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Rocky Mountain Flatline - Full Specs and Photos
by spoiledgoods
Posted: Aug 19, 2009
The New 2010 Rocky Mountain Flatline is down to 39 lbs, reducing the weight by 7 lbs from last year. Redesigned frame geometry with a more linear rate curve, new down tube without a mud flap, new shock mount position, and a 2 lbs lower frame weight. Entry level Flatline Pro available with Boxxer Race/Vivid 4.1 suspension, and SRAM drive train. Flatline World Cup available with 40 RC2/RC4 suspension, Saint drive train and high-end components.
Read on for more info on the 2010 Flatline...
Read on for more info on the 2010 Flatline...
In 2009 we got a chance to test one of the Rocky Mountain Flatline Pro's, and were pleased with the overall build and feel of the bike, but disappointed with the weight. In 2009 The Flatline Pro tipped the scales at 46 lbs 3 ounces, which made it overweight. Rocky Mountain used the Maxxis team riders, Luke Strobel, Cameron Cole, and Sabrina Jonnier to redesign the Flatline as a race bike for 2010. Now at 39 lbs and dialed in for the race season Rocky Mountain is ready to release the 2010 Flatline Pro and 2010 Flatline World Cup.
This new design will not put an end to the previous Flatline design as it will still be available in 2010 as Rockys freeride bike, and labeled the Flatline FR. The Flatline World Cup and Pro feature a refined geometry with input from the Maxxis Rocky Team, integrated headsets, and a specific (non-adjustable) geometry. Also the head tube angle is also effected by the fork length (axle to crown) and with the Flatline's lower stack height you get more adjustment for a steeper or slacker head tube over other bikes, by simply raising or lowering the stanchions. This simple 15mm adjustment will adjust the head tube 1 degree slacker, or steeper.
Flatline World Cup - $5999 MSRP - 40.5 lbs
- Fox 40 RC2 fork with RC4 shock
- Saint Component Groupo
- Ultra low stack height from factory
- Flip flop direct mount stem with a 30" wide bar
- SDG IBeam seat and Post
- Integrated Saint axle drop outs - Maxle available
Flatline Pro - $3999 MSRP - 39 lbs
- Entry Level build kit
- RockShox Boxxer Race fork with Vivid 4.1 shock
- SRAM Component Groupo
- Ultra low stack height from factory
- SDG IBeam seat and Post
- Integrated Maxle axle drop outs - Saint available
Changes from previous Flatline
- Complete LC2R suspension design has been re designed for a better shock rates
- Removed 4 bearings from linkage area/replaced with Igus bushings.
- 2 lbs removed off of frame
- Front to Center is 2 inches shorter
- Flattened out the Rates curve for a more progressive suspension
- New rear end is lighter and features built in axle - Compatible with previous Flatline
2010 Flatline World Cup Geometry
The 2010 Flatline will be offered in two race ready packages, the Flatline Pro and the Flatline World Cup. The Pro has a SRAM build including a Boxxer Race and Vivid 4.1 rear shock. The World Cup has a Fox and Shimano build, equip with the all new DHX RC4 and the Fox 40 RC2 fork.
The Rocky Mountain Flatline launch took place in Pemberton where the trails are confined by tree's and branches, littered with rocks and rough lines, and were slightly damp. The Flatline, despite its 785mm wide bars and slightly steeper head angle felt stable when descending, and not twitchy or unpredictable at high speeds. The new Flatline is 2 inches shorter front to center than the previous frame design, so if you were not planted behind the bike when descending it felt easy to get over the bars in a uncomfortable fashion, this could have been a result of the low stack height. However when you were planted behind the bike descending the front tire tracked fine, while the suspension did all the work to keep you upright.
I got a chance to take the Flatline up into the Whistler Bike Park area for a couple laps on the jump intensive trails, and was impressed with how it rode up there. The Flatlines LC2R suspension design felt great under pre-load and landing of jumps, and still stayed plenty active when it was being piloted over extremely rugged or brake rutted sections.
The Flatline lineup for Rocky Mountain is going to be a contender on the race circuit in the 2010 race season for sure, so if your in the market for a new race bike, or just looking to try something different take a look at the all new Flatline.
Old Flatline Pro
New Flatline World Cup
This new design will not put an end to the previous Flatline design as it will still be available in 2010 as Rockys freeride bike, and labeled the Flatline FR. The Flatline World Cup and Pro feature a refined geometry with input from the Maxxis Rocky Team, integrated headsets, and a specific (non-adjustable) geometry. Also the head tube angle is also effected by the fork length (axle to crown) and with the Flatline's lower stack height you get more adjustment for a steeper or slacker head tube over other bikes, by simply raising or lowering the stanchions. This simple 15mm adjustment will adjust the head tube 1 degree slacker, or steeper.
