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2022 element info

182K views 558 replies 100 participants last post by  JKA  
#1 ·
According to two dealers I’ve talked to there’s an updated new element coming ~August 2021

Pricing and build kits stay the similar (except fork) and it’s going 130f 120r
Hta will be ~67

Weight of the c50 (slx build) ~26lbs
 
#515 ·
Does anyone happen to know the frame weight of a large alloy Element? I've been shuffling between this, the Commencal TEMPO, and the Trek Top Fuel as my second bike. I have a Stumpy Evo so looking for something a little more sprightly and lively that is still fun on the down. Anyone ridden both the carbon and allow version and noticed any differences?
 
#530 ·
Today I was tinkering on my Element and I had the shock out of the frame. Yep, my linkage bearings are on their way out! The ones in the shock lower are good. But either end of the seat-stay bearings are notchy and don't let my rear triangle fall down with gravity alone. Disappointing because all my other bikes dont require bearing changes that soon. This has only had half a seasons worth of riding on it. That said it does get ridden like its supposed to be (see below:geek:)

 
#534 ·
I'm 74.5" (189cm), reach-wingspan75.25" (191cm), inseam book-in-the-crotch 35" (90cm) and weigh in at 230lbs (105kg). RM site says by height btwn L/XL. What size should I get? Prolly not riding too aggressive would like the option to explore and take some hits though. Would like to ride from my house to trails within say 10 miles but could also see some longer rides in the 40-50mi/day range. Appreciate any suggestions/feedback, thanks!
 
#538 ·
Hey has anyone ever mulleted an Element?

Thinking that with a 140mm fork and in the steepest ride4 setting this might be ok?

Also has anyone changed shock length too eek more travel out of the rear?
Don't get me wrong - I'm not wanting to ride an instinct. I'm an xc rider through and through but sometimes I feel that I'd like a bit more agility and play from the rear, esp for tight climbs. I'm also short so a smaller playful rear could be beneficial.
 
#550 ·
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
 
#555 ·
Hi. I know this question is somewhat vague as it depends on many variables, but what rear shock have you settled on to make the Element more trail-ish, but still retains it's climbing ability? I've seen, and currently looking at, the RockShox Deluxe, Manitou Mara, Cane Creek Air IL, and DVO Topaz. I live in the front range of Colorado and am not the most aggressive rider (no more than 2ft drops), so still trying to keep the XC nature of this bike. The Fox Float DPS has been ok but wondering if there is a better option and wanted to get your feedback? TIA.
 
#556 · (Edited)
Not sure if this has been covered here or in another thread but I have yet to get thru all posts in Element threads.
I got my Element A50 in Feb of this year and have not gotten off it much, so I've got over 1000mi on it for the season. Really glad I bought it and got a pretty good deal from Sun&Ski for ~$2500.
I did buy an Optic a couple months ago thinking it would be similar to Element (as Geometry is very close) with just little more travel, and while it may work for some, never felt as good as Element for me (rode Optic for ~200mi). So selling Optic and keeping Element (and bought a StEvo).

Just picked up some Hayes A2s to put on Element so figure will tear down bike, clean/rebuild/replace as needed. I really do not know intervals but have other bikes can ride and shock or pivots do not feel as smooth as should when press down on bike (though I dont really notice when riding). Shock does seem to lose some air when sits a while but not terrible like the Rockshox super deluxe on Optic that looses 50-100psi over a day or two.

Going to pickup pivot bearings, figure I will just buy the RM #1812004 kit for $65 and next time can pickup just some single bearings as needed if can find for cheaper.
Is the RM #1810031 Bearing Eyelet Tool Kit worth getting for $59?
There is also the Shock Bearing Eyelet Kit 1 #1811007 $45 but not sure this is needed as thought bearing kit had enough bearings to replace these, thou I am sure easier to replace with this kit. Hopefully the spacers have reliefs so you can get the old bearings out.
And lastly figure will grab a spare #1812002 hanger for $50. I think the Wheels Manufacturing 587 has been sold out for months so not sure of any cheaper options.






With that figure will buy whatever seals, wipers, o-rings/rebuild kit and such needed for fork and shock and should have everything needed. Maybe headset bearings, but I think just clean and relube be fine. If pivot bearings are ok I will do same as have a parts washer that I'm dying to use as I bought it like 5 years ago.

Just wanted to post before purchase in case anyone has any insight. I have only been doing "real" MTB for a year and other then rebuild/converting RM ETSX to 1x12 ten years ago (to ride on roads cause lame) I have not done much bike work, but I am capable and wanting to do it myself, mainly because I am cheap.

Any advise appreciated.