tell............ | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Proflex 3000 with Marzocchi/front and Risse Terminator/Rear, Demoed Specialized FSR Expert Disc nice bike,and Trek EX8 also nice | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas R front, Fox AVA Float Rear, Race Face Evolve XC crank, XT rear shifters, Lx front derail, Deore Hydr. discs, Time Z pedals(AWESOME) | | Bottom Line: | All I can say is BUTTER!...........The trails now feel like butter.......smooth.........it's like a mini-orgasm every time I ride. If set in Mtn bike mode taking full advantage of shock lengths (I'm 200lbs), the bike smooths out the entire ride.........I never realized a bike could feel like this........kudos to Rocky Mtn for creating this incredible machine.........
For my commutes.......straight forward......I lock out the rear and set the Talas R to min height and fast rebound and done my commute is fun on the gravel back roads in farm country in Vermont and on the pavement. We'll see about longevity....... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgefield, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | West End Cycles | | Strengths: | Versatility
Climbing
Hand Build
Race Face
Graphics
Envy factor | | Weaknesses: | Not totally sold on the Shimano shifting
10% more expensive than off-shore competitors | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Versatile full susser. Pro-pedal and 3.5 - 4.5" of rear travel allow on the fly changes allowing the rider to get the most out of the bike in a variety of conditions. Hand built in North America by people who care - will cost you more but to me it's well worth it. The guy who builds the wheels has to sign off (literaly) on quality. Bike is ideally suited to the technical XC rider who pushes things but isn't meant for hucking off big drops. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Crest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Fishers | | Strengths: | Great paint job, suspension design and fork/rear shock set up are a great match. Crankset is solid. Adjustable travel is time consuming, but fun to toy around with on different rides. | | Weaknesses: | Most of the components. I had high hopes for the Shimano dual control shifters/brakes but they failed to work after the first few rides-let me specify, the shifters failed to work, the brakes felt solid.
I love Race Face, but any stem longer than 90mm makes any bike unstable and is reminescent of XC bikes back in the 90's. Combine the shifters/brakes which you have to put in a higher position than traditional brake levers which is akward-plus relying on a little spring to push the chain up a cog when you come upon a steep climb just doesn't work. The stem length made descending extremely sketchy. Lastly, the wheelset is just plain junk. I found some adapters so I could use the set with a 6 bolt rotor and I've done nothing but tru them constantly. The 2.1 IRC tires climb great, but don't corner in loose over hard at all. No quick release either (what's up with that?) | | Similar Products Used: | '03 Santa Cruz Superlight, '04 Santa Cruz Heckler, '99 RM Instinct, '04 RM Switch, '04 Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | From the stock set up I have replaced: Stem with a 90mm Thompson, bars to 27" ProTapers, shifters to SRAM and brakes to Avid, wheelset to Sun rims and Ringle' hubs (no truing since putting them on), tires with 2.35" Kenda's. | | Bottom Line: | This is the last time I buy a complete bike and a Rocky. I've owned 3 since '99 and have spent close to $800 getting this bike to ride like an all-mountain bike and not a '96 XC hardtail. The bike looks beautiful on the showroom floor, but whomever at Rocky decides what to spec their bikes with needs to be fired. The old XT stuff worked without fail, but the new stuff is just junk and to add insult to injury to have to swap out the entire drivetrain (including brakes and hubs) if you want to replace anything. I honestly don't think anyone up there actually rode and tried out the new Shimano components as everyone I know is ditching the stuff. It simply doesn't work well. The wheelset which was supposedly handbuilt by Kevin at Rocky, had spokes so loose I had to turn the nipples several revolutions to actually get them them tight enough to pull the spoke/rim.