Flatline World Cup - $5999 MSRP - 40.5 lbs
- Fox 40 RC2 fork with RC4 shock
- Saint Component Groupo
- Ultra low stack height from factory
- Flip flop direct mount stem with a 30" wide bar
- SDG IBeam seat and Post
- Integrated Saint axle drop outs - Maxle available
Flatline Pro - $3999 MSRP - 39 lbs
- Entry Level build kit
- RockShox Boxxer Race fork with Vivid 4.1 shock
- SRAM Component Groupo
- Ultra low stack height from factory
- SDG IBeam seat and Post
- Integrated Maxle axle drop outs - Saint available
Changes from previous Flatline
- Complete LC2R suspension design has been re designed for a better shock rates
- Removed 4 bearings from linkage area/replaced with Igus bushings.
- 2 lbs removed off of frame
- Front to Center is 2 inches shorter
- Flattened out the Rates curve for a more progressive suspension
- New rear end is lighter and features built in axle - Compatible with previous Flatline
Rate Curve
| Flatline | Medium Frame |
| Head tube Angle | 65 deg |
| Seat tube Angle | 74 deg |
| Chainstay Length | 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1176 mm |
| Standover | 734 mm |
| Bottom Bracket Rise | 25.4 mm |
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Price
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$5049
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$3999
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$5999
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Travel
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170-213mm
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200mm
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200mm
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Rear Shock
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Marzocchi ROCO TST-R, 170-213mm
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RockShox Vivid 4.1
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Fox RC4
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Fork
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Marzocchi 888 ATA World Cup, 200mm, Air Travel adjust, rebound, hi-lo compression
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RockShox Boxxer Race
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Fox 40 RC2
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Headset
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FSA Orbit Z1.5 / 1 1/8
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FSA Orbit Z1.5/1 1/8
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FSA orbit Extreme Pro 1.5R
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Cassette
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Shimano SLX-9 11-28T
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SRAM Pg-950-9 11-28T
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Shimano SLX-9 11-28T
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Crankarms
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Shimano Saint 170-175mm 36T
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Race Face Respond 170-175mm
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Shimano Saint 170-175mm
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Chainguide
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E13 LG1 Guide
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E13 LS1
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e13 LG1 Guide
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Bottom Bracket
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Shimano Saint
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Race Face Respond X-Type
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Shimano Saint
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Pedals
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RMB Team Flat
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RMB Low Pro Flat
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N/A
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Chain
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Shimano HG53
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SRAM PC951
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Shimano HG53
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Rear Derailleur
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Shimano Saint
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SRAM x9
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Shimano Saint
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Front Derailleur
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N/A
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N/A
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none
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Shifter Pods
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New Saint Rapid fire 9spd
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SRAM x9
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Shimano Saint Rapid Fire
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Handlebar
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Easton Havoc DH 31.8mm 20mm rise 711mm
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Easton Vice Low Rise
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Race Face Atlas FR 785mm
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Stem
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Marzocchi Integrated 31.6mm
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e13 Ali Integrated 45-55mm
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Race Face Atlas Direct Mount
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Grips
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N/A
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RMB Lock On Knurled
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RMB Lock On Knurled
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Brakes
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Shimano Saint hydraulic disc
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Avid Elixir 5
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Shimano Saint
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Wheelset
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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Hubs
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Shimano Saint disc W/12mm Thru axle
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Wheeltech Disc hubs
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Shimano Saint Disc
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Spokes
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DT Champion
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DT Swiss Champion
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DT Swiss Champion
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Rim
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Mavic EX729
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Alex FR32 Disc
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Mavic EX721
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Tires
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WTB Prowler MX 2.5 Comp FT / Dissent 2.5 Team RR A.V.
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Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR rear
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Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR rear
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Seat
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WTB Pure V Race
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SDG I Fly I Beam
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SDG I Fly I Beam
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Seatpost
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Easton Havoc 30.9mm
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SDG I Beam Micro 30.9
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SDG I Beam Micro 30.9
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Full Bike
Cockpit Setup
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Low Stack Height
1.5" Headtube
LC2R Suspension Technology
LC2R Suspension Technology
IBeam saddle
Fox 40 RC2
Fox RC4
Integrated Thru-Axle
Decal Detail
The 2010 Flatline will be offered in two race ready packages, the Flatline Pro and the Flatline World Cup. The Pro has a SRAM build including a Boxxer Race and Vivid 4.1 rear shock. The World Cup has a Fox and Shimano build, equip with the all new DHX RC4 and the Fox 40 RC2 fork.
