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Today’s DealsElement C30 Shimano
A 29″ / 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
Manufacturer Price
$4,499| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 120 / 130mm |
| Fork | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ / 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | SLX, Deore |
| Brakes | Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Summary
The Rocky Mountain Element is a versatile trail bike that excels in descents and technical terrain, offering a playful yet efficient ride. Its Ride-4 flip chip allows for adjustable geometry, catering to various riding styles and terrains. While it shines in downhill performance and bikepacking scenarios, some reviews note its clumsiness on climbs and rolling terrain.
Adjustable Ride-4 flip chip for customizable geometry
Excellent downhill and technical terrain performance
Lightweight design enhances efficiency
Versatile for both trail riding and bikepacking
Size-specific shock tuning improves ride quality
Clumsy climber, especially in neutral Ride-4 position
Feels less fast on rolling terrain and climbs
Some build kits include poorly matched components
Low bottom bracket increases risk of pedal strikes
Front end can feel harsh compared to the rear
The Element felt more confident, quick, and controlled than any of the previously mentioned 29ers, as if it was a bike in a 'bigger' category.BIKEPACKING.com
Built with pedalling as a top priority
A bike that’s designed to tackle ups, downs and everything in between with gusto has a tough job to do, and some compromise is inevitable.
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Oct 2025 · Ron Koch
The 2025 Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 70 combines XC climbing efficiency with trail-bike control, featuring a lighter carbon frame and refined suspension.

Mar 2025
"When the new one launched, I was immediately a bit concerned. Everything sounded a little lighter, a little more XC..."
Pedals very well while being lively, playful, and light enough
Frame has improved cable ports and interior routing
Excellent chainslap protection
Quiet bike
Four-piston brakes with metallic pads and 180mm HS2 rotors provide ample power
Stiff and laterally stiff rear end
Active suspension under load for good traction
Lively on descents
Press-fit bottom bracket
No in-frame storage compartment
Fox Float Performance Elite fork difficult to set up and balance
Rear shock gets overwhelmed on longer descents
Fox shock feels marshmallow-y and wheezes
Maxxis Rekons under-gunned for winter Shore grease
Grips not liked by reviewer
Bars feel stiff
Front wheel laced to Novatec hub (cost-saving)

Oct 2024 · By Miles Arbour
Find Miles’ 2025 Rocky Mountain Element review here and why it's refreshing in an industry that seems to value constant change...
Maintains geometry from the previous Element model, offering excellent climbing and descending, and hits well above its weight category
New flex stay design sheds some weight, improves pedalability, and means one less pivot point that needs to be maintained and replaced. This comes at no real loss to the rider
It still has a massive main triangle with room for multiple bottles or a big frame bag
Impressively lightweight
Ride-4 chip allows for geometry and fit shifts you can actually feel
Thoughtful build kit has no real shortcomings
Suspension bearings are now pressed into sleeves and linkage, not the carbon itself.
Press-fit bottom bracket could be a deal-breaker for some. Logan has had creaking issues, but I haven’t yet
The most affordable build costs $4,499 USD, which isn’t exactly cheap
No more aluminum options due to flex stay limitations, which means the Element will be out of reach for many

Oct 2024 · Jordan Villella
The new Rocky Mountain Element is well-suited for whatever comes its way. Whether it's lycra or baggies, the Element has a new lease on life.

Oct 2024 · Henry Quinney
Shock: Fox Float Performance Elite, size-specific tune..
Water bottle mounts tailored per size
Fully enclosed cables
Weight savings from flex pivot rear triangle (350g)
Climbs very well
Balanced geometry gives confidence without lethargy
No frame storage
Fox Grip X damper feels inferior to Grip2
Size-specific shock tune but not full frame kinematic tuning
May 2023 · Sam James
The Rocky Mountain Element manages to fuse elements of XC, trail and enduro genetics into one incredibly fun and capable mountain bike package.
Incredibly light for a bike with this travel & geometry
Aggressive geometry inspires aggressive riding
Incredibly versatile
The most fun I’ve had in ages
Needs bigger brakes
Carbon seat rails
Low BB means lots of pedal strikes

Apr 2022 · Luke Marshall
The Element C70 has plenty ‘under the hood’, both up and down. Grippier tyres would make it an even better descender
Low weight gives an efficient feel
Suspension and geometry make it very capable for its travel
Expensive
Front end feels harsh compared to the rear
Sep 2021 · Simon Stewart
The new Rocky Mountain Element is no longer a BC-ready XC bike, it's an XC-ready BC bike, meant for all sizes and all budgets.
| Frame | SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon | Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings | Press Fit BB | Internal Cable Routing | RIDE-4™ Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate | 120mm Travel. SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon Rear Triangle Color: Beige / Grey |
|---|---|
| Fork | Marzocchi Z2 Float EVOL Rail 130mm | 44mm Offset Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance | Sealed Bearing Eyelet | 20x8mm F Hardware | All Sizes = 190x45mm | Size-Specific tune in FAQ Travel: 120mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano SM-BBMT500 |
| Headset | FSA Orbit NO.57E ZS44|56 | Sealed 36°x45° Bearings | 30.2mm x 41mm x 7.1mm Upper | 40mm x 51.8mm x 7.5mm Lower | 1.5" Crown Race |
| Stem | Rocky Mountain 31.8 XC | 5° Rise | All Sizes = 50mm |
| Handlebar | Rocky Mountain AM | XS = 760mm | SM - XL = 780mm Width | 25mm Rise | 9° Backsweep | 5° Upsweep | 31.8 Clamp |
| Saddle | WTB Volt 142 |
| Seatpost | X Fusion Manic Composite 30.9mm | XS - SM = 125mm | MD = 150mm | LG - XL = 170mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On Light |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano SLX |
|---|---|
| Crank | Shimano Deore | 32T | 24mm Spindle | Crankarm Length: XS - SM = 165mm | MD - XL = 170mm |
| Shifters | Shimano SLX |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore 10-51T 12spd |
| Chain | Shimano M6100 |
| Brakes | Shimano MT4100 2 Piston | Resin Pads Type: Shimano Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | WTB ST Light i27 TCS 2.0 Tubeless | 28H / Tubeless Ready - Tape / Valves Incl |
|---|---|
| Spokes | 2.0 Stainless |
| Front Hub | Shimano MT410 | 15mm Boost |
| Rear Hub | Shimano MT410 Boost 148mm |
| Tires | F: Maxxis Rekon 2.4 WT EXO Tubeless Ready // R: Maxxis Rekon 2.4 WT EXO Tubeless Ready // |
First added January 27
Last updated October 26
Not listed for 594 days