Submitted by
stonemonkey
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2008
Strengths: I've hAD THIS BIKE FOR 8 YEARS NOW AND I STIL LOVE IT. MY MATES BIKES HAVE COME AND GONE BUT THE ROCKY HAS BEEN THROUGHT IT ALL , A TESTEMENT TO THE BUILD QUALITY AND DESIGN THIS BIKE CLIMBS WEEL WITH LITTLE ENERGY LOST THROUGH PEDAL BOB , IS NIBLE ON THE SWITCHBACKS AND DECESNDS WITH CONFIDENCE.
Weaknesses: LOW BB RESULTS IN SMASHING CRANKS AND PEDALS INTO ROCKS , TOPS OF GULIIES ETC BUT KEEPS THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY LOW. BUSHES NOT PIVOTS
Bottom Line:
8YRS OF RIDING SPEAKS FOR ITSELF, I CHANGED ALL THE COMPONENTS EXCEPT THE RACE FACE CRANKS SINCE I HAVE HAD IT BUT THE FRAME IS STILL THERE ITS GOT ME OUT OF TROBE WHEN I'VE NEEDED IT AND ON A PARTICULAR FAST FLOWING , ROCKY , BRIDLEWAY IN THE PEAKS THERE AINT NO BETTER BIKE . JUST ASK THE GUY ON THE 2008 YETI BIKE I FLEW PAST THE OTHER DAY MIND YOU I WOULDN'T WANT TO SCRATCH IT EITHR.
Similar Products Used: GT LTS1, GT LTS DH, SPOOKY METAL HEAD,
Bike Setup: SIDS, ATOMIC STEM, HAYES HF 9 DISCS , XLITE SADDLE , XT ALL ROUND, PANARACER FIRE XC
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Submitted by
Salespunk
a Cross Country Rider
from Encinitas, CA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002
Strengths: Light, tightest tolerances in the industry, did I mention that the frame is light
Weaknesses: Not the plushest bike around, bushings instead of bearings so you need to do regular service on it.
Bottom Line:
This is my second Element (number one was stolen) and I have five years of experience on this design. This is the choice for a sub four inch travel XC race bike. For those of you that do not realize what you have this is one of the lightest full suspension frames on the market. The tube set is Easton Elite HBO (Hand Built Only). This is Easton's highest end tube set and there are only a handful of builders that are even allowed to purchase it. If your bike is heavy then it is your build and not the frame. This is an extremely fast XC bike, but it is not super plush around the parking lot. It comes alive once you hit the trail though. It is built for technical single track riding and not open fire roads so make sure you consider your riding environment. Also if you ride in a wet climate you will be rebuilding the rear end on a regular basis. For single track riding and those long brutal climbs it is tough to beat. Overall it is a great value for any price.
Strengths: Strong, stiff, reasonably light frame that handles like a dream. Marzocchi fork. Good components and geometry. Not the same old bike everyone else is riding. :) Very confident downhill and not too bad uphill. Also looks very sweet in black and yellow.
Weaknesses: Not the lightest thing. There is a bit of pedal induced movement but not terrible, and unless you're on the road, the traction improvements cancel out the disadvantage of the bobbing.
Bottom Line:
Researched the heck out of bikes here before buying until my head was ready to pop. Couldn't make up my mind then decided to just land the plane and get the Rocky. Test rode the Rocky, Fisher Sugar 3, and the Klein Mantra. The Rocky felt the best to me, definately the most agile and stiff. Not the lightest, but neither am I so that works just fine.
I replaced the Marzocchi M3 Z80 with a RockShox SID XC to save some weight. *bad move* The SID was flexy and I could feel the loss of steering precision. Put the SID on my wife's bike (she gave it to me for Christmas!) and went back to being able to brake without seeing the fork deflect back 3". Upgraded some components but not because the stock was weak, looking more to save some weight.
In short, I love this bike. Very comfortable with it and so many times it has saved my butt in some hairy situations. Learning to just let it ride through the rough stuff and it still amazes me. Many times I get through a nasty section and can't help but laugh out loud and yell "I LOVE THIS BIKE!"
If that's not worth a pair of five flamers, I don't know what is. Rocky rocks. :)
Similar Products Used: Fisher Sugar 3 and Klein Mantra
Bike Setup: Original spec, replaced rear rim (517 after I bent the OEM 221), cassette (XT), crank/BB (Truvativ Stylo Team), chain (SRAM 89R), grips (ODI LockOn), tires (Michelin semi-slicks), seatpost (Thompson) and saddle (Flite).
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Submitted by
Kazimar
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002
Strengths: strong, light-ish, handling, climbing
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
i love this bike! it rides like a dream-- got it used off of these classifides in mtbr.com, and it was in perfectly new shape, for $1000!! even new from the store, in it's price range i wouldn't buy anything else. i am an agressive rider and like the steeps, both up and down. this bike handles it all. the best part about it is how it handles the technical. thank you rocky mt.!
