Suggestion for a future bike comparison series - provide a graphical representation of which place the bike scored in timed events so viewers can see if the Rocky was 1second slower than the Trek (essentially the same) or 10 seconds faster than the next bike. Similarly, efficiency tests; one might be significant more efficient than the next bike, but only one place apart.

@pinkbike

2 жыл бұрын

Good suggestion, I'll see what we can do. -Brian

@yoflybynight

2 жыл бұрын

And put probably quantify efficiency in terms of the product of watt hrs x sec required to complete said climb. Lower number = higher efficiency. Or at least publish power data so that we can see how much variance between attempts, really difficult to nail constant power without fluctuation.

For a guy, like me, who owns (and loves) the Element but was considering getting an Instinct, this bike is perfect. Well, the C50 is perfect.

I love the natural style of PB videos. It's not just down to Levy and Kaz, and you can tell in the difference in PB Henry vs GCN Henry. It also feels like the crew has a lot of fun off-camera. Editing, presenting style, presenter chemistry, format, structure are all on point too. Good work PB 👏

This has to be one of the prettiest bikes ever. The thin lines 🤤

@jeremypollard2548

2 жыл бұрын

It’s like an XC version of the Mondraker Foxy…but with prettier paint.

Rocky is killing it these days. They’ve come a long way from a few years ago and are now making the best bikes in all categories. It would be nice if they could get their prices down to be more competitive.

@devinbyrnes8058

2 жыл бұрын

LOL that is the one thing they will never change. It is like asking Mercedes to compete on price with Toyota. I would settle just for Rocky Mountain not to need special tools to get the bearing out of the rear shock mount. My local Rocky Mountain dealer does not even have the tool either.

@T8T-

2 жыл бұрын

That Carbon 50 spec level seems fairly reasonable as far as value goes.

@steviedingledangle7982

2 жыл бұрын

I’m fine with the price. The press fit bb is the only issue I see.

@Phonophobia

2 жыл бұрын

​@@steviedingledangle7982 same, as a dealer I was expecting BSA :( just glad they otherwise pretty much moved away from it.

@erich8258

2 жыл бұрын

@@T8T- Same with the alloy models.

This thing would be a friggin weapon on the Downieville Classic.

That was a great review, thanks guys, really helpful!

One year riding this beautiful bike, still impressed. Thanks for helping me in choosing this bike, no regrets at all.

I get the comment about the bike goading you into writing checks it (or more often - the rider) can't cash. I have found that to be the case with my own "down country" bike - a Spot Ryve 115. It feels so capable I often feel invincible - until I don't. And the change is rather abrupt. The way I've managed to keep those feelings in check is by running the some really light XC tires. Knowing the tires are not quite meant for aggressive riding keeps my own retired DH racer tendencies in check.

@brucehumphries6889

2 жыл бұрын

That was something I was going to mention. How will these more capable descending bikes hold up over time when the geo pushes you to ride things the suspension can’t handle.

6 weeks until my Element C70 shows up. This bike has had me so excited ever since the first hints many months ago.

@CptnBly9

2 жыл бұрын

I am thinking of getting the Element C70. Hopefully, the bike showed up for you. What are your thoughts on it?

@jediknight737

11 ай бұрын

Agreed on this - looking to see how you guys like it. Picking one up Friday this week on a solid deal. @@CptnBly9

Great review, the smaller brands just nail it time and time again - would love to see this back to back with the Transition Spur and Revolver FS120 and the IBIS Ripley.

@WildMeff

2 жыл бұрын

And the Revel Ranger!

@tonitrilla

2 жыл бұрын

and intense sniper!

This is the video that convinced me to get this bike. I had a budget of $2000 USD and wanted something for trails, and I was able to find this one new for $2100 (A10), and as you described this bike loves to go fast either climbing or going down, although it might be too much of a bike for flat trails

Man, that Rocky is beautifully sleek!

For some this review was one of the keys to life but love all your reviews. Thank you.

Clearly the favorite of the test

im addicted to these reviews - the new 2022 reviews made jump when i saw them - but there is a lot of xc/short travel bikes - nooot good!

Larry, Darryl and Darryl review of a cool bike.

Cool review, please review the new 2022 rockrider race 900s. It would be cool to compare this low price with such premium bikes.

Great review.

How would you compare this to the transition spur from last years test?

Are you guys talking about the Trek Top Fuel? also I weigh about 90kgs..Do you think I'd have more issues with the suspension bottoming out?

This bike is for me, man. I think I need one.

How does this bike compare to the Revel Ranger or Transition Spur?

Thanks for this review - based on this a managed to get one the few C70 for the German market. It really feels and rides like you described it - it is by far the prettiest bike on the market and is for me the ideal cocktail of XC, trail and donhill capabilites. As I lease the bike via my employer, I don't feel the sick price in my wallet. 😀

Had a 2018 carbon Element for a week before the chainstays snapped.......hopefully these new one's are designed/built much stronger given their capability.

