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…
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.
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.
