Let's dive deep into the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022, a bike that's been turning heads and kicking up dust in the mountain biking world. If you're looking for a ride that blends aggressive downhill capabilities with surprising climbing prowess, this could very well be your next dream machine. In this article, we’re going to dissect everything that makes the Altitude C70 a standout choice, from its frame geometry to its component selection, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your riding style.

Overview of the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022

The Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022 is designed as an enduro bike, meaning it's built to handle both challenging uphill climbs and technical downhill descents. It’s a versatile ride that caters to riders who want a single bike that can do it all. The Altitude C70 features a full carbon frame, which provides a lightweight yet stiff platform for efficient power transfer and responsive handling. One of the defining characteristics of the Altitude C70 is its Ride-9 adjustment system. This innovative feature allows riders to fine-tune the bike’s geometry to suit their specific riding style and terrain. Whether you prefer a steeper head angle for quicker handling or a slacker head angle for more stability at high speeds, the Ride-9 system offers a wide range of customization options. The suspension setup on the Altitude C70 is another key highlight. It typically comes with a Fox Float or RockShox Lyrik fork up front, offering around 160mm to 170mm of travel, depending on the specific model and year. The rear suspension usually consists of a Fox Float or RockShox Super Deluxe shock, providing approximately 150mm of travel. This combination of front and rear travel ensures that the bike can soak up big hits and rough terrain while still maintaining a playful and responsive feel. The Altitude C70 is also equipped with modern components that enhance its performance and durability. These include a SRAM or Shimano drivetrain, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and robust wheels and tires. The bike’s overall design reflects Rocky Mountain’s commitment to quality and innovation, making it a top contender in the enduro bike market. So, whether you're tackling technical trails, ripping downhill runs, or grinding up steep climbs, the Altitude C70 is designed to deliver a balanced and exhilarating riding experience.

Key Features and Technologies

When it comes to the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022, it's not just about the flashy aesthetics; it's the underlying technology and features that truly make this bike shine. Let's break down some of the key elements that set the Altitude C70 apart.

Ride-9 Adjustment System

First and foremost, the Ride-9 adjustment system is a standout feature. This system allows you to adjust the bike's geometry using two interlocking chips at the shock mount. With nine different positions, you can fine-tune the head tube angle, seat tube angle, and bottom bracket height. Want a more aggressive, downhill-focused setup? Slacken the head angle. Need better climbing efficiency? Steepen the seat angle. The Ride-9 system offers unparalleled versatility, adapting the bike to your specific needs and terrain.

Frame Material and Construction

The Altitude C70 boasts a full carbon frame, meticulously engineered to balance weight, stiffness, and durability. Carbon fiber allows for complex shapes and optimized fiber layup, resulting in a frame that's both lightweight and incredibly strong. This translates to improved power transfer, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride, even on the roughest trails. Rocky Mountain's attention to detail in frame construction ensures that the Altitude C70 can withstand the rigors of aggressive riding while maintaining its performance over the long haul.

Suspension Kinematics

The suspension kinematics of the Altitude C70 are designed to provide a balanced and controlled ride. The bike utilizes a four-bar linkage system, which allows for independent control of the suspension's characteristics throughout its travel. This results in excellent small-bump sensitivity, mid-stroke support, and bottom-out resistance. Whether you're tackling technical climbs, bombing down rocky descents, or hitting jumps and drops, the suspension on the Altitude C70 will keep you planted and in control.

Boost Spacing

The Altitude C70 features Boost spacing, which refers to the wider hub spacing (148mm at the rear and 110mm at the front). This wider spacing allows for stiffer wheels, improved tire clearance, and a more direct feel. Boost spacing enhances the bike's overall stability and handling, especially when cornering and navigating technical terrain.

Internal Cable Routing

To keep things clean and tidy, the Altitude C70 features internal cable routing. This not only enhances the bike's aesthetics but also protects the cables from dirt, debris, and potential damage. Internal cable routing also reduces cable noise and makes for a quieter, more enjoyable ride.

Components and Specifications

The Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022 isn't just about a fancy frame; it's the sum of its parts. The components chosen for this bike play a crucial role in its overall performance and ride quality. Let's take a closer look at some of the key components and specifications you can expect to find on the Altitude C70.

Drivetrain

The Altitude C70 typically comes equipped with a SRAM or Shimano drivetrain, offering a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains. Depending on the specific model and year, you might find a SRAM GX Eagle or Shimano XT drivetrain. These drivetrains are known for their reliability, smooth shifting, and wide gear range, allowing you to conquer steep climbs and power through fast descents with ease. The choice of drivetrain often comes down to personal preference, but both SRAM and Shimano offer excellent performance and durability.

Suspension

The suspension on the Altitude C70 is designed to provide a balanced and controlled ride. Up front, you'll typically find a Fox Float or RockShox Lyrik fork, offering around 160mm to 170mm of travel. These forks are known for their plushness, adjustability, and ability to soak up big hits. The rear suspension usually consists of a Fox Float or RockShox Super Deluxe shock, providing approximately 150mm of travel. This combination of front and rear travel ensures that the bike can handle a wide range of terrain, from technical climbs to gnarly descents. The suspension components are also highly adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the bike's ride characteristics to suit your specific preferences and riding style.

Brakes

Stopping power is crucial when riding aggressive trails, and the Altitude C70 doesn't disappoint. It typically comes equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes from SRAM or Shimano. These brakes offer excellent modulation and stopping power, allowing you to confidently control your speed in any situation. The brake levers are also adjustable, allowing you to dial in the reach and feel to your liking.

