Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon Platform Manual

Introduction

This manual contains important safety, maintenance, and user information. Read and understand it thoroughly before your first ride on your new Rocky Mountain bicycle. This material applies only to the specific platform you have chosen and should be used in conjunction with your Rocky Mountain Owner's Manual, which is included with your bike. Please read the Owner's Manual before your first ride. If you do not have a copy of the 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.

Getting to Know Your Bike

This section details the technical specifications and features of the Thunderbolt Carbon.

Technical Details

• Increased anti-squat for better pedalling efficiency
• 27.5" Wide Trail and 26+ compatible
• Bearings at all pivots, including at lower shock mount (compatible with aftermarket shocks as well)
• Blind pivots maximize heel clearance
• Lighter, tooled rear axle
• Improved cable management: large head-tube ports, full shift housing, large down-tube access port, and internal shift and brake housing
• Future-proofed to be compatible (carbon only) with Di2, FOX Live, and a dropper post simultaneously
• Seat-tube lengths optimized to accommodate longer dropper posts
• Chainstay and down-tube protectors
• Integrated Spirit Guide chain guide, with two-bolt ISCG05
• 1x only
• Lower standover height
• Significantly stiffer thanks to one-piece seatstay, new shaping and updated layup (25% more lateral stiffness)
• All sizes fit a water bottle in front triangle

Weight

• Frame and FOX FLOAT DPS shock (size Medium): 2550 g / 5.62 lb.
• Protectors, chain guide and axle: 260 g / 0.57 lb.

[Image description: A full-suspension mountain bike, the Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt Carbon, shown from the side. It features a carbon frame with a turquoise and black color scheme. The front fork and rear shock are visible, along with the drivetrain components and wheels.]

Basic Set-up

Fine-tuning suspension involves several variables. These guidelines provide a starting point for setting up your suspension.

Sag

Sag is the amount the suspension moves under the rider's weight (including accessories). Air pressure or coil preload is adjusted to achieve the desired sag measurement.

Travel

The Thunderbolt can be set up with either 130 mm or 140 mm of travel, depending on the shock stroke.

Thunderbolt 130 mm

[Diagram description: A schematic showing a rear shock with a 50 mm stroke, indicating 30%-35% sag (15-17.5 mm). Below it, a fork schematic shows 130 mm travel, indicating 25%-30% sag (32.5-39 mm).]

Thunderbolt 140 mm

[Diagram description: A schematic showing a rear shock with a 55 mm stroke, indicating 30%-35% sag (16.5-19.5 mm). Below it, a fork schematic shows 140 mm travel, indicating 25%-30% sag (35-42 mm).]

Rebound

Rebound adjustment controls how quickly the suspension returns after a bump. Too much rebound makes the suspension slow and harsh; too little can cause loss of traction. Follow manufacturer recommendations and experiment to find your preference.

RIDE-9™ System

Suspension and geometry setup are complex and vary by rider, preference, terrain, and ability. While professional services are recommended, learning to dial in your bike yourself is key to understanding its performance. Adjust your RIDE-9™ position for geometry before fine-tuning suspension effects or variables like air pressure and shock compression. Make gradual, incremental changes, take notes, and be methodical. For the full guide, visit the provided link.

[Link: https://shop.bikes.com/collections/parts]

Ready for Any Trail

The RIDE-9™ adjustment system allows quick fine-tuning of geometry and suspension using Allen keys.

[Diagram description: A side view of the Thunderbolt Carbon frame illustrating the RIDE-9™ adjustment system. A circular dial with numbers 1-9 is shown, with arrows indicating how it affects head-tube angle (slacker/steeper) and suspension progression (less/more progressive). Three positions are detailed: Position 1 (Slack) for stability at high speeds and aggressive trail riding; Position 5 (Neutral) for balanced handling and stability; Position 9 (Steep) for quicker handling and better climbing traction.]

Critical Dimensions

This section provides key measurements and specifications for the Thunderbolt Carbon frame.

