I haven't ridden it yet, but here's where mine is:

022 Element C50 Large

Changes:

1. Industry Nine Hydra Trail 270, 24 Hole
2. Schwalbe Racing Ray/Ralph combo 2.35
3. Ergon GA-3 Grips Lg
5. RaceFace Turbine R 35mm Bar
6. Industry Nine A35 Stem
7. SRAM Centerline X rotors 180mm F/R
8. Wolftooth Premium ZS lower headset
9. Crank Brothers Candy 7 pedals
10. Lezyne bottle cage x2
11. Shimano IceTech Brake pads

26.9 pounds.

I have a set of I-9 Ultralight 280 wheels on orders, and I'm waiting for the Wicked Wills to become avaiable, then I'll run the Trails with Wicked Will's and the Ul280s with the Racing Ray/Ralph combo.
I will change out the fork for a StepCast 34 and a Transfer Post over the summer once racing really gets going.

 

Here is my build, which started out as a C30 from UtahMountainBiking. (Those guys were great to work with btw, and I think they still have some bikes if anyone is looking for an Element.) I set out to build something I can ride everyday and also race. My previous ride was a V1 Ripmo which I loved, but left me wanting for something with the same geo but lighter, and capacity for two bottles.

After initially striking out on getting a frame-only to build up, I considered getting a C90 but man those are pricey before switching anything out. This build actually came in at less $ than the C90 by a good amount, and let me customize it with some super light wheels, bar/stem combo, longer dropper, etc. and is actually significantly lighter than the C90 also. This comes in at 23.96lb with pedals, but note I haven't put Stan's in yet and may switch up tires depending on the season/conditions, etc.

	Name	Weight (g)
Frame	2022 Rocky Mountain Element XL	2420​
Fork	2022 Fox 34 Stepcast 120 44mm	1513​
Shock	Fox Factory DPS
Wheels	Custom Berd TR27 240EXP	1245​
Rims	Berd TR27
Hubs	DT 240 EXP center lock
Spokes	Berd
Rim Tape		10​
Valves		12​
Skewers	Kabolt (44g) w/ fork, Rear 148mm w/ frame
Pedals	XTR	313​
Crankset	RaceFace Next SL G5 + Stages w/ ring	472​
Chainring	32T
Bottom Bracket	Wheels Mfg BB92 PF 30mm	81​
Cassette	XTR 10-51	369​
R. Derailleur	AXS X01 + battery	387​
Front Brake	XTR 9100 1000mm	214​
Rear Brake	XTR 9100 1700mm	222​
Rotors	XTR CenterLock 180/180	262​
Rotor Bolts	Centerlock	18​
Shifters	AXS GX w/ bar mount	79​
Chain	XTR	249​
Bar	Hixon IC SL	284​
Stem	n/a
Seatpost	Revive 30.9 213mm	618​
Seatpost Remote	Wolf Tooth EV + housing + cable	89​
Seatpost Clamp	Stock w/ frame	17​
Saddle	Short nose Power Pro clone	211​
Headset	FSA Orbit No.57E	130​
Tires	Schwalbe Racing Ralph/Ray	1371​
Grips	Rocky Mountain Lock On Light	99​
Bottle Cage	Syncros Tailor Cage + Specialized Zee Cage	99​
Frame Protector	RideWrap	60​
Headset Spacers	K-Edge Garmin mount + 4 carbon 5mm spacers	27​
Cable/Housing	n/a
Misc	Grease, Stan's
Total (g)		10871​
Total (lbs)		23.97​

 

View attachment 1967286

Thats a pretty sweet build weight. I just took receipt of my frameset today. With some lightweight wheels, rigid post and other xc parts, hope to have it under 22#'s for a large.

 

Damn, son. 24#'s

 

You could get in the low 23's with things like a Lev CI dropper, full-on XC rims, foam grips, but hopefully this build will be more reliable.

 

Freaking sweet! Congratulations!

