Rocky Mountain Slayer 2020 - presentation and first test: An (almost) murderous freeride weapon

Product news: Last week we were invited by the Bike Action company to the Bikerepublic Sölden for the launch of a new Rocky Mountain freeride bike. Full of curiosity we looked forward to the launch and we were curious which bike awaited us. On the morning of the second day, the wait was finally over and we were able to experience the presentation of the new, completely revised Rocky Mountain Slayer in the "Ice Cube" at almost 3000m above sea level. Two wheel sizes for two different riding styles and a completely new frame were the highlights of the event. 

The New Rocky Mountain Slayer - The Concept

With up to 180 millimeters of travel and aggressive geometry, we would call the Slayer a super enduro. The category that used to be called freeriders. Rocky calls this "Big Mountain" and promises: “As the ultimate big mountain platform, the Slayer is designed for descents that are fast and smashing. With it you can conquer the top of every mega descent, shred switchbacks, jump crevices and ride more aggressively than you ever dreamed of.” Rocky Mountain sees itself as an institution in the freeride segment. Sure, they pushed the area a lot from the very first days, the Froriders were already on the Rocky Mountains in the 90s and achieved cult status with their appearances in the video series "Kranked". In the movies and on many other occasions, the Slayer has been "murdering" trails for the last 19 years.

One platform - 2 bikes - 2 wheel sizes

Fortunately, you can choose between the two modern wheel sizes, 27,5 inches or 29 inches, both are possible. Not just a bike with two wheel sizes. They are really two completely different frames. Geometry and kinematics are independent. The 29er bike should be ideal for shooting. The goal here is maximum speed, stability and smooth running. The 27,5 inch bike should be particularly easy to jump and very agile. The geometry data shows how big the differences are:

The Rocky Mountain Slayer 2020 29”

The bike comes with a 170mm fork that has 44mm (FOX) or 42mm (RockShox) offset. The maximum tire clearance is 29 x 2,6. The maximum chainring size is 34 teeth, the minimum 30 teeth. The 29er Slayer is available in sizes M–XL. The frame set including shock weighs 4,2kg in size M, the top model Slayer Carbon 90 15,4kg, also in medium. The Slyer Alloy 50 entry-level bike weighs an impressive 16,8kg.

The Rocky Mountain Slayer 2020 27,5”

The fork is even 180 mm here, with a 37 mm offset. The maximum tire clearance is 27,5 x 2,6. The maximum chainring size is 36 teeth, the minimum chain ring size is also 30 teeth, like the 29er. There will be sizes S-XL. As expected, the weight is lower than the 29er counterpart. Frame and damper weigh 4kg, the top model 15,2kg. At 16,4kg, the entry-level model is no lightweight here either.

*Note: The total weight for bike and frameset including guards, chainstays and axle: 231g

The New Rocky Mountain Slayer - The Facts

• The RIDE-4 adjustment system allows the rider to quickly fine-tune the geometry with an Allen key.
• A size-specific adjustment should ensure that the (rear) dampers can be adjusted appropriately for all body sizes. The Rocky Mountain design team creates custom shock settings—based on test ride feedback—and adjusts each shock's setting for specific frame sizes.

• Tuned kinematics for better performance on small bumps, refined response and progressive spring characteristics.
• Increased progression and increased bottom out control.

• Consistent anti-squat design for stable pedaling in the sag, more sensitive absorption of small bumps and smooth propulsion

• Improved geometry including longer reach, steeper seat angle and slacker head angle.
• Reinforced front triangle, including a new front triangle bridge and improved main bearing bushings, the main triangle is said to be 4% stiffer than the Maiden.

• With the carbon frame, liners are drawn into the frame to make it easier to lay the lines and cables.
• The aluminum frame features large head tube openings and internally routed foam tubes to allow for noiseless and easy handling of the shift cable housing and rear brake hose.
• Significantly stiffer rear end thanks to the seat stay bridge and the rear frame triangle made of FORM 7005 aluminum, the rear end is said to be 30% stiffer than the previous Slayer
• Redesigned chainstay, shuttle guard and down tube protection are all included.

• Double bearings on the chainstays and seat stays ensure greater rigidity and robustness.
• All pivot point bearings, including the lower shock tower, are shielded to improve robustness (also compatible with aftermarket shocks).
• Coil & Large Air Shock compatible, the rider has the choice: steel spring or air shock
• Integrated "Spirit Guide" chainstay with the ISCG05 two-bolt system.
• All sizes accept a water bottle in the front triangle, even if a reservoir shock is installed.

Slayer 2020 models and prices

Important: Limited quantities and sizes available from August 13th, general availability from September. Please contact your Rocky Mountain retailer to pre-order. Regional availability may vary.

First ride test of the Rocky Mountain Slayer

After the presentation, we went back to the middle station of the Gaislachkogelbahn, where the best weather, brand new bikes and fine trails awaited us. First, I was able to test the 29-inch carbon version with 170mm travel in size L and, let me say so much, enjoy it. After the chassis adjustment by the expert, Chris from Fox Suspension, we could start. The first meters on the trail amazed me, the bike behaved differently than expected. I would not have thought that the Slayer would maneuver so easily through curves despite its length and large wheels. On the flowy trails, you could give the Canadians' new bike a good spur and use the trail as a playground. The more aggressively you rode the Rocky Mountain Slayer, the better the entire bike worked and always conveyed a lot of security even in tricky situations. But on the very flowing rollercoasters of the Bike Republic, freeriders could hardly be pushed to their limits.

So we looked for steep, technical and wild descents and found what we were looking for in the Nene Trail. The Slayer felt even better on this trail than on the previous ones. full throttle! That's the motto for the version on the big wheels and that's exactly the word that best describes riding the Slayer on black trails. It went on mercilessly and it literally cried out for leaving the brakes open. Even when the steps and roots got bigger, the Slayer didn't show any weakness and we continued at full throttle towards the valley station. In my opinion, this bike is an absolute weapon, especially for ambitious (racing) riders, who can hardly be stopped and therefore absolutely recommendable.

But the variants with 650b wheels and 180mm spring travel also knew how to please. According to the cult company from Canada, the version that rolls on smaller wheels is primarily designed for freeride use and plenty of airtime. In Sölden we had the opportunity to test it on jumplines, flowing single trails and bike park routes such as the Teären Line. Super playful and perfect handling in the air are the attributes that really apply to a fun bike. A little more spring travel and a different geometry mainly distinguish the 27,5 inch bike from the 29er. Due to the smaller wheels and a different geometry, we had a nuance more fun on the flow trails than on the morning runs with the race bike. The Slayer 650b combines a playful character almost perfectly with the necessary reserves. With even more agility and manoeuvrability, it went through berms, jumps and drops in Öztal, Austria. Whether Eebme or the black categorized Zaahe Line, the Slayer 27,5 got along with everyone in the Bikerepublic. So if you are looking for a bike park bike with the necessary reserves and ingenious handling, you should take a closer look at the bike.