Breakthrough thinking, continuous improvement. This is the foundation that all Rocky Mountain bikes are built upon. Whether it is our new ETSX platform or our tried and true 3D Link' system, every bike is developed in house: designed, prototyped, tested, improved. The handcrafted quality that is inherent to our bikes is the result of countless hours of research, design and testing. ETSX Energy Transfer System Explained TOP Based on the wishbone suspension found on Formula-1 race cars, patented ETSX suspension features a unique, double A-arm style linkage that creates an optimized projected pivot point located in front of the bike. The result is near perfect vertical rear-wheel travel and optimized chain growth. Vertical travel eliminates "hooking", enabling the wheel to better roll over rough terrain. The linkage uses high-quality cartridge bearings in every pivot resulting in suspension performance that reacts instantaneously to even the smallest bump, so finely tuned that it actually helps drive you forward as you pedal over rough terrain. 3D Link Suspension Explained TOP For the last seven years we've used 3D Link Suspension Technology to meet the lightweight, lateral stiffness demands of serious cross-country riding. The key has been the beautifully simplistic design of a suspension system that doesn't rely on the shock as a structural component of the frame. As a result, lateral stiffness rivals that of a hardtail. As well, the power of each pedal stroke is transferred directly into the drivetrain. No energy sucking "bob", just plush travel when you need it and a wheel that sticks to the ground like glue. The award winning 3D Link system is revered the world over, withstanding the rigors of thousands of riders to create a quiet revolution of simplicity in design. Looking at a Rocky Mountain 3D Link bike you won't see a motorcycle, or funky frame design with tubes running in crazy directions. You see a bicycle, one with the inherent strength of the simple double triangle shape that has been the standard bike geometry for the past 100 years. It is the lightest, stiffest, and most durable way to produce a bicycle frame. With 3D Link we've just added suspension to a frame design that has withstood the test of time. The end result is a ride that is quick and light, without sacrificing lateral stiffness, frame strength, or durability. ThrustLink Suspension Explained TOP We've been improving on ThrustLink since it first appeared on our big travel full suspension bikes four years ago. Since then, ThrustLink technology has emerged as one of the most responsive suspension systems on the market. It is one of the first rear suspension systems to eliminate pedal feedback from bumps and chain tension--reacting quickly and smoothly to small aberrations without sacrificing performance on the big hits or losing pedal efficiency. It's all due to a pivot point located above and behind the bottom bracket, an innovation where reaction forces from the pedals don't cause the suspension to extend or compress. A linear compression rate through the first half of the suspension travel, and then a slightly rising rate for the last half results in a long, smooth ride. For the main pivots we use high-strength, sealed needle bearings for super subtle responses in all conditions. The swingarm features a new cold forged, CNC machined yoke and a one-piece cold forged, CNC machined BB/Pivot shell, drastically improving lateral stiffness. Instead of using a single row ball bearing, which only supports radial loads, new double row bearings are now used on all the main pivot points to additionally support side loads. ThrustLink' - it rides like nothing else. Switch 4-Bar Suspension Explained TOP The Switch seamlessly blends two suspension frame technologies into a completely new platform. By combining the Easton RAD tube front end of the RM7 with a new triangulated 4-bar linkage the Switch offers amazing versatility in a freeride bike. Combine this bombproof frame with the new 1.5" headtube and fork steerer and you have an all purpose freeride platform. The 1.5" headtube/fork steerer interface is the freeriders' identity badge offering triple clamp stiffness and travel with the weight and dexterity of a single crown. It couldn't be any better. To match the awesome new 1.5" front end, the 2003 Switch features a new linkage design that generates a full 6" of rear wheel travel. ST3 Geometry Explained TOP When we first started building bikes it quickly became apparent that traditional frame geometry wasn't going to cut it on the steep descents and tight turning singletrack of southern British Columbia. To help tame this rugged landscape we developed ST3 Geometry - or Sloping Top Tube Technology. A sloping top tube means increased frame stiffness and strength, and when things aren't going so well, more stand over height for crucial dismounting ease. The frame layout creates a compact front end, giving increased agility in tight turning singletrack while providing increased stiffness for greater control in all conditions. It's also bomber construction: with a greater separation between the top tube/seat tube and seat tube/seat stay welds, frame stress is distributed over a larger area of the seat tube. Originated by Rocky Mountain and copied by others, ST3 delivers a better handling, stronger frame - the ride of a lifetime.