On a positive note, the suspension is very balanced and works extremely well. Add to that, the paint and frame colors look great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
deryk lyddiatt
a Weekend Warrior
from ottawa
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | 3ple orgasm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycleworks, | | Strengths: | climbs like a goat,easy adjustability,rocks the downhills,A1 allrounder | | Weaknesses: | deus crank-I've had problems | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher sugar race,devinci moonracer, specialized enduro, | | Bike Setup: | factory stock, xt groupo and race face deus,talas ect. | | Bottom Line: | I logged over 3,600 km in the dirt last year and have already piled 1,500 on this rig this year. I LOVE IT! rocky did a great job on the bike. It hooks up like a dream on technical climbs, shreds the downhills,ie point and go, and maintains a great comfort level on 8-10 hr epics.I do both technical and long distance xc, adventure races and playtime.the versatility can't be beat, the weight doesn't show when I'm climbing (at 185 lbs a xc race bike doesn't cut it) and other than the crankset there have been no issues. also, what's everyones problem with the dual control shifers? I've added xtr cables and they are absoloutely amazing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rene
a Cross Country Rider
from Bogis-Bossey, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Jura mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Strengths: | Very rigid, relatively easy for long and steep ascents (Swiss alps), solid on downhills. | | Weaknesses: | Relatively hard to handle in uphill obstacles and under slippery technical conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | van Tuyl VT250, Rocky Mountain Vertex TSc (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | All parts were bought seperately and the bike was assembled by myself. Fox Float RLC front suspension 100mm, Fox Ava with remote rear suspension, Race Face titanium bracket and Next LP cranks, wheels (Chris King hubs, DT Swiss spokes and rims), Maxxis Ignitor 1.9x26 tires, Hope mono mini discbrakes, XTR derailleurs and casseette, SRam shifters, Easton seatpost (EC70), stem and handlebar (EC 70 straight XC), Fizi'ik Gobi saddle | | Bottom Line: | Very versatile for XC riding (marathon) in Swiss conditions (usually long climbs and technical downhills). With exception of the downhills, I usually ride with the rear shock locked position (I am 180 cm by 72 kg). Climbs well, but is slow to respond when it comes down to technical obstacles while ascending. Very solid on the downhill (used at worldcup downhill tracks, just for the fun of it). My compliments to Rocky Mountain for design, functionality and quality of the frame and moving parts. Nevertheless, I still ride my Rocky Mountain Vertex from time to time for the more technical trails around here, as it is more responsive and nervous. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Haliburton Forest - Normac/Dog Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop Calgary | | Strengths: | The ETSX-70 is the bike version of a Hummer SUV. I feel I can go anywhere and do anything on this bike and the suspension will eat up any rocks, roots or drops. I've never felt so confident charging down a hill and climbing hills has never been easier - all I need to do is pedal and the suspension keeps me on track. | | Weaknesses: | The Easton Monkey Bar is a little wide but I'll likely cut it down once I get some more experience on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic Pro, Stumpjumper FSR Pro, a variety of hardtails. The Specialized bikes felt lighter but also seemed a lot twitchier on the trails... never felt a rock or root knocked me off a line on the ETSX-70. | | Bike Setup: | Stock - XT all around, Fox Shox front and back.
I like the XT group - I do a lot of adventure races which seems to be pretty hard on parts. XT is much cheaper to replace than XTR. | | Bottom Line: | It's all about feel... I like riding a bike that feels rock solid on the trails and gives me the confidence to try anything. When I need to hammer up a hill I just point the bike up and let the suspension do its thing. I ride in full plush mode and keep the pressure in the rear shox a little higher than suggested and it works well for me. I don't have any problems keeping up with my friends and I always like to lean against a tree and encourage them to keep pedalling on the last part of the climb while I'm waiting for them at the top. :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
And
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Cyclery - Ottawa | | Strengths: | Rocky Mountain Quality
Frame
Ride
Service - yes I have had to use the service from RM twice and it occurred within 2 days each time (3-4 days in the mail)...dont know what the other persons review with 8 months wait but I would question the bike store and RM relationship or something. | | Weaknesses: | More moving parts just like any full suspension...
