Had my eye on the 2014 line up but when the prices were released I spat out my pre ride porridge in disgust.
I really like this:
[url= http://www.bikes.com/en/bikes/altitude-rally-edition/2014#/models/altitude-750-rally-edition ]Rocky Mountain Altitude Rally Edition[/url]
but for the money this makes much more sense:
[url= http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=3263 ]Canyon Strive[/url]
Are RMB worth the extra cash over a Canyon or YT? Or are you just buying the name/niche bike?
Are Yeti, Santa Cruz or any other 'boutique' brand worth the extra over a Canyon, YT, On One, Boardman?
The Rockys look like really well sorted bikes and are on my radar for my next bike but I see amazing value in some Canyons etc.
So much will come down to personal factors-Can you wait till March/April/May for a 2014 canyon? Do you prefer to go to LBS for support? Does bike X fit you better than bike y?
That what I mean, on paper the Canyon is a no brainer, but does the "feel" of a niche/boutique bike make up the extra price?
Or is there no difference?
I've had a Yeti and an Ibis which I'd consider boutique. They were great, fast, high quality bikes.
I have also had a few Treks that really aren't as 'high end' including my current bike. I think I'm having more fun on it than I had on the others...That might be because it fits me better or that its a 29er but thats a whole other thread! I never found any magic feel in the more expensive bikes but of course they were good!
Like you I think the Canyons are amazing value but for me the geometry just isn't right on paper and as I can't see one in the flesh they are out. The Rockys look amazing in person-the one I went to see today was really impressive!
Got a 2011 Slayer , great ride ,worth the extra bucks
Love my [url= 
/]Altitude[/url] 750,just fitted a reverb as it wasn't standard on the 750.
Awsome bike.
Rocky UK have 16 dealers set up,support is looking ok.