Submitted by
Rhode963
a Weekend Warrior
from Canandaigua, NY Date Reviewed: August 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dryer Hill Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$972.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light weight, strong, good build quality
Weaknesses:
Avid Juicy Three brakes and that's about it.
Similar Products Used:
No other XC bikes, but this keeps up with my Brothers Diamondback XTS Supermoto, just can't handle the jumps as well.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great XC and all around bike, the only problem i have found is that it can't handle the jumps and drops as well as a DH bike, but that is expected. But it is very rugged, and has taken everything I've thrown at it without a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark breker
a Weekend Warrior
from okotoks alberta Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Strengths:
very well put together, rides nice and handles great on downhill runs.
for a rider who likes to get out and explore very nice bike for any level of rider.
Similar Products Used:
A well put together stump jumper might fall into the same class. Any high to mid ranger xc bike the element would hold it's own against
Bottom Line:
For the price it is well worth the money. Best bang for your buck
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Bucks Country Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
EMS
Strengths:
Good bang for the Buck
Weaknesses:
Marzocchi MX LO Fork clunks @ the end of the stroke,all set-ups, after one week. Bottom Bracket Clicks right side. 1-3 0'clock position after 2 months. Ems is standing behind the bike going in to them 6/25/09
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock Tuned & set-up well, up grades will come as needed (this winter)
Bottom Line:
The 09 is like a Element 30 carbon upper stays & new frame like the 08 30, Same price as the 08 when it 1st came out.
It is a good bike for the money, After tuning the fork is still a low point but is low on maintenance needed.
In the end I would buy it again ia heart beat, It is a bast to ride. You are hard press to get more for you money.
Anyone rider starting or in need of a beater should be happy with this bike. Young or old, I am 48 & it has me feeling great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
EMS
Strengths:
Quality construction, very good components. Suspension system works as advertised...climbs well..not an exceptionally light XC bike however it's just as comfortable as a trail bike and for that purpose it's very light. Bike has exceptional maneuverability and it's a friend in tight quarters. I think the most surprising thing about this bike how easily speed is attained, maintained and controlled. If you're an aggressive XC rider this is your bike, hands down.
Weaknesses:
Not many...Not crazy about the feel of the Juicy Avid 3 hydraulics brakes...but this may be something I need to acclimate to..kind of an all or nothing feel. I wish Rocky included the carbon seat stay on the element 10...especially at the retail price of $1900
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Trailhead, Fusion
Bike Setup:
Frame: RMB Custom 7005aluminum
Fork: Marzocchi MX LO
Brakes: Avid Juicy 3
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT
Pedals Shimano: PDM505
Saddle: WTB Pro Gel
Bottom Line:
I ride a lot and this bike is a great companion in every regard...the more I ride the more there is to like..especially on trips where I start in the city and end up on an top of a hill in the woods somewhere. I couldn't ask for more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Logan
a Weekend Warrior
from Corona, California, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chino Hills State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Price$$$. The overall feel of this bike is great. I don't feel a bob when climbing and the it shifts through the gears easily. The suspension is very good for a heavier rider like me. (225 lbs.)
Weaknesses:
The brakes will be the first thing I replace on this bike. They worked great at first then seemed to weaken. I don't know if it is my weight but they just don't feel as strong as I would like. I have taken them in for adjustments twice and they have not felt as strong as they first did.
Similar Products Used:
None similar. Prior hardtail rider.
Bike Setup:
2007 stock Rocky Mountain Element 10
Bottom Line:
I love this bike and would recommend it to anyone who wants a great full suspension XC intro bike. I did a lot of research and testing before buying and found this bike felt most like a hardtail when on the trail. If you're a weekend warrior like me, you can't go wrong for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nicole Delzer
a Weekend Warrior
from Sedona, AZ Date Reviewed: February 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Courthouse Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Rushmore Bikes in Spearfish, SD
Strengths:
Great all around bike for the intermediate rider. Smooth shifting, good suspension, nice climber.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavier side, but still not too bad.
Similar Products Used:
Used to ride a Specialized Rockhopper with front suspension when I first began riding.
Bike Setup:
Suspension - MARZOCCHI MX PRO Fork + FOX FLOAT R PP CUSTOM VALVED Rear Shock Components - SHIMANO XT Rear Derailleur / SHIMANO DEORE Front Derailleur + SHIMANO DEORE RAPID FIRE Shifters + AVID JUICY 3 Disc Brakes
Bottom Line:
To move into this bike was a dream for me. I love it! Perfect for those who want a great bike but don't want to spend a bundle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This bike is the ultimate XC trailbike for the dinero. it climbs like no tomarrow with very little pedal bob, and loves tight twisty singletrack. The frame welds on Rockies are top notch along with the paintjob.
Weaknesses:
it is a touch heavy for an xc race bike. 29ish pounds
Similar Products Used:
GT IDXC, Research Dynamics Singlespeed, Specialized Hardtail, Cannondale HT
Bike Setup:
07 Element 10- stock except for a WTB saddle
Bottom Line:
If you are a beginner racer or xc trail rider this bike rides very nice and you will be happy, dont buy this if you are a weight weenie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Lille, France Date Reviewed: August 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2560.00
Purchased At:
FMF Sport Group, France
Strengths:
I think a great strength of this bike is the frame associated to the Fox RP3 custom shock. The suspension system is really good. The saddle is very good too.
Weaknesses:
All components are entry level components!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Gran Fondo Race 3 105mm fork replaced by a Rock Shox Tora Air 100mm, Fox RP3 100mm shock, Cane Creek headset, Easton EA30 stem and handlebar, Hayes Sole brakes, Deore shifters, Deore front and XT rear gearings with Deore cog-set, squared axis bottom bracket (Shimano M460), platform pedals, Alex DP17 spokes with DT Champion spokes and Deore hubs replaces by Mavic CrossRide wheels, IRC Serac tires replaced by Hutchinson Python tires, Easton EA30 seatpost replaced by a Thomson Elite one, RMB saddle replaced by a Specialized Rival one.
Bottom Line:
In fact, you pay the frame and the shock, that's all. But it is a really good suspension system and you can change the components after, when you have some money... I had some components when I purchased the bike so it is a little better than the stock one but it can be improved yet.
When you go down hill, you have good sensations, the shock is smooth. When you climb, the bike is efficient.
I ride from 50 to 100km rides and this bike suits my use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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