Submitted by
willy j worm
a
from Lethbridge,Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003
Strengths: Geometry,climbing abilities, components (shocks etc.),terrain versatility, color/green... RMB SERVICE IS UNSURPASSED IT'S ALL GOOD; I have no desire for a new bike.
Weaknesses: pedals(minor). That's it.The plastic bushing on the rear fox shock was squeaky, phoned RMB in BC, he knew what I was talking about, sent me free metal bushings ASAP, no charge...again, minor.
Bottom Line:
TEST OF TIME. This bike has proven itself brilliantly on all terrains for 3 years. SERVICE. Rocky Mountain is what makes for proud Canadians through amazing service and craftmanship...they are made in BC, they know what a MTB should do and not do. For amazing trail or downhill in the praries or the mountains this bike is all I need and more. It was reasonably priced for all levels of riders. I will not need to upgrade to a new "Rocky" for another while...Sorry RMB, this was your only mistake...too darn good.
Similar Products Used: Nothing like it, but maybe another RMB.
Bike Setup: All stock but Azonic riser bars.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Strengths: minimal bob while pedaling decent parts spec neutral, predictable geometry
Weaknesses: not all that plush, front or rear
Bottom Line:
Rented this for 2 days in Fruita. Has a very firm feel while pedaling, but not all that plush compared to my Loco (which admittedly has more travel). Decent parts spec, but nothing stellar. The fork is precise and low maintenance, but I think the bike could benefit from 100mm travel (which the 2002 has). A good choice if you want a FS bike that rides like a hardtail, but not the best choice.
Similar Products Used: Titus LocoMoto. Have rented Sugar, Fuel, FSR, etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Leonard
a Weekend Warrior
from Paradise, Newfoundland, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001
Strengths: Definitely the frame, shock and fork
Weaknesses: This is the original Element Race and there were some problems with the bottom bracket pivot backing out. The dealer in conjunction with RM straightened it out perfectly.
Bottom Line:
First of all may I send my heart felt sympathy to the families and friends of all the victims of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. God (or whomever you pray too) bless them all.
This has become my annual review of Rocky (or Mr. R as I refer to him now) -can I corectly say annual? Is there a minimum number of years before you can use "annual"?... Anyways - after hibernating for the winter (the worst we've ever had, broke the old snowfall record) I woke Mr. R up. Well actually he was ready long befor the trails were fit to ride. He had my shed practially tore up with his pacing back and forth for months and almost escaped out the door befor I got a hold of him. After calming him down I loaded him into the back of our (wife's and mine) CRV and off to the bike shop for his annual (there's that word again) checkup we went. The only thing he required was a change of fork oil. A NOTE HERE... ever since I've owned Mr. R I haven't been fully sadisified with the rebound of the front fork. This year the young fellow at the shop dismantled, cleaned and replaced the 7.5 wt oil with 5.0 wt. What a difference, it was like having a new shock. I should have done it years ago. I'm into my 5'th month of riding this year (3-5 times a week) and have yet to replace anything. It's been and exceptionally dry summer and except for an occasional wash and regular lubing, general check of the nuts and bolts - the usual. Mr. R hasn't cost me a cent. (After 2 sets of Shimano V-Brake pads in one year I switched to Koolstop, they last twice as long, never squeal, are cleaner and work better in the wet. I suspect the newer versions of the bike are possibly a little smoother - if that's possible. If I were to buy another bike it would be without question another Rockey Mountain, most likely an Instinct - although there a lot of choices from RM these days. But that's all moot as Mr. R is alive and well. Keep the rubber on the rocks and don't spill your beans....
Similar Products Used: First and still only full suspension
Bike Setup: xt, x-ray shifters, dx pedals, profile fiber rs riser bar, trans x stem -120 mm, mavic rims
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Leonard
a Weekend Warrior
from Paradise, Newfoundland, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001
Strengths: Definitely the frame, shock and fork
Weaknesses: This is the original Element Race and there were some problems with the bottom bracket pivot backing out. The dealer in conjunction with RM straightened it out perfectly.
Bottom Line:
First of all may I send my heart felt sympathy to the families and friends of all the victims of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. God (or whomever you pray too) bless them all.
