I get a knocking sound when lifting the frame/seat. I can tell its coming from the rear shock because when I lift it by the shock and apply pressure the knocking/play is gone. Has anyone experienced this? I torqued everything to the manufacturer's specs. I got the bike today brand new.

another redditor seems to have a similar issue here.
Thanks for any help in advance. I already contacted rocky mountain but figured I would try to post anyways just incase

 

Has anyone used the Rocky Mountain shock eyelet bearing tool? Is it worth purchasing to replace the bearings?

 

def easier to have it but I got mine off my Instinct using a gradual stack of olfa blades tapped into the gaps. This article might also help and has a link to a 3d printed tool that works. https://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=226361&pagenum=2

 

I recently replaced all the linkage bearings on my element except for the rear seat stay/chain stay bearings. These ones seem almost impossible to remove without damaging something. Has anyone had any luck?

I imagine the only tool that could work is a blind bearing puller with expanding collet. But those stays are incredibly flimsy.

Why did Rocky design it this way? They use 2 bearings closely coupled in that location, with a paper thin bearing seat between them (or so I imagine since I wasn’t actually able to remove them).Why not just use 1 slightly larger bearing?

All the other bearings were pretty easy to remove with punches. Reinstalling was also fairly easy. I used the old bearings as drifts when pressing the new ones in, to maintain alignment.

First time I’ve ever ridden this bike without any creaking! And that lasted about 4 rides…

 

funny I have zero creaks (touch wood)..... are the bearings in the chainstay intact? You are quite right that you need an expanding puller to get them out. When i checked mine one had basically disintegrated so had to cut it out very carefully by grinding the race with a small burr at 9 and 12......the two halves just fell out.

 

are the bearings in the chainstay intact?

Ya they weren’t too bad. Only one felt pitted.

Actually none of my bearings were too bad, which is crazy. Been riding this bike for 3 seasons on pretty aggressive trails in WNC, with plenty of water and mud. It’s crazy to me how some people blow through their bearings every year.

 

Holy smokes moved my chip from slackest to steepest last night and wow what a change. I think I love it. Grip on climbs was incredibly transformed.....stuff that was wet that I had no way of getting up was suddenly makable. Bike felt more (even) alive. I had it slackest since I got it because it just seemed like the thing to do! Anyone else have some experiences to share? I think if I were in a big downhill location I would perhaps go back but it just felt better like this.

 

What sort of terrain are you riding? also, when you say steepest, do you mean pos 4?

 

Technical single track and flow generally with punchy climbs. Yes, pos 4.

 

Found what may have been the last XL frame one in America last week to upgrade from aluminum to carbon. Was looking to drop some weight and never have to deal with fishing line out of the frame again. Maybe not ‘worth it’ but I’m loving it. Everything that was great about the metal frame is here in the carbon version, but it feels lighter and a bit more snappy.

 

All Black Element Owners: RideWrap Matte or Gloss?


I just picked up a Element C50 in all black and am going to strip it down to RideWrap the frame. Looking for which way folks have gone and if they like the results.

 

All Black Element Owners: RideWrap Matte or Gloss? I just picked up a Element C50 in all black and am going to strip it down to RideWrap the frame. Looking for which way folks have gone and if they like the results.

one vote for matte. I wrapped mine a couple years ago now. It’s an awesome looking bike.

the shiny stuff would be cool too, but I think the gaps would be much more noticeable (since the frame is already matte black).

 

I wrapped mine in gloss but if I had my time again I’d go matte

 

I did mine in matte from ridewrap.

 

Thought I’d share this here: one minor quirk I felt about both the AL and C models of the 2022-2024 frames was how they’d pack up with dirt and trail debris here in the PNW in about any condition that wasn’t bone dry. The carbon model was particularly bad with the internal routing entering the frame and making to hard for things to fall through.

