Rocky Mountain Solo
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Rocky Mountain Solo. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
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 rated expert reviewsRocky Mountain Solo C70 Review: New Carbon Gravel Bike in Downcountry Style [German Video]
Rocky Mountain Solo 2023 Review
Rocky Mountain Solo Gravel Bike Test [German]
Test | Rocky Mountain Solo C50: The Express Adventure [French]
Test: Rocky Mountain Solo Carbon 70 [German]
The Double Solo: Rocky’s Gravel Bikes Test [German]
Rankings
Best Gravel and Adventure Bikes
Bike Comparison
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