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Today’s DealsElement 970 RSL
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 95 / 100mm |
| Fork | Fox Float 32 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | XTR, XT |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
Summary
The Rocky Mountain Element is a versatile cross-country bike that excels in both racing and endurance riding, offering a lightweight frame, efficient suspension, and a confidence-inspiring front end. While it's praised for its speed and handling, some reviewers noted issues with the rear suspension's progressiveness and pedal clearance. The bike stands out for its ability to tackle technical terrain without sacrificing its race-ready efficiency.
Lightweight frame and efficient suspension for XC racing
Versatile for both endurance races and technical terrain
Confidence-inspiring front end handling
Well-balanced suspension for comfort on long rides
Proprietary carbon manufacturing techniques enhance performance
Rear suspension can feel too progressive and less forgiving
40mm BB drop may lead to clipped pedals
Weak internal cable stop
This could be the weirdest cross-country bike ever.
This bike is fast.
I’ve ridden it now 6 times in the last 8 days so am obviously more than a bit content with its performance.
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Sep 2014 · Dirt HQ
The Rocky Mountain Element 999 RSL looks ideal for the rider who likes to rip up the hills as quickly as coming down them...

Jul 2013
Rocky Mountain's Element 970 RSL BC Edition is a cross-country racer, British Columbia style. Light, efficient and surprisingly capable in technical conditions—an excellent choice for grueling endurance races.

Jan 2013 · Tyler Benedict
When Rocky Mountain Bicycles unveiled the carbon fiber Element RSL 29er line this summer, we had one of the first bikes available and were able to post actual weights, tech specs and first impressions for the debut. Now, with half a year of riding on it, we’ve got a much better grasp of the bike’s …

Oct 2012 · MBA Action
After being impressed by Rocky Mountain's aluminum Element 29er, we couldn't help but think about how the rig would improve with some carbon DNA. Only a

Aug 2010 · Matthew Pacocha
A World Cup calibre racer that's best left on the racecourse; all-round riders and many racers will surely prefer the longer-travel MSL variant
| Frame | SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon Frame ABC™ Pivots Tapered Head Tube Press Fit BB Internal Cable Routing Internal \"Stealth\" Dropper Post Routing Internal Shock Remote Routing |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 32 Float 29 100 FIT Dual Remote CTD Travel: 100mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float Dual Remote CTD Custom Race Valved Travel: 95mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face Press Fit Team XC |
| Headset | Cane Creek Forty Series: IS42mm Top / 52mm Bottom Tapered |
| Stem | Race Face Turbine 6° x 70-100mm |
| Handlebar | Race Face Turbine Flat Wide Ø31.8mm x 700mm x 9° Sweep |
| Saddle | fi\'zi:k Gobi XM |
| Seatpost | Race Face Turbine 30.9mm x 400mm Type: Rigid |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On XC |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR 10spd |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XT E Mount 2x10spd |
| Crank | Race Face Turbine 170-175mm 38/24T 2x10spd |
| Shifters | Shimano XT Rapid Fire I- Spec 2x10spd |
| Cassette | Shimano XT 11-36T 10spd |
| Chain | Shimano HG94 10spd |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc 180mm Type: Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano XT I-Spec Shifter Mount |
| Rims | DT Swiss X 1.6 Tubeless Ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition Straight Pull |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss X 1.6 Straight Pull 15mm Axle |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss X 1.6 Straight Pull / Star Ratchet Freehub / 12 x 142mm |
| Tires | Continental Folding F: X King 29\" x 2.2\" / R: Race King 29\" x 2.2\" |
First added April 14
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 1,880 days