Rocky Mountain Element 2022: XC fully for demanding terrain

Product news / MTB: The Rocky Mountain Element 2022 is an exciting MTB that could almost serve as a blueprint for modern XC bikes - with a lot of downhill potential, but on the other hand classic race genes.

Rocky Mountain is constantly working its way through its own portfolio and renewing platform after platform. After the more descent-oriented models Slayer, Altitude and Instinct, it is now the turn of the Element; so far it was designed as a racy XC-Fully - nothing will change with the new model, but the discipline itself has changed a lot in the recent past. The increasingly demanding courses peppered with technical challenges such as stone fields or drops not only demand everything from the riders - they also pose new challenges for the bikes.

The result was so-called "down-country bikes", i.e. XC bikes optimized for their descent quality. But: In view of the development of the discipline, these down-country bikes can confidently be called modern XC bolides, and the completely renewed element falls into this category.

But what does all this mean in concrete terms, apart from any pigeonhole discussions? On the one hand, the suspension travel of the bike has increased: instead of the previous 100mm at the rear and 120 at the front, the new element now comes with 120 at the rear and even 130mm at the front. There is also a much more progressive geometry. But: Anyone who fears that the element will now “degenerate” into a light trail bike is wrong. It retains many of the qualities that XC racers want from their base: For example, the frame (except size XS) offers space for two drinking bottles and of course the weight is right too. The frame including the Fox DPS damper weighs 2,4 kg, the complete bike around 10,8 kg (in the top version).

Progressive Geometry

Perhaps the most important factor in handling is the geometry. Accordingly, the Canadians made some adjustments here. For example, the head angle of 65,5° is extremely slack for a bike in this class. The long main frame is also very modern - both together should ensure a lot of smooth running even on demanding terrain. The rather short chainstays are supposed to ensure a good balance, which should also make the bike easy to maneuver through tight corners. The steep seat tube angle puts the rider in an efficient position and the low stack ensures a decent amount of saddle elevation.

A special feature is the XS size of the new Element: Here the bike is equipped with 27,5 inch wheels and offers a very low standover height, which should make the bike attractive for very small riders or even young people.

For all sizes, the geometry adjustment must also be taken into account: The Rocky Mountain element can be adjusted to one's own preferences and needs in four positions using a flip chip on the damper mount - this not only changes the angle by a little more than half a degree, but also the bottom bracket height is adjusted by a few millimeters.

Ride4 geometry adjustment and plenty of space for drinking bottles

The aforementioned geometry adjustment has been one of the trademarks of the cult manufacturer from North America for several years. In most cases, the Ride-9 system is used, which even offers nine different positions; but the Ride-4 chip used on the Element offers enough options for a bike in this class and is also a bit lighter. A small, but definitely nice innovation: For the first time, a 5mm Allen key is now sufficient for adjustment, previously you still needed a size 4 key.

The extremely filigree frame has another highlight: there are five screw eyelets for bottle holders on the down tube. So you can either place the bottle exactly where you can reach it perfectly in the heat of the moment, or you can mount two holders in parallel: There is space for two large 710ml bottles in the MD-XL frame sizes, and at least one 710ml bottle in the SM and 620 - only on the smallest XS frame you have to get along with a 710ml bottle.

Rocky Mountain Element 2022: Models and Equipment

The new Rocky Mountain Element will be available in four configurations and as a frameset. The entry-level model is the only one that uses an aluminum frame, the other options come with carbon. On the other hand, the Element Alloy 50 is by far the cheapest model at 4.200 euros. For the versions with a carbon frame, the prices range up to 9.700 euros - but here the components are also "full chapel". The frame set including the Fox Float DPS Factory shock costs 3.500 euros.

The Rocky Mountain Element 2022 will be available from retailers in Germany towards the end of the year.

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