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2016 Rocky Mountain

Element 990 RSL Frame

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry frameset.

Manufacturer Price

$2,799
Weight4.9 lbs (frame)  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 95mm rear
ShockFox Float DPS Performance
Wheels29″
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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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Canadian Cycling Magazine
Rocky Mountain Element 990 RSL B.C. Edition review

Apr 2017 · Matt Stetson

A cross country bike that fears no trail

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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...

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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.

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MTBR
2013 Rocky Mountain Element RSL Carbon 29er Preview

Jun 2012 · Lee Lau

- Mtbr.com

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Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Smoothwall Carbon. ABC Pivots. Tapered Head Tube. Press Fit BB.

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

Shock

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

Travel95mm

Bottom Bracket

Press Fit BB92

Headset

IS42mm Top / 52mm Bottom

Seatpost

30.9mm

TypeRigid

Groupset
Front Derailleur

E Type Low Direct Mount S3

Rider Notes
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First added September 9

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 1,880 days