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Rocky Mountain Element reworked into an XC/AM animal

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Element_Action_Side

After 20 years in their lineup, the Rocky Mountain Element is getting a complete refresh that promises to provide race-ability of an XC rig, with the confidence of a trail bike. Setting the new Element apart is a revamped geometry,  integration of their Ride-9 technology, and more. Rock past the break to get the scoop…

photos c. Rocky Mountain
photos c. Rocky Mountain

Today’s XC terrain is moving towards more extreme descents…and climbs. Rocky Mountain claims to have made the right tool for them. Built around 29″ wheels, and a 1x drivetrain (on mid to high end models), and 100mm rear whee travel, the Element fits the bill of a modern XC rig. Where it differentiates itself from other recent XC introductions like the Scalpel and RKT9 is the 120mm fork that provides the cushion of a trail bike.

Element_Geometry

Inspired by today’s trail bikes, the Element’s geometry provides slacker head and seat tube angles. Even with the slacked out angles the top tube is slightly longer than its predecessors, allowing for more room in the cockpit.

The frame includes oversized head and down tubes allowing for easier installation of the rear lockout, brake, dropper post and shift cables/hoses. Using Rocky Mountain’s Smoothwall technology, the Element shaves weight and utilizes different composites around the frame. Additionally, the Element will provide enough room in the front triangle for 2 water bottle cages.

Element_Ride9_Render

The Ride-9 is a modular system that allows for slight geometry adjustments. Rocky Mountain also provides a Ride-9 webpage to see exactly how the changes will impact the ride quality. Rather than being located in the forward shock mount like on the Altitude we reviewed, the plates are now installed into the link itself. This change in position reduces both weight and bulk.

photos c. Rocky Mountain

The Element will come in 6 different variations, including a frame only option. The top of the line Element 999 RSL will come stock with SRAM’s XX1 Eagle drivetrain, front and rear Fox suspension, RockShox’s Reverb Stealth seat post, and Stan’s Valor carbon tubeless ready wheels.

Sizes for all options will range from S – XXL. The frameset weight, including shock and hardware, is 2250g. Prices will be available closer to the bikes release.

photo c. Cory Benson
photo c. Cory Benson

Stay tuned for our first ride impressions coming soon…

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Ck
Ck
7 years ago

Yes! Love seeing more companies find ways to shoehorn two bottles inside an FS frame.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

Ahem… 3 bottles on xl and xxl.

Arthur
Arthur
7 years ago

Looks that RM recognized that the FSR patent from Specialized is not longer valid.

John
John
7 years ago
Reply to  Arthur

Rocky’s linkage is slightly different. First introduced while Spec patent was still valid.

Dennis
Dennis
7 years ago

@ck: even if it means that ugly bend at the bracket?

Ck
Ck
7 years ago
Reply to  Dennis

Go back to riding your steel rim brake Fat Chance 26er.

Frank
Frank
7 years ago

When you do your second post, please ask Rocky Mountain for a geometry chart that can actually be read. Their graphic designer really failed with the low contrast, highly detailed chart.

Carl
Carl
7 years ago

A bit disappointed that Rocky went with a 120mm fork. I tought that Rocky had the trail/xc covered with the Thunderbolt.

Uncle
Uncle
7 years ago

Full geometry here.

http://www.bikes.com/sites/default/files/Element_Geometry.jpg

Basically, ETT is 19mm longer, HTA is 69-70degrees, and seatstays shortened 5mm.

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