This has become my annual review of Rocky (or Mr. R as I refer to him now) -can I corectly say annual? Is there a minimum number of years before you can use "annual"?... Anyways - after hibernating for the winter (the worst we've ever had, broke the old snowfall record) I woke Mr. R up. Well actually he was ready long befor the trails were fit to ride. He had my shed practially tore up with his pacing back and forth for months and almost escaped out the door befor I got a hold of him. After calming him down I loaded him into the back of our (wife's and mine) CRV and off to the bike shop for his annual (there's that word again) checkup we went. The only thing he required was a change of fork oil. A NOTE HERE... ever since I've owned Mr. R I haven't been fully sadisified with the rebound of the front fork. This year the young fellow at the shop dismantled, cleaned and replaced the 7.5 wt oil with 5.0 wt. What a difference, it was like having a new shock. I should have done it years ago. I'm into my 5'th month of riding this year (3-5 times a week) and have yet to replace anything. It's been and exceptionally dry summer and except for an occasional wash and regular lubing, general check of the nuts and bolts - the usual. Mr. R hasn't cost me a cent. (After 2 sets of Shimano V-Brake pads in one year I switched to Koolstop, they last twice as long, never squeal, are cleaner and work better in the wet. I suspect the newer versions of the bike are possibly a little smoother - if that's possible. If I were to buy another bike it would be without question another Rockey Mountain, most likely an Instinct - although there a lot of choices from RM these days. But that's all moot as Mr. R is alive and well. Keep the rubber on the rocks and don't spill your beans....
Similar Products Used: First and still only full suspension
Bike Setup: xt, x-ray shifters, dx pedals, profile fiber rs riser bar, trans x stem -120 mm, mavic rims
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bart
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Or
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Strengths: Excellent handling and balance. Very stout pony.
Weaknesses: Plastic bushings squeek and wear out. Plan on replacing all the bushings at the beginning of each season for $35 and you'll be a happy camper. Low quality pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is the best handling bike I have ever ridden...it handles like a good quarter horse. It's not as light as the Specailized FSR XC that I almost bought, but it is much stiffer and doesn't flex and "ghost shift" under pedaling force like the Specialized. The front and rear suspension are evenly balanced and work great on the slow steep climbs and fast down hills. This sucker is comfortable and reliable on long extended weekend rides, yet fast enough for racing. I highly recommend this quality product.
Bike Setup: Race face 1" riser bars, Ritchy Ti pedals, Flight saddle
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Maya Kakinyoas
a Cross Country Rider
from Villa Indios Bar, NEWARK
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Strengths: Beautiful hydro green color nice welds decent starter fork - Z3 lite LX/XT drivetrain
Weaknesses: weak stock components (RM mix - stem, seatpost, seat, H-bar) constant squeaking from rear shock mount rear pivots backing out
Bottom Line:
It's a pretty good buy for the money (1500). Only complaints I have so far are: - loose pivot screw backed out, eventually lost (RM replaced free!) - squeaky rear shock bushings (RM replaced bushings free!) - weak looking stock components (seatpost/stem/headset/bar/seat/etc...)
Once I upgraded to raceface and the XVert, no complaints at all. I love riding this thing, better than riding your girl. Sure there are way better bikes out there on the trail, but I feel good knowing that I saved an extra 2-3Gs in my pocket! More money for Villa's finest - shout out to NEWARK!! Haaayy!
If you do pick up an element race, make sure you get the newer model w/ the raceface cranks/component mix. And check out speedgoat, last time I saw, they had these things on sale for like 900 or something!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockcrapper Old Ass BALANCE FS (Lead) Tracer
Bike Setup: 00 XVERT, RaceFace, LX/XT
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Armondo Galaviz
a Weekend Warrior
from Shelton, WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001
Strengths: The frame is light, but scary light. The design of the suspension keeps the tire planted on the trail when climbing with minimum bobbing. The weld quality looks good, people still can do somethings well... Customer Service--I have been explictly pleased with my contact with the company and their people. I'm unsure of the stock components, so I'll not speak of them.
Weaknesses: Yep, it's true the bottom pivot bolt will work its way out. Have the hole reamed to the proper tolerance and all is fine. Yes it should have been perfect from the factory blah blah blah. Even Hondas have glitches...
Bottom Line:
This bike has proven to be a great trail bike. It climbs, desends, and tracks with ease. It isn't a free rider, RM makes bikes for that purpose. It's a cross-country/ trail riding, have fun bike. I am pleased. The only thing I would warn of is the bottom pivot bolt, make sure things are right before you leave on a ride.
Bike Setup: Race Face Prodigy Cranks, XT bottom bracket, Deore shifters, XT rear, LX front, syncros post, Easton bars, hayes hydros, Formula/Mavic dish wheels.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from LI NY
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Strengths: Climbs great, great suspension, tracks great. Great components.
Weaknesses: None....period.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great up here in the Northeast. So far after one year I have not had any problems. I had Hayes Hydros installed for the muddy and wet conditions and a riser bar for the comfort and width. This bike has a much more solid feel over all the other xc dual suspension bikes I've ridden (either demo's or friends). The bike has an incredible ride and always turns heads with its Ltd Edition paint scheme. If you are looking for a dual suspension bike and are trading up from a hardtail then look no farther.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale, Trek, Specialized...you name it.