Before I tried anything else, I figured I’d take out some scissors and an old fork fender. Trimmed the front part of the fender of what would be in front of the fork arch, and took out a small section to clear the chainline in the lowest gear. So far, the results have been promising! Crossing my fingers its helping keep some gunk away from the bearings as well…

 

Thought I’d share this here: one minor quirk I felt about both the AL and C models of the 2022-2024 frames was how they’d pack up with dirt and trail debris here in the PNW in about any condition that wasn’t bone dry. The carbon model was particularly bad with the internal routing entering the frame and making to hard for things to fall through.

Before I tried anything else, I figured I’d take out some scissors and an old fork fender. Trimmed the front part of the fender of what would be in front of the fork arch, and took out a small section to clear the chainline in the lowest gear. So far, the results have been promising! Crossing my fingers its helping keep some gunk away from the bearings as well…

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Oh gee. Thanks for this. I'm another PNW rider and that little shelf continuously has an inch of mud on it for me. I'll have to give this a try

 

Any recommendations for what to use to stick on the rubber pad that covers the lower cable routing holes behind the bb? I used a glob of silicone last year and it did not last.

 

Just replaced mine with some 3M tape I picked up for other reasons a few years back. I'll send the specific number later when I'm home from work.

 

I have used a contact cement or rubber glue. Apply to both surfaces, let set until just past tacky and assemble.
Make sure you get it right the first time because the stuff really works.
I used an industrial strength called Pliobond.
Used to use it to install the pneumatic de-icing sleeves on air planes.

 

I have used a contact cement or rubber glue. Apply to both surfaces, let set until just past tacky and assemble.
Make sure you get it right the first time because the stuff really works.
I used an industrial strength called Pliobond.
Used to use it to install the pneumatic de-icing sleeves on air planes.

contact cement would have been a good alternative....but the 2 sided 3m tape worked well (at least in the shop, where it is still in the stand)

 

Good to know what the cause was. Thanks for following up.

 

Oh gee. Thanks for this. I'm another PNW rider and that little shelf continuously has an inch of mud on it for me. I'll have to give this a try

Thanks! I actually tried something more like a flap to cover and it I didn’t like it as much— I didn’t seal it well and stuff still found its way back in. I went back to this model but used zip-tie instead of Velcro straps. I was able to cinch down the fender tighter with the zip-ties so I gained the tiniest bit of tire clearance as well.

another I came across.

That looks amazing, and super clean… and there’s no way I have the eye for detail to do something like that.🤣

 

I just picked up a '24 Element and have been spending time getting it set up. Decided to try all 4 settings today, and while everyone seems to be going steep and loving it, I did not like the feeling of being perched up high with it in steep mode and found handling to be vague and climbing squirrely. I couldn't hold a line and had no confidence in the front end.

I put it in slack mode and the bike transformed. Holds a line, turns quicker, tracks better and to my surprise, climbed far better. The front end is planted now and I feel in the bike rather than on top of it. Which makes no sense! But in my case, slack fits me.

I must be some kind of freak!

 

I just picked up a '24 Element and have been spending time getting it set up. Decided to try all 4 settings today, and while everyone seems to be going steep and loving it, I did not like the feeling of being perched up high with it in steep mode and found handling to be vague and climbing squirrely. I couldn't hold a line and had no confidence in the front end.

I put it in slack mode and the bike transformed. Holds a line, turns quicker, tracks better and to my surprise, climbed far better. The front end is planted now and I feel in the bike rather than on top of it. Which makes no sense! But in my case, slack fits me.

I must be some kind of freak!

Glad to hear slack works best for you!

Mine came with a 10mm lower headset cup so I put it in steep to try to offset it, and I was looking for more of an XC bike.
I sold it a year and a half ago and I'm starting to regret that decision.

Enjoy your Element!

 

Picked up a C50 XT Element from Competitive Cyclist for 40% off. Coming off of a Spur, and an Epic Evo before that.

