Submitted by
Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Monique's Bikeshop
Strengths:
Great looks and finish since it looks like an ordinary bike. Just enough travel for XC. It's not 'made in USA' (sorry guys).
Weaknesses:
Have to remove the cranks to service the lower bearing. The rear discbrake mount seems flimsy and flexes a little. Only one year warranty? Decals on my bike are not covered by a clear coat. Subsequently, they are in bad shape now. While I'm nitpicking: The cables run over the top of the top tube.
Similar Products Used:
Proflex 865 (very bad), Scott G-zero (very good). Otherwise only hardtails
Bike Setup:
'99 limited edition paintjob (cool), SID XC, XT/XTR, Syncross revolution cranks, Chris King headset and DiscGoTech hubs, Hope Enduro discs, Synross Ti seatpost, Extralite bars and stem.
Bottom Line:
I like the way the bike looks like a normal hardtail. Other fully's look like something a 5 year old has drawn in kindergarten. It's just not a bike. Rides good too and I especially like the Fox Float RC shock, which can be adjusted according to the terrain. Soft for rough terrain, hard for racing, 'off' for road-riding. (The 'off' setting should not be used on rough terrain) The bike climbs very good, especially when it gets technical. This bike has turned me from an average climber that hated to go uphill into a good (not great) climber that actually likes to go uphill as long as it's technical. I still don't care for asfalt-climbs. I recently added discbrakes and I must say that I hope that the rear discbrake mount will hold up as it flexes a little. Only time will tell I guess. And why the decals are not covered by a clear layer of laquer is beyond me. After a year, they don't look so good anymore, especially the one's on the top tube.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, Az, USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nordic Ski Center, Flagstaff, Az
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Trailhead Sports
Strengths:
Wt, Performance, Style
Weaknesses:
Suspension bolt backed out, price
Similar Products Used:
Slingshot
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR, Cane Creek, Easton handlebars, Mavic rims, Fox Vanilla RC shock, Marzocci
Bottom Line:
Excellent ride, I am 6ft and over 200lbs and this bike is great. It smooths out the ruff stuff and takes big hits with ease. By far the best bike I have ever owned. I built it up with some new stuff some stuff from my old bike. The only problem I had was with the pivot bolt backing out. I took it back the the bike shop, where they retourqued it to the proper specs and I have'nt had a problem since. The only other down side is price. I do use the bike quite a bit and plan on keeping it for awhile. I feel I got what I paid for, and excellent bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brock
a Cross Country Rider
from The land o' oz(F*#@ Toto!) Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Turkey(local) Wasatch Crest (far)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Newton Rocky Cycle (Vancouver)
Strengths:
Sweet suspension, light frame, That hideous/beautiful maple leaf paint job.
Weaknesses:
Little flexy in BB area, Plastic bushings. All the Missouri mullet headed turds that think my bike is so cool these days because of the "north shore" mecca/freeriding marketing campaign when they used to look at it like what the hell is that turquoise secretion!
Similar Products Used:
Ridden my friends bikes, Mountain Cycle, Santa Cruz, Kleins etc.
Bike Setup:
All custom, bought as frame: Z2 bam, hayes front disc, XT XTR, the whole race face collection.
Bottom Line:
Re-reviewing this bike. Got it in Dec of 99 it was one of the first batches I guess. Have rode the hell out of it since then....living in KS kinda sucks but the trails are actually good and CO is only half day drive away. Anyway, have had many complications, the main one was with the bb pivot. Backed out at first, tightened and torqued to spec and it was fixed. Developed a creak in that area, so I assumed it was the pivot. Sent it back to B.C., turns out I managed to nail a rock so hard that I knocked my bb shell out of round. They fixed it and sent it back no questions. GOOD Service. I felt stupid. Everything has been great since then except for the fox vanilla float RC. This thing sucks. Blew out once, had it rebuilt and it was never the same. The new ones have a better seal, but I suggest a lizard skin. Switched to coil, to hell with air. Coils are it. This is a damn good bike, super tight handling for the curvys, takes the street riding wheelie drops no sweat. The whole "3D" link lineup is right on. Buy one, you'll love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck E.
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, Pa. Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
looks, ride (when it works!)
