The Pipeline sets itself apart from Rocky Mountain's first Plus model, the Sherpa, with more suspension travel, different suspension elements and a sportier geometry. Furthermore, the Pipeline rolls on Maxxis Recon EXO tires with a width of 2.8 inches - tires up to 3.25 inches wide would be possible. The rolling resistance of the Maxxis rollers seems identical to the WTB tires on the Sherpa - at least not on the short uphill section. However, the bike feels much sportier than the Overlander "Sherpa".

After a short gravel section, we turn into the first trail. A few roots, some mud and individual patches of snow are the main obstacles, but so far they are not a problem. The Pipeline rides through the slightly soggy patches of snow with amazing confidence - almost like a fat bike. The colleague in front of me rides with "narrow" tires and swathes neatly through the slippery white.

Downhill "safer" - uphill fun
The trail now rides downhill and we get going with the Pipeline. We only feel about half of the roots and the plus-size tires give us more confidence, especially in root carpets. Unfortunately, the usual feedback that thinner tires provide is missing. As a result, the ride feels somewhat damped, which also means that the suspension lacks feel. Riders with an active or aggressive riding style will probably not get their money's worth to the same extent. Nevertheless, the fun does not fall by the wayside. The bike can be maneuvered around corners with agility and encourages you to use bumps as jumps.

At the end of the trail, we decide to ride back this way instead of taking the gravel road. The first challenges over numerous wet roots uphill are taken on and mostly conquered: here, too, we admit without envy that the wide tires make such climbs much easier - and that is of course a lot of fun.

Conclusion
The well-balanced Pipeline scores highly in terms of propulsion and handling. The additional grip, which is thanks to the plus-size tires, provides safety downhill and a lot of riding fun uphill. A more detailed test report on the handling in steep terrain uphill and downhill, as well as at high speeds, will follow as soon as we have had the opportunity for more intensive test rides. The suspension and other features of the trail bike will then also be highlighted.