Freeride isn’t dead! Rocky Mountain Slayer Review

Рет қаралды 29,587

Жыл бұрын

#mtb #mtblife
Come along for a run down on my experience reviewing the Rocky Mountain Slayer, the long standing Freeride machine, with chameleon like adjustability that allows use of 27.5" or 29" wheels and a range of travel options from 170 to 200mm of travel. A departure from your typical "enduro" range of travel, the Slayer checks off tons of boxes when it comes to what gets me really stoked to ride.
Huge thanks to my channel supporter N+1 Bikes for helping to make videos like this one possible. Right now they are running 25% off ALL Rocky Mountain bikes using code ROCKYSENDY25 at checkout from now until the end of February 2023. Also get 30% off on ALL sram parts using code SRAM30 at checkout and 15% off on everything else in-stock (SEMISENDY15) with free shipping and friendly service. You can also give them a call to order by phone, and you can find both the website and phone number below:
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Пікірлер: 93

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Hey everyone, after sending this bike back to N+1, I realized my footage for the climbing portion of the review was unusable so I wanted to address it here. In short, the Slayer's climbing platform was better than expected. For as plush as the suspension is off the top, there's pretty minimal pedal bob. While it's not the most efficient climber out there, it's actually still quite respectable. I was able to clean some steep climbs with tight switchbacks without fuss, and there's no question this bike will get you up the mountain without draining the tank. I'm not reaching this bike for long all day epics in the mountains, but if the focus is on the descents and I'm taking my time getting to the top, the Slayer is more than satisfactory. Also, I want to address some geometry discrepancies I found on Rocky Mountains website. The main webpage list a reach of 467mm for the size large, however the ride 4 .pdf list it as 475mm. 475mm is my personal sweet spot, and after riding the bike I'm more inclined to believe that is the more accurate number between the two. The HTA is listed at 64.5*, the Rear Center at 442mm, and the wheelbase at 1247mm. All of which also feel much more accurate to my experience on this bike. At the end of the day, numbers on paper only convey so much, and the ride impressions will always be what is most important. I hope this review is helpful in your search, and thanks again for watching!

@michaellee8226 Жыл бұрын

those numbers differ due to a difference in fork travels between different years. older slayers had a 170 fork while yours had a 180, which makes it short plus the headset lower pushing a lot of stack which rocky used due to parts shortages actually makes the reach pretty short. overall with rockys the geometry can pretty much be anything because of ride 4/9 and many other adjustment options they have, BUT in your case its the shorter

@kevinherndon6963 Жыл бұрын

I'm really partial to Rocky bikes. You don't hear much about them, but they are everywhere on the local trails.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

They really are great bikes. I spent a day riding the Altitude at Windrock a couple weeks back and really enjoyed it as well. I hope to get more of their line-up in for review in the future.

@andresbElSerBiologico Жыл бұрын

Old school solid. Rmx2. Switch.

@mosaclipz6549 Жыл бұрын

You hear a lot about them in the hometown but not in the states I’d assume

@topspot4834 Жыл бұрын

I'm out in PA and mostly ride DH/bike parks. Obviously a lotta Trek and Specialized, but I notice more and more YT and Transitions, and especially at Thunder and Killington, I see a lotta RMs. I never really considered one though cause they don't have the greatest warranty. If it were better I'd consider, but there's just too many brands (like Santa Cruz) that do!

@mjor6406 Жыл бұрын

They are popular in Canada.

@brighamyates Жыл бұрын

Subscribed. The quality of these videos is what got me. :) Well done sir.

@Phlizz Жыл бұрын

Great review! I’m glad I found this channel! It’s one of my favorite for full sus reviews. Very relatable and great attention to the details that make a difference in real world riding 👍👍👍

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Stoked you like it! Welcome aboard 🤘

@brianshea4906 Жыл бұрын

Best review of the slayer I’ve seen…really captured exactly how I felt on the bike and translated that feeling into words better than I ever could lol! Well fone

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Glad you appreciated my take on it! It’s a stellar bike. 🤘

@johnathanstuckey531 Жыл бұрын

Nooo!!! I was enjoying the Slayer review then you introduced the Nukeproof and got so excited only to notice there was no time left in the video. Really excited to see the results. I have a ripmo af and a mojo 4 from N1. I ride the mojo most now and looking for more separation between my two bikes. I’m between the mega, giga, and a revel rail.

@brukkakefriedshrimp Жыл бұрын

Been riding a second hand Slayer that I built up with my own bits and it's quickly become my favorite bike ever. Love it!

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Right on!

@garyharmon5386 Жыл бұрын

Great video Great review. Like the Handup Gloves jersey

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Gary!