People not using the bike for its designed purpose (not really a product weakness I guess) | | Similar Products Used: | Slayer, Superlight, Burner, NRS, AC, Enduro, Switch etc | | Bike Setup: | Fox F + B, shimano, 2.2/3 tires... | | Bottom Line: | Its marketed as 'all mountain race' - its the best bike in that area I have used. I have been at mtb biking for 15+ years...
Climbs = amazing
Frame quality = amazing
Decends = amazing
Weight = 30ish pounds, dont feel it up or down
Its not a freeride/downhill bike nor a light weight cross country machine...
There are so many bikes out there you have to decide where you spend most of your time. My rides consist of in terms of time (on average) hard, technical single track 60% + fireroad 40 %(double track) and 80% of time is going up....
If nothing else at least try it! Sometimes I think should have bought heavier sometimes I think lighter...so overall I got the right machine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Marchand
a
from Pittsfield
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Ride quality, climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Frame quality | | Similar Products Used: | Spec. FSR (s-works), Ironhorse Hollowpoint Team | | Bike Setup: | Race face, XT, mavic 317, Vanilla 125 RLC, Fox AVA, etc..... | | Bottom Line: | I wrote in a review a little over a year ago explaining my happiness with the ride quality, but my disconcern with the integrity of the frame and the slow turn around for a replacement (8 months!!). The original frameset was the 2003 model, which I had purchased in Oct. of that year and it broke Oct. 2004. The frame completely seperated at the top tube and seat tube. Well, the replacement frame (a 2005) came and I rode it last season. Almost immediately small hair-line cracks appeared at the welds of the suspension gussets, and at the seat tube/bottom bracket weld. My bike shop said to keep an eye on them to make sure they didn't get any larger. I rode the entire last season and up until 4 weeks ago w/o them getting worse, but once again the top tube and the seat tube developed a crack around the entire circumference of the top tube in front of the weld - Great!!! I XC ride and do a weekly local race series, no hucks! I weigh 175lbs, 5'10" and ride a 19" frame. What is up w/ these frame sets? I bought the Hollowpoint the day after I broke the ETX - I figured, based on my last experience, I won't see a replacement frame this year, Ha ha (i've become rather cynical)! As an additional note - my local shop dropped Rocky due to poor service, high cost, poor performance....go figure!. I'll also mention that I am not the only one returning these things. I've heard of many others, from my shop alone that have had similar porblems. Like I said in my previous review, the bike rides great and I hate to not have it in my collection, but I think if and when I get the replacement, it's ebay bound! I have to admit they make a pretty frame set, but sometimes over enginering (or lack there of) has a negative result. I'll keep you all posted on the turn around and the satisfaction of how the situaion was resolved. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | That's none of your business | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | Fishers Cyclery | | Strengths: | Solid frame, fork, rear shock and crankset. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano dual control shifters/brakes. The brakes are solid, the shifters and rear derailleur are far below par. The Mavic wheelset is too weak for a large rider. | | Similar Products Used: | '04 Ellsworth Truth, '03 Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock, minus the skinny IRC tires. Swapped those out for some 2.35" Kendas | | Bottom Line: | Rocky needs to fire the person in charge of spec'ing thier bikes. The suspension design and set up is amazing for that type of bike. What started out as a solid platform got completely screwed up with adding all of that new Shimano junk. Granted, for 6" rotors the brakes are solid. The shifters mated to the weak new derailleur needs to be tossed. If you're in an area that is flat, I'm sure they would be fine. But in an area where you come upon super steep climbs continuously during a ride, the set up is way too weak to move the chain into a bigger cog under pressure. Shimano's relying on a little spring to accomplish this, rather than the strength of your thumb was just purely idiotic. I think Rocky needs to go back to it's roots and spec their bikes with SRAM which is tried and true. What started out as a $3300 bike, now comes to $3900 to replace all that junk, including the cheap wheelset, with a drivetrain that works. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Marquette, MI