Bike Setup: Element Ltd Edition, Marzocchi Atom 80, Easton Carbon Riser, Race Face SYStem, Hayes Hydraulics, Bontrager Race Wheels, Thompson Elite Post, Titec Berserkr Saddle, Micheline Wildgripper Comp Tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chef
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY
Weaknesses: Main pivot bolt used to back out on both sides; shock mount bolts spec'ed with weak steel bolts, rather than hardened steel. Also, you cannot use a rear disc brake, or you'll crack the seatstay. Lastly - price. Ouch.
Bottom Line:
As an FYI - I bought the frame and shock only ($1500); otherwise, it's @ $3600.
I've ridden this bike on East Coast technical singletrack, on Squamish (Vancouver, BC) nastiness, in the Arizona desert, and mild downhill at Bromont, Quebec. It climbs wonderfully - possibly one of the best-climbing bikes I've had the opportunity to ride - and is sure-footed on descents. The cockpit is short enough that you can maneuver the bike around, yet long enough that you don't feel cramped.
I'm a heavy rider, and tend to abuse my equipment. I've cracked the drive-side dropout (manufacturer's defect - the hanger hole was drilled too deep), and snapped the shock mount bolt. That's it - and both of those recently. I also have had problems with the main pivot bolt working loose (as others have said, often miles from the trailhead). I used to carry a crank-remover tool, just to be able to fix it. Loc-tite didn't work, either.
In both cases (dropout and pivot), RM came through. It turns out that many of the '99 Elements were drilled with the tolerances too tight; this made the bearing inside the main pivot bind, and force the bolts out when the suspension activated. A quick trip to the LBS, a 45 minute wait, and the problem was fixed - under warranty. I haven't had a problem since. With the dropout; I happened to be headed up to Squamish at the time, and would be staying with a friend in Vancouver. My friend got in touch with RM, explained the problem, and ended up picking up a new chainstay piece that day. A 15 minute fix, and it was done. Both times, RM didn't hedge, or hem and haw - they got me the parts and advice I needed as fast as possible, with no cost to myself. These guys have a customer for life.
This bike is not designed for DH; it is an XC race bike. I take it riding Urban, but I don't drop anything over 4 feet with it. If you're looking for a DH bike, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a great XC bike, on which you can race, cruise, and ride the occasional drop or mild DH, I can't recommend this bike enough.
Similar Products Used: None. I borrowed my friend's Element Race, and liked it so much I wanted one for myself. Since then, I have yet to find a bike that fits me as well.
Bike Setup: '99 Element T.O. frame; Stratos Helix Expert shock; '00 Manitou SX-R fork (80mm - the longest travel recommended for this frame); XT UN72 BB; RaceFace Turbine LP cranks w/'99 RF small and middle rings; Black Spire Ring God (trials bash-ring); SRAM Powerchain; SRAM 9.0 rear derailleur and shifters; XT front derailleur; '99 Magura H33 rear rim brake; '00 Magura Louise front disc brake; Rear wheel: Chris King Classic hub w/Bontrager Mustang Ceramic rim, DT Competition spokes; Front wheel: SRAM 9.0sl disc-compatible hub w/Mavic F519 rim; Sun/Ringle Zu-Zu pedals; Chris King NoThreadset; Dimension stem (cheap but effective); Bontrager Crowbar Comp (9 degree sweep); ODI Yeti Lockjaw grips; Primo bar-caps; RaceFace XY Lay-back seatpost; Bontrager Race saddle; Salsa skewers/QR; XT 8-spd cassette.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Ramstein Germany
Weaknesses: When downhilling a small amount of pedal induced feed back snaps the chain against the hub.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It's not as light as my dad's superlight but it has been reliable and fun to ride. It teaches you to pedal good circles and spin the right gear. If you can't do those things don't buy this bike. Climbing traction is superb. Dropoffs, stairs and baby heads are no problem. I have never had some of the problems with the pivots loosening like some of the other reviews. It's not as stiff as my old cannondale in the rear but stiffer than my wifes DBR Zetec comp. It a great all around bike if you can only have one.
Similar Products Used: DBR V 1.1, Santa Cruz superlight
Bike Setup: Sid XC 80mm, Magura Discs, Race face cranks, Syncros post, Easton Monker light, SRAM Plasma shifters, Hugi 240 disc w/ 317's, king hdst, 747's, xt/xtr deraillers, and some other stuff
Strengths: This is my one-year review. I love this bike. The Frame handles great, stock components work well, it's just perfect for me. I have made few necessary upgrades (those caused by wear and tear), and it has performed very well.