Dropping In
Setting up
Monster trucking
The Rocky Mountain Flatline launch took place in Pemberton where the trails are confined by tree's and branches, littered with rocks and rough lines, and were slightly damp. The Flatline, despite its 785mm wide bars and slightly steeper head angle felt stable when descending, and not twitchy or unpredictable at high speeds. The new Flatline is 2 inches shorter front to center than the previous frame design, so if you were not planted behind the bike when descending it felt easy to get over the bars in a uncomfortable fashion, this could have been a result of the low stack height. However when you were planted behind the bike descending the front tire tracked fine, while the suspension did all the work to keep you upright.
I got a chance to take the Flatline up into the Whistler Bike Park area for a couple laps on the jump intensive trails, and was impressed with how it rode up there. The Flatlines LC2R suspension design felt great under pre-load and landing of jumps, and still stayed plenty active when it was being piloted over extremely rugged or brake rutted sections.
The Flatline lineup for Rocky Mountain is going to be a contender on the race circuit in the 2010 race season for sure, so if your in the market for a new race bike, or just looking to try something different take a look at the all new Flatline.
103 Comments
- + 11
hoodlum13
(Aug 19, 2009 at 17:31)
Soo nice thinking my next bike will be a rocky mountain
ohh my god, theres so many sick bike coming out 2010 i dont know what bike to choose for next season, this,the new glory, new demo.
[Reply]
Awesome spec on the WC model, saw it here in Whistler last week, not one part on it I would change - very well thought out spec. Interesting that the WC weighs more than the Pro though??
Took the words right outta my mouth!! Might be a mis-print seeing as it says "entry level parts kit" vs. the top of the line bling bling in the WC model!!
[Reply]
So I can see how the fork spec alone changes the price by 1K, and account for some of the weight. fox 40 vs race
What other components make a big difference?
What other components make a big difference?
I don't see anything too obvious besides the fork, I'm clueless to the weights of the rc4 vs vivid, saint vs elixer but I can imagine a lot of the weight maybe coming from "durable" parts throughout the bike like the handlebars, rims, spokes, brakes, cassette etc...I guess it all adds up
Sweet, they finally make a legit DH race bike
I saw Sabrina riding the new frame a long time ago at Fontana and Sea Otter, I was wondering when they would make it official
I saw Sabrina riding the new frame a long time ago at Fontana and Sea Otter, I was wondering when they would make it official
I like how all 3 of the bikes use different forks. Such as Rockshox, Marzochi, and Fox. The three main fork companies out there I would say (or most popular). Loving the new design too.
Not too long ago you used see a bike manufacturer pick a fork/suspension company and pretty much use it exclusively across their whole line. Maybe they got a good deal on the parts if they stuck with the one brand. This year especially, I see a few of the companies pick and choose. In the end that's great because hopefully they can pick the best brand/model of fork for the different bikes. Some years maybe band X makes the best DJ fork, but brand Y makes a better DH fork.
[Reply]
Wow 7lbs, that's a huge slim down. That bike looks sweet, we'll just have to see how long before those bushings start complaining under heavy usage though.
The head R&D Engineer at Rocky informed me he has been running them in his rig for the complete 2009 season now and has not had any issues. Pretty reassuring.
Does anyone know how much rear wheel travel this one gets? I know the 09 flatline didn't get much at all.
09 flatline has 8.5 inches of travel with a 9.5 x 3.0 shock. if 8.5 inches isn't considered much travel, I would love to hear about your bike.
not to be a snob but I have a V-10 and it get 10 inches so sorry to rain on your parade I thought it only got 7.75 though.
I'm not saying your rocky mountain is'nt good or anything like that...
I'm just saying my V-10 could kick it's ass lol
I'm just saying my V-10 could kick it's ass lol
The new one does look soo sick though. I want to see how it holds up after a few months of pounding. Oh! and no one ever answered my question.
How much travel dose the new one have?
How much travel dose the new one have?
the amount of travel has nothing to do with the performance of any bike.
your v10 may be better than my rocky, but i didnt drop stupid amounts of money to buy it, and its all about the amount that you push it to. look at the evil revolt...sickest bike on the market by far. guess what? 8 inches of travel.
your v10 may be better than my rocky, but i didnt drop stupid amounts of money to buy it, and its all about the amount that you push it to. look at the evil revolt...sickest bike on the market by far. guess what? 8 inches of travel.
sorry man dont get all menopausal on me I just like the back up two inches. I don't see why your getting all butt hurt about this and neg propping me. I really dont give a f*ck.
i didnt even neg prop you lol. you like 10" of travel, good for you. im not gonna piss you about that
[Reply]
the spec of the WC says RF diabolus Dh stem, the pics have a RF atlas one... either way i never new RF did direct mount stems, they look sick!
