Northern Exposure
Who better to plan a light runner than the neighbors to the north? Canada features some of the most versatile, versatile people in the entire world, and luckily for the rest of us, their residents are passionate about the sport. Vancouver’s Rocky Mountain may be best known for its high end trail bike spots, but don’t let that fool you. into believed their more budget friendly Element line play second fiddle.
We spent a few weekends dissecting New York’s floodplain back country with the Element Rocky Mountains 10. At nearly $1700, this mid-suspension dual-price beauty exemplifies the Canadian philosophy of deceptively durable lightweight boards. Although they sell a slightly heavier xc rig, our testing revealed a little more of the story. The truth is that even though the XC engine is heavy, the Element can serve double duty as a very light trail bike and incredible he exhibited throughout the day.
Speaking Specs
Our Element comes equipped with an 18-inch aluminum Easton frame with a Marzocchi Magni Fondo Race 3 (105mm) front squish and a (100mm) Fox Float R in the rear (rebound adjust). Like the frame, Easton is responsible for the bar, trunk, and seatpost. Shimano Deore shifters and front derailleur mate with XT rear. Braking is accomplished by Hayes Solea hydraulic disc front and rear. Finally the IRC Serac XC tires come wrapped around Alex DP17 tires. The total weight was a tad over 29 pounds.
Initial impressions
Stepping into the Element’s cockpit is a reminder of the first bike on the market – as is definitely the air cross country. Heritage in the bike layout. First of all, the bike feels tall and wide with a particularly pronounced top tube, which can have a male rider a little nervous about falling off the saddle. Thrown across the long enough tail and Easton’s sturdy riser stretched out the bar and the rider advanced far. Lifting the foot on the pedals on the M520 immediately takes the strain of the lower back and switches the initial traction to the head down. charge, position The bike hides its shortcomings well by distributing its weight well across the chassis. Despite the initially long feeling, the bike’s true flying personality is revealed after just a few revs of the bike.
On the paths
We started by navigating a beautiful technical double track that threw us into the countryside on a country road, before finally reaching the base of some rich clay settlement (three inches of rain the day before, the base of the hills was the brightest yellow).
On the technical side, the element is made to put on decent performance. The more extended riding position comes to haunt the bike in some really technical, wet-foot conditions. However, it should be mentioned that the geometry of the limbs is very suitable for the smooth stroke of the Marzocchi GF3 and the plush Fox Float. Our affection for almost everything that rolls out of the Marzocchi line has only been confirmed by our test Rocky Mountain . Roots, rocks, and tricky lines make each victim a very plush and sharp suspension design.
On flat plains this bike loves sprinting. Any complaints about the technical riding position are quickly forgotten once a small speed is possible. Each pump of the pedals results in a constant, metered acceleration. And suddenly, in an instant, the appearance of the artist’s vision becomes clear. The wind flowing over your back keeps the long and low body position soft and comfortable. The Element 10 gb drives a solid line, we experienced no stuttering or deflection even with light noise.
Our last portion of the trifecta would be the final test of the bike. The system is at the bottom of a covered singletrack hill. Underneath the thick weeds was a yellow-gray clay foundation from a few days of relentless rain. At the slightest moment of relief, we began to brush our way into the sky. So how does Element 10 stack up? Tail as hard! A bit of floating fox bounce results in a brilliantly accomplished show. Because of the generous engine geometry, standing on the hills the pump is quite rewarding. The RM captures the unique frame of its counterparts with zero pedal work and a reverse graph that remains well planted. Considering our only tread tire advice, something along the lines of the WTB Weirwolf DNA, if we continue to encounter swampy or technical areas such as on the menu
I hold the drawing
Braking definitely up to par. As always with Hayes Sola hydraulic systems, noises and groans are the most common during the initial burning in but after about an hour – watch out! The stability of the bike passes well to the grip and modulation of the rocks. The Marzocchi Grand Fondo Race 3 continues the tradition of excellent Marzocchi suspension development and perfectly matches the capabilities of the Fox Float R. On paper the scales are not as good as the Element 10 as the frame in real life. All 29 pounds are spread evenly across the bike’s center of gravity and are fairly well balanced.
What do we think?
He understands the mountain of rocks. Even in our doubts, element 10 stood his ground and patiently waited for us to fall under his spell. The fact is that this bike has a sweet spot in the form of open spaces, zipping speeds and power climbs. Riders who are quick to judge may not understand the depth of the element in a short demo parking lot or even a lap wrapped with a tight buddy. Take RM where it wants to go and allow it to work – any initial disappointment will be instantly forgotten.
For more info:
Rocky Mountain Bikes – (604) 527-9993