 

Anyone have experience on a 21+ epic evo they can compare to one of these new elements? I’m deciding between the c90 and eevo pro but it’s tough!

 

I literally just finished an Element build almost identical to Williford’s and I just got shipping notification that my Epic Evo frame will be here tomorrow… I’ll build that up and, once trails are rideable, I’ll give them a few back-to-back loops and let you know!

 

 

Hi OP, do you happen to have the full model number for the Cane Creek 40 zero stack headset? I’ve looked online but there are a lot of “40” versions out there…

 

Thanks!

Since that picture, I’ve swapped seatpost for the Transfer SL, stem to Enve m6, and pedals and have it at 24.6lbs in XL.

 

That's a respectable weight.
I considered the Transfer SL, but on many tech climbs, I don't want full extension. It is a nice lightweight piece of kit though. Personally I'll be going with the BikeYoke Devine SL.

 

It’s game time!
Both XL frames. Weighed with seatpost collar and axle. 1lb difference in frame weight alone..

 

It’s game time!
Both XL frames. Weighed with seatpost collar and axle. 1lb difference in frame weight alone..

That's what Ride4 and an actual rear axle gets you.

 

It’s game time!
Both XL frames. Weighed with seatpost collar and axle. 1lb difference in frame weight alone..
View attachment 1972087
View attachment 1972086

Saw the element posted on pinkbike. Like the epic better?

 

Here's mine.
Fox 34 Grip 2 140
Fox Float DPS Performance
OneUp carbon bars 35mm rise and 35mm OneUp stem, PNW grips, PNW dropper lever
Rocky Mountain dropper with Tioga Undercover Stratum Titanium Saddle
Deore 4 piston brakes, SLX rotors and MTX Red pads
SLX rear derailleur, XT shifter, e13 Helix Cassette, XX1 Chain
e13 TRS Carbon Cranks, 30T chainring, e13 Pressfit bottom bracket
e13 TRS Carbon Race Trail Wheels, 2.35 Ground Control F/R
26 pounds

 

Here's mine.
Fox 34 Grip 2 140
Fox Float DPS Performance
OneUp

Your rig looks awesome! How does it handle with the 140mm fork? Considering bumping up the travel on mine. Also how does the shock perform? My stock (C70 build) float performance shock is kinda meh.

What kinda trails do you ride?

 

Some impressively light machines in here!

It's not easy to get a bike really light and still have it perform.

 

If I were to have only one, I would be on the Element and run it with the 2022 34 Stepcast 120mm fork.
I spent a little time on one with that setup and it just had me grinning the entire time. You can build it light enough for XC while still being burley enough for everyday rides (short of shuttle laps).

 

OP here, I finally had a chance to ride mine for the first time last night. Wow the Element is so fast! The acceleration and ability to hold speed reminds me of an XC bike (granted, I have XC tires and wheels) but the geo lets you descend aggressively. It is a trail weapon.

The one thing I want to change is the BB height which I found a little higher than I'm used to. I thought it cornered pretty good but it just felt a touch to high. Does anyone else feel that way?

My setup is a 120 SC with the 10mm lower headset spacer and have it in the steep/high setting. I will try removing the spacer for a zero-stack lower cup and see if that helps, and then go for slacker/lower positions if need be.

 

I am thinking I should take the 10mm spacer out and put in a zero stack, with a 130mm fork. I placed the Ride4 in the steepest setting, and I wonder if the BB will feel too tall due to all those factors.

I haven't had the chance to give mine a trail ride yet, but fingers crossed in a couple weeks I can. For now I am running my "trail" wheel/tire setup; Raceface AR30s off my Altitude, with a Dissector front/Rekon rear. That way I can get a sense for the bike, before putting on my XC setup for those longer summer rides when the trails are drier.

 

I did my first XC race with mine two weeks ago. The Element was very quick and handled great! The one thing that I really noticed was how well the bike handled really steep and technical climbs, even with the less aggressive tire set up in mud (Racing Ralph/Ray). I'm still thinking that changing the fork to the 120mm SC for racing is a good idea. With the 130mm and in the steepest ride-4 position I never felt the BB was too low, no noticeable pedal trikes on a very tight twisty root-laden trail.