Wheels and Tires

The wheels and tires on the Altitude C70 are designed to provide a balance of durability, grip, and rolling efficiency. The bike typically comes with robust aluminum rims and reliable hubs. The tires are usually wide and aggressive, offering plenty of traction on loose and technical terrain. Depending on the specific model and year, you might find tires from brands like Maxxis or Schwalbe. The tires are also tubeless-ready, allowing you to run lower pressures for improved grip and comfort.

Other Components

In addition to the components mentioned above, the Altitude C70 also features a range of other high-quality parts, such as a dropper post, a comfortable saddle, and a wide handlebar. These components contribute to the bike's overall comfort, control, and performance.

Riding Experience

Alright, let's talk about what it's really like to ride the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022. All the specs and features in the world don't mean a thing if the bike doesn't deliver on the trail. So, what can you expect when you throw a leg over this machine?

Climbing

Despite its aggressive, downhill-oriented design, the Altitude C70 is a surprisingly capable climber. The efficient suspension kinematics and lightweight carbon frame make for a bike that can efficiently transfer power to the pedals. The Ride-9 adjustment system also allows you to steepen the seat tube angle, putting you in a more advantageous position for climbing. While it may not be as sprightly as a dedicated cross-country bike, the Altitude C70 can hold its own on long, grinding climbs. The wide-range drivetrain provides plenty of gears for tackling steep inclines, and the supportive suspension minimizes pedal bob, ensuring that your energy is efficiently translated into forward motion.

Descending

Descending is where the Altitude C70 truly shines. The slack head angle, long wheelbase, and plush suspension inspire confidence on even the most technical trails. The bike feels stable and planted at high speeds, allowing you to confidently navigate rocky sections, drops, and jumps. The suspension soaks up bumps and chatter with ease, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The powerful hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent modulation and stopping power, allowing you to confidently control your speed in any situation. Whether you're charging down steep chutes or railing berms, the Altitude C70 is a capable and confidence-inspiring descender.

Handling and Agility

The Altitude C70 strikes a good balance between stability and agility. The bike feels stable at high speeds and through rough terrain, but it's also nimble enough to navigate tight corners and technical sections. The Ride-9 adjustment system allows you to fine-tune the bike's handling to your liking. Slackening the head angle makes the bike more stable at high speeds, while steepening it makes it more responsive in tight corners. The Altitude C70 is a versatile bike that can handle a wide range of terrain and riding styles.

Overall Impression

Overall, the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022 is a well-rounded enduro bike that offers a great balance of climbing and descending performance. It's a bike that can handle a wide range of terrain, from technical climbs to gnarly descents. The Ride-9 adjustment system allows you to fine-tune the bike's geometry to suit your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a versatile and capable enduro bike that can do it all, the Altitude C70 is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons

Like any bike, the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros

• Versatile Performance: The Altitude C70 excels at both climbing and descending, making it a great choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all.
• Adjustable Geometry: The Ride-9 adjustment system allows you to fine-tune the bike's geometry to suit your specific needs and preferences.
• High-Quality Components: The Altitude C70 comes equipped with high-quality components from reputable brands like SRAM, Shimano, Fox, and RockShox.
• Lightweight and Durable: The carbon frame provides a great balance of weight, stiffness, and durability.
• Confidence-Inspiring Handling: The bike feels stable and planted at high speeds, inspiring confidence on technical trails.

Cons

• Price: The Altitude C70 is a premium bike, and its price reflects that. It may not be the most budget-friendly option for some riders.
• Complexity: The Ride-9 adjustment system can be a bit complex to understand and adjust, especially for novice riders.
• Maintenance: The high-end components on the Altitude C70 may require more frequent maintenance than those on less expensive bikes.

Who is This Bike For?

The Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022 is designed for the aggressive trail rider and enduro enthusiast who demands a versatile and high-performing bike. This bike is ideal for those who frequent challenging terrain, including steep climbs, technical descents, and rocky trails. If you're the type of rider who enjoys pushing your limits and exploring new trails, the Altitude C70 could be a great fit.

• Experienced Riders: The Altitude C70 is best suited for experienced riders who have a solid understanding of bike handling and suspension setup. The bike's aggressive geometry and high-end components require a certain level of skill to fully appreciate and utilize.
• Enduro Racers: The Altitude C70 is a capable enduro race bike. Its balanced performance and adjustable geometry make it well-suited for the demands of enduro racing.
• Trail Explorers: If you enjoy exploring new trails and pushing your limits, the Altitude C70 can be a great companion. Its versatile performance and durable construction make it well-suited for a wide range of terrain.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022 doesn't quite fit your needs or budget, here are some alternative bikes to consider:

• Specialized Enduro: The Specialized Enduro is a popular choice for riders who want a capable and versatile enduro bike.
• YT Capra: The YT Capra is known for its aggressive geometry and downhill performance.
• Canyon Spectral: The Canyon Spectral offers a great balance of climbing and descending performance at a more affordable price point.
• Santa Cruz Nomad: The Santa Cruz Nomad is a popular choice for riders who want a playful and versatile enduro bike.

Final Verdict

The Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 2022 is a top-tier enduro bike that offers a great balance of climbing and descending performance. Its adjustable geometry, high-quality components, and lightweight construction make it a versatile and capable choice for aggressive trail riders and enduro enthusiasts. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, the Altitude C70 delivers exceptional performance and is well worth the investment for riders who demand the best.