Weaknesses: Only a few complaints: The bearing next to the crank came loose, ruined a ride, but I fixed it with some loctite. That kinda pissed me off, but that's pretty much my only beef with this bike. I have replaced all the rocky components, which worked well, but after a lot of riding the bar was visibly bent.
Bottom Line:
For the money, this bike is awesome. But the new Elements, (OO,O1) look even better. Great for beginner-intermediates who want a nice frame that they can keep, but upgradeable components.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Heckler, nicer but way more expensive
Bike Setup: Stock, except for: Marzocchi z2 Atom 80, which I installed after a bikerack-garage door interaction. The Z3 light was nice, but the Z2 is the best fork for trailriders Race Face Riser Race Face SYStem Titec Ti Seatpost
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob S
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC ,Canada
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Strengths: When it was working this bike was nice and agile in cross country single-track. Nimble and confident on fire-road style downhills. Liked the bomber light fork.
Weaknesses: Weak pivot bearing that unscrews itself mid-ride requiring on-trail dis-assembly of front chain-rings to access tightening point.
Flex of rear triangle can pull rear-derailuer cable housing out and ruin shifting.
OEM front fork attachement points will not fit any common front disc adapters.
easy-taco rims
easy-crush seat rails
Bottom Line:
I can't count the number of time that I have had to stop and repair this bike for a world of faults while on the trail. This bike has helped me to develop my vocabulary of abusive language. To be fair it was bought used from a friend. That friend, however, is not hard on his bikes and did not subject this bike to unreasonable abuse. Probably a fine machine for cross-country use. No darn good for North Shore riding. My mistake. Looking to replace it.
Now that the rear cluster, freewheel, seat, lower pivot, chain, cables, stem and front wheel have been been replaced, its for sale. First $1000 CDN takes it with my apologies in advance.
Weaknesses: Bottom pivot bolt kept backing out, but this was easily fixed with some LocTight.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line, this is a great bike. If there are any other hard tail hold out's out there, this is the bike to try. There is not too much suspension bob and it climbs great. Just stay in the saddle and fly through anything. This is not a long-travel downhill bike for doing 8' drop-off's, so if that's what you're into, look at something else. I highly recommend this bike to anyone who enjoys all around mountain biking (including climbing and the occasional 3'to 4' drop-off). Go get one. Now.
Similar Products Used: After 12 years of riding MTB's, this is my first full susp. bike.
Bike Setup: Azonic stem, syncros post, Mavic F519 rims w/XT hubs, Z3 flylight 100 fork, RaceFace bar, headset and cranks.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jenny Unevermind
a Weekend Warrior
from Van Anda BC Canada
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2000
Strengths: Everything, this sucker rocks!!!!!!
Weaknesses: Stickers don't have any clear coating over them.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks BIG TIME! I LOVE this bike. I haven't had any problem climbing up hills, she just purrrrs all the way up! My bike cruises downhills. I have not had any problems with this bike so far. It has held out for one year without problems. I bought the blue bike, but it also came in green this year. The blue looks much better than the green, but ROCKYS always look good.
Similar Products Used: Klein Mantra (one hell of a bike, do ya wanna buy it?)
Bike Setup: Stock except for crowbar, mosh peddals, THE fender, serfas rock ass saddle, swabble tires, and serfas grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mihajlo Serbman
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Strengths: green green green, unreal paint job, feels like riding a 2-wheeled sofa, small children run after it yelling how cool the bike is, quite light for the $, especially forgiving for boneheaded mistakes of rider, superstrong bike (takes a lot of pounding and falling down). Climbs unbelievably well, but the light frame tends to wheelie the front end....must compensate a bit. Fun bike.
Weaknesses: pedals, well, they suck; too small unless you are a small asian girl. Frame could be bigger, mine is a 20.5", and I still have to max out the seatpost often...especially when riding on road (to get to the trail 'cuz my car is dead)...should really have a 21.5" at least for those riders over 6 2"...stock tires should be replaced immediately (GEAX Blades or Michelin Hot S), creaky crank, seat a pain, and why don't they inClude a shock pump (or at least a certificate). Oh yeah and the 1999 air vanilla float leaks air often...need to be pumped up before each ride...probably rings need to be replaced :(
Bottom Line:
The element race is worth the money, probably best value in the lineup. The bike rules on cross country trails, and is a decent dh bike (nothing too crazy though like 15 ft drop offs). Apart from my whining (see weaknesses above), greeny is a great ride and benefits exponentially from small upgrades and personaliztion. Like giving it a name, maybe "Harry Chiix" or "Bixente Lizarazu". The 1999 model is a better buy in my opinion that the 2000, and is well worth seeking out in any clearance deals at bike shops.