Super interested to see a comparison between this and the Transition Spur. The response to this bike sounds similar to the response to the Spur in last year's Field Test; low weight, super slack and long, ripper on the descents.

@Edgarhunt1

2 жыл бұрын

Agree, interesting to know how these compare to bikes reviewed previously in the same category and were favorites.

@brianhanish6307

2 жыл бұрын

I'd love a showdown between these two. Very similar.

@kfcnotthechicken

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, spur vs. element: FIGHT!

@johnr5001

2 жыл бұрын

@@kfcnotthechicken The Element is quite a bit lighter, has two bottle mounts, adjustable geo, full internal routing, an actual rear pivot, lower stl and a 130mm fork. Pretty sure I know what I'd pick.

new subscriber here and mounting bike ridding I have my eyes on her the Rocy Mountain element alloy 30 29 thank you you guys for the review. nobody is changed my mind about her. I have ride bikes when growing up but nothing serious like going to trails these is new to me. I haven't ride bike since I was a kid to boy. am adult now let's keep riding everyone

Why no test of the PIVOT TRAIL 429 Enduro and non?

@brucehumphries6889

2 жыл бұрын

Right? I have the non enduro version and it pedals like the Mach4SL.

Do you think it would be good for lightweight bikepacking? It looks like you could get a large frame bag in there. I would like to do the coast to coast in the UK across the rocky mountainous trails of the Lake District and the Moors of Yorkshire. The Element looks like the best bike for the job.

BTW, I'd like PB to do a video on Brakes. I notice a lot of people are moving away from the giants: Shimano and SRAM, and are opting for Magura and other brands. Maybe you guys could do an overview highlighting the pros and cons of the popular models? ( sorry to go off the subject, btw).

Great review, but "aggressive" and "well rounded" doesn't really compute for me! I guess that means it's a very well integrated set of features.

How high you think it’s possible to drop with this bike? My weight is 90kg and our local trails have drops up to 1m.

That is a good looking bike !!

Based on your numbers…the Blur was the fastest on the climbs (2:05) vs the Rocky at (2:07)

I converted a 2012 Rocky Element Team XC (26er) into a 27.5 rocket. It is still, by far, the fastest bike I've owned. Only problem was low bottom bracket clearance. I now own an Instinct and a Thunderbolt. They do a great job. I've always wondered about their spec though. Sounds like they made this one light at all costs. Other model years, they've added some of their house brand components which don't make sense at their price point. Glad to hear they've hit another one out of the park. You guys shouldn't act so surprised.

@lazylearner967

2 жыл бұрын

Those older XC racer type bikes were so fast going up hill. Not sure what it was, but it still accelerates so well when you give it the gas. I have a 2010 Pivot 429 that to this day still pedals better than anything else I have ridden. But going downhill on the 429 is not nearly as enjoyable than on a more modern steed.

@tomlevine9889

2 жыл бұрын

@@lazylearner967 Agreed. It was able to ramp up to high speed rapidly and it made for very fast flowy rides with very little effort. Steep techy downhills were a bit sketchy with the steep head angle, but for the time period, it was manageable. My 2015 Thunderbolt is also fast uphill and super fun downhill, although it is limited to 120mm of rear travel. Big tires with low pressures made it a fun ride. Unfortunately, both of my bikes are two or three generations old when it comes to modern geometry. I'm building up a 2021 Revel Rascal and hope to bridge the gap and bring it in at 28lbs. All the reviews say it's a capable bike which is fun to ride. The supply chain issues are making some parts hard to get. TG for PB buy/sell and eBay. I miss the 24lb flickyness of my Element. Fun to have options and to be able to tell the difference. Stay safe!

@johnr5001

2 жыл бұрын

I did the same thing. Extremely fast in the tight twistys. Not so much on tech downhills though. Also, at 2400g for a large, the new element frame isn;t exactly light compared to an epic evo, blur tr or oiz tr.

Question for everybody, how this bike compares to the Transition Spur? These are my two finalist for my next bike. Thank You

Kaz rolling his is on Henry's pun 😂

What is the POE count on the stock element rear hub?

Me drooling over those trails sitting here in Alberta winter 😭

Awesome review. It looks like it has a lot of the same geometry as the Tallboy I wonder how they compared to one another

@jg8273

2 жыл бұрын

The Tallboy is much heavier and the Rocky climbs better than the Blur. My guess, maybe the Tallboy is faster on the downs.

@dcasandman

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like they are reviewing the Tallboy literally.

@jben4807

2 жыл бұрын

I have the Tallboy, prob around 700 miles on it. I think it’s an excellent climber. The bike likes to climb fast, my fastest club times by far. It also likes to haul as* down hill. Very capable, trail bike.

