Bike Spec
RM Blizzard 853 2007 18"
Magura Menja 2008 100mm forks
Formula Oro 24 160mm f/r
2008 XT Front / Rear derailleurs and shifters
XTR Chain
RF Deus XC 175mm
Time Atac XC Pedals
Azonic handlebars
Odi Ruffian Grips
Spinergy Xyclone Disc wheels XT cassette
XTR gear cables
Thomson stem 100mm 5 degree rise
Thomson post 26.8mm x 410 inline
SDG Bel air Ti saddle
NS Bikes 30mm seat collar
After reading the background info on the Blizzard, we were disappointed to find that the weight of our test frame was quite a bit more than the 4.4lb advertised. Okay, weight isn't the whole issue and manufacturer's stated weights are often for the smallest model, but nearly a pound is a big difference. We've tested 853 frames that weigh close to 4lb.
Still, the big selling point of Reynolds 853 tubing is toughness, as it air-hardens after construction. And the big selling point of the Blizzard is its heritage and ride quality. It's 20 years since Rocky Mountain built the first steel Blizzard. It's still being hand-built in Canada and the ride is still superb. It feels as stiff, as precise and as lively as the best alu frames, but with the extra comfort and resilience of steel. Okay, so the weight isn't a highlight, but this is a bang up-to-date frame that takes a 100mm travel fork and handles long or fast XC rides as well as any steel frame we've tested.
RM's experience really shines through. It's one of those frames that owners quickly develop emotional links to. It's eminently adaptable, with rack and mudguard mounts as well as all the usual brake and bottle accoutrements, and it's extremely well-built, in a simple no fuss kind of way.
By Bikeradar review
