In the early 80’s back when Rocky Mountain was just getting started, we already had a reputation for making the best race hardtails around. It’s safe to say that things have come a long way since then technology-wise, but the goal is still the same: to make the fastest cross-country race bike possible.
Over the years this has meant no more lugs, no more filet brazing, no more steel, no more rim brakes, no more elastomers, and now…. No more 26” wheels. That’s right, for XC hardtails we firmly believe 29” wheels are simply superior and that’s why our new flagship race hardtail, the 2012 Vertex RSL is only available as a 29er. All over the globe riders of all sizes are giving up their 26” wheel hardtails because 29” wheels simply roll over rough terrain and hold their momentum better.
The 2012 Vertex RSL represents the culmination of three decades of input gained from our athletes racing at the highest level combined with the most advanced composite technology in the industry. Its new Race Tuned Compact (RTC) geometry was carefully selected to take advantage of larger wheels while preserving the agile ride quality Rocky Mountain has always been famous for. Vertex RSL is purebred Rocky Mountain. Every dimension and feature of the new frame was designed, engineered, and tested in our Vancouver, BC-based R&D facility. We believe it’s critical to not only control the entire design process, but also to ensure our bikes ride like a Rocky Mountain should. Stay tuned to www.bikes.com for more info coming soon.