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | South Trails & The Flow, Marquette | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Lakeshore Bike, Marquette | | Strengths: | Handmade in Canada; Mapleleaf stencils/frame finish; Great BB clearance for technical trailriding; No Bob; Agile on singletrack and switchbacks; Versatile front & rear travel adjustment; No chainstay slap on descents. | | Weaknesses: | No significant weaknesses. There has been no ghost shifting on my 05 ETSX-70 with 05 XT components and a small stick on guide on the top tube quiets any noise from the rear brake hose. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur past 2 seasons, other dual suspensions prior 8 years, Stumpjumper a long time ago! | | Bike Setup: | Stock 05 is Talas 90-130; RP-3; all XT with DCL's; Race Face Deus XC: Cranks, BB(X type), Stem, XC LR Bar; Next Carbon post; Selle C2; Mavic 717's | | Bottom Line: | A somewhat unheralded, great XC trailbike. I wanted more BB clearance than I was getting on my just sold bike of the year and the ETSX delivers that and more. With a slightly shorter top tube than I have been used to, this frame feels more nimble and agile on tight twisties and switchbacks and climbs great. For XC trailriding, you can't go wrong with this handmade North American frame that won the Trans-Alp Challenge. Then again: the more you ride, the more you ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Schreiber
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Co
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim or anything in Crested Butte | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Single Track Factory!!!!!!! | | Strengths: | Smooth handling on the downhills. Geometry fits like a glove. Efficient climber. Rocky Mountain customer service 5 big fat stars! | | Weaknesses: | Some problems ghost shifting. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | Stock '03 except I replaced the front shock with a Talus day one, so it performs like an '04. Big fat 2.5 tires a must. I use the Talus front travel adjustment a lot. Compressed for climbs helps prevent wheelies and corners better on tight switchbacks, and 125 mm on the downhill feels like a big fat chopper, begging for speed and steep gnarliness. | | Bottom Line: | Rocky Mountain has stood behind their product and fixed a problem under warranty. Not only did they replace the broken component, but they replaced the entire frame, rear suspension, and guess what, they are sending me an '05 with an RP3 rear shock. Two shouts out, one for RM and the other for the local shop in Denver The Single Track Factory. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Brookvale Bike Factory | | Strengths: | Great climber, soaks up the downhills and the best part is knowing I'm backed by superior RM customer support | | Weaknesses: | High Standover height but fit and finish of bike excellent! | | Similar Products Used: | Various hardtails and FS bikes over the yars | | Bike Setup: | XT and XTR drivetrain with Easton carbon bars and post and Racface cranks and BB. Mavic 819 tubeless with Maxxis tyres | | Bottom Line: | This Bike offers brilliant handling with ample BB clearance, have used it in many endurance races including 24 hours and century solo rides. The best part of the RM is the post sales support. After alomost 2 years of flawless use I developed an issue with the frame, one call to RM support and the local Australian distributor and viola problem resolved with a smile. Belive it or not I called RM and left a message on someones voicemail and thought to myself "It will take them days or weeks before they get back to me if they do at all", 10 minutes later my phone rings and it's RM on the line with a path to a resolution! I can now happily continue to brag to my mates about the ride and quality of the bike and now I can add top notch customer service to the list. Thanks Rocky!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Ridge Road, Boise Front | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2999.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bicyles | | Strengths: | It climbs like a hard tail. -- The ETS sytem rocks. -- The rear end is stiff and I don't feel any lateral movement. -- No pedal bob. -- It downhills like you are on rails, seriously -- Smooth as silk and no chain clanking against the chainstay with this design | | Weaknesses: | The rear brake cable rattles against the top tube when decending which is annoying because the rest of the bike is like silk. They should have put a guide or something in the middle of the top tube. I need to find a way to quiet it down somehow. Someone suggested a dab of superglue? Seems strange to have to do that when everything else is such top quality. | | Similar Products Used: | I test rode a Cake 1 before buying this bike. The Cake doesn't even compare. | | Bike Setup: | All stock, check the 05 setup here:
http://www.bikes.com/bikes/2005/etsx/etsx-70.aspx | | Bottom Line: | I'm not certain why this bike is in the freeride section. I'm a Cross Country guy and this bike seems more like an Element 70 but with a different suspension design. It is more versatile perhaps because you can adjust the travel of the rear suspension but this bike would make a good XC bike if that's what you want. It's what I wanted.
