Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude A50, a bike that’s been making waves in the mountain biking community. If you're in the market for a versatile and capable trail bike, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its key features and specs to how it performs on the trails. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the Rocky Mountain Altitude A50

The Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 is designed as a do-it-all trail bike, balancing climbing efficiency with downhill prowess. This bike is built for riders who want something that can handle technical climbs, flowy descents, and everything in between. Rocky Mountain has a reputation for producing high-quality bikes, and the Altitude A50 is no exception. It's packed with features that make it a strong contender in the trail bike category.

Key Features

First off, let's talk about the frame. The Altitude A50 boasts a FORM™ alloy frame, which provides a solid and durable foundation. The frame geometry is designed to offer a balanced ride, making it nimble on tight trails and stable at high speeds. One of the standout features is the Ride-9™ adjustment system, which allows riders to fine-tune the geometry and suspension characteristics to their riding style and terrain. This is a game-changer, offering nine different configurations to adjust the head tube angle, seat tube angle, and suspension rate. This adjustability makes the Altitude A50 incredibly versatile, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of trail conditions and rider preferences. Whether you prefer a more upright position for climbing or a slacker geometry for descending, the Ride-9 system has you covered. It’s like having multiple bikes in one!

The suspension on the Altitude A50 is another highlight. It features 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear travel, providing plenty of cushion for rough trails. The RockShox 35 Gold RL fork offers a smooth and controlled ride up front, soaking up bumps and keeping the front wheel planted. In the rear, the RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock delivers consistent performance, ensuring the bike tracks well over varied terrain. This combination of suspension travel and quality components makes the Altitude A50 capable of handling everything from rocky technical sections to flowy jump lines. The suspension system is designed to be progressive, meaning it becomes firmer as it compresses, preventing bottom-outs on big hits while remaining supple over small bumps. This balance is crucial for maintaining traction and control on challenging trails.

The components on the Altitude A50 are carefully chosen to provide reliable performance. The Shimano Deore drivetrain offers smooth and precise shifting, ensuring you can always find the right gear. The 1x12 setup provides a wide gear range, making climbing easier and allowing you to power through flat sections. Shimano Deore is known for its durability and reliability, making it a great choice for a trail bike that will see plenty of action. The Shimano MT4100 brakes deliver ample stopping power, giving you confidence on steep descents. These brakes are known for their consistent performance and modulation, allowing you to control your speed with precision. Having reliable brakes is essential for aggressive trail riding, and the Shimano MT4100s are up to the task. The WTB ST i30 rims are paired with Maxxis tires, offering a good balance of grip and rolling resistance. This wheel and tire combination is durable and provides excellent traction in a variety of conditions.

Detailed Specifications

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of the Altitude A50. Knowing the specifications will give you a clear picture of what this bike is all about. Here’s a breakdown:

• Frame: FORM™ Alloy. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Press Fit BB. Internal Cable Routing. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. RIDE-9™ Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate. 150mm Travel. FORM™ Alloy Rear Triangle
• Fork: RockShox 35 Gold RL 160mm
• Rear Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+ 150mm
• Headset: FSA Orbit NO.57E
• Stem: Rocky Mountain 35 AM
• Handlebar: Rocky Mountain AM 780mm
• Grips: Rocky Mountain Lock On Light
• Brakes: Shimano MT4100 2 Piston
• Shifters: Shimano Deore
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore
• Cranks & Chainrings: Shimano
• Cassette: Shimano Deore 10-51T
• Chain: KMC X12
• Front Hub: Shimano MT410
• Rear Hub: Shimano MT410
• Rims: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 Tubeless
• Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 WT / Maxxis Dissector 2.4 WT
• Seatpost: Rocky Mountain 30.9mm
• Saddle: Rocky Mountain

These specs highlight the bike’s focus on durability and performance. The FORM™ alloy frame is designed to withstand the rigors of trail riding, while the RockShox suspension components provide a smooth and controlled ride. The Shimano Deore drivetrain offers reliable shifting, and the Shimano MT4100 brakes deliver ample stopping power. The WTB rims and Maxxis tires are a solid combination for traction and durability. Overall, the Altitude A50 is equipped with components that are well-suited for aggressive trail riding.

Riding Experience and Performance

Now, let's get to the most important part: how does the Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 perform on the trail? This is where the bike truly shines. The balanced geometry and capable suspension make it a joy to ride in a variety of conditions. Whether you're climbing steep, technical trails or bombing down fast, flowy descents, the Altitude A50 delivers a confident and controlled ride.

