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2016 Rocky Mountain

Element 950 RSL

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

$3,899
Weight26.5 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 95 / 100mm
ForkManitou
ShockFox Float DPS Performance
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
GroupsetXT
BrakesShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Element 950 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 950 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

Feedback?

View all reviews

Canadian Cycling Magazine
Rocky Mountain Element 990 RSL B.C. Edition review

Apr 2017 · Matt Stetson

A cross country bike that fears no trail

Read Review

BikeRadar
Rocky Mountain Element 999 RSL T.O. review

Mar 2017 · Russell Eich

An insanely fast, XC race bike that's eager to take on the technical lines. Buy if you have deep pockets and want an insanely fast, trail-bike capable Canadian singletrack missile

Highs
  • Crazy fast, wonderfully capable, carbon everywhere, stout Fox 34 fork, Reverb dropper post, SRAM Eagle

Lows
  • Delicate Ikon tires, Valor wheels overwhelmed, costs more than most used cars

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Mountain Bike Action
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELEMENT 970 RSL TEST

Jan 2017 · McCoy

A lightweight bike to rip your local trails

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Bikerumor
One Ride Review: 2017 Rocky Mountain Element XC-ish full suspension mountain bike

Nov 2016 · Tyler Benedict

A few years ago, I had the Rocky Mountain Element in for long term review and applauded its go-fast manners and ability to handle Pisgah’s rough descents at high speeds. For 2017, the Canadian brand embraced their North Shore roots with updated geometry and linkage and increased travel to make it a little more capable. This latest model now …

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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...

Read Review

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

MTBR
2013 Rocky Mountain Element RSL Carbon 29er Preview

Jun 2012 · Lee Lau

- Mtbr.com

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Smoothwall Carbon. FORM 7005 Series Custom Hydroformed Rear Triangle. ABC Pivots. Tapered Head Tube. Press Fit BB.

Fork

Manitou Marvel Pro. 100mm. TPC Absolute+ Damper / Compression / Lockout / Rebound / 15mm HexLock Axle / Tapered Steerer

Travel100mm

Shock

Fox Float DPS Remote Custom Valved. SmoothLink Design 95mm. Rebound / Remote Firm - Medium - Open Settings

Travel95mm

Bottom Bracket

Race Face Press Fit Team XC

Headset

FSA Orbit C-40: IS42mm Top / 52mm Bottom Tapered

Stem

RMB 7° x 70-90mm

Handlebar

Rocky Mountain Zero9 Flat 31.8mm x 720mm x 9° Sweep

Saddle

WTB Silverado Race

Seatpost

Rocky Mountain SL 30.9mm x 400mm

TypeRigid

Grips

Rocky Mountain Lock On XC

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT Shadow Plus Direct Mount 11spd

Front Derailleur

Shimano XT E-Type Mount 2x11spd

Crank

Race Face Aeffect SL Cinch 170-175mm 38/28T 2x11spd

Shifters

Shimano XT Rapid Fire 2x11spd

Cassette

Shimano XT 11-40T 11spd

Chain

Shimano XT 11spd

Brakes

Shimano M506 Hydraulic Disc 180mm

TypeShimano Deore Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano M506

Wheels
Rims

Stan's ZTR Crest Incl Tubeless Kit

Spokes

WTB 1.8-1.6 Butted

Front Hub

Shimano 618 / Centerlock / 32H / 15mm Axle

Rear Hub

Shimano 618 / Centerlock / 32H / 12 x 142mm Axle

Tires

Maxxis Ikon Maxx Speed Folding Tubeless Ready 29" x 2.2"

Rider Notes
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First added September 9

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 1,874 days