Weaknesses:
see below
Similar Products Used:
previous bike: Santa Cruz Tasmon
Bike Setup:
mostly XTR
Bottom Line:
My letter to Rocky Mtn: To whom this may concern: I purchased, from Chris at Speedgoat, an Element T.O.. I am reasonably mature for my 41 years, fairly small (145 lbs., 5'6" tall), Yet I have experienced MAIN PIVOT PROBLEMS almost immediately with this frame. I know that you are aware of this problem - that the drive side main pivot bolt will not stay tight, backing out against the chainrings, rendering the bike unrideable, and also severely working the rear triangle because of the introduction of gobs of sidewards play. Of course, as you know, the crank must be dropped in order to retighten this bolt - something I am not prepared to do in the middle of a ride, miles from the truck! I tried to remedy this with locktight, to no avail. Chris took this bike back into his shop, we waited almost a month for you folks to get him a certain "reamer" so it could fixed to your specs. I did not ride this bike for a few months, due to all the rain we've had this summer. The past three weeks have been somewhat drier, so I started riding this bike again - and you can guess the rest. Yesterday, my bike, my dog, and I took an unplanned 4 mile walk back to the truck. As I have conveyed to Chris, and he agress, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Apparently, this problem is quite widespread through your bike line, not just with the TEAM frames. You people have a serious design/manufacturing problem on your hands, and I would assert that the bike industry is too small for you to ignore this problem anymore, and not take better care of your consumers. Unless you have radically redesigned your main pivot, I do not want any part of your bikes! It looks great, it feels great, but when you least expect - your bike leaves me stranded. Kind of like a girl I knew in high school, and getting far away from her was the best thing I could do!
I will update when (if) Rocky Mtn. gives me a suitable reply.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Oakville Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hilton Falls
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Silent Sports
Strengths:
Weight, quality, proven design, and awesome handling!
Weaknesses:
soft derailler hanger, otherwise solid frame
Similar Products Used:
FSR xc, Catamount, Jekyll, Mantra
Bike Setup:
Built up from frame ($1400 cdn.) '00 Sid XC custom painted to match team paint on frame, Grimeca System 8 discs, Chris King Disco Tec hubs/317 wheels, Kooka cranks, Ti bb, Raceface XY, Flite Ti Gel saddle, Profile carbon bars, XTR fr/rr der, Remote shifter, XTR shifters. Sweet!
Bottom Line:
As you can see from the build, I wanted to build an awesome XC racer, sparing no expense. I am totally blown away with this bike. It climbs great, descends the rough stuff as well or better than any of the FS XC bikes out there, and can be built very light if you are careful. Mine weighs a hair under 25lbs. with disks, and I have had it as low as 22.75 lbs with 'V's and other parts.The handling is superb. It is balanced and does everything well, tight or fast, it's on the line you aim for.The rear never feels like it is slowing you down, in fact it allows you to ride a gear higher in most cases. I ride it HARD, I weigh 175 and the pivots are solid and quiet after a full year of pounding. The only negative I could say is the der. hanger is soft. I am on my third hanger this year! Otherwise, if you consider a "Truth" or "Superlight", make sure you check out this bike too. Forget the over-hyped FSR XC, its not in the same league.Also Best paint job in the business!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor
a Cross Country Rider
from Delta, BC Canada Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Triple Crown, Burke Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Tailwind Cycles - Richmond, BC
Strengths:
Canadian made, 3km from my house! / Great paint / do anything, ride all day full suspension / no "ghost" shifting / very solid rear triangle
Weaknesses:
Occaisionally sqeaky rear shock pivot / I have seen one other rear swingarm broken through on left chainstay at the weld vent hole (disc brakes and lots of wheelie drops!). RM replaced next day!! I have used up three replaceable deraileur hangers (a good thing) but they seem "soft"
Similar Products Used:
FSR / other RM Elements
Bike Setup:
Purchased as frame & shock w/: XTR 9-Speed w/ RR and a rare 5-arm, 26/36/48 XTR crankset / Hayes Hyraulic Disc Brakes / Hugi-Hayes Hubs w/ Sun DS1-XC Rims / Z-2 Bam / Easton Monkey-Lite Riser / Race Face Stem & Headset / Syncros Ti Post / around 26lbs. in a 20.5" size w/ 2.1 tires
Bottom Line:
