Rocky Mountain THUNDERBOLT ALLOY User manual

PLATFORM MANUAL
THUNDERBOLT ALLOY
Rider: Justin Roy
Photo: Margus Riga
Location: Whistler, BC

2Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual
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Rider:
Justin Roy
Photo:
Margus Riga
Location:
Whistler, BC
Introduction
Shrediquette
Getting to know your bike
Basic set-up
RIDE-9
Critical dimensions
Shock eyelet bearing
Cable/wire routing
Pro tips & tricks
Exploded view
Full list of parts
Small-parts kits
Warranty information
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS

3Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual
Rider:
Justin Roy
Photo:
Margus Riga
Location:
Whistler, BC
This manual contains important safety, maintenance and user information. Read and


conjunction with your Rocky Mountain Owner’s Manual, which is included with your bike.

Owner’s Manual, you can get it from your nearest authorized Rocky Mountain dealer.
SHREDIQUETTE
Riders
Always be courteous to other trail users. Use extra caution around domestic animals, such as
dogs and horses. Give other trail users right-of-way in all situations, during both climbing and
descending.
Trail
Only ride your bicycle on trails and paths sanctioned for bicycle use. Follow all local laws
and regulations. As for all trail users, care should be taken to avoid impacts on the trail or
environment. Do not skid on or modify trails.
INTRODUCTION
Introduction & Shrediquette

4Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual Getting to know your bike
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR BIKE
Technical details
 
• 27.5" Wide Trail and 26"+ compatible
• Bearings at all pivots, including at lower shock mount
(compatible with aftermarket shocks as well)
• Single-sided pivots maximize heel clearance
• Lighter, tooled rear axle
• Improved cable management: large headtube slots, full
shift housing, large downtube exit, and internal shift and
brake housing
• Seat-tube lengths optimized to accommodate longer
dropper posts
• Chainstay and downtube protectors.
• Integrated Spirit Guide chainguide, with two-bolt ISCG05
• 1x only
• Lower standover height
 
a reservoir shock

5Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual Basic set-up
BASIC SET-UP

ballpark, and you should experiment to see what best suits you from there.

Air pressure or coil preload is adjusted until the desired amount of sag is measured.
Travel
The Thunderbolt can be set up with either 130 mm or 140 mm of travel depending on the shock stroke.
Thunderbolt 140 mm
Shock stroke
50 mm
Shock stroke
55 mm
30%–35% sag
15–17.5 mm
30–35% sag
16.5–19.5 mm
25–30% sag
35–42 mm
Fork travel
140 mm
Thunderbolt 130 mm
25–30% sag
32.5–39 mm
Fork travel
130 mm
Rebound
Rebound adjustment controls how quickly your suspension returns to full extension after it hits a bump. Too much rebound control, and the fork
or shock will move too slowly, sinking deeper and deeper into its travel under repeated hits, which will feel harsh. Too little, and the suspension can
spring back too quickly, causing a loss of traction and control. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for base settings, and experiment to


6Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual
Suspension and geometry set-up are complex artforms with huge variations in rider style, preference, terrain and ability. We do recommend
the use of professional services, but we also believe that learning to dial in your own bike is the best way to fully understand its performance.

Make gradual, incremental changes, take notes, and be methodical. Don’t adjust in a hurry before a big ride. Take your time and enjoy the process.
Go HERE to download the full guide.
RIDE-9
1
95
1
9
5
1
95
1
9
5
1
95
1
9
5
14
6
8
7
2
3
5
9
Position 1
SLACK
Stability at high speeds.
Recommended for
more aggressive trail
riding.
Position 9
STEEP
Quicker handling.
Recommended for
better climbing traction.
Position 5
NEUTRAL
Balanced handling
and stability.
READY FOR ANY TRAIL
The RIDE-9™ adjustment system allows

suspension with a pair of Allen keys.
STEEPER

SLACKER

LES S
PROGRESSIVE

MORE
PROGRESSIVE

RIDE-9

7Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual Critical dimensions
CRITICAL DIMENSIONS
Critical dimensions
Shock tment
We check clearances for many shocks but cannot guarantee compatibility with all makes and models.

Fox
• FLOAT DPS
• FLOAT DPX
• FLOAT X2
• DHX2
• Live Valve
Approved shocks (210 x 55 mm)
CRITICAL DIMENSIONS
Max chainring size:
36t (oval 34t)
Bottom bracket standard:
Press Fit BB92
Seatpost outer diameter: 30.9 mm
Seat QR inner diameter: 34.9 mm
Headset standard:
ZS44 Top
ZS56 Bottom
Hardware:
Rocky Mountain
bearing eyelets
Bashguard standard:

Rear hub spacing:
Boost 148 mm
Brake standard:
180 mm post mount
Max rotor:
203 mm
Minimum insertion:
100 mm
Ream depth CARBON:
XS: 190 mm
S: 225 mm
M: 290 mm
L: 290 mm
XL: 290 mm
Ream depth ALLOY:
XS: 220 mm
S: 220 mm
M: 250 mm
L: 250 mm
XL: 250 mm Fork:
Max travel 140 mm

