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Today’s Deals2018 Rocky Mountain
Thunderbolt Carbon 50
A 27.5″ / 26″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,499| Weight | 27.0 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Wheels | 27.5″ / 26″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | GX Eagle, Truvativ Stylo |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TL Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Summary
The Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt is celebrated for its playful handling, versatile Ride-9 adjustable geometry, and improved suspension performance, making it a standout trail bike. Its design caters to aggressive trail adventures with a balance of efficiency and fun. However, some reviews note it requires more effort on difficult trails compared to 29ers and has a finicky suspension setup.
Playful and quick handling
Versatile Ride-9 adjustable geometry
Improved suspension performance
Lightweight and stylish design
Internal cable routing and sealed bearings
Requires more effort on difficult trails than 29ers
Finicky suspension setup
Not as settled at high speeds or rough ground
Increased bottom-bracket drop leads to pedal strikes
I couldn’t have chosen a better bike for the job.
BIKE MagazineIt may only look slightly different from its predecessor, but it is an entirely new beast.
BikerumorBorn out of BC, Rocky Mountain have revealed a revised, gravity friendly version of the Thunderbolt for 2018.
Dirt MountainbikeFeedback?
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Oct 2019
The Thunderbolt is for an experienced rider who wants to ride a rocket ship. A rider who knows how to get out of trouble quickly because rocket ships are hard to control. Get our full take on the Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon 90 BC Edition here!
May 2019 · Simon Silver
This Winter we tested the $3,349 Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Alloy 50 trail bike. For an entry level spec’d bike we were quickly impressed with the attention to detail, and features the frame sported. Video review below. Details & Specs • 27.5″ wheels • 130mm travel front and rear • Boost hub spacing •RIDE-9™ Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate • Aluminum front and rear triangle • Press Fit BB • Sealed cartridge bearing pivots • XS, S, M (tested), L, XL sizes The bike is fairly well refined, with a Race Face Crankset, and direct mount ring, internal cable routing, built
Dec 2018 · Christoph Bayer
The Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt BC Edition is guaranteed to put a smile on your face: it was by far the most agile bike in this group test.
Very playful
Beautiful frame
Comfortable suspension
The rear linkage lacks support
Nervous at speed
Small brake rotors
Aug 2018 · Mike Levy
Like the other new bikes, you'll find blind pivots on the Thunderbolt that make for some pretty clean lines, as well as sealed bearings all around (including the lower shock mount) that replace the bushing system Rocky used previously.
Playful personality
Supple suspension action
So much adjustability
Requires more effort to ride fast on difficult trails than a 29er
Finicky suspension setup if you want to get the most out of it
So much adjustability
Jul 2018 · Christophe Noel
We spent the last three months testing the new Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon 50.
May 2018
The Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt BC Edition might be called an XC bike, but it has other intentions when on the trail.
Mar 2018 · Antony de Heveningham
We managed to get an exclusive first ride on Rocky Mountain's brand new Thunderbolt, a super versatile 140mm superbike
Nov 2016
Don’t let its ‘mere’ 120mm of rear wheel travel or its ‘small’ 27.5″ wheels deceive you – this is a barn-burner of a trail bike.
| Frame | SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Press Fit BB. Internal Cable Routing. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. RIDE-9™ Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate / SMOOTHWALL™ rear triangle BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 34 Float Performance 130mm Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance Travel: 130mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM GXP BB92 |
| Headset | FSA Orbit NO.57E |
| Stem | Rocky Mountain AM |
| Handlebar | Rocky Mountain AM 760mm |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Race |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer Performance Elite 30.9mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On Light |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM Stylo 6k Eagle 34T |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275 10-50T |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TL Type: SRAM Level TL Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Sun Helix TR25 SL Tubeless Ready - Tape | Valves Incl |
|---|---|
| Spokes | WTB 2.0-1.8 |
| Front Hub | Rocky Mountain Sealed Boost 15mm |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 370 Boost 148mm |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHR II Folding 27.5 x 2.3 / Maxxis Crossmark II 27.5 x 2.25 |
First added September 9
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 1,886 days