2020 Rocky Mountain

Thunderbolt Carbon 90

A 27.5″ / 26″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
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MSRP$6,899
Weight27.4 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 140 / 140mm
ForkFox Factory Float 34
ShockFox Float DPS Factory
Wheels27.5″ / 26″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetXTR, Race Face
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Thunderbolt Carbon 90
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

Thunderbolt Carbon 90

26 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews
Loam Wolf
Review: Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon 90

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!

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MTB Mag
[Tested] Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Alloy 50

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

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BIKE Magazine
Review: Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt C30 | Bible of Bike Tests 2019

Feb 2019

Not radically changed, almost conservative, the Thunderbolt stays true to its intentions.

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Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon 90 BC Edition Review

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.

Highs
  • Very playful

  • Beautiful frame

  • Comfortable suspension

Lows
  • The rear linkage lacks support

  • Nervous at speed

  • Small brake rotors

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Pinkbike
Review: Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon 70

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.

Highs
  • Playful personality

  • Supple suspension action

  • So much adjustability

Lows
  • 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

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Bikerumor
Long Term Review: The all-new Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon 50

Jul 2018

We spent the last three months testing the new Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon 50.

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Dirt Mountainbike
Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt BC Edition

Mar 2018 · James Good

B is for Burly

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MTBR
2018 Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt debuts

Mar 2018

Key changes to the new carbon frame are an increase in rear travel to 130mm, plus increases to stiffness and a lowering of the shock rate curve. - Mtbr.com

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

SMOOTHWALL Carbon. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Press Fit BB. Internal Cable Routing. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. RIDE-9 Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Fork

Fox 34 Float Factory 140mm 37mm Offset

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float DPS EVOL Factory

Travel140mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

Race Face BB92 30mm

Headset

FSA Orbit NO.57E

Stem

Rocky Mountain 35 CNC

Handlebar

Race Face Next R 780mm

Saddle

WTB Volt Race 142

Seatpost

Race Face Turbine R (by Fox) Dropper 30.9mm

TypeDropper

Grips

Rocky Mountain Lock On XC

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XTR

Crank

Race Face Next R Cinch 34T

Shifters

Shimano XTR

Cassette

Shimano XTR 12s 10-51T

Chain

Shimano XTR 12s

Brakes

Shimano XTR 2 Piston / Shimano RT86 180mm / Shimano RT86 180mm

TypeHydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano XTR

Wheels
Rims

Race Face ARC 30

Spokes

DT Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0

Front Hub

Rocky Mountain Sealed Boost 15mm

Rear Hub

DT Swiss 350 Boost 148mm

Tires

Maxxis Minion DHR II WT Maxx Terra 3C Tubeless Ready 27.5 x 2.4 / Maxxis Minion DHR II WT Maxx Terra 3C Tubeless Ready 27.5 x 2.4

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Last updated April 14
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