This bike is nothing short of amazing! It is an excellent technical climber, fantastic at all types of local fast/slow/tisty/technical/steep single track and is a great bike for loooong all day rides. Probably not the best choice for big drops and jumps, if that is your thing. I have had no pivot problems at all other than having to re-lube the rear shock mount now and then, although the left rear swingarm pivot seems to be wearing because of the disk brake. No bolts have backed out and all the other pivots have been quiet and no lube has been applied. I have experienced no 9-Speed problems at all even though I am 205lbs. and do alot of steep technical climbing. I would recommend that anyone who buys this bike moves up one size, as Rocky's seem to be sized slightly small. I was reluctant to move up to the 20.5" size, but John at Tailwind was right-on - it's just right! This bike may not have the latest full suspension design, but Rocky Mountain has been evolving this type over 5+ years now and it works just fine. Don't get caught up in all the magazine hype.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chef
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
From Canada to North Carolina, down the East Coast - plus South Mountain, Phoenix, AZ
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The 4-bar linkage design provides excellent all-around riding ability. It climbs extremely well as long as you stay in the saddle, and the descents are handled very well. The bike handles excellently in tight, twisty singletrack where you practically have to nose-wheelie-turn around obstacles, and handles the road with equal aplomb. The '99 is the last year that RM put disc brake tabs on the rear triangle, too.
Weaknesses:
None so far, although I tend to worry overmuch about whether or not I'll break it. Suffice to say that it has taken abuse that has put me in the hospital, and laughs. Also, you can't put any more suspension than 80mm on the front, or you will void the warranty.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Element Race, Voodoo Bantu (rigid)
Bike Setup:
16.5" frame, Manitou SX-R fork, Stratos Helix Expert rear shock, Magura H-33 brakes, RaceFace cranks/rings, Black Spire RingGod Trials bash ring, full SRAM ESP drivetrain, XTR hubs front and rear, Mavic F519 front/Bontrager Mustang Ceramic rear rims, Bontrager Crowbar, ODI Lockjaw grips, Time ATACs. My bike won a prize for being the ugliest bike in AZ.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It does everything I need it to, and does so with style. It's very, very expensive (mine has cost me about $4K, with the parts I've used), but if you build it up light, it's a fantastic race bike; yet, you can still beef up the parts (as I've done), and have a good all-around bike. I wanted to get the Element Race, but there were none left in my size... I have not been disappointed with the T.O.
If you're looking for a bike that can climb and descend (I've taken mine to South Mountain in Phoenix, Mt. Snow in Vermont, and Bromont in Quebec, Canada, and it handled them all easily), yet still be light enough to race at a very high XC level, then this is your bike. If you are more into "free-riding", go with the Element Race, and save some money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Ourston
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo, Calif. Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
B-17
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Comfortable, fast, light, steady handling, looks cool. Good climber (rear shock lockout helps). Rips through bumpy descents. Seems to take quite a beating, although I know someone who broke his frame after only a few months.
Weaknesses:
A little long for tight, single-track switchbacks. Somewhat high maintenance. Expensive. Not meant for big air.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Mount Vision
Bike Setup:
1999 frame, Fox Vanilla Float RC, Marzocchi Z.2 BAM, WTB New Paradigm wheels, Avid 5.0 brakes, Gripshift Plasma 8-speed shifters, XTR deraileurs, Race Face LP cranks, Time ATAC carbon pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike is fanatastic. It is the most comfortable ride I have ever owned. I thought the rear suspension would be a little slow and inefficient, but it rarely has that effect and often allows me to blast through conditions that would otherwise cause me to slow down a bit.
Climbing into a very tight, bumpy switchback is the only thing this bike does not do well. The longer wheelbase makes tight turns more difficult and the rear suspension can do a sort of squat when one stands on the pedals to get over a bump in low gears.
As others have noted, the bushings can be a problem. I had trouble with the right side bolt that connects the right chainstay behind the bottom bracket. It kept coming out, which required me to remove the crank to tighten it. The problem turned out to be that the inner diameter of the tubing into which the bushing was seated was too small, so the axle the bolt screws into was getting turned when it shouldn't. I managed to fix it myself with a round file and some sandpaper coupled with a new set of nylon bushings that Rocky Mountain supplied for free. I am not sure how R.M.'s QC people missed that.