 

Finished my Element build. The Finnish importer had one M size frame available in March so decided to pull the trigger. Not a true weightweenie build but it turned out to be pretty light. Now just gotta wait for the snow to melt...

Frame	Rocky Mountain Element frameset size M - w/ shock & bolts, w/o seatclamp & rear axle	2287
Rear Axle	Rocky Mountain standard	48
Saddle clamp	Bikeyoke Squeezy w/ ti bolt	9
Fork	Sid ultimate 120mm - cut to length w/o axle	1517
Front Axle	RS Maxle Stealth	38
Crown race	Wolftooth premium	5
Headset lower	Wolftooth premium extended 10mm ZS56	56
Headset upper	Cane creek forty ZS44	40
Expander	Standard starnut	10
Bottom Bracket	Praxis M30 THRU mtb	57
Top cap	K-edge garmin mount w/ bolt	25
Front wheel	Duke lucky jack 6ters (30) dt240exp cx-ray, DT torque caps w/tape and valve	610
Front tire	29x2.4" wolfpack cross	716
Sealant front	Muc-off	100
Brake disc front	Ashima Aineon 180mm w/ ti bolts	101
Rear wheel	Duke lucky jack 6ters (30/28) dt240exp cx-ray w/tape and valve	674
Rear tire	29x2.4" wolfpack race	702
Sealant rear	Muc-off	112
Brake disc rear	Ashima Aineon 180mm w/ ti bolts	101
Seatpost	Oneup dropper v2 150mm	486
Dropper cable	KS Recourse ultralight	5
Dropper cable housing	KS Recourse ultralight	23
Dropper post lever	Wolftooth ReMote for magura (w/ clamp)	37
Saddle	Selle Italia X-LR Kit Carbonio Superflow	133
Bar	Pro Tharsis 3five mini rise 780mm (cut to 760)	190
Stem	Bikeyoke Barkeeper w/o bolts	82
Stem bolts	Bikeyoke ti bolts	8
Grips	Esi Racers edge (/w bar end plugs)	56
Crankset	e13 XCX race - w/ preload adjuster	349
Chainring	e13 Ultralight 34T	62
Rear derailleur	Sram Gx AXS w/ Garbaruk cage	387
Cassette	Garbaruk XD 10-48	335
Chain	YBN Yaban 12-speed SLA1210 cut to length, cleaned, w/ quicklink	220
Derailleur trigger	Sram Gx AXS	68
Rear brake	Magura MT trail sport (w/o clamps, bolts or brakepads) - cut to length	201
Rear brake pads	Magura 7P	21
Front brake	Magura MT trail sport (w/o clamps, bolts or brakepads) - Cut to length	211
Front brake pads	Magura 9P	23
Brake clamp right	Wolftooth clamp for Sram trigger	12
Brake clamp bolts	Magura standard (4 pcs)	11
Brake caliper bolts	Titanium Oil slick from R2 (4 pcs)	10
Pedals	M-Force 8 ti	216
Bottle cage(s)	TBA - probably Birzman Uncage Carbon
Total		10354

 

Finished my Element build. The Finnish importer had one M size frame available in March so decided to pull the trigger. Not a true weightweenie build but it turned out to be pretty light. Now just gotta wait for the snow to melt...