Swapped a bunch of parts over from my Spur, including an X01 drivetrain, 1220g wheelset and Barzo/Mezcal tire combo, plus my preferred cockpit- SQ Labs 12 degree carbon bar, ESI extra chunky grips, and my favorite generic 155mm wide carbon Chinese saddle from AliExpress.

25.5 lbs for an XL before the bottle cage with multi tool and pump. Pretty stoked on the weight relative to the bike’s capability.

Got in my longest ride so far today, about 36 miles of XC riding with some decent chunky spots sprinkled throughout. The Element splits the difference between the EE and Spur really nicely, IMO. More confident going down than the Epic, and just a touch more lively climbing than the Spur.

Going to try a 50mm stem (currently 40mm) and lowering the stem by 10mm, cockpit is feeling a tiny bit cramped when seated. Running it in position 4/steep right now. But otherwise super happy so far.

 

Looks great and fantastic weight

 

Looks great! What prompted the change from the spur? How does it compare to the spur going downhill?

 

Have you tried it in the steeper flip chip setting yet? Could make it slightly snappier, made a pretty big difference on mine.

Yes, I put it in the steepest setting a few rides ago. That, plus a 10mm longer stem and lowering the stem by 10mm has been a very positive change for my riding. Was just out on a ride with several super steep climbs, and it felt great with the shock in the middle setting. Super happy with the bike so far, it's exactly what I wanted vs. the Spur- a little lighter, a better climber, and nothing given up on the descent, IMO.

 

Yes, I put it in the steepest setting a few rides ago. That, plus a 10mm longer stem and lowering the stem by 10mm has been a very positive change for my riding. Was just out on a ride with several super steep climbs, and it felt great with the shock in the middle setting. Super happy with the bike so far, it's exactly what I wanted vs. the Spur- a little lighter, a better climber, and nothing given up on the descent, IMO.

I've had 5 bikes since my Element and without a doubt none have been even close to covering so many bases, really a perfect bike for SoCal

 

Anyone recommend an alternative rear damper other than the Fox DPS? I have just upgraded my fork to a Fox Grip2 130mm (got a screaming deal for it), coming from a Fit4 Stepcast 120mm.

 

Anyone happen to have any comparisons with the 4 bar Element and the Epic Evo 8? Having a bit of analysis paralysis trying to decide between the two. I have a Sentinel built up 160/160 which really pedals great for what it is but still prefer something more sprightly on the ups and also a little more playful on the downs. Rides are a mix of blue flow with some doubles and bits of rock/chunk but nothing crazy.

Seems like I can't go wrong with either, but would be awesome to hear some direct comparisons as that info seems to be lacking. Cheers!

 

Anyone happen to have any comparisons with the 4 bar Element and the Epic Evo 8? Having a bit of analysis paralysis trying to decide between the two. I have a Sentinel built up 160/160 which really pedals great for what it is but still prefer something more sprightly on the ups and also a little more playful on the downs. Rides are a mix of blue flow with some doubles and bits of rock/chunk but nothing crazy.

Seems like I can't go wrong with either, but would be awesome to hear some direct comparisons as that info seems to be lacking. Cheers!

 

Having ridden both, I'd say the Epic is a bit snappier uphill, but the Element eats it for breakfast downhill.

 

Right on, thanks!

Any comment on body position between the two? Specifically if you felt too far back over the wheel on the Epic or if you felt the slack front end of the Element wanted to lift or wander on steep climbs?

 

Anyone happen to have any comparisons with the 4 bar Element and the Epic Evo 8? Having a bit of analysis paralysis trying to decide between the two. I have a Sentinel built up 160/160 which really pedals great for what it is but still prefer something more sprightly on the ups and also a little more playful on the downs. Rides are a mix of blue flow with some doubles and bits of rock/chunk but nothing crazy.

Seems like I can't go wrong with either, but would be awesome to hear some direct comparisons as that info seems to be lacking. Cheers!

think the Epic is more XC than trail, and the Element is more trail than XC.

