Start of the endurance test
When the Element C70 rolled into the BIKE basement for the trail bike comparison test at the end of 2022, I was already impressed by its slim silhouette. Finally a fully without tube diameters like bodybuilder's upper arms. The newly designed marathon icon looked simple and elegant, almost dainty - pure understatement, as the test would later prove. Instead of classic race genes, the Rocky has been instilled with pure trail virtues. In the current version, the suspension offers a maximum of 132 millimetres of travel at the front and rear - in the steep Ride 4 setting, mind you.
However, after a brief back and forth with the easy-to-change flip chip, I rode the Element in the flattest setting. Then the suspension travel shrinks to just 123 millimetres. On the other hand, the bottom bracket drops low and the head angle flattens out to just 64.7 degrees. This takes the Rocky a little away from its origins, but in Canada the term marathon is probably defined completely differently than in Europe anyway.
The practical test
I spared the Rocky - or rather myself - a race anyway. Although I could also imagine a marathon on the Element. Lighter rolling tyres and the Element would be ready for the long lap. There would also be room for two bottle cages on the down tube. The riding position convinced me from the very first pedal stroke. Thanks to the steep seat angle and long reach, the Element C70 still masters technical climbs with plenty of traction on the chain and yet you don't feel too sporty in the saddle. Ideal for extended tours and excessive climbing. And there were plenty of them: the Rocky completed the Sennes-Fanes circuit twice. Various steep climbs up the Kronplatz too. My absolute highlight tour up the Sambock also turned into a real ramp hunt. The suspension always behaved inconspicuously. A slight nod, yes, but so subtle that reaching for the platform was usually not worth the effort.
The Rocky really blossomed on the descents. The rear suspension generates a lot of traction, the Fox suspension filters out high-frequency impacts as well as big bumps. In fast sections, the slack steering angle and the low bottom bracket provide a lot of security. Even on rough descents such as the Herrnsteig on Kronplatz, the Element coped well - even if the 130 millimetres set certain limits and it is better to hold the handlebars firmly here. Changing direction in technical terrain, on the other hand, is child's play. Weighing just 12.4 kilos, the Rocky can be manoeuvred nimbly even through twisty bends. Playing off-road? Always happy to.
The details
In terms of equipment, the Rocky was once again inconspicuous. The cockpit with high-quality Odi grips sits perfectly in the hand. At 6600 euros, a Shimano XT groupset is not a highlight. But it guarantees stress-free hours in the saddle. Only the two-piston brakes with 180 mm discs on the fork were too weak for the immensely wide range of applications. The first disc burned up in the downhill madness at Kronplatz.
The moderately profiled Maxxis Rekon also had to make way for the high-traction Assegai for Alpine use - the rear wheel would also have been long overdue for a replacement. Somewhat annoying: despite the correct cable routing and torque, the Race Face dropper post often remained in its lowered position.
On the last few rides, the rear suspension also reacted much less sensitively. The reason for this was seized bearings on the rocker link suspension. Loud cracking noises on fast descents signalled at the end of the test period that a comprehensive service was more than overdue - but given what the Element had to put up with, it's no wonder.
Conclusion: Rocky Mountain Element C70 endurance test
A bike that can take on everything from marathons and home rounds to tough Alpine descents and looks damn good at the same time? Here you go: the Rocky Mountain Element C70. Even if the spec doesn't knock your socks off, with its excellent handling and huge range of uses, the Rocky is constantly tempting you to embark on new adventures. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
Technical data and evaluation: Rocky Mountain Element C70 endurance test
- Frame material: Carbon, size L
- Price / weight: 6600Euro / 12,43 kg without pedals
- Spring travel: 132 mm /132 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Fork / damper: Fox 34 Float Performance Elite Fit4 3Pos / Fox Float Performance Elite
Mileage: 1660 km | 47800 hm
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Stefan Frey
Editor