[Diagram description: A side profile of the Thunderbolt Carbon frame with various dimensions and specifications labeled. Key dimensions include: Ream depth (Carbon and Alloy variants), Seatpost outer diameter, Seat QR inner diameter, Minimum insertion depth, Brake standard (180 mm post mount), Max rotor size (203 mm), Rear hub spacing (Boost 148 mm), Max tire size (27 x 2.5 po, 26 x 2.8 po), Chain guide standard (Rocky Mountain Spirit Guide only), Bottom bracket standard (Press Fit BB92), Hardware sizes (25 mm x M8), Shock dimensions (130 mm: 210 x 50 mm, 140 mm: 210 x 55 mm), Bashguard standard (Modified two-bolt ISCG05), Max chainring size (36t, oval 34t), Headset standard (ZS44 top, ZS56 bottom), and Fork specifications (Max travel 140 mm, Offset 37 mm).]

Shock Fitment

Clearances for many shocks have been checked, but compatibility with all makes and models cannot be guaranteed. Contact your local dealer for specific shock fitment questions.

Approved Shocks

• Fox: FLOAT DPS, FLOAT DPX, FLOAT X2, DHX2, Live Valve
• RockShox: Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Super Deluxe Coil
• Cane Creek: DBcoil, DBcoil IL, DBair, DBair IL

Shock Eyelet Bearing

Service

The frame uses cartridge bearings in the rear eyelet for improved small-bump compliance. These bearings are housed in cups with a firm press fit into the shock shaft.

[Diagram description: An exploded view of the shock eyelet assembly, showing the bearing, cups, and center sleeve.]

Important Note: If your shock is serviced, it is highly recommended to remove these components, as service centers cannot guarantee their return.

Removal 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 a blind bearing puller (10 mm extension) to remove the empty cups.

Note: The inner diameter of the cups is 11 mm; a 12 mm extension will not fit. Use the 10 mm extension.

Installation Steps:

To install new cups, use a bearing press or vice. Press on the outer edge of the cups and ensure the centre spacer sleeve is correctly positioned between them.

Cable/Wire Routing

The frame features internal cable routing for all cables, wires, and hoses, protecting them and allowing for clean integration of your chosen drivetrain.

Notes

[Diagram description: A side view of the Thunderbolt Carbon frame highlighting internal cable routing paths. Callouts indicate: Head-tube panel detail with 3 slots (6 mm for hydraulic lines, 5 mm for shift cable, 4 mm for electrical wire); Access hatch detail showing a Shimano Di2 battery holster and a cable/hose/wire pass-through clamp with a port cover. A general note mentions anti-rattle foam tubes for internal cables/hoses and two sizes of internal diameter for shift (6 mm) and hydraulic lines (7 mm).]

Standard Routing

• Routing cables is easiest in a workstand.
• Remove the access hatch and pull out the cable pass-through clamp.
• Disassemble the clamp to replace housing or hoses.
• To route dropper post housing or hoses, remove the access hatch and guide the housing from front to back, using the port to lead it up the seat tube.
• Install supplied foam noise-cancelling tubes over housing/hoses when replacing.
• For alloy frames, slowly pulling housing/hoses out of tubing slots exposes foam tubes for removal.

Important Note:

Allow a 45 mm loop of housing/hose under the bottom bracket for suspension compression. A zip tie connecting the shift housing and brake hose is critical to prevent damage.

[Diagram description: A schematic showing the routing of the rear derailleur, rear brake, and dropper post cables/hoses along the frame. It indicates a 30-45 mm loop for the cables under the bottom bracket, secured with a zip tie. Views from the right, left, and bottom are shown.]

FOX Live Valve Routing

When installing a FOX Live Valve system, run all wiring before installing shift/post housing or brake hoses.

[Diagram description: A schematic showing the routing for a FOX Live Valve system, including wires for the rear derailleur, rear brake, dropper post, and front/rear accelerometers. It highlights the connector inside the bike and the cable loop with a zip tie.]

Shimano Di2 Routing

When installing a Shimano Di2 system, run all wiring before installing post housing or brake hoses.

[Diagram description: A schematic showing the routing for a Shimano Di2 system, including wires for the rear derailleur, rear brake, and dropper post. It highlights the Di2 cable, a loop with a zip tie, and the connector inside the bike.]

