Among the new features of Rocky Mountain's Vertex are bolted axles, Boost hubs, compatibility for Di2 & Vario seatpost. The focus during development was on high speed for optimum cross-country performance, with a longer reach, slacker head angle and shorter wheelbase.

The Vertex frame weighs a respectable 1,220 grams in size medium, because Rocky Mountain's sophisticated construction method allows more high-quality carbon fibers to be used and more resin to be eliminated. In the medium frame sizes, the Vertex Carbon 90 weighs in at 9.7 kilograms, the Vertex Carbon 70 at exactly 10 kilograms and the Vertex Carbon 50 at 11.1 kilograms. It should be noted that only the Vertex frame kit is available in Switzerland, which leaves room for individual builds.

When it comes to tires, the 29er size is certainly at the top of the list for fast-as-an-arrow use with the frame kit. If you want to inject more playfulness into the Vertex alongside the 29x2.3 tires, you can also fit 27.5x2.8 tires.

With a wink, Lyle Vallie, Rocky Mountain R&E technician, says of the new offspring of the Canadian cult bike manufacturer: "The new Vertex is super stable for an XC bike. Perfect for drifting flat corners with precision. It's the only Rocky Mountain that feels faster than the Altitude Powerplay!"

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