Rocky Mountain Element or Superlight/SP Pro?

Irk said:

Toying with the idea of an Element vs. Superlight (or Weyless SP Pro if that's all I can afford). For the Element or Superlight I might have to part with the Voodoo Sobo and not sure if I can stand to do that

Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated!

Click to expand...

I like the Element TSc... from what I've heard. Also like Rocky Mountain... they are often on EBAY.

No contest -- if the geometry's right

I know nothing of the Weyless, but I understand it doesn't compare to the SC. So if you're going to pony up the $$ for quality, your chouce is betweent he SC and the RM.

The RM will weigh more -- but it wont feel like it. The suspension keeps the rear tire glued to the ground at all times, making for a very stable, confidence inspiring ride. This really helps on technical climbs. The RM is supremely well balanced and ultra sturdy. This is important if you're a heavy rider as the SC may not support you. The RM will also leap forward like a hardtail while the SC wont. The SC was a very popular bike for a long time, but Cruz devotees seem to have migrated to the Blur.

However, look at the geometry. The SC has a short top tube. If you like an upright riding position the Superlight may be your ride. The RM will be just as maneuverable despite its greter length.

I still ride and love my superlight. My riding bud has a rocky. They are so similar I would just say get the one whose geometry fits you better, i.e. top tube length, stnad-over. They will be very close to the same size spec. Either way its a nice bike. I'd ride either one and be happy.

Irk said:

Toying with the idea of an Element vs. Superlight (or Weyless SP Pro if that's all I can afford). For the Element or Superlight I might have to part with the Voodoo Sobo and not sure if I can stand to do that

Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated!

Click to expand...

I owned an Element TO without a stable platform, and a Superlight with a stable platform.
That said, I think the Element went downhill better, especially rockier/rootier terrain, but I think the SL climbed better from a pure race perspective.
Overall, I like them equally. I don't know where the Weyless' pivot point is so I don't know how it rides in comparison to the Santa Cruz, but from what I hear it's a good value. What is it? $500 or $600 for frame and stable rear shock?

Check Supergo's current sale on Rocky Mtn. Frames

Irk said:

Toying with the idea of an Element vs. Superlight (or Weyless SP Pro if that's all I can afford). For the Element or Superlight I might have to part with the Voodoo Sobo and not sure if I can stand to do that

Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated!

Click to expand...

If you're looking for a large (19 inch) red Element frame, Supergo has them on sale

here

for such a deal! Other Rocky Mtn. frames are also on sale.

2wheelsbetter

Another deal -- but beware

Bikesmart.com also has the medium 18" Element Team Scandium frame on sale. This is a fantastic deal. However, these are 2003s (I'm not sure about the Supergo frames, but it would be a good guess that they're 2003s as well). For 2004, the pivot point is moved slightly and the travel is increased from 3.6" to 3.9". I've ridden both and I can tell the difference. If you're on rough, technical trails a lot, the 2003 is a great bike, but the 2004 is noticably better. If not, the 2003 is as good as it gets.