Climbing

When it comes to climbing, the Altitude A50 performs admirably. The 150mm of rear travel provides plenty of traction, allowing you to power over obstacles and maintain momentum. The Ride-9™ system can be adjusted to a steeper seat tube angle, which puts you in a more efficient climbing position. This makes a noticeable difference on long, sustained climbs, helping you conserve energy and reach the top with less effort. The Shimano Deore drivetrain offers a wide range of gears, ensuring you can always find the right one for the terrain. The 10-51T cassette provides plenty of low-end gearing for tackling steep pitches, while the higher gears allow you to maintain speed on flatter sections. The overall weight of the bike is reasonable for a trail bike in this category, which also contributes to its climbing ability. While it may not be as light as a dedicated cross-country bike, the Altitude A50 climbs efficiently enough to handle most trails with ease.

Descending

Descending is where the Altitude A50 truly excels. The 160mm of front travel and 150mm of rear travel provide a plush and controlled ride, soaking up bumps and keeping the bike stable at high speeds. The slack head tube angle (adjustable via the Ride-9™ system) inspires confidence on steep and technical trails. The bike feels planted and predictable, allowing you to push your limits and tackle challenging terrain with confidence. The Shimano MT4100 brakes offer excellent stopping power, giving you precise control over your speed. The Maxxis Minion DHF front tire and Maxxis Dissector rear tire provide excellent traction in a variety of conditions, ensuring you stay connected to the trail. The dropper post allows you to get the saddle out of the way on steep descents, further enhancing your control and maneuverability. Overall, the Altitude A50 is a capable descender that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

Handling and Agility

The Altitude A50 strikes a great balance between stability and agility. The geometry is designed to be nimble on tight, twisty trails, while still providing stability at high speeds. The bike feels responsive and easy to maneuver, making it a blast to ride on flowy singletrack. The Ride-9™ system allows you to fine-tune the handling characteristics to your preferences. For example, you can slacken the head tube angle for more stability on descents or steepen it for quicker handling on tighter trails. The relatively short chainstays contribute to the bike's agility, making it easy to pop over obstacles and change direction quickly. The overall balance of the bike is excellent, making it feel natural and intuitive to ride. Whether you're navigating technical sections or railing berms, the Altitude A50 handles with precision and control.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude A50.

Pros

• Versatile Performance: The Altitude A50 is a true all-rounder, capable of handling a wide range of trails and riding styles. Whether you're climbing, descending, or riding technical terrain, this bike performs admirably.
• Adjustable Geometry: The Ride-9™ system is a standout feature, allowing you to fine-tune the geometry and suspension characteristics to your preferences. This makes the bike incredibly adaptable to different trail conditions and riding styles.
• Quality Components: The Shimano Deore drivetrain and Shimano MT4100 brakes offer reliable performance and durability. The RockShox suspension components provide a smooth and controlled ride.
• Excellent Handling: The Altitude A50 strikes a great balance between stability and agility, making it a joy to ride on a variety of trails.
• Durable Frame: The FORM™ alloy frame is built to withstand the rigors of trail riding, ensuring the bike will hold up well over time.

Cons

• Weight: While the Altitude A50 is not overly heavy, it's not the lightest trail bike in its category. This may be a consideration for riders who prioritize climbing performance above all else.
• Component Level: While the Shimano Deore components are reliable, some riders may prefer higher-end components for improved performance and weight savings. However, this would come at a higher price point.
• Price: The Altitude A50 is not the cheapest trail bike on the market. However, it offers a lot of value for the money, given its versatility and performance.

Who is this bike for?

The 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 is an excellent choice for riders who want a versatile and capable trail bike that can handle a wide range of conditions. It's ideal for those who enjoy both climbing and descending, and who appreciate a bike that can adapt to different terrain. The Ride-9™ system makes it a particularly good choice for riders who like to fine-tune their bike's geometry and suspension characteristics. If you're looking for a bike that can handle everything from technical climbs to flowy descents, the Altitude A50 is definitely worth considering.

This bike is well-suited for intermediate to advanced riders who are looking for a reliable and high-performing trail bike. It's also a good option for riders who are new to mountain biking but want a bike that they can grow into as their skills progress. The Altitude A50 is capable enough to handle challenging trails, but it's also forgiving and easy to control, making it a great choice for riders of all skill levels.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 is a fantastic trail bike that offers a compelling blend of versatility, performance, and durability. Its adjustable geometry, capable suspension, and reliable components make it a strong contender in the trail bike category. Whether you're climbing, descending, or tackling technical terrain, the Altitude A50 delivers a confident and controlled ride. While it may not be the lightest or the cheapest option on the market, it offers excellent value for the money. If you're looking for a do-it-all trail bike that can handle a wide range of conditions, the Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 is definitely worth a look. So, get out there and shred some trails!