Endurance test performance: 3,870 km
My bike must not be as sensitive as Italian professional footballers. It has to be able to cope with tours in the mountains, the daily ride to work (20 kilometres there and back) and the quick training lap. And in all weathers. The mediocre X5/X7 mix initially proved to be very lean for 2500 euros, but later proved to be tough and functional. The SAG display on the rocker helped me to adjust the rear suspension only very roughly: the adjustment range in which the pointer should lie was too large and not very meaningful. Even on the first few laps in the snow, I felt right at home on the Element 29er. In snow and mud, the Rocky surprised me on steep and slippery climbs with its good traction on the rear wheel.
The wide 700 mm handlebars were unusual at first for me as an old road bike convert. I also fell down straight away because I got stuck on the railing on a narrow bridge. The bike just grinned and I was a bit wallpapered. But now I don't want to ride narrower handlebars any more. That's how good the handling and control was.
After countless rides in the snow and rain, the saddle started to creak, and a little later the rear triangle too. However, this was quickly remedied by tightening the screws. I was very pleased with the brakes, which were free of grinding and squeaking. Even with the X-King from Conti, I didn't have a puncture in almost 4000 kilometres.
Conclusion: I would sign the Element 930's certificate for a sporty and robust touring bike, but for the marathon I would go for the carbon version and lighter parts.
DEFECTS / MODIFICATIONS:
1. front too high - 50 km: stem turned round and spacer upwards
2. rear end cracks - 1600 km: tighten all bolts
3. chain worn out - 2200 km: new chain fitted
4. brake pads and tyres through - 3200 km: Brake pads and rear tyres replaced
Function ****
Shelf life ******
(max. 6 stars)
