I have a 2022 Rocky Mountain Element (Carbon 50 model). It’s been ridden roughly 100 miles and I just noticed some ghost pedaling when walking the bike. I’ve only had it about 6 weeks. Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue with a 2022 model?

 

Hi, just asking a question for my gf as she doesn't have an account.

Her Carbon 50 came with the external lower headset cup that adds about 10mm or so of stack height. She's 5'3" and is trying to keep the front end from getting too high. Somebody told us that Rocky Mountain was offering zero stack cups for people who got these bikes and wanted them but I can't seem to find any info about that online. Does anyone know if this is the case?

Thanks,
Gabe

 

That was me commenting on your video… my LBS confirmed they are expecting replacement headsets from RMB some time this year and will call me when they arrive to do a free replacement if I want it. I simply asked them after reading the post below and they already knew all about the 10mm headset issue and said I’d be added to their list of customers waiting for it. So I’d talk to your LBS first and if that fails, contact RMB directly.

This post also confirms other shops saying a similar thing: 2022 element info

Edit: that link looks broken, sorry. Just search this thread for “headset” and you’ll find posts discussing this issue.

 

Hi all. I have been lucky enough to have been riding my '22 Element since January, which replaced my awesome '17 Element that I never thought I'd get rid of. Anyway Rocky4lyf and all that.
So, great bike and have re-speccd is as I wanted it.
Question - Has anyone got a lead on a chainguide for this model yet?

 

The top guide is good enough for me. (Came off an instinct, fit perfectly)Haven’t dropped a chain yet, even with a bunch of rowdy DH riding in a Mexico and Perú. (Wasn’t the right bike at all, but did the job)

 

You have a top guide? gimme!

 

I misremembered! Turns out the engineering exists (there is a replaceable widget for the chainstay link that will allow a chain guide. I guess I remember going down the rabbit hole trying to get the right Parts to no avail.) However, the second part of my post is correct, haven’t dropped a chain once, even on absurd chunky rock-gardens that I should have been walking.

 

I misremembered! Turns out the engineering exists (there is a replaceable widget for the chainstay link that will allow a chain guide. I guess I remember going down the rabbit hole trying to get the right Parts to no avail. However, the second part of my post is correct, haven’t dropped a chain once, even on absurd chunky rock-gardens that I should have been walking.

dammit

 

Does anyone know the sizes of the pivot bearings? Trying to source some locally

 

Info here

 

Not sure if anyone on here is still looking l, but I decided to put my 2022 frame up for sale.

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

 

Linkage bearings were totally destroyed after all - given three months of riding :/

 

That picture has little bearing on the subject.

 

Anyone know how much progression the element has? Having trouble finding the leverage rate anywhere. Assuming the ride 4 might tweak it a little too?

 

Hi Elementals,
I'm considering getting a new element but have a few queries, I want to do a light weight FUN XC race bike.
Firstly, sizing, I used to have an XL 2013 element and XL was nearly too small for me, and then the last 5 years I have been riding XL scott sparks. Going off the Geo charts for the 2022 Element, a L is bigger than my XL spark. Can anyone confirm they have gone down a size with this Geo? particularly for XC racing.
Secondly, is there a hole in the frame to run an internal cable for a shock remote lockout?... you know an XC racer thing.
Finally thanks for everyone's opinions, it seems like the builds with 120mm forks are nice and light, and the 130-140mm fork builds are fun... just the sort of bike i like

 

Hi Elementals,
I'm considering getting a new element but have a few queries, I want to do a light weight FUN XC race bike.
Firstly, sizing, I used to have an XL 2013 element and XL was nearly too small for me, and then the last 5 years I have been riding XL scott sparks. Going off the Geo charts for the 2022 Element, a L is bigger than my XL spark. Can anyone confirm they have gone down a size with this Geo? particularly for XC racing.
Secondly, is there a hole in the frame to run an internal cable for a shock remote lockout?... you know an XC racer thing.
Finally thanks for everyone's opinions, it seems like the builds with 120mm forks are nice and light, and the 130-140mm fork builds are fun... just the sort of bike i like

geometrygeeks.com is your friend - compare ETT (effective top tube) & stack for cockpit feel. IMO don't size down based on wheelbase. If you're worried the wheelbase is too long on an XL then just get a different bike. Having a cramped cockpit to get the right wheelbase goes against the benefit of a modern geo.

Based on sizing between a 2019 Spark and the element I would stay on an XL. Your wheelbase will grow by 60mm but cockpit is similar.

 

Right - for cockpit feel you need to primarily go off ETT not reach. XL spark and Element looked pretty close on ETT, much closer than going from XL to L. I’d be careful sizing down between those two bikes depending on your height. Size down and your seat is slid back which is not the ideal climbing position.

 

This!!
The market trend to use only reach is horrible. I never really feel the difference when standing. But sure do feel a huge difference in a cramped cockpit while seated.

