Element 950 RSL features the same SmoothWall carbon front triangle as the Element 999 RSL and a 7005 series aluminum rear end. With Fox’s latest and greatest Dual Remote CTD suspension front and rear, you can adjust the ride without taking your hands off the handlebars. And, there’s no better bang for the buck than Shimano’s new SLX parts kit with Race Face’s brand new Turbine crankset.
Strengths: Decent spec for the money, no problems with SLX/XT part mix.
Light and solid frame.
Climbs like a champ and descends really well, CTD works as it should. Very efficient in everything it does and inspires you to go faster.
Weaknesses: Not very much. Stock wheels are not that great. OEM front rotor got fried but SoCal mountains aren't exactly XC... CTD remote is huge, but I can live with that.
Bottom Line:
Overall this was an awesome purchase, I love this bike. Stock fork/frame is awesome. From stock I replaced the wheels with Stans Arch EX and put an XT ice-tech front rotor on and haven't had any problems. This bike is a great building bike by putting the extra cash you save into the things you want. As an XC bike I don't think you can get much better for the money.