[ccm]

Element RSL or MSL (frame only)?
besides being 250 gm lighter, is there any reason that the RSL (frame) will pedal faster for XC race use? Same fork and components would used on either RSL or MSL (so no additional weight savings or differences due to components.
is the RSL 95mm or 100mm travel?

If I whip out my credit card today, what is the soonest I could get an 18" RSL or MSL in BC?

 

[rockyuphill]

Different Bikes had some inventory in their West Van and North Van stores, they'd be one location to check.

 

[ccm]

yes they have an 18" MSL
any opinion about which pedals faster?

 

[rockyuphill]

I still haven't thrown a leg over one yet, my Element Team RSL shows up around the end of the month. The MSL has 20mm more travel and only 7mm less BB drop than the RSL, so I'm thinking the RSL should be less prone to pedal strike.

 

[JPHcross]

The RSL is a true 95mm of rear travel.
RSL is 70.5 head angle and 74 seat angle, MSL is 69.5 head angle and 73.5 seat angle so the RSL will pedal a tiny, tiny bit faster uphill and on long flat straight stretches, I doubt that there will be noticable differences in singletrack pedaling speed, but you will feel the head angle difference in decending and handling. How are you planning on using the same fork? RSL needs 100mm and MSL needs 120mm they should not be mixed.

 

[ccm]

I am planning on using the same fork that was on my 2007 Element; a 120mm 15mm-axle Fox Fit. Learned along time ago I go faster for BC XC race use with a slacker head angle and my forte is the steepest most technical climbs around. So I don't in any way feel hindered by a slacker head angle.
I'm sure that when you say "they should not be mixed" is not due to extra stress on the head tube from a 120mm instead of 100mm fork, but purely from handling characteristics. Or am I wrong, and there is actually something different about the construction of the front end between the RSL and MSL?


Anyway, I don't really have choice due to availability
now it will be a race between me and RockyUphill as to who will on the trail first with their new Element
I normally get my Elements (this will be the 6th) around Robbie Burns Day, so I'm a bit suprised that RockyUphill didn't get his by the end of January

 

[rockyuphill]

Anyway, I don't really have choice due to availability
now it will be a race between me and RockyUphill as to who will on the trail first with their new Element
I normally get my Elements (this will be the 6th) around Robbie Burns Day, so I'm a bit suprised that RockyUphill didn't get his by the end of January

They seem to have started with 16.5" frames and have been working their way up in size. I was standing at the cash register at Different in West Van at the end of January buying some stuff when an 18" Element Team frame arrived in a shipment that was rumoured to have a 19" frame as well, but those were scheduled for end of Feb. If you were waiting for a 20.5" it's likely you'll still be waiting.

 

[de lars cuevas]

I guess that the MSL, with the 120 fork would be the best choice for anything but XC racing. More fun to ride.

 

[JPHcross]

For XC racing in BC the MSL is the way to go, especially if you plan on doing any of the Marathon series like the Test, Nimby 50, Gearjammer etc, even XC races like the Cardiac. The slacker headangle and the extra travel are going to come in handy. If Different Bikes has your size in stock I would scoop it up.

 

[sem2501]

I just picked up my MSL 70 today and it is better than i expected. no problem with pedal strike at all and climbs better than any bike I've ridden in or out of the saddle although most of the bikes I've had are all mountain.

 

[ccm]

Picked up my MSL frame yesterday

its beautiful, can't wait to get it built

18" frame weighs = 4.82 lbs with shock, seat clamp QR with skookum lever and rubber boot, water bottle bolts and paint (assuming XT E-type derailleur weighs 166 gm and BB91 bottom bracket weighs 72gm)

how does the sag indicator work?

"I-I---I"
__^__

with unloaded shock, arrow points just right of the middle "I" . When arrow points to far right "I" , it corresponds with over 50% sag/travel. Can't get the arrow to point at far left "I" even pulling back to try for extreme top out

how do you maintain a BB91? do you need the new plastic bits each time the bearings are pushed out?

what is minimum seatpost insertion?

where is a good place in North Vancouver to get more of that clear plastic film/armour to keep cable rub and heels from scuffing paint?

does the RSL have clear coat? I can't believe that MSL is only 90 gm heavier due to paint? it looks so thick and luscious

 

[rockyuphill]

where is a good place in North Vancouver to get more of that clear plastic film/armour to keep cable rub and heels from scuffing paint?

That sort of clear film is used on skis as well, so there should be some ski shops that have it.

I bought a frame kit from Crankskins

 

[leggatt]

Moto shops should have the 3M stuff.

 

[ccm]

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