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Today’s Deals2024 Rocky Mountain
Element C70 Shimano
A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
Manufacturer Price
$6,999| Weight | 27.8 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 120 / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Performance Elite Float 34 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance Elite |
| Wheels | 27.5″ / 29″ Aluminum |
| Groupset | XT |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
4'8" – 5'3"
5'1" – 5'7"
5'5" – 5'10"
5'8" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'6"
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
BikerumorA 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)
Jan 2025 · Sam James
The 2024 Rocky Mountain Element cross-country mountain bike cuts a similar silhouette to the old one, but does it ride any differently? We put it to the test.
Light frame weight
Lively, snappy ride
Great blend of climbing efficiency and descending confidence
Under-powered/mushy brakes
High cost of entry
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
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 BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Colors: Beige / Grey; Carbon / Black |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 34 Float Performance Elite 29 | XS = 120mm | SM - XL = 130mm | GRIP2 Damper | 44mm Offset Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float DPS Performance Elite | Sealed Bearing Eyelet | 20x8mm F Hardware | All Sizes = 190x45mm | Size-Specific tune in FAQ Travel: 120mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano SM-BB71 |
| Headset | FSA Orbit NO.57E ZS44|56 | Durable Sealed Stainless 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 35 XC | 5° Rise | All Sizes = 50mm |
| Handlebar | Rocky Mountain AM Carbon 780mm |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Race 142 |
| Seatpost | Race Face Turbine R (by Fox) Dropper 30.9mm | XS - SM = 125mm | MD = 150mm | LG = 175mm | XL = 200mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | ODI Elite Pro Lock On |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XT |
|---|---|
| Crank | Shimano XT | 32T | 24mm Spindle | Crankarm Length: XS = 165mm | SM - XL = 170mm |
| Shifters | Shimano XT |
| Cassette | Shimano XT 10-51T |
| Chain | Shimano M8100 |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Trail 4 Piston | Metal Pads Type: Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | WTB ST Light i27 TCS 2.0 Tubeless | 28H / Tubeless Ready - Tape / Valves Incl |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0 |
| Front Hub | Rocky Mountain SL Sealed Boost 15mm |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 370 Boost 148mm | 18T Star-Ratchet |
| Tires | F: Maxxis Rekon WT 3C MaxxTerra EXO Tubeless Ready 2.4 // R: Maxxis Rekon WT 3C MaxxTerra EXO Tubeless Ready 2.4 // |
First added January 27
Last updated October 26
Not listed for 594 days