With its 120 millimetres of suspension travel, the Thunderbolt falls into the trail bike category. However, it is equipped like a cross-country file. The XTR Di2 gearing and the lightweight 27.5-inch Valor carbon wheels from NoTubes are also trail-ready. The variable seatpost and the fun-oriented cockpit from Race Face make the bike recognizable as a trail bike.

The Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt feels good from the first meter. Even with its slack geometry, it rides comfortably and relaxed for long periods of time. It rolls well on flat terrain, not least thanks to the smooth-running Ardent tires from Maxxis. Long climbs are also surprisingly easy. However, if you switch the "Ride9" geometry adjustment to the steepest position, the difference in propulsion quickly becomes noticeable. Even if the difference between the slack and steep seat angle is only 1.6 degrees and the bottom bracket is slightly raised, the body weight is positioned more optimally. This results in better power transmission.

On uphill trails, the 11.85 kilogram Thunderbolt impresses with its agile handling and climbing power. It is also easy to maneuver up technical passages. The weight distribution is ideal and the fine-profiled tires retain grip for a relatively long time. In terms of propulsion, nothing is left to be desired either. The stiff carbon frame processes powerful acceleration into fast progress. The lightweight NoTubes wheels are an additional help here. You could easily complete a marathon race on this bike.
The electronic XTR drivetrain also does a great job. It impresses with precise, powerful and fast shifting. However, the shifting system requires a certain amount of time to get used to and you need to take the time to determine your personal shifting configuration at the beginning. Once you have adapted it to your wishes via the computer, you won't want to give up the Di2.

Flink and controlled
On single trails straight ahead and downhill, the sporty, lively nature of this bike demands that you give it a good spur. The agile handling also has a positive effect here. It can be maneuvered nimbly around bends and reacts quickly to changing cornering radii. The Thunderbolt literally screams for flow and fast descents, even though it only has 120 millimetres of suspension travel. The trail bike, which looks and is equipped more like a marathon bike, is a real guarantee of fun. You can let it rip and almost expect too much from it. Because when things get a little rougher, the rear and front suspension travel is quickly used up. Thanks to the medium-short stem and the 740 millimeter wide Next carbon handlebars from Race Face, the bike is easy to control. The Reverb dropper post from Rock Shox provides additional reserves. The brakes are also responsible for control. The XTR stoppers grip the 180-millimeter brake rotors well and hold up even when braking for long periods. The braking force can also be well controlled. To increase the reserves for rough terrain, you could fit slightly thicker and more robust tires. This would achieve a further significant increase in riding pleasure.

Suspension strut and fork come from the Factory series from suspension specialist Fox. At the front is a "32 Float FIT" fork with 120 millimeters of travel and CTD-Adjust (Climb, Trail, Descend) and at the rear a "Float CTD Remote Custom Trail Valved" shock. In terms of the basic characteristics, it is advisable not to set the fork and shock too soft. We gave the shock 27 percent negative travel and the fork only 25 percent. With this setting, we made optimum use of the travel and still had enough counter-pressure from the suspension elements when riding at a brisk pace. However, you have to be aware that the "Ride9" system changes the spring characteristic. This setting applies to the flat geometry, in which the suspension system works more progressively, i.e. the shock absorber hardens earlier. If the geometry is set to steep, the suspension becomes more linear. This must be taken into account when setting the suspension strut and is reduced slightly with the negative suspension travel to around 25 percent of the stroke.

To ensure that the pivot points of the rear triangle always function properly, they are fitted with grease nipples. This simplifies maintenance, as dirt that gets into the bearings is simply pressed out by pushing the grease in. However, this should be done at regular intervals, as the grease is removed over time during washing. Dry bearings do not last as long and also creak annoyingly. You really don't want to do that to your bike. If you clean your bike with a bucket and sponge instead of maltreating it with a high-pressure cleaner, you will significantly extend the lubrication intervals.

Conclusion: The Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 799 MSL impresses in its category as a trail bike, but thanks to the variable geometry of the "Ride9", it can also be used as a touring machine and in marathon races without any problems. If you want to give this guarantee of fun even more reserves, give it a set of thicker tires. There's really nothing to complain about with this bike.

Specifications

Frame material:	Smoothwall Carbon
Price:	CHF 11'999.00, (from CHF 4'999.00 750MSL with Ride9, CHF 2'199.00 Thunderbolt 710 without Ride9)
Weight:	12.85 kg (size L, with pedals)
Suspension travel:	120mm front / 120mm rear
Fork:	Fox 32 Float CTD FIT Factory
Suspension strut:	Fox Float CTD Factory
Shifting:	Shimano XTR Di2 11-Speed
Brakes:	Shimano XTR 180/180
Crankset:	Shimano XTR 38/28T 2x11
Rims:	Stan's NoTubes Valor Carbon Tubeless Ready
Hubs:	Stan's 3.30Ti Hub / 28H / Alloy Freehub / 12 x 142mm Axle
Tires:	Maxxis Maxx Speed Tubeless Ready F + R: Ardent Race 27.5" x 2.2"
Saddle:	WTB Silverado Carbon
Saddle post:	RockShox Reverb Stealth 30.9mm
Grips:	ESI Silicone Super Light
stem:	Race Face Turbine CNC 35mm 6° x 60-80mm
handlebars:	Race Face Next SL Carbon 1/2 Rise Ø35mm x 740mm x 9° Sweep

Manufacturer: www.bikes.com