Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 Review
- Price: $1,599
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 26″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1 x 10
What we like about it: It features a robust and durable frame with excellent geometry, ensuring a stable ride.
What we don’t like about it: The mechanical disc brakes may experience a performance decline after prolonged use.
Rating: (4.7/5)
The Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 boasts a reliable and durable frame and components, with excellent geometry that enhances stability during downhill rides. With ample tire space and substantial clearance, this fat tire bike handles various terrains with ease.
Below, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with a few other top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Upon receiving the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10, my initial impression was that it was rugged. The wide tires seem capable of conquering any rough road.
So, I took the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 out on a nearby winding trail. The path consisted of soft, muddy terrain, along with some uphill and downhill sections—an ideal route to test its capabilities.
Climbing
I found the performance of the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 during uphill climbs to be quite satisfactory. It handles varying degrees of incline demand effectively.
On the trail’s uphill sections, the bike’s rigid aluminum alloy frame offered excellent support. Its integrated design ensured that each pedal stroke was efficient, maintaining a consistent power transfer. The overall uphill ride was reasonably fast. However, the slack head tube angle added some difficulty to steering during climbs, making it less stable.
Additionally, the Shimano drivetrain with a 1×10-speed setup allowed me to switch to a larger freewheel on steeper inclines, conserving energy.
Descending
The true highlight of the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 is its performance during downhill rides. The relaxed geometry provides a stable riding posture, instilling great confidence for descending.
When it comes to slowing down, the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 features SRAM BB5 mechanical disc brake components with front and rear 180mm rotors, delivering reliable braking power. However, the mechanical disc brakes lack the light touch of hydraulic disc brakes.
Navigating corners was facilitated by the maneuverability of the 26-inch tires, offering reliable traction due to their high-quality build. Yet, the slack geometry and head tube angle made cornering a bit sluggish.
In summary, the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 is a fundamental fat tire bike that can easily meet the demands of cyclists.
Specifications
The Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 features a sturdy aluminum alloy frame and fork, available in four sizes. It’s suitable for riders with heights ranging from 5’2″ to 6’6″, offering broad versatility and catering to almost everyone’s preferences.
The internal cable routing enhances the bike’s clean and tidy appearance, while also simplifying daily cleaning. Multiple mounting points increase the carrying capacity, making it suitable for long-distance rides.
The Shimano Deore drivetrain boasts a 1×10-speed setup, delivering smooth, responsive, and precise shifting. Its reliable quality can be trusted.
The SRAM BB5 mechanical disc brakes provide reliable braking performance, effectively meeting the braking needs of riders.
Video
Other Versions
The Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 features an aluminum alloy frame that combines durability with a lightweight design. It utilizes high-quality and reliable components. However, this bike also comes in other versions.
Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 20
Both of these fat tire bikes share the same aluminum alloy frame. However, the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 20 offers further enhancements in the drivetrain and braking components.
With a 1×12-speed drivetrain, the available gears are more versatile. The braking system also features the stronger Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc brakes.
What do we like about it?
- Modern geometry and slack head tube angle for enhanced stability during downhill rides.
- Abundance of bottle cages and triple-bolt mounts on the frame and fork, increasing carrying capacity.
- Clean appearance due to internal cable routing, simplifying daily cleaning.
- Large-knobbed fat tires with excellent traction and reduced puncture risk.
- Shimano Deore drivetrain for smooth, precise, and efficient shifting.
- Sufficient tire clearance, unlocking the bike’s potential.
What don’t we like about it?
- Mechanical disc brakes may experience a performance decline after prolonged use.
FAQ
- Is this bike any good?
Rocky Mountain Bikes produces high-quality mountain bikes that can even handle the roughest terrains.
- What are the wheel sizes of this bike?
Wide rims and massive 26 x 4.6 tires (with room for additional clearance) ensure confidence in rolling and versatility.
- How do I choose the right size?