@garyharmon5386 Жыл бұрын

You are welcome

@kk4402 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. What bike rack holding all your bikes in the garage??

@adamzow7296 Жыл бұрын

The video quality keeps getting better and better keep it up

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Adam!

@calebwonhas8880 Жыл бұрын

Nice video! Are the majority of these riding clips in the Chattanooga area?

@zacdelwiche6710 Жыл бұрын

Great Review! I enjoy your channel for the solid objective reviews. One thought or request: on the ride portion of your video it would have been nice to have a friend follow you on the bike for a bit, maybe have a rearward projection from your friend in front to see you riding the slayer and a video from the vantage point of the frame of the slayer to better see the riding behavior/characteristics/physics of the bike. I have an RM Altitude alloy 50 with much of the same components - love the bike! Thanks again and keep up the great work! - ZD

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Thank you, ZD! Do, half or more of the footage in this video is follow cam of me. I did worry about whether or not that would be obvious or not though. I probably need to put some text on screen to point that out. Some rear facing cam would be sweet too! I usually try and get 3rd person shots as well, but didn’t manage it in this one unfortunately. Thanks again for the ideas and feedback!

@topchoice1621 Жыл бұрын

@@SemiSendy are you wearing a hair piece?

@tekjim Жыл бұрын

I have the 2019 generation slayer with the 2020 dhx2 that has a c clip spring collar. Even with the collar removed, the spring still does not slide past the shock hardware.

@luclallement7241 Жыл бұрын

So stoked for the Nukeproof review! I'm thinking of transitioning to that from the Ripmo V2. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it, and I would love to hear a comparison in the video.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Coming soon! Plan is to head to Windrock with it this Sunday and Monday to start getting familiar with it. Hope to have it wrapped up in 3-4 weeks. I’ll draw comparisons, but please feel free to drop me a comment with any questions after you see it. 🤘

@papabearmtb Жыл бұрын

lovely! ive been looking for a new bike this help the thinking process

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@papabearmtb Жыл бұрын

@@SemiSendy trying to prop up a review channel aswell for the Israeli audiance with little repair tips aswell

@mrvwbug4423 Жыл бұрын

Definitely interested to see the Nukeproof review. I also like how you mention the progression curve on the back end, a lot of reviewers (usually smaller riders) don't really bring it up, but for those of use north of 200lbs and that like to get sendy, a too linear back end *cough*Ripmo*cough* can be pretty harsh on big hits.

@sufyanm4661 Жыл бұрын

seriously. most of my favourite reviewers are in the us/canada and even though i love my 2021 Nukeproof mega, its always nice to see how it compares to other bikes in the category

@christiandruan Жыл бұрын

I'm a 230lbs rider on a Ripmo v2. If you want more progression check out the Cascade Link for the Ripmo. It adds progression to the bike and made it way more enjoyable of a bike for me! Especially when I paired it with a coil! It also felt better with the air shock. Didn't notice any drawbacks either. Can't recommend it enough!

@MichaelDouglas-xw6nj Жыл бұрын

FYI you can't take off the coil on super deluxe either with the required shock mounts, the has what you describe as the c mount, but the spring doesn't make it past the mounts.

@Cookboy3857 Жыл бұрын

Nice bike Lodi

@jerryspeedbumps512 Жыл бұрын

For a long time I wanted to jump on a rocky. Ibis still sat up top but I eyeballed the element all the time when my riding was more xc.

@justgo4033 Жыл бұрын

When i compare RMB to other companies they definitely put more value in their bikes . That is when you compare them to shop brands . Awesome video .

@jg2wheels Жыл бұрын

Rocky makes some solid bikes that are super versatile. I'm still riding an outdated 2019 Instinct, but because of the many possible configurations between geometry, suspension travel, and wheel size it's still fun to play with and experiment.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

It’s really fun to experiment! Also a great way to learn just how some changes truly affect handling.

@eliasdanieli5461 Жыл бұрын

Funny how 2019 is outdated

@323johnnybravo Жыл бұрын

I feel like 2020 is when bikes really started to settle on GEO.

@eliasdanieli5461 Жыл бұрын

@@323johnnybravo pretty much accurate

@MrSEANDEERE Жыл бұрын

I recently got my hands on 2022 Slayer A30. It was a crazy good deal and ever since I rented one at my local bike park, I always wanted one. It's such a capable hard hitter and quite versatile too. I do both Enduro and park. Here in The province of Quebec we have alot of smaller hills with punchy short climbs but epic knarly decents so the Slayer is perfect for this. I bought the Slayer with the Intentions of swapping a good amount of parts on it, keeping it a simple reliable line devouring trail tornado. It's stable, fast, tough, nimble and it actually looks really cool. I have since swapped my fork, my wheels, breaks and dropper post for personnal presence. I love my Slayer and it's gonna be with me until I'm sending up there with Stevie Smith...and even at that I'll be riding it into the clouds. Long Live the Slayer!