I was having a trouble with squeaking around the shock. The problem turned out to be that I was tightening the bolts that hold it in place too much. I also had trouble with some of the allen heads of the small pivot bolts hold the rear triangle together getting rounded out for the same reason. I finally asked Rocky Mountain about that and they said to tighten the small bolts to 110 inch/pounds, and the large ones to 20 ft./pounds. That, coupled with some locktight, seems to be working fine. No more squeaking or bolts coming loose!
Using petroleum lubricants on the nylon bushings definitely causes them to swell and become too tight. Don't do it. Use some teflon lube if you must, but consider just replacing the bushings (which has worked well for me).
Someone mentioned a lubrication port on the main bushing's shell. I asked Rocky Mountain about that and they said the hole is actually for a set screw to hold the axle (spindle) in place while one tightens the large bolts. If everything is clean and fitting properly, it should not be necessary to lubricate the bushings in the middle of the shell.
Other than the maintenance and the cost, this bike is nothing but pure happiness. I went with one size larger frame than I used to ride (I am 6 feet tall and bought a 20-inch frame) and I have been very happy with the fit and handling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Abele
a Cross Country Rider
from Gauting, Germany Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lake of Garda
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
handling in any condition, weight, looks like a bicycle
Weaknesses:
pric, squeaking
Similar Products Used:
scott g-zero, wheeler
Bike Setup:
XTR, Tune/Mavic, SID, RaceFace, Selle,
Bottom Line:
the best bike,i´ve ever ridden. Even downhill, uphill or cc, the handling is nearly perfect. But to have always great fun with it, you have to treat it like a woman after your ride... Its the perfect stuff for racing or short rides ( up to 5-6 hrs). if you want to cross europe or the states, it takes a lot of your power, because it has a hardcore geometry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danK
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
paint price (relatively speaking) handling in any condition
Weaknesses:
main pivot bolt backed out at first rear shock squeaked at first
Similar Products Used:
everything it seemed at one point or another
Bike Setup:
99 Element TO frameset
Bottom Line:
Great handling at any speed! The pivots were durable and the paint was of the highest quality. I also thought the price was relatively inexpensive considering other frames such as a Truth cost hundreds upon hundreds more; the TO sells for about 1100 mailorder. The rear shock is adjustable infinitely it seemed and the bike climbed marvelously about 99% of the time. It's a rising rate setup and once in a great while the suspension would settle into its sag and then ramp up quickly which I wasn't always too fond of. Also, adjusting the rebound effects the compression rate! Speed up rebound (fast) and it compressed faster. But there was very bobbing while climbing and the suspension remained active at all times. Also handy was the lube port on the main pivot. I really can't think of any complaints on this frameset.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Woods Hole, MA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light. Stiff. Cushy. Fits me.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Al Hardtail, fsr XC
Bike Setup:
XTR. Ti post/bar.
Bottom Line:
I bought a 98 element TO (the red one) through this website for 1200 shipped and really love it. I dont have the lockout on the rear shock, but i dont really need it here on cape cod. It has just the right amount of travel for me. i can definitely ride faster for longer periods of time (maybe move up a rating at the races this year??), but this is my first FS ride. this is also my first XTR bike. i wouldnt spend the extra cash for it again, though. the Ti post and bars are certainly worth it,though, they are light and dampen the vibrations so you can run the shocks a bit stiffer. i weighed it at the LBS. the Ti-hardtail snob working there looked at my bike and said, '29'. it weighed in at 25.5. This bike also fits me really well without any freaky post/stem/riser bar combos. just straight up. and my butt doesnt hurt after long rides anymore. no creaking, but the previous owner replaced the bushings. i anticipate having this bike for a long time. i was worried about maintenance, especially on used bike, but it's so smooth and most people say they service the bushings like once a year or less without problems. it smooths out the trail, but doesnt suck up too much power. i cant bunny hop as high over obstables on downhills anymore, though. i give this bike a 5 because it is so much nicer than the brand new fsr xc i tried at the lbs. it feels better and just seems like nicer quality. BTW. the element race is the same without the lockout - same tubing and geometry, but different components and colors. i'd buy it again for the price i got. new they are too spendy for me, though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph
a Cross Country Rider
from Berlin Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
suspension-work, weight, look
Weaknesses:
price, finish
Similar Products Used:
Scott Octane, Votec
Bottom Line:
It works - perfectly. Not that much time needed to find out the perfect setup, after that just smiling. Very fast on small trails, perfect handling - not nervous, not slow.
