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2014 Rocky Mountain

Element 999 RSL

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

$8,299
Weight22.0 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 95 / 100mm
ForkRockShox SID
ShockRockShox Monarch XX
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetXX, X0
BrakesSRAM XX Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Element 999 RSL
Other Crosscountry bikes
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)

30 mph

Element 999 RSL

27 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Rocky Mountain Element is celebrated for its versatility as a cross-country bike, excelling in technical terrain and climbs with a balance of agility and comfort. Its suspension design and lightweight frame contribute to efficient performance, though some note the headtube angle and travel limitations. The bike is often compared favorably to other high-performance cross-country models.

Pros
  • Capable on technical terrain

  • Lightweight and efficient for XC racing

  • Comfortable for long rides

  • Good suspension performance

  • Versatile for both climbing and descending

Cons
  • Steep headtube angle

  • Limited travel for some riders

  • High cost for premium builds

Key Quotes
This bike tears up technical climbs with a relentless agility, and is almost as remorseless on steep descents filled with rocks, roots and sizeable drops.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
It’s a very laterally stiff front end that, so long as you possess the strength to control it, will hold the intended line through whatever you hit.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
SmoothLink suspension stays supple yet supportive through a wider range of gears than conventional single pivot or other four-bar suspension configurations
Dirt Mountainbike logoDirt Mountainbike

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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 950 RSL review

Jul 2014

This bike tears up technical climbs with a relentless agility, and is almost as remorseless on steep descents filled with rocks, roots and sizeable drops–despite having a steepish 70.6-degree headtube angle.

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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Geometry
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 Full Sprint World Cup 29

Travel100mm

Shock

RockShox Monarch XX Custom Valved

Travel95mm

Bottom Bracket

Race Face Press Fit Team XC

Headset

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

Stem

Race Face Turbine CNC 6° x 70-100mm

Handlebar

Race Face Next Flat Wide Ø31.8mm x 720mm x 9° Sweep

Saddle

WTB Silverado SLT Titanium

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 X0 S3 Direct Mount 2x10spd

Crank

Race Face Next SL 170-175mm 38/24T 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

Stan\'s ZTR Crest SL Tubeless Ready

Spokes

DT Swiss Revolution / Alloy Nipples

Front Hub

Stan\'s 3.30Ti Disc / 15mm Axle

Rear Hub

Stan\'s 3.30Ti Disc / 6 Pawl Freehub / 142 x 12mm Axle

Tires

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

Rider Notes
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First added September 9

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 1,886 days