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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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Manufacturer Price
$4,999| Weight | 24.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 95 / 100mm |
| Fork | Fox Float 32 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 11 |
| Groupset | XTR, XT |
| Brakes | Magura Hydraulic Disc |
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.
Capable on technical terrain
Lightweight and efficient for XC racing
Comfortable for long rides
Good suspension performance
Versatile for both climbing and descending
Steep headtube angle
Limited travel for some riders
High cost for premium builds
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.
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.
SmoothLink suspension stays supple yet supportive through a wider range of gears than conventional single pivot or other four-bar suspension configurations
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Apr 2017 · Matt Stetson
A cross country bike that fears no trail

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
Crazy fast, wonderfully capable, carbon everywhere, stout Fox 34 fork, Reverb dropper post, SRAM Eagle
Delicate Ikon tires, Valor wheels overwhelmed, costs more than most used cars

Jan 2017 · McCoy
A lightweight bike to rip your local trails

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 …
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.
| Frame | Smoothwall Carbon. ABC Pivots. Tapered Head Tube. Press Fit BB. BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 32 Float Fit4 Adjust. 100mm. Rebound / Firm - Medium - Adjustable Open Settings / Tapered Steerer Travel: 100mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Remote Custom Valved. SmoothLink Design 95mm. Rebound / Remote Firm - Medium - Open Settings Travel: 95mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face Cinch 30mm BB92 Pressfit |
| Headset | FSA Orbit C-40: IS42mm Top / 52mm Bottom Tapered |
| Stem | RMB SL35 7° x 70-90mm |
| Handlebar | Race Face Turbine 1/2 Riser 35mm x 740mm x 9° Sweep |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Race |
| Seatpost | Rocky Mountain SL 30.9mm x 400mm Type: Rigid |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On XC |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR Shadow Plus Direct Mount 11spd |
|---|---|
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XT E-Type Mount 2x11spd |
| Crank | Race Face Turbine Cinch 170-175mm 38/28T 2x11spd |
| Shifters | Shimano XT Rapid Fire 2x11spd |
| Cassette | Shimano XT 11-40T 11spd |
| Chain | Shimano XT 11spd |
| Brakes | Magura MT-6 Hydraulic Disc 180mm Type: Magura Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Magura MT-6 Carbotecture |
| Rims | Stan\'s ZTR Crest Incl Tubeless Kit |
|---|---|
| Spokes | WTB 1.8-1.6 Butted |
| Front Hub | SUNringlé SRC / 6-Bolt / 32H / 15mm Axle |
| Rear Hub | SUNringlé SRC / 6-Bolt / 32H / 12 x 142mm Axle |
| Tires | Maxxis Ikon Maxx Speed Folding Tubeless Ready 29\" x 2.2\" |
First added September 9
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 1,874 days