The products finish is -for such a price- not perfect. The bearings (? - sorry about my english) are not lubricated - the manufacturer doesn't recommend. Using Teflon-Butter helps a lot, the bike is much smoother, and there are no probs at all with the lifetime of the bearings. No squeaking, just silence. Unfortunately, the bike is damn expensive - but it's worth it. Now it's really perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakville,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: December 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Waterdown
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Weight,looks,fantastic handling and race worthy xc suspension
Weaknesses:
Initial problems with the Fox shock and a squeaky rear shock bushing.
Atom Bomb,XTR rapid rise drivetrain with remote shifter, Kooka cranks,CT2 carbon post, carbon bar, Kore stem, Spox wheels,Mach SS SK tires, Fox Air Van Float RC 24.5lbs(honest)
Bottom Line:
After testing this bike head to head with an FSR XC the decision was easy. It handles absolutely perfectly, inspiring confidence. I had the main bushing replaced after the first ride due to a tolerance problem, and the Fox shock needed service to correct a faulty valve that knocked on every rebound stroke. At this point I was afraid I made a bad purchase but amazing customer service rectified these things quickly and now I am sure that I am on the finest XC full sus bike out there. The Catamount was a great race bike but this one is way ahead in suspension performance, light weight, and OH THAT PAINT! Dont let the initial problems stop you from owning one, you won't regret it and the problems are probably out of the system now. Happy trails!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland Date Reviewed: November 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Malmedy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great looks, nimble handling, climbs like a mountaingoat.
Weaknesses:
Shock pivot makes some noise.
Similar Products Used:
Scott GZero, Klein Mantra, GT XCR 4000.
Bike Setup:
I have the LTD version, which has a different paintjob (red and silver) than the T.O. Fox Float RC. shock, VOTEC GS4 fork, XTR, Mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
The Element is very confidence inspiring. Although I crashed it three times already, they were both crashed not due to the bike (once I got stuck in the new Tima ATAC pedals, once I ran over a stray dog and once I hit a wet log that I didn't see). The Shock pivot made an awfull noise, but the RM dealer fixed that by installing the new bearings. Overall, this bike is great, I really like it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Markus
a Cross-Country Rider
from VT Date Reviewed: October 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Indian Brook, Fort, C.H.S., Skunk Hollow, Waitsfield, G.U.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, fast, responsive, very well engineered, tough.
Weaknesses:
Had several problems with the rear shock, and shifting. All fixed under warrenty.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Trek, Cannondale,
Bike Setup:
Superfly(fork), 517(rims), Thompson(post), WTB(seat), SRAM (9.0SL shifters and rear derrailer, v-brakes), Easton(carbon bars), Raceface( stem, cranks, chainrings), Avid( ultimate levers, flapjack cable system ), XTR( chain, front derailler, hubs , Oury ( grips ), King ( headset ),Jones, ( front and rear tires )
Bottom Line:
Best bike I've ever owned, by far. It will make you a better rider, very fast, excellent handler. Light, very light. Excelent company to do business with. Great looks. I don't regret my decision for a second. Clibms and decends excellent. it will pull you through things that will surprise you. It pays to look further than what the big companys have to offer. Had it built by Speedgoat, had a few glitches in the process, but overalll would have them build another bike for me.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pablo
a Racer
from Charleston, WV Date Reviewed: September 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Urban Assault
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
welds,pivots,light weight HBO tubes and geometry.