Very well said -- the E8 is fundamentally a World Cup XC bike that "can" push into trail bike territory; the Element is a light-but-capable trail bikes that "can" flirt with XC speed and pedaling with the right setup.

The confusing factor/point of overlap is how the '21 Horst-Link Element crosses over to the '25 flex-pivot Element. The '25 model may ultimately take a page from the E8's two-versions playbook, if RM decides to expand the 120/120 offerings past the C99 spec.

To me, the '21 Element was clearly tuned for traction and grip, especially with the 3-position DPS shock, and likely would have required a remote lockout or a racy-er shock tune if I wanted to give it more giddyup under pedaling -- whereas the '25 flex-pivot version with a Deluxe or Mara IL can be pretty spritely as-is, with some compromise on traction and plushness.

Two other things that may (or may not) matter to you:
1) If you're on a LG/XL and have a long inseam, the E8 seat tube is pretty slack for winching up steeper pitches. Great for sustained hard pedaling on more rolling terrain, I think! (However, some folks in the E8 thread think the E8 STA is TOO steep... so this is clearly very personal.)
2) The E8, with its chonky downtube, may be a little stiffer than the Element (going off @cassinonorth on this one), which you might like or dislike, depending.

By the way, mmarkey -- I think I replied to your thread on Pinkbike about going to a lighter XC bike (Exie, ASR, Blur) from your Spur -- are you pivoting to staying with a 120/130 bike or are you looking to make an Element/E8 into something pretty race-y?

 

1) If you're on a LG/XL and have a long inseam, the E8 seat tube is pretty slack for winching up steeper pitches. Great for sustained hard pedaling on more rolling terrain, I think! (However, some folks in the E8 thread think the E8 STA is TOO steep... so this is clearly very personal.)

This is a good callout. I have to run my seatposts quite high, and my ‘23 EE (size XL) ended up with a fairly slack seat angle vs. the Element.

As a result, it was better at covering miles on flat ground than the Element, but the Element is more fun and, IMO, better optimized geo for up and down trail riding.

 

All great info and really appreciate the thoughtful input. Wish I could swing a leg over both to at least just get a feel for seated position and pedaling.

And yeah, you caught me. Been floating back and forth between the two and think that in all actuality an Element or E8 Evo is probably a better bet than full XC built burly for most of my riding and the occasional races I’ll enter (Downieville, park city p2p, local weeknight “enduros” on flow trails).

 

I have a lot of time at Dville. Raced it on a 100mm forked hardtail SS and a full squish XC bike. If I was to race it again, Element all the way.

It sounds like the riding you do is more big stuff than little. I'd lean more towards a bike that prefers to get rowdy, but can also handle big days of XC riding.

 

Anyone else have an excessive amount of creaking around the shock top bolt area? Mine is getting progressively worse every week.

Recent service work: Complete bearing replacement (Shop), shock rebuild / service (Fox Service Centre), and replaced shock / ride 4 hardware as well as upper crush washers.

Creaking began before doing all this service and has continued after.

 

Thanks for the photo. Yeah that was one of my primary concerns, although I have a fairly average inseam and will be on a large.

Hard to tell if those complaints are coming from lycra clad XC folks going to an Epic 8 or a trail/enduro focused rider going to an E8. I’m guessing the former.

 

So I did find a couple of shops in Reno to throw a leg over the EE8 and the previous gen Element. Definitely felt a little more at home on the Element and more back over the wheel on the EE8 just riding around the parking lot. Has me leaning towards the Element…

Now for the 4 bar vs flex stay. I’m leaning towards the new model just due to durability issues with the bearings mainly. Anyone been able to b2b the two models and compare riding characteristics?

 

I bought my 2024 Element used from a local pro who is sponsored by Rocky Mountain and 'upgraded' to the new 2025. They couldn't tell a difference in handling.