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Long live! Slay it hard, my friend 🤘

@thecount1001 Жыл бұрын

i've got a 2020 slayer 29, Lyric 170, carbon, with custom cockpit and wheelset. silver Anvl stem like you've got (at least that's what it looks like) and it's a killer bike. i don't love the name as it implies it's some kind of pure freeride bike. it's not. at least half the time i use it as a general trail bike and it's totally fine in that usage, and climbs better than the previous 5 mtb's i've owned. it descends with poise and balance and coil shock is the bomb IMO (i have the Sprindex spring). ride 4 is fantastic and i've never even used the lowest setting as i don't ride park which is all i could see it being good for. this bike is an underrated sleeper and i believe it would fare well against any current enduro race bike in any shootout in 2023. cockpit setup, fork (mine is the stock Lyrik 170) and tires can tweak this bike to be either a long travel trail bike good for all day rides, or a park bike. very wide sweet spot depending on the setup.

@benwithrow5044 Жыл бұрын

Nice video, as always. Have you ever ridden a Yeti SB165 (165/180mm with 27.5 wheels)? Or, something like it with 27.5s? I've been curious about that bike ever since I got my SB140 27.5. The smaller wheels are more fun and easier to turn than my 29er on most terrain, and I was curious what the longer travel, slacker, 27.5 bike would be like for park/rougher terrain days when fun is prioritized over higher speed stability as you alluded to in the video.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

I’ve not ridden the sb165, but I did spend a full day on the full 27.5 Nomad at the park this past fall. I’ve also ridden several mullet set-ups lately. Interestingly, it seems like I’ve gotten so use to 29” wheels, going back to full 27.5” no longer feels that much more agile to me anymore. I still enjoy the smaller wheels, however I did have a couple sketchy moments when I ventured into the really chunky choppy stuff. Hung the front wheel twice on lines the 29” front wheel handles just fine. I’m sure a few more days back on it would d adapt back to knowing when to pick a slightly different line, but it was a little surprising there was enough difference that those lines just didn’t work. Love cornering on the smaller wheels, but it’s not a drastic enough change for me to warrant a full 27.5” set up for my riding style.

@mrvwbug4423 Жыл бұрын

Surprised it isn't actually much longer than the Altitude, which is considered small for an enduro bike. The Altitude is my personal favorite bike, it can be thrown around like a Ripmo but takes big hits like a proper big bike, the same can't be said for the Ripmo unless you're under 150lbs. I remember on my demo ride of the Altitude going down a very fast tech trail that I've ridden a few times on my Ripmo and hitting drops where I would be bracing for a harsh landing on the Ripmo the Altitude barely noticed.

@ukaszmigda7225 Жыл бұрын

If you want to have a nice 170 to 180mm bike you should look for propain spindrift. Its a very good climber but its monstertruck bikepark laps too

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

I’ve not been able to review one at length, but I have hopped on one briefly and really enjoyed it.

@beege4481 Жыл бұрын

Bought the 2022 slayer C70 for half the price bnew. I have yet to put up a video riding it.

@Alan-75 Жыл бұрын

Propain spin drift or nukeproof giga if you want a park bike.

@mikethomasmcm Жыл бұрын

Thanks for pointing out the issue with the Fox shock, what a bummer they in that direction. Not consumer friendly at all.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

It’s a drag! I’m really curious to hear why though.

@michaelmann3636 Жыл бұрын

What was the ride and length of the bars ❓

@AnimalGorgon 9 ай бұрын

So I guess there's no reviews on the slayer a30 prak SRAM

@frits8986 Жыл бұрын

A lil more cushin for the pushin 5:54

@Shukkone Жыл бұрын

I own one of those in the 50 variant, all it needed was to change the slx shifter to an XT and i've never had a bike that fit my preferences this much. So much so that I kinda stopped looking at new bikes...and I'm someone who likes to create needs for himself. However it doesnt help my terrible cardio in the uphills it pedals kinda meh.

@trailpimp6369 Жыл бұрын

Pretty sick man. 170 29 is what I am on. I would rock this bike.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

This thing would rip out your way!

@trailpimp6369 Жыл бұрын

@@SemiSendy yeah it would be great for Northstar and out local DH trails

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

@@trailpimp6369 exactly what I was thinking!

@trailpimp6369 Жыл бұрын

@@SemiSendy 🔥

@S3TH3 Жыл бұрын

Look like a great rig! I’m also in the Chattanooga area. Would you ever consider doing a group ride at Raccoon or White Oak?