Frame	Rocky Mountain Element frameset size M - w/ shock & bolts, w/o seatclamp & rear axle	2287
Rear Axle	Rocky Mountain standard	48
Saddle clamp	Bikeyoke Squeezy w/ ti bolt	9
Fork	Sid ultimate 120mm - cut to length w/o axle	1517
Front Axle	RS Maxle Stealth	38
Crown race	Wolftooth premium	5
Headset lower	Wolftooth premium extended 10mm ZS56	56
Headset upper	Cane creek forty ZS44	40
Expander	Standard starnut	10
Bottom Bracket	Praxis M30 THRU mtb	57
Top cap	K-edge garmin mount w/ bolt	25
Front wheel	Duke lucky jack 6ters (30) dt240exp cx-ray, DT torque caps w/tape and valve	610
Front tire	29x2.4" wolfpack cross	716
Sealant front	Muc-off	100
Brake disc front	Ashima Aineon 180mm w/ ti bolts	101
Rear wheel	Duke lucky jack 6ters (30/28) dt240exp cx-ray w/tape and valve	674
Rear tire	29x2.4" wolfpack race	702
Sealant rear	Muc-off	112
Brake disc rear	Ashima Aineon 180mm w/ ti bolts	101
Seatpost	Oneup dropper v2 150mm	486
Dropper cable	KS Recourse ultralight	5
Dropper cable housing	KS Recourse ultralight	23
Dropper post lever	Wolftooth ReMote for magura (w/ clamp)	37
Saddle	Selle Italia X-LR Kit Carbonio Superflow	133
Bar	Pro Tharsis 3five mini rise 780mm (cut to 760)	190
Stem	Bikeyoke Barkeeper w/o bolts	82
Stem bolts	Bikeyoke ti bolts	8
Grips	Esi Racers edge (/w bar end plugs)	56
Crankset	e13 XCX race - w/ preload adjuster	349
Chainring	e13 Ultralight 34T	62
Rear derailleur	Sram Gx AXS w/ Garbaruk cage	387
Cassette	Garbaruk XD 10-48	335
Chain	YBN Yaban 12-speed SLA1210 cut to length, cleaned, w/ quicklink	220
Derailleur trigger	Sram Gx AXS	68
Rear brake	Magura MT trail sport (w/o clamps, bolts or brakepads) - cut to length	201
Rear brake pads	Magura 7P	21
Front brake	Magura MT trail sport (w/o clamps, bolts or brakepads) - Cut to length	211
Front brake pads	Magura 9P	23
Brake clamp right	Wolftooth clamp for Sram trigger	12
Brake clamp bolts	Magura standard (4 pcs)	11
Brake caliper bolts	Titanium Oil slick from R2 (4 pcs)	10
Pedals	M-Force 8 ti	216
Bottle cage(s)	TBA - probably Birzman Uncage Carbon
Total		10354

View attachment 1980888

I have the carbon 50 and am not loving the 1-pot SLX braking power. I have my eyes on the Magura Trail Sport brakes. Did you ride the SLX 1-pots before switching? If so, is the difference pretty noticable?

 

Is anyone running this bike with 175mm cranks? I have 4 different MTBs (all rocky) and 3 of them are 175 with the other being 170mm cranks. I can't really tell the difference between them and don't have hip/knee issues when I switch between bikes. I am mostly curious if the BB height of the bike requires 170mm, or if the 175mm will be fine and not result in tons of pedal strikes. The lone bike that I have with 170mm cranks is the 2021 element and I run it in the neutral setting all of the time. With the new 22/23 element I would likely run it in the steep setting. Thanks for any advice from those who have one of these guys.

 

I've been running 165 cranks for the last two years and love them. Check out this recent article on PB. https://www.pinkbike.com/news/why-shorter-cranks-are-better-according-to-science.html

 

What do you guys think about Spur vs this? I'm having 2nd thoughts about the spur right now really liking this element. Lol

 

anyone try it with a 140 fork without the headset spacer? mine came with the spacer and the 130 marzocchi fork. thinking about getting a pike 140 and taking out the spacer. should keep the height about the same, drop a touch of weight and add some capability. or will it feel unbalanced front to rear?

 

Look up MTB Yum Yum on YouTube. He put a 140 Pike on his and says he prefers it for his riding.

 

Thinking about buying a C30 and upgrading. There is no difference between the C30 frame and the C70 or 90 correct? Same layup and weight? Has anyone bought a C30 and upgraded the shock? If so what did you go with?

