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<\/a><\/p>\nThe Frame<\/h2>\n
Available in aluminium and carbon in a wide range of specifications, including a BC Edition meant for even harder riding and a frame only option, there is a Thunderbolt for most budgets and rider. Rocky Mountain have opted for bushings rather than bearings for their lower weight and increased lifespan. There are grease ports to make servicing the bike quick and easy which will increase the life of the bushings and save on maintenance costs. Cartridge bearings have completely been eliminated from the Thunderbolt’s pivot locations. This was made possible thanks to Rocky Mountain’s new Pipelock main pivot. The Pipelock uses an expanding collet housed inside the large diameter hollow axle to lock the axle into the frame while also applying even pressure to the bushings making for a stiff and responsive frame.<\/p>\n
As is becoming increasingly common, internal routing is used on the Thunderbolt. The rear derailleur housing and the hydraulic hose for the RockShox Reverb run inside the downtube while the rear brake is routed outside the frame. A screw-on access plate is located on the downtube close to the bottom bracket to allow easy access to the internally routed housing, and it also makes the bike compatible with Shimano’s Di2 electronic shifting system by creating a spot to mount the battery. There is room for a full size water bottle to fit inside the front triangle, and another one can be carried on the underside of the downtube.<\/p>\n
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe bike’s geometry and suspension feel can be altered using Rocky Mountain’s Ride-9 shock mount system. By unscrewing a bolt and changing the position of the two inserts located at the shock’s forward mounting point, riders can choose from a total of 9 different options, selecting everything from a steeper, more plush setup, to one with the slackest head angle and most progressive suspension feel. The head angle can range from 67.2\u00b0 to 68.4\u00b0, and the corresponding seat tube angle goes from 73.7\u00b0 – 75.3\u00b0.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/vimeo.com\/92950109<\/a><\/p>\n The Smoothlink suspension, a four-bar system which, unlike the Horst Link, places its chainstay pivot above rather than below the axle. Rocky Mountain claims it keeps the bike active across a wider range of gear ratios and enhances bump absorption without affecting pedaling efficiency. During my time on the bike I did not notice any signs to proof otherwise.<\/p>\n Fork: <\/strong>With a 120mm worth of travel on offer the Fox 32 certainly feels stiffer than it does at 140 or 150mm, but when pushed hard it still shows signs of flex. A RockShox Revelation would be my cure for this or for those who plan to hammer their Thunderbolt day in and day out, the BC Edition with the 130mm Pike will be a better option.<\/p>\n Drivetrain: <\/strong>A 2×10 Race Face Aeffect SL crank powers a mixed SLX\/XT drivetrain that performed flawlessly throughout the review period. Shifting was good and the cranks stiff enough to not give away anything the frame puts on the table.<\/p>\n Brakes: <\/strong>Shimano’s SLX is the brake of choice on the 750 MSL. I would run 180mm front and rear to keep the speed the bike is capable of in check when needed. Other than that I was happy with them and they certainly do offer great value for money.<\/p>\n Seatpost: <\/strong>Another bike, another RockShox Reverb that just gets on with it and works as advertised. The only thing to note here is I prefer a right hand lever mounted on the bottom of the left hand side of the grip. It is easier to reach the lever with your thumb and requires less movement in the wrist meaning you will be gripping the handlebar even when actuating the dropper.<\/p>\n Wheelset: <\/strong>The Wheeltech Helix TR25 (by SUNRINGL\u00c9) rims are tubeless compatible. Laced to Shimano Centrelock hubs they are functional rather than headline grabbing. At 20.8mm internal width and 24.8mm external, I found them on the narrow side, but they do appear capable of outlasting many a gnarly trail.<\/p>\n Tires: <\/strong>The 750 MSL comes stock with a Maxxis Ardent in front and a Maxxis Ardent Race in the rear. The bike I rode was shod with an Onza Ibex 2.25<\/a> front and Vittoria Barzo 2.25 rear. It was my first time riding the Barzo and felt it was a good fit for the Thunderbolt. Unless you are running a pure XC rear tire or semi-slick, you will be hard pressed to find a tire that offers the balance of speed and grip of the Barzo. Under hard braking it does lose grip and slide, but it is predictable and within limits of what you would expect from the tread design.<\/p>\n The Onza Ibex is a great fit for this bike. Offering grip in spades without sacrificing out-right speed.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nComponents<\/h2>\n
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