Pro Tips & Tricks

• When tuning suspension, record your settings (e.g., using an online spreadsheet) for easy reference.
• Use a 4 mm plastic housing ferrule to plug any unused cable ports at the head tube.
• To avoid readjusting the Spirit Guide when removing the crank, remove the main pivot bolt, lift the chainstay, and then remove the crank without detaching the chainring.
• When removing the rear wheel, rest the chain on the driveside chainstay pivot to prevent it from dangling.
• The main bearing spacer sleeve has holes that can serve as a drift for bearing removal. Use a dull punch and tap the bearing out.
• When replacing shift or post housing, a RockShox reverb tool can help pull new housing into place without disturbing inner foam tubes. [Image description: A RockShox Reverb tool.]
• Use grease to "glue" spacers into place when assembling pivot bolts.
• Insert pivots through bearings/spacers so they sit flush with the inner race, holding washers in place during assembly.
• Zip-tie a spare derailleur hanger to your saddle rails for easy access when needed.

Exploded View

The exploded view illustrates how the frame is assembled. Please refer to the table for torque values and assembly details.

[Diagram description: A complex exploded view diagram showing all the individual components of the Thunderbolt Carbon frame assembly, with numbered parts corresponding to a parts list.]

Full List of Parts & Small-Parts Kits

Detailed lists of parts and available small-parts kits for maintaining your bike are provided below. For the most comprehensive list and purchasing options, please refer to the Rocky Mountain website: shop.bikes.com/collections/parts. These kits are also available from your local dealer.

Small-Parts Kits Overview:

• 1819012: Thunderbolt Link with Bearing Kit
• 1818012: Hanger Kit Shimano Direct Mount
• 1818013: Kit Standard Hanger
• 1810005: Pivot Bolt Kit
• 1810006: Chain Guide Kit
• 1810007: Bike Protection Kit A
• 1817011: Axle Kit Boost
• 1818003: Shock Bearing Eyelet Kit
• 1817017: Pivot Bearing Kit
• 18187023: Head-Tube Panel Kit
• 1810008: Down-Tube Port Cover Kit
• 1810009: RIDE-9 Flip Chip Kit

Key Components (Sample):

[Note: The full parts list is extensive and detailed in the original document.]

Warranty Information

Rocky Mountain Bicycles warrants its bicycles against defects in materials and manufacturing.

Frame Material / Type of Use

• Carbon fibre: 5 years – Limited*
• Aluminum (front and fully suspended): 5 years – Limited*
• Downhill and freeride: 3 years – Limited*

*Please refer to the limitations stated below.

Warranty Not Valid For:

• Bicycles used for commercial activity (rental, courier, police, security).
• Installation of incompatible components, parts, or accessories.
• Purchase from an unauthorized dealer or third-party internet sites (e.g., eBay).

Warranty Coverage Against Other Defects:

• Coating (paint and decals): 1 year
• Full suspension frame hardware, bearings, pivots, and bushings: 1 year.
• Downhill and freeride frame hardware, suspension: 6 months.

What is Not Covered?

• Normal wear and tear (tires, tubes, brakes, cables, pads).
• Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, or extreme/improper use outside intended purpose.
• Improper assembly and/or lack of proper maintenance.
• Paint fading, scratches, or chips from normal use, dirt, rocks, road debris, or transport.
• Incompatible components, parts, or accessories.
• Damage to pressfit bottom bracket from improper service.
• Riding in extreme terrain (trial-style courses, ramps, stunts, BMX tracks, urban obstacles) may void warranty.
• Labour for part replacement or changeover.

Exclusion and Limitation of Damages

Rocky Mountain Bicycles' liability is limited to the repair or replacement of products. All implied warranties are disclaimed. Rocky Mountain shall not be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages. Rocky Mountain's liability is limited to $50.00.

Contact Information

Development Centre

1225 East Keith Road, Unit #10
North Vancouver, BC V7J 1J3 Canada
T: 604-980-9938 | F: 604-980-9975

Head Office

9095 25th Avenue
Saint-Georges, QC G6A 1A1 Canada
T: 1-800-663-2512 | F: 1-800-570-8356

© 2019 Rocky Mountain®