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05/11/2008
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Rocky introduces new Slayer frame design
The classic 3D linkage has been shown the door in favour
of something quite different
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Rocky Mountain Bicycles has
gone back to the drawing board with its Slayer frame for the '06 model year.
In previous years, the all-mountain bike sported the company's classic 3D Link
(bell) linkage. That's given way to a completely redesigned linkage Rocky is
calling
Low Centre
Counter Rotating (LC2R) suspension.
The Slayer LC2R suspension is a single pivot design. Its Real Pivot
Point (RPP) is located at the main pivot point, just above and
behind the bottom bracket.
According to Rocky, both chain and brake forces are concentric to this pivot
point throughout the suspension travel, eliminating pedal
bob and brake
jack. The top link is engaged by a
thrust link to create a rising-rate, ‘infinite
travel’ feel.
The new Slayer 70 for '06 - the second-highest model in the four bike Slayer line
The compact design of the LC2R suspension produces a low sprung weight.
Because it is low and is located very proximate to the main pivot point, Rocky
says the suspension is able to respond faster to ground impulse
forces and eliminate both small and large bumps.
Rocky will be spinning out six sizes for the '06 Slayer - 15”, 16.5”, 18”, 19”, 20.5”, and 22”. The frame is built from a custom Easton tubeset, and weight is listed as 3.2kg (7lbs.). The 6" bike has a low centre of gravity, which should give it snappy handling manners when the going gets technical.
Lateral force is transferred through both the main pivot and the thrust link
to the top link. A strategically positioned brake caliper is also supposed
to deal with brake jack, while pedal bob is neutralized by the location of
the main pivot point.
A close-up of the new Slayer linkage - lots of holes to keep
the weight down || Photo: Stuart Kernaghan
Not surprisingly, Rocky has employed highly modified and shaped tubes (think trapezoid). The top and head tubes are beefy and provide plenty of welding surface on the head tube, and the bent top tube gives you lots of standover room.
If you like the idea of strapping a water bottle cage onto your bike,
there are actually two of them on the 18" and larger frames. Smaller frames
only get one set of bottle bosses.
There are four Slayer models to choose from, starting with the 30 at the bottom
for US$2,199, the 50 for $2,799, the 70 for $3,399, and ending up to the 90
for $4,499. Canadian prices are $2,999, $3,699, $4,399, and $5,999, respectively.
Each of the frames
is spec'd with a Fox Float RP3 air shock, while the forks are split between
150mm Marzocchis for the lower two models and Fox 36s for the higher end.
The 30 gets an almost-exclusively Shimano drivetrain, while the other three
models
get
progressively more SRAM parts as you move up the line.
We'll be bringing you more news and riding impressions on the '06 Slayer when
we get our hands on one of these babies. In the meantime, check out the new
Slayer Web site.
Stuart Kernaghan
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