 

I got the c30 as it was what was available. the frame is the same. I put on lighter wheels, cassette, and carbon bars. the drivetrain is totally fine. the rear shock is great, no real reason to change. it is the brakes that are terrible. borderline unsafe. they have no power and no business being on a nice bike. the fork is pretty good, but might be the next thing to change in my mind.

 

I finally took my C50 out on the trails on Memorial Day, and while I need to make some minor adjustments, the bike is insanely good in its duties as a short travel trail bike.
The way I see it- this isn't an XC or "Downcountry" bike, it's a trail bike, and that comes down to just how slack the head angle really is. 65.4* in "steep" is kinda stupidly slack for the XC category. However- as a long distance XC-trail riding bike, it's the best bike I've ridden. It's fairly lightweight, can climb technical trails with ease, rails corners like an enduro bike, and tackles steep sections like they're flat. In my experience, it feels like it has more travel than it should, so take that as you will.

Things I've changed;
Wheelset; Raceface AR30 (32h/6bolt/ 180mm XT rotors/ Maxxis Dissector 2.4WT EXO 3ct/ Maxxis Rekon 2.4WT EXO 3ct)
Cockpit; Raceface Turbine R 10mm rise bar 780mm/ 50mm 35mm clamp stem/ Chromag Squarewave grips/ Raceface Aeffect pedals

I think I will swap the stock brakes for 4 piston XTs. This platform has so much confidence going downhill that it really does need stronger brakes for the trails around here. I'm going to pick this over my enduro bike for everything except park, black/doubleblack tech trails, and enduro-style riding. I'm also going to change the dropper to a Fox Transfer 150mm. The stock lever setup isn't the best, and I really like how easy it is to change saddles on the Transfer. I also put my preferred WTB Volt saddle on, since the stock Silverado is a little too thin and squeaky for my liking.
I'm also a fan of the bottle cage placement- it's so nice to have a bottle right up under the top tube.

I do kinda wish that Rocky specced a real XC build of the Element, with no headset spacer and a 120mm fork, but I know I definitely pushed more into the trail category with my choice of wheelset. I have the stock wheels and will try them sometime to compare, but I'm not sure I'll want to keep them on when I do. To me, this is a lightweight and modern version of the first generation Instinct 29er. It does everything the Instinct could, only better.

 

The way I see it- this isn't an XC or "Downcountry" bike, it's a trail bike,

I do kinda wish that Rocky specced a real XC build of the Element,

It can be both. RMB race team is using this frame.

I think I will swap the stock brakes for 4 piston XTs.

Good idea!

 

My 2022 element frame is for sale. Size Large, carbon. Just FYI if anyone is still looking.

https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3351500/

 

Finally finished my build. After R2 Bike took foreeeeeever in shipping. Very stoked for this bike. Wanted something lighter than my rascal but more capable than my pivot. Think I hit the sweet spot!

 

Finally finished my build. After R2 Bike took foreeeeeever in shipping. Very stoked for this bike. Wanted something lighter than my rascal but more capable than my pivot. Think I hit the sweet spot!


View attachment 1987129 View attachment 1987130 View attachment 1987131

Sweet bike! What pivot do you ride? I noticed you have the 34 step cast without the 10mm lower cup. How does the BB height and pedal clearance feel? What setting are you riding it in so far?

 

double post

 

I picked up an element about two weeks ago. The bike is great to ride, very quick, a bit more muted ride than my girlfriends ibis ripley v2. Probably a more suitable all around trail bike for the trails in my area and my riding style (or lack thereof ) coming of a 160/160 rig. As mentioned by others certainly can blow through the rear (25% sag 0.6vol spacer) if bombing through roots or casing a jump. Running fox 34 at 140mm and it holds up. I have one GIANT issue currently. One of the bolts that holds the pivot nearest the rear axle fell out mid-ride. I looked around couldn't find it so walked bike out. I contacted Rocky Mountain for a replacement and was met with a combination of poor service and silly policies. It takes 2 days for them to reply to any email in the chain:
RM: Unfortunately, since the part is not listed in our webstore we cannot offer it unless it is purchased through a Rocky Mountain dealer.
What dealer is closest to you? I can coordinate with them and have them order this bolt for you so you can get your bike back up and running!

