Rocky Mountain Altitude 770 MSL – 2016 Bible of Bike Tests

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1. Kingdom Taproom! Nice to see you guys exploring the area for your videos! Great discussion as always, thanks.
2. Just picked up this frame, coming off a kona process 134. Build is a little different from stock (35mm carbon rims, '16 36 set at 160 up front, monarch plus debonair on the rear. like the rally, but missing the alloy rear triangle). Agree with sentiments that it's on the trail side of things.
   
   The kona wore the 36 before the rocky, so I had a bit of a reverse mullet set up (160 up front, 134 rear). The kona is a more confident bike on the downhill, especially through rock gardens. I don't know if it's a stiffer platform or the more linear nature of the suspension curve, but the kona felt like it held its line better and was more playful. More forgiving of mistakes too. I threw a coil on it and had a lot of fun at Northstar bike park in California (didn't take it down the craziest stuff, but that's probably more a limitation of personal skill)
   
   I pulled all my parts off the kona to build the 770 MSL i got, and while the kona outperforms the altitude in some situations, I won't be building it back up soon. The altitude gives up a little on the steep downhills, but completely shines climbing up the trails. It seems to find traction in places where I thought I would slip out. Even in the slackest setting I find it much easier to control uphill than the process. The top tube is considerably shorter compared to most modern AM bikes, which I think gives it a very neutral position when you're not bombing the downhills. Through rock gardens, I'm finding I just need to adjust my riding style. The altitude seems to reward riding more lightly through rock gardens, keeping your body more active by popping over rocks rather than plowing through like I expected a 6-inch bike would do. That ability to find traction everywhere also rewards the rider that is best able to stay off the brakes when things get rough. It is not as forgiving of mistakes though, and can nip you if you're charging into technical features whilst tired or inattentive.
   
   It's not a cheap bike, but it's extremely capable. It's unfortunate it has been cancelled for 2017. Likely to be replaced by something more current with a very long front, very short rear, and a 65 degree head tube angle. However, the slightly dated numbers on the altitude still work, and warrant a test ride if you get a chance.
3. This is how all bike reviews should be discussed. Really good stuff. Thanks for the feedback.
4. I love your reviews, but i think it would be a good idea to do also reviews of cheaper bikes, not always the top high end bike of the collection. It would be nice to see for example the altitude 730 or 750, just a suggestion. Anyway, keep it up!
5. quiero una kona
6. this a really nice looking bike. some of these rigs nowadays are way over the top in color and style. I'm more drawn to this contemporary yet badass look
7. i want