Modern cross-country (XCO) racing has taken a turn for the technical. Gone are the days of crit laps around a simple dirt course in favor of punchy, technical courses that can look a lot like DH course of yesteryear. In order to give riders the right tools for XCO and multi-day stage races (BC Bike Race, Cape Epic, Breck Epic, etc.), Rocky Mountain has updated their longstanding Element to be more modern in every way.
Key features of the 2017 Rocky Mountain Element
- Smoothwall™ carbon frame with 100mm travel via Smoothlink™ suspension (4.9 lbs – medium)
- Still using glorious, fast-rolling 29-inch wheels
- All models feature alloy chainstays (930 RSL to 999 RSL)
- Size-specific shock tuning
- Shorter chainstays and longer reach for shorter stems and wider bars
- RIDE-9™ chip to easily adjust geometry (70/69.5/69-degree head angles)
- All sizes can accommodate two water bottles inside the front triangle — huzzah!
- Built around 120mm front suspension forks (kits are spec’d with Fox 34 or Rockshox PIKE)
- Cartridge-bearing pivots throughout with one-sided pivots for added clearance
- Routing accommodates Di2, stealth dropper and Fox Live
- Boost spacing with bolt-on axle to save 35g
- Stealth dropper post-compatible
- Max 38t 1x chainring, but can still accommodate 2x setups
- Models: 999 RSL, T.O. (frame only) 990 RSL BC Edition, 970 RSL, 950 RSL and 930 RSL
- Available Fall 2016 (pricing is TBA)
The top-end Element 999 RSL build has it all: SRAM XX1 Eagle, Stan’s Valor wheels, etc.
The ElBC edition features wider bars, larger tires, stiffer wheels and tuned suspension.
The Element 970 RSL hits the sweet spot of components and price.
The Element 950 RSL is value-packed while still retaining top-shelf performance.
More Info: Visit Bikes.com