Me: You guys can't just mail me the bolt? The drawing has it listed as: 1801007 ALTITUDE DROPOUT BOLT, M8X1.0, L:30, 6MM HEX 8NM Apply Loctite 243 to female seat stay threads.

RM: Unfortunately we cannot mail individual parts outside of our dealer network. I can send this bolt to Hoffs with their approval

Me: Hoffs says go ahead and send it to them and to call if there is any issue.

Waiting.......

It has now been a week and the bolt is still not in the mail. Maybe I'm just spoiled expecting everyone to operate like amazon(would have been remedied in 15 seconds).

The bolt is rather obscure and I can't find a replacement at the local hardware store. I pulled the bolt on the opposite side of the missing one to rotate the suspension to check and see if washers that protect the bearings were missing and found a little damage to the carbon fibre as well as zero loctite securing the bolt in place contrary to the elements build diagram instructions. I like the bike - however for the premium price I'd be hesitant to recommend this brand. I know this is just a 1 of 1 experience maybe others have more luck.

 

I picked up an element about two weeks ago. The bike is great to ride, very quick, a bit more muted ride than my girlfriends ibis ripley v2. Probably a more suitable all around trail bike for the trails in my area and my riding style (or lack thereof ) coming of a 160/160 rig. As mentioned by others certainly can blow through the rear (25% sag 0.6vol spacer) if bombing through roots or casing a jump. Running fox 34 at 140mm and it holds up. I have one GIANT issue currently. One of the bolts that holds the pivot nearest the rear axle fell out mid-ride. I looked around couldn't find it so walked bike out. I contacted Rocky Mountain for a replacement and was met with a combination of poor service and silly policies. It takes 2 days for them to reply to any email in the chain:
RM: Unfortunately, since the part is not listed in our webstore we cannot offer it unless it is purchased through a Rocky Mountain dealer.
What dealer is closest to you? I can coordinate with them and have them order this bolt for you so you can get your bike back up and running!

Me: You guys can't just mail me the bolt? The drawing has it listed as: 1801007 ALTITUDE DROPOUT BOLT, M8X1.0, L:30, 6MM HEX 8NM Apply Loctite 243 to female seat stay threads.

RM: Unfortunately we cannot mail individual parts outside of our dealer network. I can send this bolt to Hoffs with their approval

Me: Hoffs says go ahead and send it to them and to call if there is any issue.

Waiting.......

It has now been 7 days and the bolt is still not in the mail. Maybe I'm just spoiled expecting everyone to operate like amazon(would have been remedied in 15 seconds).

The bolt is rather obscure and I can't find a replacement at the local hardware store. I pulled the bolt on the opposite side of the missing one to rotate the suspension to check and see if washers that protect the bearings were missing and found a little damage to the carbon fibre as well as zero loctite securing the bolt in place contrary to the elements build diagram instructions. I like the bike - however for the premium price I'd be hesitant to recommend this brand. I know this is just a 1 of 1 experience maybe others have more luck. View attachment 1994166

Bring Bryce and Tim some Nugs!

 

I love my Instinct. It's the previous generation. I don't think I'd like it as much if it was the current gen. But, it was a near dream bike purchase. I use it for my big days in Pisgah which it's perfect for. Once it's up to speed on the flats, it's a lot a fun for the gravel roads, and dances really well on singletrack. I run it Steep to Neutral for the most part on the ride-9.

If I didn't have the Instinct, I would for sure keep the element as a light weight, quick climbing trail bike for around here. But my Instinct is perfect for how I ride and what I do here. I proper 'DC' bike is great for front country here. But as soon as you get deeper in, a slacker HT and longer travel is great. Everyone loves enduro rigs, but they hardly pedal up here, private shuttle runs tend to be the trend.