Rocky Mountain Element Carbon

89/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
26.19, 28.25 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Rocky Mountain Element Carbon. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

13 reasons to buy

  • The Element Carbon is available in three builds with the choice of Shimano mechanical or SRAM AXS.
  • Testers appreciate the RIDE-4 adjustable geometry, which offers four meaningful changes and is adjustable with two Hex keys.
  • Reviewers praise the Element Carbon's confident and composed yet lively character on descents.
  • The Element's active suspension increases its capabilities beyond what its travel would suggest, according to experts.
  • Testers say pedaling the lightweight, playful, and snappy Element Carbon is a joy on almost all trails.
  • Experts find the sporty climbing position efficient and beneficial for maintaining traction on technical ascents.
  • Reviewers say the frame’s stiffness makes it easy to build up speed and carry momentum.
  • A tester of Element Carbon 99 relishes the highly efficient RockShox Flight Attendant automatic suspension system, especially on climbs.
  • The Maxxis Rekon 2.4” WT EXO tires roll fast and deliver good traction in dry conditions.
  • The firm rear end encourages testers to pop off lips and get air time.
  • Experts love the Element Carbon’s quick, responsive steering.
  • The inner frame triangle has an accessory mount, bottle mount, and 3-pack mount (all sizes except XS).
  • The frame is rated to accept 120mm to 140mm fork travel and tires up to 2.6” front and rear.

6 reasons not to buy

  • The Element Carbon 99’s drivetrain, dropper, fork, and shock all use separate batteries, and the AXS power meter requires AA’s.
  • Two reviewers complain about pedal bob when riding the Element Carbon 70 without the rear locked out.
  • Testers of the 99 and 70 builds find the brakes slightly underpowered.
  • Several reviewers have difficulty tuning the FOX 34 Float Performance Elite fork (Carbon 70).
  • A 205lb tester feels the FOX 34 Float suspension fork’s air spring is maxed out under their weight.
  • The Element Carbon 70's low-engagement DT Swiss 370 rear hub and cheap, mismatched Novatec front hub disappoint reviewers.

Bottom line

The Rocky Mountain Element Carbon is a high-travel cross-country MTB that straddles the trail category. It comes in three builds across a wide price range. Experts praise the stiff, lightweight Element carbon's efficient pedaling, with the bike excelling on climbs and impressing with surprising downhill capabilities. The RIDE-4 adjustable geometry also impresses. The biggest letdowns are the "undergunned" tires and, on the SRAM builds, the stopping power. Despite this, the Element Carbon is recommended for downhill-minded XC or downcountry riders who "love playing with the trail."

Expert Reviews

85/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
88
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

New 2025 Rocky Mountain Element in Test – The Mountain Bike?

The new Rocky Mountain Element is a true mountain bike classic: downhill-oriented, composed, and highly efficient on climbs. It reaches its full potential with active riders that love playing with the trail.

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81
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Singletracks

2025 Rocky Mountain Element C70 XC Bike Review

For those looking for a shredder XC bike, or simply a super-light trail bike that’s a ton of fun to ride and ridiculously capable for such a lightweight short-travel bike, the Element still gets my vote.

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85
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Bikepacking.com

2025 Rocky Mountain Element Review: The Anti-Disruptor

Despite losing a pivot, I’m happy the 2025 Rocky Mountain Element maintains its position as a versatile downcountry bike, albeit a smidge more XC.

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Mountain Bike Action

Video: Testing the Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 70

My first upgrade would be changing the rear wheel or hub, but otherwise it’s a great bike if you’re looking for a bike that you can do cross-country on, you can descend, and maybe your riding is about 50% climbing and 50% going downhill.

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First Impressions 2025 Rocky Mountain Element

I’m still too busy faffing with dampers to credibly speak to the kinematic changes that have been made out back, but so far I’d say it feels “good”. It retains the lively pedaling characteristics of its XC roots…

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The Radavist

2025 Rocky Mountain Element: First Ride Review

… I got into the rhythm with the Element and its familiar climbing efficiency. Once I pointed it downhill, it was like I was slicing and dicing with an old friend.

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First Ride: 2025 Rocky Mountain Element

The Element climbs very well, and you can really plumb along smoother trails. The geometry is balanced, and gives you confidence without lethargy. My only small gripe would be the Fox Grip X damper.

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bike-test.com | ride better bikes / eMTB-test.com

Trail Bike Full of Character Rocky Mountain Element 2025 Review [German Video]

The Rocky Mountain Element is a trail bike that puts fun at the forefront without neglecting the weight issue. In rolling terrain or on flat trails, it plays its trump card against heavier bikes and is sure to excite.

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Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 70 in the Test: Tradition Meets Innovation [German]

Riding this Canadian bike is a joy. It carries momentum superbly when pushing through bumps and curves, but also provides confidence when you’re tackling rocks a little more cautiously.

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BIKE Magazin

Test Rocky Mountain Element C70: Master of the Elements [German]

A textbook sporty trail bike, the latest version of the Rocky Mountain Element retains its wide range of uses while also reducing the weight of the frame.

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User Ratings

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Bike Comparison

Rocky Mountain Element Carbon in comparison to averages
Rocky Mountain Element Carbon
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