 

Has anyone experimented with a 30t chainring instead of 32t? Loving the bike but seems a little more active under pedalling than the Top Fuel that I previously had when the shock is in open position. I've experimented going up about 5 PSI over recommended from Rocky Mountain and have the low speed compression adjuster in the '2' position, but still feels like I'm losing power versus lockout lever in 'Trail' mode, which makes the rear end feel firm (but not great on descents). Might try '3' on the open mode and lowering pressure a bit.

Looking for the ideal state where I don't need to touch the cheater switch, still feels firm under pedalling and doesn't kill you on descents.

 

Size large C70. Swapped fork for a Grip 2 factory (130mm) and Roval Control wheels - 26.5 lbs as pictured with pedals and XTR chainring.

 

 

Cool, two liter bottles still fit with the Float X. Ride report later tonight!

 

curious if you feel any difference in the shock tune too. Unless you had this float X revalved to match the stock digressive tune

 

First Impression:

HOLY CRAP

What an improvement. Much more supple yet supportive, and I barely have adjusted anything but air pressure. I could redo the damper if I wanted to, but so far I see no need. It rocks. Can't wait to try some really long descents.
Was night riding alone in the Tetons tonight, so couldn't really let it rip...(hey bear!!)

 

Haven’t given it a proper thrashing, I will report more impressions as soon as possible. Also just put a ‘23 ZEB on the Altitude today, so I will likely ride that more over the weekend. Stay tuned. The DPS kind of felt as trashy as I expected for anything over 1k vert downhill.

 

I want to hear more about the Zeb 😁

 

How does the new Element behave on steep(+20% incline) climbs comparing to Element 2017?

I have Element 17" (I had 2012 too😅)and Instinct 18"(140/140) and just considering to sell them both and purchase Element 22". 80% of my rides is on Element, rest on Instinct and mainly at the end of season as I apreciate climbing and descending as well especially with Wolf Tooth slacken 1 degree headset. I like Element for its XC, nimble feel on ascents and ability to handle steep technical trails with tight turns. I love to push it to its limit.

What I'm afraid most with new Element is that it might be lazy feeling, hard to keep front wheel to the ground on inclines +20% and not wanting to turn in tight corners . On the other hand again I'd like to try new concept of the bike. My current Element is sixth year with me and though I would never change the bike but I like the new Element. I'm located in Europe and it's hard to try one here.

Anyone could compare new Element to previous in terms of climbing or to previous Instinct on descents and ascents?

 

Has anyone found the exact sweet spot of the Factory DPS shock? Looking for that firm when pedalling platform while not feeling harsh on the descents all in the 'Open' setting.

I'm 175 rider weight and went 215 PSI (5 over RM recommended start point) - pedals really well in the open/'2' LSC position, but then feels kinda harsh on chunky descents.

Nexts thoughts are to try 220 PSI (10 over RM) and leave it in the '1' LSC position
Or go back down to 210 PSI and leave in the '2' LSC position

Other unknown is the amount that frame progression based on the flip chip- might need to flip it into the highest/steepest setting to take some progression out as I know this bike has a lot of frame progression already.

I guess it's only two more rides to test these settings but curious to hear what others have landed on.

 

I’m trying to find sweet spot for DPS too. For now I’ve gone with higher pressure (I’m at 10psi over the recommended), which is better for fast descending but results in slightly worse small bump compliance.

I saw that the Youtuber MTB yumyum ended up adding an extra volume spacer, so this will be my next step at some point.

 

I’m trying to find sweet spot for DPS too. For now I’ve gone with higher pressure (I’m at 10psi over the recommended), which is better for fast descending but results in slightly worse small bump compliance.

I saw that the Youtuber MTB yumyum ended up adding an extra volume spacer, so this will be my next step at some point.

Yeah I'm leaning that way too. Does this mean you're leaving it in the '1' setting for LSC, or have you tried '2'? (assuming you have LSC adjustor)

I'll have to try going 10-15 PSI over as well.

 

I just got rid of the DPS entirely, and put on a Float X. SO,SO,SO much better. And a '23 Pike with the buttercups. Kind of amazing.

 

which tune is your float X running?

edit; and can you elaborate on "SO SO SO much better"?

 

A little more responsive off the top, more tunability in the progression (not bottoming out when pressure is good for small bumps), and less fade on long descents. (Did a few Monarch Crest and Teton Pass runs, told me what I needed to know). Element has been a little faster overall than the Altitude, but requires a little more finesse (as to be expected).
I’ll check the tune code in a few minutes.

 

For those with the Factory or Performance Elite DPS I think I found a setting worth trying. After experimenting higher pressures and combinations of 1-3 LSC adjustor, I'm enjoying Rocky's recommended pressure and keeping the LSC adjustor in the '3' position (highest amount of LSC). From trying different pressure and LSC settings this is the best setup I can find that pedals very well while the climb switch is left "open", and isn't too harsh on descents.

Still realllly tempted to try a TTX2, TTX1, CCDB IL or Float X... but pricey.. and options...

 

Hi all. Looking to buy element but in between sizes. I am 5’10” and was thinking medium for maneuverability. I have long legs/arms and may fit large and also like the stability. Thoughts.