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2013 Rocky Mountain

Element 999 RSL

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 95 / 100mm
ForkRockShox SID
ShockRockShox Monarch XX
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetXX
BrakesSRAM XX Hydraulic Disc
Where to Buy
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Insights
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

31 mph

Element 999 RSL

27 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • Rear suspension can feel too progressive and less forgiving

  • 40mm BB drop may lead to clipped pedals

  • Weak internal cable stop

Key Quotes
This could be the weirdest cross-country bike ever.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
This bike is fast.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
I’ve ridden it now 6 times in the last 8 days so am obviously more than a bit content with its performance.
MTBR logoMTBR

Feedback?

View all reviews

Dirt Mountainbike
Rocky Mountain Element 999 RSL

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...

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BIKE Magazine
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELEMENT 970 RSL BC EDITION Review

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.

Read Review

Bikerumor
Long Term Review: Rocky Mountain Element 970RSL 29er Mountain Bike

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 …

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Mountain Bike Action
Bike Test: Rocky Mountain Element 970 RSL

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

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MTBR
2013 Rocky Mountain Element RSL Carbon 29er Preview

Jun 2012 · Lee Lau

- Mtbr.com

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BikeRadar
2011 Rocky Mountain Element 70 RSL review

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

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Specs
Build
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

RockShox SID XX World Cup 29

Travel100mm

Shock

RockShox Monarch XX Custom Valved

Travel95mm

Bottom Bracket

SRAM Press Fit GXP

Headset

Cane Creek Forty Series: IS42mm Top / 52mm Bottom Tapered

Stem

Race Face Turbine CNC 6° x 70-100mm

Handlebar

Race Face Turbine Flat Wide Ø31.8mm x 700mm x 9° Sweep

Saddle

fi\'zi:k Tundra k:ium

Seatpost

Race Face Next SL Carbon 30.9mm x 400mm

TypeRigid

Grips

ESI Silicone Super Light

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM XX 10spd

Front Derailleur

SRAM XX S3 Direct Mount 2x10spd

Crank

SRAM XX 170-175mm 39/27T 2x10spd

Shifters

SRAM XX MatchMaker Triggers 2x10spd

Cassette

SRAM XG-1099 11-36T 10spd

Chain

SRAM PC-1091 10spd

Brakes

SRAM XX World Cup Hydraulic Disc 180mm

TypeSRAM XX Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM XX Carbon Matchmaker

Wheels
Rims

DT Swiss X 1.4 Tubeless Ready

Spokes

DT Swiss Aerolite Straight Pull

Front Hub

DT Swiss X 1.4 Straight Pull 15mm Axle

Rear Hub

DT Swiss X 1.4 Straight Pull / Star Ratchet Freehub / 12 x 142mm

Tires

Continental Race Sport Black Chili F: X King 29\" x 2.2\" / R: Race King 29\" x 2.2\"

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First added April 14

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 1,895 days