Evo 170/160 MX -vs- Altitude A50

Written By Nikko Dutra Bouck

Evo Alloy 170/160 Cascade + WRP Mullet

After three seasons of testing, tuning, and hosting demo days, this is my refined take on the 170/160 Stumpjumper Evo Alloy S3 — and how it compares to the 2025 Rocky Mountain Altitude A50.

Rider Profiles

  • Height: 5’7” - 5’11

  • Weight: 145 lbs - 195 lbs

  • Primary terrain: PNW blue & black trails

  • Bike Parks: Summit at Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass & Whistler, BC

Berm Party Build –
Stumpjumper Evo Alloy S3
(170/160 MX)

Frame: 2024 Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Alloy – S3
Fork: FOX 38 – 170mm – 44mm offset (GRIP)
Shock: FOX Float X
Geo Setting:

  • Long chainstay (441mm)

  • Neutral (0°) headset

Linkage: Cascade Link + WRP Link
Drivetrain: SRAM GX 12-speed – 170mm crank
Bars: Deity Black Label +38mm rise
Stem: Funn Equalizer - 35mm length
Stack Spacers: 30mm
Effective Stack: 708mm (from stock 630mm)

Wheel & Tire Configurations

Enduro Setup (Bike Park)

  • Wheels: Hunt Enduro Wide MX

  • Front: Butcher 29 x 2.6 T9 Grid Gravity + Tannus Insert

  • Rear: Butcher 27.5 x 2.3 T7 Grid Trail + Tannus Insert

MX (29/27.5) – Cascade + WRP Link

Climbing: 8.5/10
Bike Park: 9/10
Traits: Playful, poppy, responsive

This is the sweet spot.

The mullet configuration transformed the bike. It became easier to corner and more forgiving on technical climbs. With the WRP link, the bike regained playfulness on mellow terrain while still holding its composure at speed.

This is the most enjoyable “one-bike quiver” setup I’ve ridden.

I don’t change suspension settings between trail and park days. I simply swap wheelsets and tires.



Favorite Tires

Bike Park - I am torn between:

  • Butcher T9 2.6 front / Butcher 2.3 T7 rear (Discontinued)

    • Climbing: 7/10

    • Cornering: 9.5/10

    • Climbing Wet rocks and roots: 9/10

  • Assegai MaxGrip Exo+ Front / DHR II DD Rear

    • Climbing Effort: 5/10

    • Cornering: 10/10

    • Climbing Wet rocks and roots: 10/10


Bike Park Comparison

At our demo day, we compared the Evo Alloy 170/160 MX against the 2025 Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 MX (29/27.5).

  • Altitude A50 → “Like riding a rhino!”
    Plows through anything. Stable. Unbothered. Magic-eraser capability in rough terrain.

  • Evo Alloy MX - Cascade + WRP  → “Nimble as a mountain lion.”
    Nimble in corners. Floats over chunk and pops off anything.

Both are excellent one-bike quiver options.

The A50 we tested was set up as a 29/27.5 mullet bike using the Ride-4 flip chip.  One thing missing from the new Altitude A50: adjustable chainstays. That feature was a very useful tuning adjustment on my Small RM Altitude Power Play.

Can you do light bike packing with an Enduro… Kinda Sorta


What I Love

  • Both bikes can be run Mullet

  • Both bikes have good Pedaling characteristics

  • Both bikes shred


What I’d Change

  • Both - FOX GRIP damper lacks mid-stroke support

  • DSD Runt on the horizon

  • Evo Alloy - Asymmetric frame limits coil compatibility (Fox DHX only)

Final Verdict

If you want a single bike that can:

  • Ride tech

  • Pop off everything

  • Handle park days

  • Teach you about geometry

170/160 Evo Alloy

The 170/160 Evo Alloy MX is a standout platform — especially for riders under 200lbs / 93kg. However, you can only get this bike used and you will likely need to do a number of upgrades.

Altitude A50

The Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 gives you bulldozer confidence.

Which one is better?

It depends on your situation.  If you own an Evo Alloy I would upgrade it and enjoy playful beast that it is...  Yet, If you are looking for a new enduro/trail bike the 2025 Altitude A50 is your best option. 


Fun Fact: A custom built Rocky Mountain Altitude took the gold at Red Bull Rampage 2025 so you know it’s ready to party.


If you are looking for a new RM Altitude check with MTBHQ.com

Nikko Dutra Bouck
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