First impression of the frame is that it's absolutely gorgeous. The deep metallic purple really isn't done justice in the photos and, paired with the eye-catching fluorescent yellow decals, is a definite winner. This framesjust flows from end to end as though it's one stunning piece of seamless carbon. The metal tab on the chainstay is a small but useful detail which prevents that flash paintjob getting unnecessary scratches too.
The technical side of this frame, and in particular the 'Ride-9' chip, could be the subject of more than one article. The main takeaway, however, is that the two clever little chips which house the top shock mount offer a variety of different configurations which allow you to tune the frame itself to exactly what you want. Personally, I've left it in one setting as the terrain this bike has been on is a constant mixed bag of brutal climbs and flowing trails inevitably punctuated by steep descents and jump lines. I could see this being really useful, however, if your use for the bike is doing local XC loops for fitness, but then you change the chip configuration for an uplift day on steeper, rockier ground. While we're on the technical side, the high 67 degree head angle does more than provide a gnarly DH-aesthetic; it translates really well when the terrain gets steep by compensating slightly for that 150mm rear end.
The 428mm chainstay pairs beautifully with that rear travel to provide snappy handling that has you charging faster and faster into each corner. Friends with the newer Altitude reported exactly the same feeling; you just point and shoot with this frame and it follows exactly where you want to go. Obviously different configurations with the Ride-9 chip can reduce or enhance this side of the frame, but it has genuinely been one of the easiest handling bikes I've ridden. When things get tight and technical, simply turning the bars is translated through that burly front end to the short rear triangle, and it switches direction like nothing else.
The inevitable cost of this agility is that, when the trail gets really steep and fast, there isn't a vast amount of support. Suddenly that flickable rear end is bouncing of rocks and roots and a few extra millimetres of insurance frame length would come in handy. This isn't aided by the Fox rear shock either which, despite a useful bar-mounted lockout switch, actually feels underpowered for the frame and left us wishing for a coil or more supple option that didn't blow through the travel as quickly and instead provided a supportive, consistent feel to match the insane turning ability of the Altitude. However, buying a frame like the Altitude to throw it down steep, rocky chutes relentlessly on uplift days misses the point; it's like buying a downhill frame for your commute to work. The Altitude is supposed to be fun, making the flatter trails faster and flowing singletrack glide by easier.
Would it be my first choice for enduro racing? Maybe not, although I can think of more than a few courses where the incredible grip and handling, combined with how efficiently it climbs and eats up singletrack, could come in really handy. Does it have a purpose? If you like your rides social and your smiles wide, absolutely.
It's fun, fast and ridiculously good looking - but if you're looking for a gravity sled that you can occasionally pedal back to the top, you'll probably find yourself parting cash for another frame. And while there's no harm in that, you might just find your eye is still drawn to the Altitude's sleek lines, gorgeous metallic paint job, and playful feel.
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