The equipment of the Elemet C70 doesn't attract much attention. Shimano XT components, Fox Performance Elite suspension and aluminium wheels - not exactly extravagant considering the price. At 12.43 kilos, the weight also remains pleasantly inconspicuous. However, the C70 reveals its true colours from the very first turn of the pedals. The riding position is immediately pleasing. The pleasantly steep seat angle places the rider in the centre of the bike. The long reach nevertheless ensures a sporty riding position - perfect for technical climbs and long tours. The rear suspension nods slightly, but does not stand out negatively compared to the competition.
The response behaviour, on the other hand, is fully convincing: the Rocky generates massive traction. Thanks to the low bottom bracket and an extremely slack steering angle, the bike hangs securely on the throttle on fast descents, but can still be steered with little physical effort thanks to its low weight. The Fox suspension also delivers: whether high-frequency impacts or big bumps, the Element absorbs all bumps with ease. At the limit, the bikes from Load, Canyon and Santa Cruz but still has more reserves. Only the choice of tyres reveals any real weaknesses. The tame Maxxis Rekon tyres quickly reach their traction limits, especially in the wet. Nevertheless, as an overall package, the Rocky Mountain Element c70 stands out with its excellent riding characteristics - you really can't call it a standard trail bike.
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor:
"On paper, the Rocky Mountain Element C70 behaves inconspicuously. But precisely because the bike doesn't aim for extremes, it manages the balancing act between trail expertise and touring suitability best."
Technical data and notes on the Rocky Mountain Element C70
General information
- Price: 6600 Euro
- More info/Rocky Mountain website->
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: XS/S / M /L / XL (tested in L / 44 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 12.43 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 2417 g
- Weight of wheels: 4569 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Front / rear suspension travel: 132 / 132 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance Elite Fit4 3Pos
- Shock: Fox Float Performance Elite
- Crank: Shimano XT
- Gear system: Shimano XT 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano XT BR-M 8100 / 180 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Race Face Turbine R Dropper / 170 mm / 31.6 mm
- Wheels: WTB ST Light i27 TCS 2.0, Race Face hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon; 3C MaxxTerra Exo Protection TR / Rekon; 3C MaxxSpeed Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.40
- Ease of maintenance: medium
Bike test rating²: very good - 203.3 out of 250
¹ Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
² The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Max Fuchs
Editor