This is my first rear suspension bike but I've been Mt. Biking since 1985. I was a bike shop wrench all through college and used to race and ride everything. This is the first bike I've ever hopped on that I liked immediately. It is that wonderful.
-r | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norton
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Texas
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | 360 Cycles | | Strengths: | Great climber for the short sharp climbs here in Austin. Plush ride for the cheese grater limestone that litters the rails here. Great attention to detail in the construction. | | Weaknesses: | High Stand-over height. The rear derailer hanger is prone to bending. Harder to adjust the derailers. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjmper FSR and Stumpy Hardtail. Various other hardtails | | Bike Setup: | ETSX-70 | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a great XC bike with good BB clearance. If you want an XC bike that smooths out the bumps for the epic rides then this is the bike for you but if you are expecting to do some drops there may be better choices. I like the fact that the Top Tube does not strech you out as it does on many XC bikes which makes it more comfortable on the day rides. This thread should not be in the Freeride section. I gave it a 3 chili for value because it is a little expensive for a 4.5in travel bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wadester
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Cruces NM USA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | NDAS | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Co | | Strengths: | The rear suspension system - no bob, plush, no flex. Perfection in a 4.5" travel. Well made, beautiful to look at. | | Weaknesses: | Price. Lower control arm limits front derailer choice/bigring size. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88/Manitou Mars Elite | | Bike Setup: | Bought as a frameset, built pure custom spec: Gripshift-ESP X9/Hayes disc/ISIS/Lefty Max "fork" | | Bottom Line: | The ETSX frame and rear suspension (foxshox - excellent)is so competent at what it does that it is easy to forget its there. Til you ride another bike. YOW! Making the steer tube and adapters for the Lefty was a bit of work, but well worth the effort. No more flex/wander/over correction on the front - goes where you point it (OOPS), so you have to unlearn the "tricks" needed to deal with flexible forks. Newer forks are less flexible, but still noodles compared to Lefty Max. ESP is another thats so much better than "standard" that I ain't goin back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beto Boggiano
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Flat Creek, Rocky Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 360 Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Smooth, incredible suspension that matches what the frames geometry and pivot placements are designed to achieve. Decending control ads to a huge fun factor. Accending point and pedal. Love the chain below the chainstay design | | Weaknesses: | Tires, swithched to Panaracer Fire XC. Easton bar too wide for tightness of Austin cedar trees - cut of 2 cm on each side (perfect) | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti ASR (lighter, great bike but not as fun), Foes FXR, Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks, SRAM triggers, SRAM XO rear derailleur, Cook Brothers Candys | | Bottom Line: | This bike took 5 seconds to notice RM did their research. Awesome for adventure races or even drop-offs ot effecient hammering. Purchased it from 360 Cycleworks in Austin. Unmached service and the most friendly wrenchers, sales staff and owners. If you're into the "fly" feeling of decents and appreciate hand-made, well thought out structural engeneering, this is the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SHM
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Rebound Cycle | | Strengths: | Flawless construction, XT drivetrain and disk brakes, hand built wheels, fantastic FOX fork and shock. | | Weaknesses: | Easton stem/post not as good as Race Face(IMHO), undersized tires, cheap pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode a tricked out NRS for 3 seasons with a FOX Vanilla 125 RL. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but with Goodridge brake cables, Nokon shift cables, Race Face Dues stem, Race Face XY post, Flite seat, Lock-on grips, DX pedals, Crossmax SL wheels, Hayes wavy rotors, Nokian 2.3 UST NBX tires...ok, not so stock after all... | | Bottom Line: | I intended to build what I felt was the best trail bike I could afford. And I feel that I have accomplished that task. This bike is one which you can hammer on all day long. It's surefooted and agile on the climbs with lots of traction and moderate weight. And it rails on the decents. It's a single track monster. I haven't had this much fun on a bike, ever!
