|   Rocky Mountain ETSX?? | trailmoose
Nov 22, 2002 3:12 AM | | Does anyone have this bike? Any comments would be appreciated. I found few reviews from internet and they sound very positive. Just wonder if it's really that good.
I ride mostly (very) technical trails, nothing steep or pig drops but loads of rocks and so on. My current ride is Superligth, but I'd prefer a stiffer feeling frame and maybe more active suspension. The Fox Forx on ETSX-70 is also very attractive. |
| Riding buddy bought an ETSX50 | pixelninja
Nov 22, 2002 8:17 AM | | You don't ride pig drops?!?!? What's wrong with you???
Seriously tho, a buddy of mine bought an ETSX50 about a month ago. We ride mainly rocky, steep singltrack (Denver front range) and he seems to like his new ride, although this is his first FS, so he doesn't have much to compare it to.
Here's something I've noticed. About the same time that he bought his RM, I bought an Ellsworth Isis (my first FS also). Before we bought our FS rides, we were very evenly matched. Some times I'd make it to the top of a climb first, some times he would. On the downhills it was the same. Now, with both of us on our new rides, I'm always the first up and the first down. I don't know if my bike has made me faster, or if his has made him slower. I tend to think the later, but I could be wrong. Neither of us have changed our training habits either.
I don't know if the frame is any stiffer than your SL, but from what I've read/heard, the ETSX will be more active. |
| re: Rocky Mountain ETSX?? | fullsuspfuture
Nov 22, 2002 2:12 PM | | I'd also like to hear more about people who have experience riding this bike, and comparisons with other bikes they've owned/rode.
Some post a while ago theorized it would ride a lot like a superlight. If so, it is a shame as a superlight is a simpler and less expensive design.
My parking lot test/demo felt good, like it was very responsive and efficient to pedaling, but still active on small bumps, etc.
But I'd like to find an etsx to ride on real trails I know, for a better comparison. |
| re: Rocky Mountain ETSX?? | San Joser
Nov 22, 2002 3:03 PM | | I was very surprised at the lack of "buzz" about this bike after searching in vain for more information. I looked at one earlier this week and was quite impressed. It appears to have a unique rear suspension design and many nice "quotes" from bike mags in Europe. Barely a mention in U.S. press. I have been waiting for a Blur frame to arrive but can pick one of these up equipped about the same for the same price....some experiences please ! I can go back and ride in the parking lot this week but that's hardly a real test and I have virually no FS experience so need some "expert" input. |
| some thoughts... | mudbear
Nov 22, 2002 7:45 PM | | Wow, the SL is a tough act to follow.
The SL, Ellsworth Truth, Turner O2, Giant NRS and Cannondale Scalpel are among the most popular duallies (most racers still use HTs) used in our local XC races - as well as the RMB Element TO (now the Team SC). I've also been interested in trail testing the fairly new RMB ETSX-70 with the "Energy Transfer" link, however this will now have to wait for the spring. The 'word-of-mouth' I've heard regarding its XC handling characteristics has been very positive! There were some issues with frame failure around the ETS link on some (first batch?) bikes, but I've heard that this has been resolved.
You've problably already read this ETSX-70 review, but it appears some of the above posters may have not:
o http://www.justridingalong.com/biking/index.php
Since you mention wanting stiffness and a more active suspension, why not have a long look at the HH100X (just do some research on this board, then page Charles w/Qs), Turner XCE (although now you may have wait for the Burner or 5 Spot), Intense Tracer, Ells Truth or Ventana El Salty. Having an SL you can be a little more patient and try to "ride (a few) before u dedice".
mud (enjoy the quest!)
PS. To the fellow that hasn't ridden an FS before, I'd recommend spending 10 hours or so here (just work backwards or do some searches), then get some trail tests in thru an lbs(s) -- the more shops that offer trail demos the better and do NOT feel obligated, just be forth coming & courteous with them -- and try as many duallies as you can, even companies you may not be as keen on > this will help crystalize what you're really after/like; post for more detailed info. Remember to keep in mind that in addition to selecting a FS that is suited to the terrain you ride & your riding style, that bike fit (cockpit) is critical. |
| some thoughts... | trailmoose
Nov 25, 2002 12:12 AM | | Thanks for the info.
I,m aware about the bikes you mentioned and the HH100X migth be what I'm looking for. But I live in Europe and most of those bikes are very hard (or even impossible) to get in here. |
| re: Rocky Mountain ETSX?? | Phat Head
Nov 26, 2002 3:53 PM | | i have ridden one on a local singletrack and i absolutely loved the bike. not sure which model it was but it had the fox fork and xt discs. climbing was pretty nice. in the short travel setting the thing just screams and in the long travel it rides very nice, on par with most everything else that is out. it feels very lightweight. handling was just about perfect. i rode a singletrack that i had ridden a hundred times and this bike just flowed through there as if i had been riding it for years. it didn't take much to get use to the handling characteristics. the suspension wroks very well soaking up just about everything on the trail. about the only thing that was somewhat sketchy was the huchinson mosquitos tires. worked great in the hardpack and railed through the singletrack, but once it gets loose yu slide a bit. the rear end was not flexy and the fork tracks extremely well. poin tht ebike and it goes. the main reason why there isn't such a big buzz about this bike is that rocky is a relatively small company and doesn't get much exposure other than the fro-riders (the freeride freaks). i've ridden a lot of suspension bikes and this is one of the more impressive ones. it seems to be able to do it all. |
| re: Rocky Mountain ETSX?? | Reg
Nov 27, 2002 8:49 AM | | I test rode it (etsx-70)for a couple of days. It was only an 18 when what I really need is a 19 inch frame. Still, I liked the bike so much that I'm ordering one and it should be here any day. Climbing the bike feels very efficient. The suspension is plush but sensitive and doesn't feel like it's sapping energy. My Brodie (Expresso hardtail hand built by Paul himself) riding friend says he was able to climb technical ascents in midde ring when he would use the granny ring on the Brodie.
I found the frame to be very stiff and the bike tracked like it was on rails. Descending was confidence inspiring. It's exactly what RM makes it out to be: an excellent go anywhere on the mountain, ride til your face hurts from grinning xc/epic mtb. The price is high but so is the quality and the Fox fork seems flawless. |
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