Jesse Munden
2021 Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt – Jesse Munden’s custom build
Quick and nimble, the Thunderbolt is all about being playful out there on the trail. What says that better than a kid who can nose bonk, spin, and jump just about anything. Jesse Munden is from Kamloops, British Columbia and at 14-years old is already making noise. He’s been on Rocky Mountain for the past few years and rides everything from a Slayer in the bike park to an Altitude Powerplay on the local trails – but the Thunderbolt is his favourite. The kid loves to jump, spin, and play – so we let him.
Frame: Thunderbolt Alloy, size Small, RIDE-9 Position 9 (Steepest)
Fork: Fox 34 Float EVOL Grip2 Factory Series 140mm
Shock: Fox DPX2 210x55mm, with Rocky Mountain shock bearing eyelets
Stem: Spank Spike 33mm reach, 35mm
Handlebar: Spank Spike Vibracore 780mm width, 35mm clamp, 25mm rise
Grips: Spank Spike
Brakes: Shimano SLX 180mm Fr | 180mm Rr
Shifter: Shimano Deore 12-speed
Derailleur: Shimano Deore 12-speed
Crankset: Race Face Aeffect
Cassette: Shimano Deore
Chain: Shimano Deore
Pedals: Spank Oozy
Wheels: Spank 350 wheels (with Tubes!)
Tires: Maxxis Dissector EXO MaxxTerra 27.5x2.40WT Fr and Rr
Seatpost: Fox Transfer Post 150mm drop, 30.9
Saddle: Spank Oozy
Click here to visit the 2021 Thunderbolt builds.
Live Like the Kids
The early teenage years are both a challenging and formative time for everyone. It’s a time of discovery, new direction, and finding your passion, all while under the limitations of lacking a driver’s license, having a curfew, and learning trigonometry. Jesse Munden and Dane Jewett both discovered riding at a young age and are all-in when it comes to big hits and road trips – so long as they can get a ride from their parents. Dane and Jesse are both young riders who are lucky enough to be growing up in two of BC’s best riding zones.
Dane calls the lush coastal rainforest and towering granite slabs of Squamish home, while Kamloops is Jesse’s stomping ground, known for its fast and dusty conditions, with perfectly sculpted lips and freeride lines. Both locations hold their own special spot in freeride history.
This summer, the two had the opportunity to jump in their parent’s vehicles, link up, and get the local's tour of the other's favourite trails. Watch Live Like the Kids to see that the future of freeride is bright.
Video by Lone Wolf Productions