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[Reply]
the new flatline is actually really beautiful but for everyone complaining about the weight the fox 40's are heavier than the race's and iv not worked it out but im pretty sure the wheelset will be heavier and the headtube on the world cup is 1.5 rather than 1 1/8 meaning that will be heavier and also surely everyone knows that saint is quite a heavy group kit even though its the best!
Would it be possible to get this as frame only because I love everything about it but if I got a new bike it would probably just be the frame. How much would that be? Every comment on here is positive this bike is obviously pretty dialled.
Looks great. I might be in the minority but Im glad they are keeping the Flatline "FR" I like that one alot too. I have ridden Rocky Mountain's since 2000 and would never buy anything else, thanks for keeping it real RM!!
Visually I prefer the "old" design, much cleaner and dynamic/futuristic lines on the frame. And it seems to have a lower center of gravity though . But if the new one is lighter and works better...
Am I the only one who noticed that the crankarms on the pro version are Race Face Respond? Am I the only one who has never heard of these cranks before, or does this mean we can look forward to ANOTHER new crank release from Race Face in the near future?
They are not the only cie to make that choice, look at the 2010 Demo. Brilliant components choice IMO.
Lets be realistic ... that bike (like MOST) will be 42 lbs once you put some real tires (DH 2-ply) on it. Still an improvement in weight for sure, but I wouldn't get too hung up on the 7 lbs thing .. it just didn't "magically" disappear all from the frame (only 2 lbs did). Very nice though ... high five!!
I prefer the 2009 one...He have a good designs and the frame have a special shape makes it unique...2010 one is nice for sure but he don't have the little spacial touch the 2009 had.
I agree 100% I like the old one. As much as the new rig looks like a better race bike, I dont race and I like the character the 2009 has.
Yea exactly! To gustowind : I don't say it's crap I only say I prefer the 2009 one for the frame shape but for sure the 2010 looks better for racing.
personal preference i guess...seeing as i'm a racer, i think the new one looks wayyyyyyyyyyy better.
I like them both just as much. I think the 09 one like mine has alot more style but the 010 one is perfect for racing
[Reply]
i dont like how they raised the angle up on the rear shock. i like last years style, low in the frame for a lower center of gravity.
Since they removed the bow in the down tube and also shortened the front to center distance by 2 inches, looks like they also needed to mount that shock higher up just to fit it in. Is it still the same eye to eye? It almost looks longer.
HOLY SHIT!!! 7 pounds!?!?!?! thats crazy. it just shows that when u slap higher end parts on a bike, u get a much lower weight. and i'm glad rocky mountain is making a version w/ saint and a 40.
Thank god they left out the stupid hydro form alien downtube. I had no idea why so many manufacturer were (and some still are caught norco caught)crazy about those.
Screw organic forms. This new one looks so much better!
Screw organic forms. This new one looks so much better!
so i take it the brake jack issue has been worked out? or has greatly improved compared to the 09 line up?
Sammo,
I cannot answer your question directly, however, I do know Rocky is currently working on a floating brake setup for the Flatline.
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3863386/
I cannot answer your question directly, however, I do know Rocky is currently working on a floating brake setup for the Flatline.
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3863386/
very slick looking! id say thats a step in the right direction (with out having to redo the ego of the bike)
a huge part of the weight loss was probably switching from wtb to maxxis.
serious when i took the prowlers off and replaced them with the maxxis advantage on my slayer, it lost 3/4 of a pound.
serious when i took the prowlers off and replaced them with the maxxis advantage on my slayer, it lost 3/4 of a pound.
[Reply]
I dont see any flat bars on these flatline. Thay are low rise bar and it's totally usefull for DH racing. No one longer runs 50mm rise bars on a dh race bike. I i think it looks much bette that way.
sooo much nicer than last year. the new frame and specs are great. the old flat line frame looked like it was already broken... looks great this year though
[Reply]
[Reply]
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So the new Flatline Pro is infinately better (lighter, improved geo, better components) and more than $1000 cheaper! I sure am glad I didn't get a '09 Flatline Pro! And it's shorter so it will be better on the north shore.
Help me out here -
The orig. Flatlines were longer and lower than the RMX - which made them better for hauling ass down a mountain.
But the new 2010 Flatlines now have a tad shorter wheelbase? Are they a bit taller, too? This would make me think they'll handle more like the orig. RMXs?
Any commentary appreciated as I'm on the fence over which model to get...an '09 FL Pro or 2010 Pro (I realize the specs aren't apple to apple)...
The orig. Flatlines were longer and lower than the RMX - which made them better for hauling ass down a mountain.
But the new 2010 Flatlines now have a tad shorter wheelbase? Are they a bit taller, too? This would make me think they'll handle more like the orig. RMXs?
Any commentary appreciated as I'm on the fence over which model to get...an '09 FL Pro or 2010 Pro (I realize the specs aren't apple to apple)...
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