The craftmanship on the frame is second to none for a production bike. The 2004 XT parts work flawlessly. I am really digging the Dual control shifters/leavers and the rapid rise rear. The suspension works as advertised with minimal bob, and a ton of adjustability.
All of the changes I made were a matter of personal preferance, not because there was anything wrong with the stock parts. In fact I love the stock wheel set. I have them on the bike right now with a pair of Maxxis Minion 2.35's.
Sure the price is high compared to other bikes, but as with all RM bikes, you definately get what you pay for...
All the flamin' pancreases you can handle!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy B
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Strengths: | Performance, Quality, Looks. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale M900
Giant VT2 | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR Gear Set
Hope Mono 4
Shimano 959 Pedals
FOX Talas RL forks
Hope Bulb hubs (Blue)
Mavic 729 rims
Panaracer Fire XC Pro tyres
Easton EA70 Carbon Seat Post
Easton Monkeylite XC bars
Hope Headset (Blue)
Easton EA70 stem
Selle Italia Flight Gel saddle (Blue)
Hope skewers and seat post clamo (Blue) | | Bottom Line: | Just a class act all round, fantastic bike that blows my VT away. The FOX float rear shock is the biz and the bike climbs really well. Since buying mine a few friends have converted and have never looked back.
Get out and demo one NOW!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in the Kootney's | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Balance, suspension performance a la horst link, climbing ability, | | Weaknesses: | Not enough time to tell yet, not a fan of new shimano inegrated shift -brake lever combo certainly for rough terrian or anyone who crashes read stupidly $$$$$ to replace | | Similar Products Used: | RM Element, SC Heckler, various hardtails, FSR's - although current ride is a 42lb Norco VPS | | Bike Setup: | Stock with few upgrades, notibly Michi XL s tires (super grippy)and King hubs and headset | | Bottom Line: | One ride was enough to know I want one... or better yet a Freeride version of it a la 2005 -Rocky are you listening!?
Best feeling set up for all round XC to abusive XC use I have tried. Like cheating going up, confident in the corners and no bad habits. Others say it took they a while to get use to it..I don't see that at all. Try once, get addicted.
One ride and I can tell this is Rocky's best Suspension design to date. They need a ~35lb mid weight Freeride / All mtn version ASAP. 5-6 inches rear with SPV front fork. I'll start saving now just in case ;-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Trout
a Racer
from Beachwood, NJ
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood/Hartshorne | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | Beachwood Bicycle | | Strengths: | Making the switch from a '02 Sworks fsr was tough to do, but this bike feels like a seemless transition. I purchased the ETS-X 70 as a frameset. This bike rails tight technical singletrack and decends very aggressively. I find that a 100mm-130mm fork is best for this bike. Climbing was on par with the S-works, but the ETSX carries speed better on rolling flat sections. Overall a great longer travel lightweight XC bike with definate race potential. This bike runs 1/2 to 1" larger than a many other designs with respect to standover height, however it has catlike handling characteristics and doesn't squirrel-out when you throw it. I am 190lbs and spend alot of time dirt jumping when not XC riding. This bike can definately handle aggressive XC abuse all day long. Taking the time to tune the rear suspension properly is key to getting the most out of this bike. Travel adjustment is easy between 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5" | | Weaknesses: | Tall standover height. Highroller affordability | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Element, Specialized S-works FSR XC | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Minute 3.0, Thompson(stem, post), Ringle Wheels, Marta brakes, XTR complete drivetrain, Easton Carbon Bar,Fox Talas rear shock, Roll-X Tires. | | Bottom Line: | Get it, work three jobs and just get the damn thing already buddy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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