Similar Products Used: tested a lot before choosing rocky element race
Bike Setup: xtr rear der., lx front der. thompson elite headset, easton carbon fiber bars
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Submitted by
Luke DeVoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, Mt USA
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review just to let you know how the bike is working. I upgraded to XT Disc brakes and these brakes promply decided that they were much to powerful for the frame and cracked my left chainstay into two pieces. I am working on warranty stuff right now and rocky bikes looks like they will handle it very well but if you don't want to deal with this problem be carefull when upgrading to a rear disc. The newer bikes all have been strengthened to fix this problem. Ride because you love it. And realize all that you have. If you can ride you have a lot more than a lot of people do. Respect that.
Favorite Trail: Is one trail really any better than others.
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At: Edge Sports, Jackson Wy
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Submitted by
gordon vogell
a Cross Country Rider
from cranbrook B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001
Strengths: Having the proto I can say without hesitation that anyone buying a Rocky can ride the snot out of it and other than routine maintenance its always ready to go.H
Weaknesses: Have changed pivots twice
Bottom Line:
Being the one the boys from Rocky tested then went into production its a bit heavy, Ive riden this years model and its pounds lighter.
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001
Strengths: Great geometry and frame. Rear suspension is as good as a Specialized or better. Loves to climb and is solid as they come. Superb quality...not too flashy looking.
Weaknesses: I'd upgrade the rims and seat post. Otherwise, great.
Bottom Line:
As always, make sure the bike fits. But if it does, this is as good as it gets. Top tier XC bike with a frame you'll keep for a long time. It is durable, but you can upgrade when things inevitably break. You won't be sorry that you are upgrading this ride.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Trek Fuel 90, Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup: XT LX XT (upgraded) Hayes discs (upgraded) Fox Float R
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Submitted by
Skillet
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntsville,Al
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001
Strengths: everything the rear triangle. The ability to tear up the hills without losing your energy to the suspension. It's Canadian.
Weaknesses: None that I have found.
Bottom Line:
This bike frame rules. I have a Marin Indian Fire Trail that I have broken again. It's my second frame to brake in six years. I have never had a full suspesion frame b4. I rode up in Tsali on the left loop (14 miles long) and finished in about 52 minutes. Fast! Wasn't even tired after I was done. Rode on the rocks down in Alabama. Not a problem I was not even tired then also. Excellent goin' up hills. It helps to have all XTR stuph also. Thanks Rocky! You guys rule.
Bike Setup: manitou SX front suspension XTR shifters/brake levers, brakes, hubs. Mavic 517 ceramic rims. XT deraileurs (front and rear). Syncros Stem w/ carbon fiber bar. Shimano pedals.
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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Strengths: Great Frame, and good component selection make a greta XC ride.
Weaknesses: None that I've found.
Bottom Line:
I was visiting my brother in Upstate NY and I needed to ride BAD. We went over to Lenox MA and I rented it. What a sweet ride. It does everything a good XC bike needs to do and well. The handling was just great - it was also forgiving of my mistakes on WET logs and rocks. I fell in love with the damn thing, now I have to get one.
Strengths: perfect mix of light weight and strength good components its a Rocky, need I say more?!
Weaknesses: what?
Bottom Line:
this is an incredible cross country machine, rocky always comes with the quality, but this is above even there standards. I have had this bike for over a year and it have never let me down, but BE WARNED this is a strong bike but it is not a freeride rig, i tried to freeride on it when I did not have the money for a freeride bike, but I just got my pipeline, so that will change. This is a great ride, none of the bigger companies like trek, fisher you name it can match this bikes quality, if you are looking around for a sweet full suspension, race-able, upgradable long lasting XC ride with an unbeatable paint-job, STOP LOOKING, THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT TO BUY!!!!!! nothing from rocky should ever get less than full chilly rating....
Bike Setup: ELEMENT stock other than z.1 xfly, 519s on xt disc, magura disc up front. brand new PIPELINE w/z.1mcr
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001
Strengths: Smooth and responsive design, efficient, slightly longer top tube fits me better
Weaknesses: Prodigy rings broke within a year Rims came out of true often
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to an earlier review. After a year I still love the bike. Upgrades have made it even better and it continues to make me a better rider. I would recommend the Mustangs, not the lightest but have definately added stiffness to the ride. Cranks are great. The prodigy rings bent and lost teeth. I got an amazing deal on a demo but Rocky's are still one the best deals out there for dual suspension XC compared to Sugar/Fuel options.
Have taken this bike to Pisgah/Bent Creek and it was great in tougher conditions. Quality and design are great.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Race Face flat bar & barends, Specialized seat, SRAM Rocket shifters. Just replaced wheels with XT/Mustangs and the crank with XTR rings and XT arms.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001
Strengths: Smooth and responsive design, efficient, slightly longer top tube fits me better
Weaknesses: Prodigy rings broke within a year Rims came out of true often
Bottom Line:
After a year I still love the bike. Upgrades have made it even better and it continues to make me a better rider. I got an amazing deal on a demo but Rocky's are still one the best deals out there for dual suspension XC compared to Sugar/Fuel options.
