Somehow, it’s not that surprising to see exciting new gravel bikes popping up from brands that are probably better known for their mountain bikes. After all, the genre combines some of the best attributes of both road and mountain biking into a catch-all that is all about personal exploration of both terrain and your own physical limits. Adding a drop bar bike back to the Rocky Mountain line up is the all new Solo – an aluminum, 1x gravel bike.
Rather than shooting for the moon with a multi-thousand dollar carbon frame, the Solo keeps things simple with a 6061 aluminum build. In spite of the use of aluminum, Rocky Mountain still managed to cram in clearance for massive tires with a chainstay yoke design that drops slightly on the driveside. Sold with 700c x 40mm tires, the frame will fit up to a 45mm, but it will also clear 650b x 2.2″ tires if you want to convert to road plus (and then some).
Location: Missoula to Arizona, USA
Other details include a 1x drivetrain only frame design with internal shift and brake routing. Up front is a tapered head tube, holding a carbon Gravel disc fork with flat mount brakes and a 15 x 100mm thru axle. Out back is a 12 x 142mm thru axle and more flat mount disc brakes. Proof that this bike was created by progressive minded folks who also like mountain bikes? The frame is compatible with full length dropper posts (30.9mm) as well.
Location: Missoula to Arizona, USA
Solo 70
Since this is still a gravel bike, there are a number of mounts included for extra gear. That mean three bottle cage mounts (two in the main triangle and one below), rear rack mounts, fender mounts, and three pack mounts on the fork legs.
Available in two builds, the higher end Solo 70 comes in at 20.9lb (9.5kg) for a medium, and includes a SRAM Force 1 drivetrain with a 10-42t cassette and 40t chainring. The 70 rolls on Sun Ringle Helix TR25 SL tubeless compatible rims and ships with tubeless tape, valves, and MAxxis Ravager EXO TR 700c x 40mm tires.
Solo 50
The Solo 50 is the same frame and fork, but built with a SRAM Apex 1×11 drivetrain with a 10-42t cassette and 40t chainring. You’ll find the same tubeless wheel and tire set up on this bike as well. The changes in components add just over a pound in weight with complete bikes claimed to be 22lb (10kg) for a medium.
Pricing and availability
Available now, the Solo 50 will go for $1,899, while the 70 sells for $2,549.
