Rocky Mountain Bicycles.

Rollover image to zoom
DATA/BIKE/1189_header.jpg

Vertex 970 RSL

Mountain, XC Hardtail

Specification

FrameFORM™ C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque. Tapered Head Tube. Press Fit BB. 29
ForkRockShox SID RL 29
Front Travel100mm. Motion Control DNA Lockout / Rebound / 15mm Maxle Lite / Tapered Steerer
Rear ShockN/A
Rear TravelN/A
Head SetCane Creek Ten Series: IS42mm Top / IS52mm Bottom Tapered
StemRace Face Turbine 6° x 70-100mm
HandlebarRace Face Turbine Flat Wide Ø31.8mm x 700mm x 9° Sweep
BrakesShimano XT Hydraulic Disc 180/160mm
Brake LeversShimano XT Integrated Shifter Mount
ShiftersShimano XT Rapid Fire Integrated Spec 2x10spd
Gearing (FR)Shimano SLX 34.9mm 2x10spd
Gearing (RR)Shimano XTR 10spd
Cranks & ChainringsRace Face Turbine 170-175mm 38/24T 2x10spd
Bottom BracketRace Face Press Fit Team XC
PedalsN/A
Hubs (FR)Wheeltech SL Hi Tension Straight Pull / Precision Sealed Japanese Bearings / 24H / 15mm Axle
Hubs (RR)Wheeltech SL Hi Tension Straight Pull / Precision Sealed Japanese Bearings / 28H / 12 x 142mm Axle
CassetteShimano HG81 11-36T 10spd
ChainShimano HG74 10spd
SpokesDT Swiss Champion Straight Pull
RimsWheeltech Inferno 23 by SUNringlé
Tires (RR/FR)Continental Race King Folding 29
Seat PostRocky Mountain SL 27.2 x 400mm
SaddleRocky Mountain XC Light

Geometry

SizeSMLXL
Head Length
Head Angle70.25°70.25°70.25°70.25°
Seat Angle73°73°73°73°
Seat Tube length394mm432mm470mm508mm
Horiz. Toptube Length570mm592mm615mm638mm
Headtube Length95mm100mm115mm130mm
Chainstay Length433mm433mm433mm433mm
BB Drop56mm56mm56mm56mm
Wheelbase1065mm1087mm1111mm1134mm
Front-Centre
Standover Height738mm752mm776mm808mm
Fork Rake
Seat Tube (center-center)

RTC 29


All new Rocky Mountain RTC 29 Geometry.

When we began the 2012 Vertex RSL project, we knew we could improve on the status quo of 29er race geometry. We tested countless geometry configurations with our team racers and we quickly zeroed in on what we believe is the perfect race geometry for a variety of terrain.



Super Short Wheelbase and Chain Stay Length

The myth that a 29er can’t handle technical terrain ends here. With an actual chain stay length of 437mm and a 1087mm wheelbase (medium size), Vertex RSL will shred the tightest and most technical race courses.


Shortened Top Tubes

We reigned in the TT lengths to give the rider a more natural, 26” bike feel with more maneuverability.


70.25 degree Head Tube Angle

Head tube angles on 29ers vary widely, so we experimented extensively with different angles in the prototype process. Our riders unanimously concluded that 70.25 degrees delivered the perfect balance of stability and agility.


Less BB Drop

We raised the bottom bracket slightly over our previous Vertex 29 bikes. While minimizing pedal strikes, this also allowed us to further tuck in the rear wheel, which helps with lifting the front end and getting weight over the rear wheel, making this 29er more maneuverable in tight sections.