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Possibly! It’s been in my plans for a bit, but I’ve been planning on doing it at Walden’s once we get it open. My limited free time has been heavily tied up with doing trail work there, and a all day group tour/ride up there is what I want to do in celebration of reaching the finish line and getting it open!

@S3TH3 Жыл бұрын

@@SemiSendy That would be awesome. Really excited to see what Waldens has to offer. Any upcoming dig days coming up there?

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

@@S3TH3 no dates set yet, but there will be more before the park opens. SORBA puts out emails with the dates and sign up to their members as they get scheduled, so keep your eyes peeled there.

@cubrTM Жыл бұрын

was this your first time to Jarrods Place?

@joncalhoun Жыл бұрын

Where are you riding in most of these ride shots? Jarod's Place? Edit: Some of this looks like Windrock, and other parts remind me of Jarod's Place, but I haven't ridden either yet so sorry if I'm way off.

@LDiazMTB Жыл бұрын

I swear to god I pray to live a life where I get to test all these bikes

@ttengineer404 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see you're riding Jarrods Place. It has potential to be absolutely the best park in the South east. I just wish it was more progressive.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

It’s definitely a nice little spot. Pretty close to my house as well, so I get over there pretty often. I’d be really nice if there was an easier access to the top trails. I’d like to do a lot more laps on trails like local pro, but the climb up to it is definitely considerable when you’re at a shuttle park. Regardless, I’m impressed with how much work they’re putting into the place on a regular basis. I have a feeling it’s really going to grow in morph over the next couple of years.

@christophereles1803 Жыл бұрын

What is the link to purchase a bike and code of the discount

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Codes and link are in the video description 🙂

@christophereles1803 Жыл бұрын

Please tell me or provide me a link

@aaronstariha6841 Жыл бұрын

I rode a rocky mountain altitude for years, there are a tonne of them on the trails. Good bikes but I can tell the slayer would be too much for me

@ZippidyMTB Жыл бұрын

Dead-on, my Slayer is the perfect Funduro bike, not a racing machine. You should try out the 170 WAO Arrival as well.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

Fun-duro is definitely a good way to put it. I’d love to get my hands on the arrival. Definitely not an easy one to get in for a review but hopefully it’ll happen one day. I’m a big fan of their rims.

@MrSEANDEERE Жыл бұрын

Fun-duro.....that's going into my dictionary....cause that's exaclty what I think of this bike, it's not a racing machine but It's made to have a boat load of fun!

@LastAphelion Жыл бұрын

WAO, Forbidden, and Deviate have some of the sickest bikes I would love to be able to try (much less afford) but am never gonna see around here because of rarity. Would love to see more content on them

@ZippidyMTB Жыл бұрын

@@SemiSendy Have the 170mm link on my Arrival, outstanding bike but needs a coil at either travel length. Precision not plow.

@The-Jokes-on-You Жыл бұрын

Great looking bike, but over $7000 is absurd! I've seen KX450's for $7400 new. The bicycle industry has lost its mind

@Alan-75 Жыл бұрын

Yeh industries gone carbon and 29 mad which is one reason everythings shot up in price. Personally I'll stick with alloy and 27.5. no carbon/ 29 or mullet for me

@323johnnybravo Жыл бұрын

Bikes are just sitting at shops so don’t worry , prices will fall soon.

@LastAphelion Жыл бұрын

Shouldn't be shocked at the top model price (this is one of the more reasonable ones, SPECIALLY for an XT), you should however be shocked about many brands starting and mid prices... so many with something like NX but they or the model just above it start at $5-7 with the top models going past $11k

@mulullama Жыл бұрын

Latest.... but not for long!

@lossantoscity3249 Жыл бұрын

Let me Some it up in a few Words. Downhill Bike with less Travel.

@SemiSendy Жыл бұрын

You think? Definitely not what I thought at all. To each their own though. 🤘

@patrickwoods2165 Жыл бұрын

@@SemiSendy I tried a Slayer a few years ago, and decided it wouldn't work as my every-day rider, as I pedal long days pretty often. But I imagine RM has made some geo/kinematics tweaks to the Slayer since then. I ride a 2021 Instinct-turned-Altitude, and I'm amazed how well it does the climbing and descending. Summed up: trail bike with more travel.

@CoCoNuT-dq7ez Жыл бұрын

not exactly sure about R.M the spec per dollar at the lower tiers is pretty garbage

@HelplmAlive Жыл бұрын

Rocky makes nice bikes, but their costs no longer justify the specs of the bikes. They are trying to market themselves like Yeti, Santa Cruz or Specialized.