We have read all expert and user reviews on the Rocky Mountain Solo. In summary, this is what cyclists think. Published Mar 21, 2024 by Amanda Whittington.

14 reasons to buy

The Solo is available in five different configurations: three carbon (C90, C70, C50) and two aluminum (A30, A50).
Five sizes (XS-XL) fit riders from 5’0” to 6’6”.
One reviewer lauds the “excellent” stiffness-to-weight ratio of the Smoothwall carbon frame.
The Solo has generous mounting options, including 12 on the frame and eight on the fork.
The frame is equipped with down tube protection.
The Solo has clearance for 27.5” x 2.25” and 29” x 2.1” tires. With fenders, the clearance is 700c x 40mm or 27.5” x 2.2”.
A reviewer enjoys the vibration-damping characteristics of the carbon frame.
One expert praises the bike’s stability on descents.
The Solo is dropper post-compatible and can run 1x or 2x drivetrains.
SRAM’s standardized components make upgrades easier.
The aluminum frame and seatpost are surprisingly comfortable, say testers.
An expert relishes the performance on “playful singletrack with lots of changes of direction.”
The carbon Solo’s “responsiveness” and quick acceleration impress during testing.
A tester of the C70 and A50 highlights the “comparable handling characteristics” of both frames, with the differences a matter of “taste and budget.”

6 reasons not to buy

Reviewers bemoan the stiff Rocky Mountain handlebars (A30, A50, C50) and thin bar tape.
Two testers feel the 11-speed drivetrain (A30, A50, C50) isn’t ideal for steep climbs with gear.
The WTB Venture TCS tires (carbon builds) “roll loudly” and aren’t “efficient,” complains one reviewer. Another says the hard rubber “penalizes grip.”
One expert feels the “narrow” stock tires (40mm, 38mm) don’t fit the Solo’s long-distance gravel and bikepacking character.
A tester finds the WTB ST i23 wheelset (A30, A50, C50) to be “quite heavy” at almost 4.5lb.
A reviewer reports pedal strikes while descending due to the low bottom bracket.

Bottom line

The Rocky Mountain Solo is a gravel bike available in five builds and carbon or aluminum frames. Experts highlight the low bottom bracket, stiff handlebars, limiting 11-speed drivetrain, and heavy, inefficient WTB tires as drawbacks of some or all builds. However, they appreciate the upgrade potential, overall comfort, and confidence-inspiring handling and stability. A tester of both frames also praises the consistent handling characteristics across both. Reviewers agree the Solo is a typical gravel “all-rounder” that is well-suited to long trail days and multi-day bikepacking adventures.

Expert Reviews

89/100 based on 2 scored reviews (6 reviews in total)

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Velomotion

Level 5 expert

Rocky Mountain Solo C70 Review: New Carbon Gravel Bike in Downcountry Style [German Video]

Level 5 expert

Like the new aluminum model… it has plenty of tire clearance and attachment options suitable for bikepacking. The sitting position is just as comfortable as the riding comfort, making the bike more tailored to off-road adventures than gravel racing.

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lifeCYCLE Magazine

Level 1 expert

Rocky Mountain Solo 2023 Review

Level 1 expert

To sum up: the Rocky Mountain Solo Carbon 50 test bike offers solid equipment without a lot of frills and without electronic components. A well-rounded product with proven technology.

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Rennrad News

Level 5 expert

Rocky Mountain Solo Gravel Bike Test [German]

Level 5 expert

The price is high for the features, as usual, from the Canadian cult brand. But the frameset makes it easy to cope with if you have the right riding preferences.

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Vojo Magazine

Level 3 expert

Test | Rocky Mountain Solo C50: The Express Adventure [French]

Level 3 expert

With an upgrade to the wheels and tires, it should satisfy long-distance enthusiasts looking for a bike that is both fast and fun to ride on singletrack.

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BikeX

Level 5 expert

Test: Rocky Mountain Solo Carbon 70 [German]

Level 5 expert

The carbon seatpost offers good suspension and fits in perfectly with the Solo’s authoritative character; the somewhat skinny, rather hard aluminum handlebars less so. A multitude of mounting points for equipment and accessories will delight bikepackers and commuters.

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BIKE Magazin

Level 5 expert

The Double Solo: Rocky’s Gravel Bikes Test [German]

Level 5 expert

The [C70] Rocky Mountain Solo is very comfortable to ride thanks to the flex of the rear triangle and fork. Many mounting points make it a bikepacking gravel bike for long distances or long hours in the saddle. The Solo A50 aluminum model doesn’t come close to the comfort level, but it does effectively shield against vibrations.

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