PRESS RELEASE

Introducing the New Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt

Words Rocky Mountain Bicycles

Date Mar 27, 2018

First introduced in 2014, Rocky Mountain Bikes' Thunderbolt carves a line between a pure-bred XC whippet and a longer-legged trail bike. We've reviewed both the OG version as well as back-to-back look at one equipped with Shimano's Di2 Groupset. Now they've updated the whole carbon lineup with a number of features first seen elsewhere on Rocky's bikes. Read on after the break to get all the details, including pricing in both CAD and USD

We are very excited to let you know that the new Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt is launching on March 27!

With the Thunderbolt we’ve designed an all-new carbon frame that pushes the rear travel to 130mm, increases stiffness, lowers the rate curve slightly, and gives the frame a host of next-generation features—but keeps its playful geometry and wide range of RIDE-9™ adjustments. The Thunderbolt is at home on technical climbs, powering through rough stuff, and popping off every trail feature you lay eyes on.

Thunderbolt Carbon 90 BC Edition

With a long stroke shock that provides 140mm of rear travel, we’ve kitted out the Thunderbolt BC Edition with wide bars, big tires, ultra-stiff wheels, and more capable suspension. With a wide range of RIDE-9™ adjustments for whatever terrain you want to tackle, its more aggressive nature is perfect for all-day trail adventures.

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS:

Travel: 140mm/140mm
Full Smoothwall carbon frame
Longer travel Fox 36 / Float DPS Performance Elite suspension
Wide range SRAM 12spd drivetrain
DT Swiss rear hub
Fox Transfer dropper post

IMPROVEMENTS OVER PREVIOUS MODEL:

All-new frame
Integrated chainguide
Fox 36 / Float DPS Performance Elite suspension
SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
SRAM Guide RS brakes
Fox Transfer post

Born in BC, this is how we do trail bikes.

Thunderbolt Carbon BC Edition Frameset

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS:

Full Smoothwall carbon frame
Fox Float DPS Factory suspension
BC Edition 140mm suspension spec.
Shimano Di2 integration
Fox LIVE integration
Boost 148mm dropouts
Frame & shock: 5.06lb (2300g), size Medium
Protectors, chainguide, & axle: 0.57lb (260g)
Complete frameset: 5.63lb (2560g)

IMPROVEMENTS OVER PREVIOUS MODEL:

All-new frame
BC Edition 140mm travel
Integrated chainguide

Thunderbolt Carbon 70

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS:

Travel: 130mm / 130mm
Full Smoothwall carbon frame
Fox 34/Float DPS Performance Elite suspension
Wide range SRAM 12spd drivetrain
DT Swiss rear hub
Fox dropper post

IMPROVEMENTS OVER PREVIOUS MODEL:

All-new frame
Integrated chainguide
SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
DT Swiss 370 rear hub
Fox Transfer post

Thunderbolt Carbon 50

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS:

Travel: 130mm / 130mm
Full Smoothwall carbon frame
Fox 34/Float DPS Performance Elite suspension
Wide range SRAM 12spd drivetrain
DT Swiss rear hub
Fox dropper post

IMPROVEMENTS OVER PREVIOUS MODEL:

All-new frame
Integrated chainguide
SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain
SRAM Level TL brakes
DT Swiss 370 rear hub
Fox Transfer post

Thunderbolt Carbon 30

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS:

Travel: 130mm / 130mm
Full Smoothwall carbon frame
Full Rockshox suspension package
SRAM 1x11 drivetrain
Race Face crankset

IMPROVEMENTS OVER PREVIOUS MODEL:

All-new frame
Carbon rear triangle
Integrated chainguide

Web_Thunderbolt9_AVathis_POstroskiUnknown_BromontQC.jpg

Improved suspension performance

We’ve flattened out the rate curve to directly increase the amount of usable travel, while maintaining mid-stroke support and making small-bump performance even more sensitive. Higher anti-squat values dramatically improve pedalling efficiency.

Next generation features

Comprehensive evolutionary updates across the platform include features like tooled axles, single-sided bearing pivots, integrated “Spirit Guide” chainguide, and metric shock compatibility.

Updated RIDE-9™

Our RIDE-9™ system provides a wide range of geometry and suspension adjustability; it has been moved into the link for lighter, narrower packaging.

Progressive geometry

To add control and descending capability, we’ve increased reach, slackened the headtube angle, and lowered the bottom bracket. We’ve slightly lengthened the chainstays to improve climbing traction and used a moderately steep seat tube for further climbing performance.

Technical Details:

• Increased anti-squat for better pedalling efficiency.
• Size Specific Tune ensures that riders of all sizes get the appropriate rear shock tune. Our design team creates custom shock tunes base on field testing feedback, and adjust the tune of each shock for specific frame sizes.
• 27.5 Wide Trail and 26+ compatible.
• Max tire clearance is 27.5 x 2.5 and 26 x 2.8 (3.0 with low profile knobs).
• Bearings at all pivots, including at the lower shock mount (still compatible with aftermarket shocks).
• Blind pivots maximize rider heel clearance at the chainstay.
• Lighter, tooled rear axle, with an updated axle nut for a more intuitive assembly.
• Improved cable management including large head tube and down tube access ports, full-length shift housing, and internally routed shift housing and brake lines the front triangle housing.
• Future-proofed to be compatible with Di2, Fox Live, and a dropper post simultaneously.
• Seat tube lengths have been adjusted to accommodate longer dropper posts at maximum insertion.
• Chainstay and downtube protectors.
• Integrated “Spirit Guide” chainguide, with 2-bolt ISCG05.
• BC Edition uses a longer stroke shock to yield 140mm of travel.
• 1x optimized design with wider main pivot.
• Lower standover height.
• Significantly stiffer thanks to one-piece seat stays, new envelope, and updated layup.
• Modern parts compatibility (boost spacing, metric shock lengths, post-mount 180mm brakes, etc.).
• All sizes fit a water bottle in the front triangle with any reservoir shock currently on the market.
• Sizes: XS-XL