2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude C50 Shimano

If you want a bike that adapts to trail conditions, rides smoothly over harsh terrain, and shifts and stops exactly how you expect, the Altitude C50 Shimano is worth a look. It's a smart choice for anyone spending serious time on the trail and wanting equipment up to the challenge.

The 2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude C50 Shimano is built for riders who want a mountain bike ready to handle tough trails without a fuss. Its carbon frame balances lightness and strength, keeping the bike nimble enough for sharp turns, but tough enough to survive rough runs. The frame's geometry can be adjusted through the RIDE-4 system. You can tweak the head angle, seat angle, and bottom bracket height to better suit whatever terrain or riding style you're in the mood for. This includes steep climbs, fast descents, or technical bits.

Up front, a Fox Performance 38 EVOL Grip fork with 170mm of travel smooths out the bumps and keeps the ride stable when things get rough. In the rear, the Fox Performance Float X shock offers 160mm of travel and a cushy, responsive feel that holds the rear wheel firmly on the ground. This combination helps you stay confident on rocky or uneven terrain.

The drivetrain is built on Shimano's SLX shifter and XT derailleur pairing, known for smooth and precise changes. The 12-speed SLX cassette spans 10-51 teeth, giving you the low gears needed for steep climbs and the high gears for fast stretches. The Shimano M7100 chain ties it all together for steady power transfer. When it's time to stop, Shimano XT Trail 4-piston brakes provide strong, predictable stopping power and good modulation. This lets you dial in the braking to fit the trail or your style.

The wheels roll on WTB ST Light i30 TCS 2.0 rims designed for tubeless setups, which means less chance of flats and a lighter build. Rocky Mountain's own SL Sealed Boost 15mm hub spins up front, while a DT Swiss 370 Boost 148mm hub with an 18T Star-Ratchet handles the rear, keeping engagement quick and reliable. Maxxis tires are mounted to match aggressive trail riding: a 2.5" Assegai on the front delivering grip with a MaxxGrip compound, and a 2.4" Minion DHR II on the rear with a more durable MaxxTerra compound for traction and longevity.

Control comes from a Rocky Mountain AM handlebar at 35mm diameter and 780mm width, paired with a 35 AM stem, giving you solid leverage and control on technical sections. The FSA Orbit NO.85 headset lets the steering stay smooth and precise. The X Fusion Manic dropper post lets you drop the saddle quickly when the trail tips downhill, which always helps. Comfort is looked after by the WTB Volt Race saddle and ODI Elite Pro grips. Both are chosen to keep you riding longer without hand or seat discomfort.