Weaknesses:
pivot squeeks, trouble removing pivot bolts
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup:
Marzo Super-Fly, Race Face, XTR, Dean, IRC, Torelli, Quick-Brakes, Fox, Sun, Avid, 160lb. motor
Bottom Line:
Fast bike with great potential to be even faster. Weight is great @ a scant 23.13lbs on race day. And a freeriding machine during training (weight 26.9lbs., XT and 2.25Kujos). Can't beat the bike but can easily beat the price. Will own more at the start of the year.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: September 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Superb fit and finish
Weaknesses:
Heavier than advertised
Similar Products Used:
Cdale 2K Yeti ARC
Bike Setup:
Stock 19
Bottom Line:
I am submtting this as a follow up to my previous review. The bike lives up to all the hype except for the weight claim. On a certified scale, my TO weighs a suprising 27.25 #s. This is quite a bit more than the 24#s claimed. Other than the weight penalty This bike is a solid mount and I would highly recommend it. If I were to do it over again I would buy the frame set and fit it with lighter components. I could easily get it to 26#s without spending any more money. All in all, still a great bike. I appreciate having two fork blades (Lefty Tony!). Just call me OLDE fashion. Take care and good riding. Oh yea if your RM squeks call the company for a bushing kit. No more squeaks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sherman San Gabe
a Cross-Country Rider
from S. Pasadena CA Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
Squeeky shock pivot;occasional chain-suck;bottom bracket main pivot bolt backs outP
Similar Products Used:
Proflex 855;Santa Cruz heckler;Ventana FS
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Judy fork with White Brothers springs and cartridge;Chris King hubs with Valiant rims;XT/XTR drivetr0ain
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great technical climber and a very good descender. The geometry is designed for experienced, competent, fast bikers.The FOX shock is very light and the lock-out feature is extremely useful for pavement climbs and out of the saddle sprints. The FOX shock is also very light;the action is excellent,supple, and displays minimal stiction. After my second ride, I developed a problem with the shock clunking every time it rebounded. I sent it back to Fox and they replaced the faulty check valve in 2 weeks. They provided great customer service. I also had a major, chronic problem with the swingarm pivot bolt by the botton bracket backing out on the drive side which required me to take my small chainring off to tighten the 5mm allen bolt 3 times on my second day riding the bike. Lock-tite failed to fix the problem as the bolt continued to back out. I finally had to have a frame builder ream out the aluminum shell around the pivot axle with a 5/8 hand reamer because the axle had totally seized up and was not rotating. This fixed the problem but was a big hassle. The rear shock mount squeeking can be remedied by calling Rocky Mt. and getting the new bushing kit that has tighter tolerances. Once I worked out all these bugs , the bike has been inspiring to ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shawn
a Cross-Country Rider
from louisville, ky Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rocky Mt. Engineering, build quality, stong bad a$$ looking frame with paint job nicer than any other bike out there, this company takes pride in their bikes not in the fact of how many sh!ty rides they can produce per year. excellent bike climbs well not for a fs but even a hard tail, time proven design, 4 rear travel
Weaknesses:
so far none
Similar Products Used:
GT cannodale kona trek mongo but none of these are really Similar to the RM bikes out there, maybe Kona
Bike Setup:
Z-2 Bam Bonti bar & rims Nuke proof Superfly hubs Michelen Hot S tires XTR v's F/R Derailer cass. BB Race Face turbo LP crank & xy seat post fox rc w/ lock out and blow off valve
Bottom Line:
Buy it if you can find one I am so happy that I got mine. It climbs like a Mt. goat, rides over the big stuff like a monster truck, handles like a F1 race car. There is nothing that can slow this bike down. It deserves 5 E100 peppers the bike is so strong and nibble a real confedence builder. ride on rocky mountain.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Racer
from Channon, WY Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Amazingly strong frame, with great build quality. Geometry is a perfect balance for longs climbs and fast descents. Marzocchi fork takes everything that's thrown at it and begs for more. Rear suspension is responsive and soaks up all the big hits without being mushy when hammering out of the saddle. Paint is top-notch. Race-Face parts awesome. Value for dollar is unbeatable. Terrific company.