We’ve provided a sizing chart for you. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to strictly follow it. The best way to find the right size is to try it out for yourself.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | S |
| 5’5″ – 5’10” | M |
| 5’8″ – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’6″ | XL |
Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 Specs
Build
| Frame | Rocky Mountain 6061 SL Series Alloy. 100mm BSA BB. Zero Stack Tapered Headtube. Internal Cable Routing. Dropper Post Compatible. 197mm DropoutsBB Standard: BSA, 100mm, ThreadedColor: Blue / Yellow |
| Fork | Rocky Mountain Fat Al |
| Bottom Bracket | Rocky Mountain Sealed 24mm |
| Headset | FSA Orbit NO.57B | Retainer Bearings | 30.2mm x 41mm x 7.1mm Upper | 40mm x 51.8mm x 7.5mm Lower | 1.5″ Crown Race |
| Stem | Rocky Mountain 31.8 AM | 7° Rise | All Sizes = 40m |
| Handlebar | Rocky Mountain XC | 760mm Width | 25mm Rise | 9° Backsweep | 5° Upsweep | 31.8 Clamp |
| Saddle | Rocky Mountain 148 Steel |
| Seatpost | Rocky Mountain 30.9mm |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On Light |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore 10spd |
| Crank | Rocky Mountain Microdrive 2PC | 26T | SRAM Direct Mount | 24mm Spindle | Crank Length: SM-MD = 170-mm | LG – XL = 175mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore 10spd |
| Cassette | Sunrace CSMS2 11-46T |
| Chain | KMC X10-1 |
| Brakes | SRAM BB5 | Organic Pad | F: SRAM G2 CleanSweep 180mm | R: SRAM G2 CleanSweep 180mm |
Wheels
| Rims | Sun Mulefüt 80 | 32H | Mulfute SL Nylon Rim Strip |
| Spokes | 2.0 Stainless |
| Front Hub | Rocky Mountain Sealed 150 x 15mm |
| Rear Hub | SUNringlé SRC 197mm |
| Tires | F: Terrene Cake Eater Fast Rolling Tubeless Studdable 26 x 4.6 | R: Terrene Cake Eater Fast Rolling Tubeless Studdable 26 x 4.6 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Trek Farley 5 | Click View | 27.5″ Aluminum | Aluminum | SRAM Level | 1 × 10 |
| Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 | Click View | 26″ Aluminum | Aluminum | SRAM Level | 1 × 11 |
| Giant Yukon 2 | Click View | 27.5″ Aluminum | Aluminum | SRAM Level | 1 × 12 |
Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 vs. Trek Farley 5
Both of these bikes utilize aluminum alloy frames. However, the latter benefits from a carbon fiber front fork that absorbs some of the road vibrations, enhancing the overall comfort of the ride.
Moving on, the former’s 26-inch wheelset provides greater maneuverability while riding. On the other hand, the latter’s 27.5-inch wheelset offers improved terrain traversal and enhanced riding stability.
Furthermore, although both bikes feature a 1×10 drivetrain, the former’s Shimano components are more reliable and of higher quality.
Lastly, in terms of braking, the hydraulic disc brakes on the latter offer superior performance compared to the mechanical disc brakes on the former. However, the latter comes with a significantly higher price tag, making the former a more recommended choice.
Learn More: Is Trek Farley 5 Worth Buying? [2022 Trek Farley 5 Review]
Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 vs. Salsa Mukluk Deore 11
They both feature aluminum alloy frames and forks, ensuring frame durability and reduced weight. Additionally, both bikes have 26-inch wheelsets, providing flexibility during rides.
In terms of drivetrains, both utilize Shimano components. However, the latter offers a more versatile range of speeds, enhancing the overall riding experience.
As for braking systems, both utilize disc brakes. Yet, the hydraulic disc brakes on the latter provide more reliable braking performance over extended use compared to the mechanical disc brakes on the former.
Ultimately, both of these fat tire bikes are excellent choices. I would consider the components on the latter to be superior, making it a viable option for riders with a more flexible budget.
Learn More: Is Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 A Good Bike? [2023 Salsa Mukluk Deore 11 Review]
Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy 10 vs. Giant Yukon 2
Both of these bikes feature aluminum alloy frames. However, the latter benefits from a carbon fiber front fork, which not only reduces weight but also absorbs vibrations during rides, enhancing comfort and overall riding experience.
The former comes equipped with a 26-inch wheelset, providing agile and responsive handling. On the other hand, the latter utilizes a 27.5-inch wheelset, which improves terrain adaptability and increases speed.
In terms of drivetrain and braking components, the latter’s components are of higher quality compared to the former. The drivetrain offers a wider range of speeds, and the hydraulic disc brakes provide more reliable performance.
Therefore, if your budget allows, I recommend the Giant Yukon 2, as it offers superior performance.
Learn More: Is Giant Yukon 2 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Yukon 2 Review]
Summary
The above is my review of the Rocky Mountain Blizzard Alloy. In our opinion, it’s a robust, reliable hardtail fat bike that offers good value for the price, catering well to riders of all types. This is why we’ve given it a rating of 4.7.
Of course, if you’re interested in other hardtail fat bikes, we also review a variety of bikes at different price points, all of which are equally interesting. Feel free to check out our related tests.
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