Every few years, the carbon vs alloy mountain bike debate flares up again — usually in a parking lot, halfway through a ride, or deep in a comment section where no one’s changing their mind anyway. One rider swears carbon is the only way forward. Another points at a dented aluminum frame and says, “That bike’s been to hell and back — still rides fine.”
If you’re Wade Simmons, you probably just shrug, roll in, and ride whatever’s under you until something breaks.
But for the rest of us, frame material still matters — especially when you’re choosing between two bikes built around the same geometry, suspension, and intent. Enter the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 (carbon) and the Altitude A50 (alloy). Same bloodline. Different bones.
Same Trail, Same Geometry — Different Feel
Let’s get this out of the way early: both the Altitude C70 and Altitude A50 are proper aggressive trail / enduro bikes. Long, slack, and built around Rocky Mountain’s proven suspension platform. They climb better than bikes this capable should, and they descend with the kind of confidence that makes you brake later than you meant to.
So no — this isn’t a debate about capability. This is about how the bike feels under you, how it survives abuse, and whether carbon or alloy makes sense for the way you ride.
Carbon vs Alloy MTB: Weight Is Real, But It’s Not the Whole Story
Yes, the carbon mountain bike is lighter. The Altitude C70 shaves weight in all the right places, and you feel it when:
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You’re grinding up a long fireroad
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You’re snapping out of corners
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You’re lifting the bike over awkward trail junk
Carbon’s stiffness-to-weight ratio is undeniable. That’s why it dominates racing and high-performance builds. But Wade didn’t become Wade by counting grams — and neither do most riders.
The alloy Altitude A50 carries a bit more mass, sure, but that weight brings a certain planted, smash-through-things confidence. On steep, root-webbed trails, that extra heft can actually calm things down rather than hold you back.
Ride Feel: Carbon Damps, Alloy Talks Back
Here’s where the carbon vs aluminum mountain bike debate gets interesting.
Carbon frames naturally dampen vibration. The C70 feels smoother over braking bumps and trail chatter. Over a long day, that matters. Less arm pump. Less fatigue. More control when you’re tired and sloppy.
Alloy frames, on the other hand, tell you what’s happening. The A50 is more direct, more honest. You feel the trail — good and bad. Some riders call that harsh. Others call it feedback.
If you grew up riding the North Shore or early freeride bikes, alloy feels familiar. It rewards commitment. Carbon forgives a little more.
Durability: Dents vs Cracks and the Wade Simmons Rule
This is where Wade would probably weigh in.
Alloy mountain bikes dent. They scratch. They look worse for wear — but they often keep going. A dented aluminum frame might not be pretty, but it’s usually still rideable.
Carbon mountain bikes don’t dent — they either survive or they don’t. Modern carbon is incredibly strong, but sharp impacts in the wrong spot can cause damage that isn’t always obvious.
The unwritten rule:
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If you ride fast and clean → carbon is amazing
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If you ride hard, crash often, and don’t baby gear → alloy earns its keep
Neither is fragile. Neither is indestructible. They just fail differently.
Value: Where Alloy Still Wins Big
Here’s the part no one likes to admit.
The Altitude A50 often delivers better value per dollar. For the price difference between alloy and carbon, you could:
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Upgrade suspension
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Buy better tires
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Add wheels that actually change ride quality
And those upgrades often matter more than frame material alone.
That’s why the carbon vs alloy MTB debate isn’t about what’s “better” — it’s about what gives you the best ride for your money.
So… Carbon or Alloy? Let the Trail Decide
Choose the Rocky Mountain Altitude C70 (Carbon) if:
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You want lighter weight and smoother ride quality
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You value efficiency on long climbs and big days
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You’re chasing performance and refinement
Choose the Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 (Alloy) if:
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You ride hard and don’t overthink equipment
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You want durability and value
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You’d rather spend money on parts than material
Riders donn’t define freeride by worrying about frame material. He rode what worked, pushed it past its limits, and trusted his skills more than his spec sheet.
That might be the best takeaway here.
Carbon vs alloy mountain bikes isn’t about right or wrong — it’s about how you ride, where you ride, and whether you trust the trail more than the marketing.
Either way, the Altitude will take you there.
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