When does a favorite bike evolve so far that it stops fitting the rider who loved it most?
That’s the question I found myself asking aboard the radically redesigned 2024 Rocky Mountain Altitude C90. In this deep-dive review, I’ll break down how this Canadian-born enduro machine has changed – from geometry to suspension layout – and whether it still holds the magic that made the previous generation one of my all-time favorites.
If you’d like to take a trip back in time, you can read all about my impressions of the Rocky Mountain Altitude all the way back in January 2021 over here.
Editor’s Note:
These articles are adapted by Savannah from Jeff Kendall-Weed’s YouTube videos for riders who prefer reading over watching. They’re written in Jeff’s first-person voice to stay true to the style and storytelling of the original content.
From Horst to Heft: What’s New for 2024?
Rocky Mountain has officially retired its long-standing Horst link suspension design in favor of a counter-rotating dual link platform. It’s not a Santa Cruz VPP clone, but a fresh take on a virtual pivot system tuned for aggressive trail riding.
The new chassis isn’t just a facelift. This version of the Altitude brings:
A slacker head angle (63.5°)
Longer reach and chainstays
A stiffer and more centralized rear triangle
Ride-4 geometry flip chip
Reach-adjustable headset cups
Integrated in-frame storage
Stock CushCore tire inserts
While it retains 170mm front / 160mm rear travel, the feel of the bike has evolved. This isn’t just an enduro bike – it’s a big mountain brawler, tuned for tech and speed.
| Feature | 2020 Altitude C90 (Medium) | 2024 Altitude C90 (Medium) |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension Platform | Horst Link | Dual Link / Virtual Pivot |
| Front Travel | 170mm | 170mm |
| Rear Travel | 160mm | 160mm |
| Head Tube Angle | 65° | 63.5° |
| Seat Tube Angle (Effective) | 76° | 77.4° |
| Reach | 452mm | 455mm (adjustable) |
| Chainstay Length | 437mm | 440mm |
| Wheelbase | ~1225mm | 1260mm+ |
| In-Frame Storage | No | Yes |
| Suspension Tuning System | Ride-9 | Ride-4 |
| Rear Derailleur Hanger | Standard | Custom + UDH Compatible |
| Tire Inserts | Not included | CushCore (Front + Rear) |
Ride Impressions: Still Playful, or Full Send Only?
First Ride Feel
From the first drop-in on Vancouver’s North Shore, the new Altitude felt composed and capable – but undeniably more serious. Where the old model struck a balance between poppy playfulness and planted stability, the 2024 version leans heavily toward confidence-inspiring composure. It’s not a bike that feels alive under you right away; it asks for speed, commitment, and input before it starts showing its personality.
That said, the axle path and suspension tuning provide noticeably better forgiveness through rock gardens and rough sections. Rocky’s new platform feels like it irons out square edges just a touch more smoothly.
Geometry Notes
The 63.5° head angle is no joke. It absolutely rails when pointed downhill, but you’ll work a bit harder to stay light and active on flatter terrain. Fortunately, the Ride-4 chip system and adjustable headset cups give you options. Want quicker handling? Try the steeper geo setting and shorter reach- which is what I eventually did.
The fixed 440mm chainstay keeps things neutral, though I personally preferred the more manual-friendly 437mm of the 2020 model. Bunnyhops are still in the game – just a little more deliberate now.
Pedaling Performance
I’ll be honest: I don’t obsess over anti-squat curves. If a bike lets me dad-pace up a climb and hammer when I want, it’s fine by me. The new Altitude passes that test.
The new linkage adds stiffness and responsiveness, but doesn’t drastically shift the pedaling feel compared to the previous version – especially once sag is set correctly.
Suspension & Setup Details
Fox Float X2 Performance Elite tuned to 25% sag out of the box
No need to yank volume reducers immediately (unlike with the 2020 model)
Bottom-out resistance is solid but not harsh
Balanced center-of-mass due to low linkage/shock placement
I eventually went to the least progressive and least slack Ride 4 position to have the bike feel a bit more lively. This is very easy to do!
Tires, Inserts & Real-World Weight
Let’s talk weight. While CushCore is a great stock inclusion for gravity-focused riders, I swapped in my lighter personal wheelset without inserts. I saved ~300g per wheel, which gave the bike a much snappier feel underfoot.
I actually went back to CushCore over the summer, as I found myself smashing down the Whistler Bike Park on several occasions.
The new Altitude is absolutely at home in the park, and CushCore helps with the final bit of small bump compliance.
Small Issues & Thoughtful Touches
Loose bolts reappeared during the first week – same as the old Altitude. But once torqued, they stayed tight. The main pivot needs a special tool to tighten, but later deliveries of these bikes had a better loctite applied, and folks have not reported this issue. Mine has indeed stayed tight too.
UDH compatibility is a win if you travel or break things. Tho only in long mode!
Frame storage is there, though I’m not a convert.
Chainguide, bashguard, spare downtube guards – yes, yes, and yes.
Final Thoughts: Who Is the 2024 Altitude For?
This bike isn’t pretending to be light, fast, or overly versatile. It’s a big bike, designed for riders who prioritize descending performance and high-speed confidence on technical terrain.
But here’s the thing – it’s not as radical as some modern enduro rigs. There’s still room for personal tuning, and for riders who remember what the 2020 Altitude felt like, the DNA isn’t lost. It’s just more armored-up, more refined, and ready to hit lines you maybe wouldn’t have considered before.
In Summary…
Pros:
Plush yet efficient suspension
Slacker geo boosts descending confidence
Frame details = dialed
Ride-4 + adjustable reach = tunable personality
Cons:
Less playful than its predecessor
Hefty with stock wheel/tire setup
Slack HTA makes flat trail play more effortful
To Conclude…
For now, I’ll say this:
Rocky didn’t just update the Altitude – they evolved it. And if you’re chasing gravity-fed flow lines with a modern platform that’s customizable and confidence-inspiring, the new Altitude should absolutely be on your radar.
Have you ridden the new Altitude yet?
Drop your thoughts or questions below – and subscribe to stay updated on the full Ride-4 tuning breakdown coming soon.
Peace & Wheelies!
🚴 Jeff
Big thanks to Jenson USA for helping make this whole project happen. Your purchases through their links directly support the channel, and I truly appreciate it.
Want more ride impressions, gear breakdowns, and perhaps a few questionable line choices? Subscribe to the blog, the YouTube channel, and drop a comment when you feel inspired to shred.
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Huge shoutout to Endura for keeping me looking (and feeling) way cooler than a real-life power ranger. Some of my favorite riding kits are linked here.
And props to LMNT for keeping me hydrated — even after long days of “just one more run.” You can snag a free sample pack with your first order right here.
… But Wait!
Can’t get enough of the Rocky Mountain Altitude? (… Me Neither 
Here are a couple more videos that feature one of my favorite bikes.
First, let’s take a time machine back four years ago, to the beginning of 2021 when I was head over heels for the Altitude 29” C90 Rally Edition!
And then let’s take a trip to the east side of Washington, to see how the Rocky Mountain Altitude compares to the Pivot Firebird. Thanks to Savannah for capturing the fun snap of me launching a jump over Logan!
Big enduro energy? I’d say so.
So… is this the kind of bike that could become your all-time favorite? Or just another good one in the ever-growing quiver?
