You have to look closely to spot the differences between the new Rocky Mountain Element and its predecessor. The new Element also has the almost petite silhouette with the shock located under the top tube. The proportions of the main frame hardly seem to have changed either.
The biggest innovation is in the rear triangle. Flattened chainstays and the absence of an additional bearing on the Horst link reveal the latest development stage of the Element. Like many of its competitors, Rocky Mountain now relies on a so-called flex-pivot rear triangle, in which the flattened chainstays of the carbon frame take on the function of a pivot and provide the necessary flex.
The reduced number of bearings primarily saves weight, but also reduces maintenance costs and should also increase rigidity. The first check in our test laboratory confirms the hoped-for development goal. At just 1900 grams for the frame without shock, the 2025 edition weighs less than all the other Element frames we have tested so far.
The stiffness of the new Rocky also remains in the green zone. While the front triangle of the frame has a good-natured flex, the rear is quite stiff under lateral load. In no situation did the frame feel too soft or not forgiving enough in terms of stiffness.
Equipment Rocky Mountain Element C70
- Fork / shock: Fox 34 Grip X Performance Elite / Float Performance Elite
- Gearing / Bandwidth: Sram GX AXS Transmission / 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Level Bronze / 180/160 mm
- Wheels: Novatec/DT hubs, Race Face ARC27 rims Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Maxxterra Exo 29 x 2.4 tyres
- Seatpost / stroke: Fox Transfer / 180 mm
- max. system weight: n. A.
- Warranty: 5 years
- Special features: Ride-4 adjustment, Flex-Pivot rear triangle
From the test lab
- Total weight: 12.34 kg without pedals
- Frame weight: 1900 g Weight
- Impellers: 4608 g Impeller inertia: 3456 kg x cm²
Proven suspension travel and full customisability
The new Rocky Element relies on tried and tested suspension travel. The fork has 130 millimetres of travel and the rear 120 millimetres. Only the top model, the C99, is even more marathon orientated with a 120 mm fork and a sportier riding position thanks to the higher saddle rake. The frames in size XS also come with 120 millimetres at the front for a little more saddle rise.
In conjunction with the new flex pivot design, the kinematics of the rear triangle have also been refined. This can still be customised to personal requirements using the tried-and-tested Ride 4 adjustment. The four different damper positions also have an effect on the geometry of the Element.
In order not to worsen the excellent handling of the nimble trail bike, the core geometry parameters have remained largely unchanged with a 65.6 steering angle and a slightly steeper seat angle. In the Ride 4 system setting we rode, the seat angle is 77.7 degrees and ensures pressure on the front wheel even in steep sections. In size L, the reach measures 480 millimetres, which is around five millimetres longer than its predecessor.
In the saddle of the Element, you adopt a slightly sporty riding position, accelerate quickly on the straights, but can still steer the bike playfully through the terrain. A successful compromise between a marathon and trail bike. The Rocky takes even fast and steep descents in its stride and calmly and with its 439 mm chainstays, it can also be pulled onto the rear wheel quite well.
Amazing comfort
On the suspension side, the C70 is comfortable off-road. The Fox Performance Elite combo reacts willingly to the finer details, generates grip and has a decent absorption capacity. In rough downhill sections, the rear even feels like it has more than 120 millimetres of travel.
With the usual sag, the available shock travel can also be utilised very well without bottoming out. The rear suspension has a pleasant progression, yet there is hardly any unused travel left at the end of the trail.
The only drawback: The Fox 34 suspension fork fitted to our test bike had such a large amount of bushing play that it even caused rattling noises and vibrations in the handlebars.
Willingly uphill
At just 12.3 kilos without pedals, the total weight is absolutely impressive at a price of 7300 euros. Thanks to the slimmed-down frame, the new Element has a light-footed acceleration. Only the Race Face wheels with aluminium rims and the aluminium handlebars still have room for improvement in terms of weight.
If you're reluctant to use the shock platform and like to ride with the shock open, the Element is a quiet partner that doesn't pump much even when pedalling. If longer tarmac sections are required, an effective three-stage platform is within easy reach.
Apart from the handlebars and wheels, the equipment is pretty decent. The electronic Sram GX AXS transmission also fits very well into the overall picture. Only those who want powerful braking performance, for example heavy peoplethe Sram-Level brakes fitted here are probably a little too weak - despite the four-piston design.
Friends of a storage compartment in the frame will unfortunately be disappointed with the Rocky. The slim frame does not have a boot, but it does have additional attachment points under the top tube and space for two water bottles on the down tube.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
A sporty trail bike straight out of a textbook. The latest version of the Rocky Mountain Element has retained its wide range of uses and has also reduced the weight of the frame. What more could you want?