Shock dimensions:
130 mm: 210 x 50 mm
140 mm: 210 x 55 mm
Max tire size:
27.5" x 2.5"
26" x 2.8"
Hardware:
25 mm x M8
Chainguide standard:
Rocky Mountain Spirit
Guide only
RockShox
• Deluxe
• Super Deluxe
• Super Deluxe Coil

8Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual
CABLE/WIRE ROUTING
Your frame features internal cable routing for all cables, wires and hoses to allow integration of the drivetrain
of your choosing, while keeping them out of harm's way.
Please click on the links below for instructional how-to videos.
Shifter cable and housing replacement
Shifter cable and housing installation (bare frame)
Service
Your frame is equipped with cartridge bearings in the rear eyelet, allowing for better small-bump compliance.

SHOCK EYELET BEARING
If you have your shock serviced, we highly recommend removing these components, as suspension service
centres cannot guarantee they will be returned.
To remove the system, follow these steps:
• Use the Enduro Bearings BRT-006 tool, or a blind bearing puller (8 mm extension) to remove both bearings.
• Remove the centre sleeve.
• Use the blind bearing puller (10 mm extension) to remove the empty cups.

Use the 10 mm extension.
To install new cups, use a bearing press or vice, making sure to press on the outer edge of the cups, and don’t
forget the centre spacer sleeve between the cups.
Shock eyelet bearing & cable/wire routing

56 2
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6 7
8
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9Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual Pro tips & tricks & Exploded view
PRO TIPS & TRICKS
Please refer to the table for torque values and assembly details.
These views are provided to explain how your frame is assembled.
EXPLODED VIEW
PRO TIPS & TRICKS
• When tuning your suspension, write down your settings
so you can refer back to them. Better yet, use an online
spreadsheet on your phone!
• To avoid having to readjust your Spirit Guide if you remove
your crank, remove the main pivot bolt and lift the chainstay
up, allowing you to remove your crank without removing the
chainring.
• When removing your rear wheel, you can rest the chain
on the driveside chainstay pivot to prevent it from
dangling awkwardly.
• The main bearing spacer sleeve (between the two bearings)
has holes in it, to serve as a drift when removing bearings:
  
the holes in the centre sleeve.
- Tap the bearing out.
• When replacing shift or post housing, you can use
a RockShox reverb tool to simply pull a new piece of
housing right into place, without disturbing the inner
foam tubes.
• When assembling pivot bolts, use grease to “glue” any
spacers into place while you assemble.
 
with the inside face of the inner race, holding washers in
place while you assemble.
• Zip-tie a spare derailleur hanger to your saddle rails so you
always have one with you when you’re deep in the woods.
ROCKSHOX REVERB TOOL

10Thunderbolt Alloy Platform Manual
Please refer to the small parts kits available for purchase.
There are several kits available to maintain your bike for maximum trail performance. https://shop.bikes.com/collections/parts
These are available from your local dealer, as well as on www.bikes.com
#QTY ITEM PARTS NO. DESCRIPTION TORQUE
(NM) INSTALLATION NOTES
11AXLE, MP 1807029 MP AXLE, M10X1.25, L: 84, AL 7075-T6
 17 
2 1 AXLE, REAR 3227009  10 
32 1807036  

48 1807042  

52 1807043 
61 1807028 
74 1807044 
82 1807099 
 
92BOLT 1807046 BOLT, 10 X 15 MM, M10X1 EXT., AL 7075-T6
 17 
10 1BOLT 1807049  8

11 1BOLT 1807060 
 8 
12 1BOLT SHK . 1807062 SHOCK BOLT, SOLID, OD: 8 MM, L: 41 MM 8 

13 1BOLT, M10X78 1807061 
 8 
14 2BRG CUP 1807026  
15 2  
16 1CABLE PORT 1807066 CABLE PORT, 2-PIECE, BOTTOM HALF
17 1CABLE PORT 1807067 CABLE PORT, 2-PIECE, TOP HALF
18 1 3398001 
19 1 1057130  

20 2FLIP CHIP 1807003  
21 2FLIP CHIP 1807004  
22 1 FOAM TUBE  FOAM TUBE 

23 1 1069184 
SIZE LARGE
24 2GROMMET 1807078 34.9 MM SEAT TUBE DROPPER GROMMET
25 2GROMMET 1809004 RUBBER GROMMET FOR 2 CABLES, 5 MM,
4 MM YF-W13-2
26 2GROMMET 1809005 RUBBER GROMMET FOR 1 CABLE, 4 MM YF-W13-4
27 1GROMMET 1809006 RUBBER GROMMET FOR 1 CABLE, 5 MM YF-W13-5
28 1GROMMET 1809007 RUBBER GROMMET FOR 2 CABLES, 5 MM,
5 MM YF-W13-8
29 1 1099006 
JZF # YD013-050
30 1 1099031  20 
FULL LIST OF PARTS
Full list of parts