From the factory straight to the start gates of the enduro race: The new Rocky Mountain "Altitude Rally-Edition" already brings the hunting instinct with it.

150 millimeters of travel, 650b wheels and a new look - these are the main ingredients that are crucial for the Canadians to build a good all-mountain bike in 2013. The brand new Rocky Mountain Altitude 27.5" has these ingredients, but it also has other strengths.

Since the "Element 970 29" has already been in the Canadian range for around two years as an aluminum version, it was only a matter of time before the 29er bike rolled over the trails in carbon. The time has now come for the upcoming 2013 model year. The "Element 999 RSL" and its siblings have been unveiled.

For the 2012 model year, Rocky Mountain is expanding the Element family with a new 26- and 29-inch aluminum bike. They are also presenting a new "Vertex RSL". The race hardtail will only be available as a 29er next year.

Rocky Mountain is revamping its enduro classic "Slayer" for the 2011 model year. The latest model offers the rider 160 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and 165 millimetres at the rear.

Rocky Mountain is recalling Edge and Slayer models from 2001 due to a weak point in the chainstay. Bikes delivered in Switzerland may also be affected, but Rocky will replace the rear triangles free of charge. The local dealer has been informed and will replace them.

At the Rocky Mountain stand, the two full-suspension models from the "Team Edition" series were particularly eye-catching - and not (only) because of the beautiful two-tone paint job. The Canadians are tightening the weight screw and giving the two top models "Element Team Scandium" and "ETS-X 90" rear stays made of lightweight carbon fiber. This more than compensates for the additional weight due to the durable ball bearings at the pivot points.