Weaknesses:
Bushings on rear suspension drop-outs squeak if not regularly lubed. Really expensive price range
Similar Products Used:
Kona, GT, Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Klein
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z2 BAM Race Face Turbine LP cranks Race Face riser bar Race Face SySTEM Race Face seatpost Race Face Racerings SRAM ESP 9.0 Grip Shifters & rear derraileur XTR hubs XTR v-brakes XTR front derraileur FOX Alps 5R rear shock
Bottom Line:
I have never seen or ridden a better bike. I have raced this baby at local races and haven't come across any problems. The confidence it inspires is priceless. This is one of those rare bikes that actually makes you ride faster by giving you a greater sense of control. I don't know what josh is talking about. How you could break a full suspension bike in three pieces through normal riding is beyond me. I guess you have to be a moron or LYING or something. I'm also impressed that he's been riding this year's model for three years. Whatever. Take it from me, this is a bike that delivers more bang for the buck at its price range than any other out there. Check one out and I promise you won't be disappointed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lawman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Ridge, Moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great looks, almost too pretty, lightweight, strong (for big guys like me - 215 lbs), no pogo, made in Canada, excellent handling, steady on descents, very fast on rough trails
Weaknesses:
like everyone, my bushings squeak, but are easy to lube, paint is fragile (but I am used to Ti)
Similar Products Used:
none for any extended period
Bike Setup:
Race Face BB, stem, post, cranks and rings, Ti Crowbar, Atom Bomb, 9.0SL shifters, XTR V-brakes, 517 ceramic wheels with King hubs
Bottom Line:
Having ridden a well equipped Dean Ti hardtail for 3 years, I decided to try full suspension. My preferred material is Ti, but the only light weight Ti full suspension bike other than an Ibis BowTi, was a Titus Motolite and they will not warranty riders over 200 lbs. However, I am quite satisfied with the T.O. and can't really imagine riding a hardtail again. The paint is easily scratched and is subject to wear from cable rubbing. Mine won't be as pretty after the end of one season. The bushing squeak is a drag, but simple maintenance solves the problem. All in all, a very very good bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a Cross-Country Rider
from singapore Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
BT
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
it can climb over very rocky mountains
Weaknesses:
Frame snapped in 3 pieces
Similar Products Used:
Mickey Mouse bike
Bike Setup:
Top Gun
Bottom Line:
I do not like it
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toads, Flume, Darington
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Bike is very forgiving, Climbs well. Soaks up big hits. Takes the worst line and never complains, just point and shoot!!
Weaknesses:
Shock squeaks , seat post slips. Ocassional chain is not good, and doesnt like going from middle ring to little under any load. Probably will get better after break in.
Similar Products Used:
Stump jumper, SuperV 2000, Yeti ARC.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Z2 bam. Race Face Riser bars, Raptor tires.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have ever ridden. The suspension is like BUTTER Any one want to buy a used Cannondale?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry V
a Racer
from Ont, CANADA Date Reviewed: May 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
T,J,S Way
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, lockout, colours, weight, and it;s,, Canadian
Full susp. rocks! I used a Trek HT all last year and it was way to rigid. A full susp. mtb is the best bike for XC racing. This bike with lockout shock for long smooth climbs is the combo. for XC. The long travel shock also helps.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tai (Chef)
a Cross-Country Rider
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hartshorn, Plattekill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, good geometry, very little biopacing, very well-spec'ed, great customer service from RM.
Weaknesses:
Bushings squeaked to raise the dead - fixed, now
Similar Products Used:
RM Element Race
Bike Setup:
Manitou '99 SX-R, Fox Vanilla Float RC, SRAM drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
I rode a friend's RM Element Race, and liked it so much, I tried to go out and buy one. Fortunately there were none in my size (16) not even from the company, but they had a 16 T.O. The bushings were fixed by the addition of some teflon-based lube (Finish Line). I'm having some problems with the Fox, but that's not the bike's fault. All in all, there's a lot of control and comfort with this bike. I highly recommend it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brock Ainsworth
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lawrence Kansas Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Love them all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight Low pogoing
Weaknesses:
Short frame squeaky shock Main pivot bolt backed out
Bike Setup:
96 judy SL xt xtr mix
Bottom Line:
I actually purchased this bike in the summer(over the phone) from a little shop in Surrey B.C. (Great Guys) The closest Rocky dealer is in Denver. I received the bike in December, but it was worth the wait. Overall I love the bike, and I can't ride it enough. It is a little short in the top tube so I added a long stem and some low risers now it is perfect. I ride it about 75 mile a week, mostly off-road. It climbs very well and I have come to love the minimal suspension. The only problems were the squeaky bushing in the shock and a bolt on the main pivot backed out. For the bushing, I lube it with bearing grease about every five rides, very annoying so I got to find out a way to solve this problem. The bolt on the main pivot came loose on a ride so unfortunately I had to cut it short. I called rocky, and as usual, they helped me within 30 seconds. They are very cool. I lubed the main pivot and loc tite'd the bolt. Good so far. I highly recommend this bike, I bought mine as a frame and for about a grand, you can't beat it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOE
a Cross-Country Rider
from Valencia, CA Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Severed Dick (North Shore)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame Geometry Light Weight Point and Shoot Handling Component Selection Handling- both up/down hill Rocky's customer service Paint Job It's Canadian Eh!