Have taken this bike to Pisgah/Bent Creek and it was great in tougher conditions. Quality and design are great.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Race Face flat bar & barends, Specialized seat, SRAM Rocket shifters. Just replaced wheels with XT/Mustangs and the crank with XTR rings and XT arms.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Luke
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho Falls, Id
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Strengths: Its perfect for what I like to do. Anything that is perfect for the type of rider you are is a strength. People see it and go "Holy moly is that a Rocky Mountain!"
Weaknesses: I'm probably retarded but I just can't seem to get the tire to feel aligned with the handlebar. It looks as if it is alighned but just won't feel like it is. But that means nothing when I'm in the zone.
Bottom Line:
I took off one flamin Slug thing, because I think that a custom built bike is the only one that deserves five of em. Anyway. I love my bike and I will always love it. IT was made for what I do. Not to extreme and not to racey. Before you buy a bike make sure you know what kind of riding your going to do. You could waste a lot of money if you go with the bike with an expensive paint job. The ride is always as smooth as butter on my sweaty toosh. The bike goes where I want it to. This has gotten me in trouble a time or two. Once while flying by a girls camp I sucked the grit bar(trail) hard. (gotta stop checking out women) I really love this bike. Nothing else to say. Don't buy this bike because these reviews told you to buy the bike because its right for what you do.
Similar Products Used: GT Rebound 00'-GT XCR 2000 99'- Gary Fisher Sugar 3 Disc 01'
Bike Setup: Stock accept for Stem and Handlebar
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Submitted by
Eric Adams
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, NH USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Strengths: The frame can be set up to feel and act just like a hardtail. But just screw around with the FOX Float R and you can set up for anything within XC reason. Great paint,cool decals, fine touches and a reasonable parts group. Also this bike can climb. I mean it wants to climb. The front end feels very light, and it just wants to go up...
Weaknesses: Bent a couple rear hangers, in just the first couple of rides. But I have since adjusted the rear derailer, and this seems to have solved the problem. O yeah the Marz. Z3. I just didnt like it.
Bottom Line:
I feel that this bike has it all. The most important part of any bike is the frame. And if you have a great frame, You (should) have a great bike. Light(enough),fast(as hell),Good looking(like me!! just kiddin) and priced well. Bikes like this can climb with the best hardtails. It erases the bad image of a full suspension not being able to get up the hill. Cause it will, and then it will kick the hardtails ass on the way down. Now what more could you ask for? Also its Canadian made. And I had the pleasure of going to B.C. this last year. And let me tell you, its no wonder they build this stuff like this. Cause it is insane up there. Beautiful country, Go if you can. I was skiing this time. But next time I am bringing my ROCKY back to her birth place. RIDE FAST...... AND TAKE CHANCES... ADAMS
Bike Setup: Psylo XC (outstanding in everyway),Race Face SYStem stem 5x120, Race Face Air Alloy 1inch riser bar and Mavic Crosslink wheels.. also OURY grips
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Submitted by
Aaron Worstell
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, CO
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Strengths: - Overall bike performance - Frame and suspension design - The Marzocchi Z3 M80 fork is sweet and simple
Weaknesses: - The SRAM componentry stinks
Bottom Line:
Coming off my GT Zaskar hardtail, it was quite an adjustment to learn to ride the Element. But after a few months and many miles, I have come to love this bike. I have had some problems with some of the components, which has forced me to deduct one chili, but the bike is otherwise solid.
I initially thought the Z3 M80 was subpar for a bike in this price range because it was heavy and lacked adjustment, but it hasn't taken me long to be convinced otherwise. While a solid 1.5 pounds heavier than my SID XC, the Z3 is plusher, stiffer, simpler to set-up, and requires less attention and maintenance. In short, I set the preload on the Z3 and it does the rest. Unless your racing, don't pass over a fork like this just because of the weight. It's performance is remarkable.
The componetry is another story however. I replaced the SRAM brakes with XTR after only a few rides because of poor performance. The pads on the SRAMs were nearly gone after only a few rides and were lipped over the inside of the rim. The clearance between the brake arms was less than the minimum of 37 mm specd in the SRAM manual, perhaps leading to poor braking and fade. The XTRs perfomance is noticeably better. The SRAM chain broke on the third ride. And I noticed a bend in the large chain ring about the same time which I didn't think I had caused. As for the Rocky Mountain stuff (seat post, hubs, etc..), it seems to perform just fine and I don't see a need to replace it (except maybe to shave a little weight). The Geax Beaumount tires seemed unpredictable in sandy corners at first, but now seem okay.
Despite my complaints about some of the componetry, I feel that this is a great bike. It climbs well, handles the technical stuff with ease, and descends incredibly fast. I haven't noticed any feedback from the suspension. The frame is laterally rigid and well constructed. If you buy this bike you will enjoy riding it.
Ok
Looked at this a while back, and noticed that back then, the Element and Slayer were exactly the same frame, just different linkages. So, can I put a Slayer linkage (Seatsta Read More »
I am looking at purchasing an Element in very good condition. The asking price is around $500. Since I'm new to MTB (and to this board), I would like to know the advantages and d Read More »