Weaknesses:
Sqeaky rear shock.Lube will not work. I had to press out the plastic bushings and replace them with bronze. Fox is aware of the problem. Geax Sedona tires are already worn out.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR GT Zaskar LE DBR X2, X6
Bottom Line:
I have been ridding this bike since early January and didn't want to send in my reveiw until I was absolutly sure that this is, without doubt, the best bike built! This stock bike comes with all the trick components. Wouldn't change a thing even if I spec'd it myself. I have ridden a hard tail for the last ten years and I would never go back. This bike is a great climber, especially with the lock out feature. I bought mine up in Vancouver(Newton Rocky Cycle) and got a great deal because of the exchange rate. 5 chilis for performance and 5 for looks, Eh!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: April 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very light Great suspension Looks great Handles well
Weaknesses:
Stock Geax tires are poor Squeek in rear shock,that was rectified
Similar Products Used:
GT lts
Bottom Line:
I have about 10 hours riding on this bike,replaced the stock tires with Panaracer xc fire 2.1,the bike weighs around 24.5 with my set up,the rear shock squeeked at first,tookit off and lubed the pivots and it seems ok.A little bit of chain is not good at first but afterrings wore in is ok.Race face sent the wrong chain rings with the bike and lbs had to chase them down to replace with new 9 speed rings (a bit of a hassle).For the money this bike is a great deal,every other bike with full XTR was about a grand more.The time pedals seem very hard to engage & diengage, iam hoping they will wear in.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DanK
a
from monterey, ca Date Reviewed: February 13, 1999
Bottom Line:
I emailed the other reviewers below me about their TO and 2 of them gave some good feedback which helped me decide that I wanted the TO frame over the Tomac (too spendy and basically like my Manitou FS), the Turner O2 (too spendy and not available now), and some other frames. I got mine from Speedgoat for a good price. Yeah, there were other places that had the frame for a couple bucks less but Speedgoat had the frame in stock and I like their service. Anyway, the frame has good features like a grease port for the main pivot, plenty of mud clearance in the rear, I liked the color scheme (way better than that ugly Instinct color scheme in my OPINION), and is disc compatible so I can run my Louise discs in the future. And Rocky's customer service is friendly and prompt. The RC rear shock's lockout actually works (unlike Manitou's lockout). I have mine built up with the 99z2bam, hs33's, frogs, xtr crank/bb/frontD, plasma rear D, thomson post, flite ti, and the usual assortment of lightweight but durable stuff. I needed a fork that was disc ready and had some travel to it. I love the bomber since I had the atom bomb on my Manitou FS. Anyway, this is a great fs frame that can withstand the abuse of anything.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a racer
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999
Bottom Line:
The '99 T.O. is by far the best bike I've ever owned! It flys down hills like a magic carpet, and at only 25 lbs. it climbs as good or maybe even better than my 22lb. hardtail. Ever since I got my blue beauty with SC90s back in October (Sorry Rock, I got mine first.) I have been very impressed, and it just keeps getting smoother every ride. Hats off to everyone at Rocky Mountain. They are making one hell of a bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rock Morrow
a cross-country rider
from Costa Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: December 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
After much research, I obtained what I believe to be the first 1999 T.O. in North America-atleast in the lower 48! Nirvana isn't found on any CD-it's on two wheels attached to my blue T.O. Built up with an SC90, XTR and Race Face galore this bike rocks! After dialing in my much coveted Fox Vanilla Air RC, the on-going mantra as I rocked down the gnarliest trail I know seemed to be what big hit, what big drop? Very, very cherry indeed, brau!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
I built one up from a frame using a Manitou SX Carbon fork. There's no noticeable difference between '98 and '99 frames except a replaceable hanger has been added to '99. And I imagine the tubing is thinner to drop some weight. While they claim 24 lbs on the built-up bike it's more like 25.
Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 3426.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