@ivocolombo6917

2 жыл бұрын

@@jben4807 Just to help put these comparisons into perspective. I also have a Tallboy, and it is a good climber if you consider how good it descends. But, I come from cross country, I used to have a Scott Spark RC WC. The Tallboy feels like a snail compared to that.

@jg8273

2 жыл бұрын

@@ivocolombo6917 Crazy that the Rocky Race team are using the Element. Agree on the Tallboy. It rides like a 140 bike. Climbs like one too.

How does it compare to a V4 Ripley?

Which bike is better: Ibis Exie (non-usa deore build $5k) vs. Rocky Mountain Element (C50 build $5k)??? No xc racing, but will be doing marathons and 100 milers. Ride mostly 'blue' trails, fair amount of green as well, just a touch of black. My weight is 120lbs.

Wonder how it compares to a Ripley

Hello how do you compare ton instinct BC édition 2017 ? Close specs ?

I've ridden an '02 and '06 Elements down some gnarly ass black diamonds like CBC. It's the OG capable CX bike.

Which one would you recommend element alloy 10, Instinct alloy 10, Trek Fuel ex 5 or Davinci marshal, for overall better climbing and handling corners in fast descend?

@maxceballos1644

2 жыл бұрын

Trek for sure

Interested to know what the PB riders that rode this and the izzo think of them compared

The Rocky certainly is the best lookin bike

The guy in the middle looks like the perfect combination of the two sitting outside him. It's like a character creation slider in real life. :)

I still love rocky they are standing out in the flock

I had a 2019 Instinct BC carbon 90 for 2 years, i did ALL upgrades like XO 10-52, etc. I sold it maybe 6 months ago, amazing bike but i really didn't need a full enduro bike and maybe the 25 pound Element be a nice replacement Yeah 10 grand it should have 4 piston and 30 MM DT swiss XMC 1200 wheels not some cheap ass wheels

sounds like my perfect bike

My Element Race is from 1998. Fantastic bike, but the new one is very different and tempting.

Went to the bike shop today (Rocky dealer) ready for them to take my money and order me an Element. Reply: they can't order, Rocky has nothing to sell, no parts, maybe something in Fall 2022. I am now very depressed. 😞

This or the Transition Spur. pls help!

Levy, no love for ride 9! Would like to hear why you think the ride 4 is superior.

I shouldn’t have watched it…now I want one

So Element or Top Fuel? I’m looking at the XT build (C50 & 9.7). Element is $4,900 compared to $4,230. That $670 is a decent difference. The Element sounds better (lighter, more downhill focused but just as fast up). But is it worth the cost? 130mm vs 120mm front as well.

@shaun1900

2 жыл бұрын

I'd go the Element.

@technovelodos

2 жыл бұрын

Can't get a 9.7 in Oz until March next year I was told. Cemented the decision for me - getting the C50. Has better fork and lighter wheels so goes some way to matching price.

@captaintraction4024

2 жыл бұрын

I would highly recommend the element

@kevinclark9176

2 жыл бұрын

@@technovelodos what fork was on the 9.7 for you? Spec sheet shows Fox 34 “Rhythm” for US. Not sure if that is different from 34 Performance on Element.

@technovelodos

2 жыл бұрын

@@kevinclark9176 The Rhythm is one step down from the Performance in the Fox line-up. Actual performance differences are debatable but the Rhythm is a bit heavier.

I've alway been curious about Rocky Mountain! Considering how affordable the Alloy version is, what would be the disadvantages of buying one compared to a Carbon model ( aside from the Carbon of course!...LOL) ? Also, are 2P brakes really that bad? I been riding 4P SLX and XT for over a year now and am not impressed. In fact, I feel my 2P XT were better......LOL.

@Nickubus99

2 жыл бұрын

Right? I had 2 pot Deore on my last bike that had way more power than my current 4 pot SRAM joke brakes. Carbon frame will translate to a stiffer ride and better acceleration IMO. Apart from that and the weight the Alu would be great.

@lazylearner967

2 жыл бұрын

I switched from 4 pot Sram G2R brakes to XT 2 pot. I will admit I am a Shimano fan, but the XTs seem to stop far better than the G2's. This is on a Ripley AF.

@captaintraction4024

2 жыл бұрын

So the 2 piston shimano brakes are great if you buy anything between the really cheap ones and the xtrs. The slx and xts are much better because they feature shimano's servo wave lever, which makes them way way more powerful.

@NDemanuele1

2 жыл бұрын

@@Nickubus99 I ride a V1 Ripmo as my one and only bike and been thinking of getting a 2nd bike as backup. This bike would be a good candidate unless I get a Ripley AF...LOL.

@NDemanuele1

2 жыл бұрын

@@lazylearner967 I'm a big Shimano fan too and had them on all my bikes. I did have some Level Ts on my Ripmo and upgraded them to 4P SLX - they were ok. I know Levy complains about the bite point on Shimano brakes. I've also heard of people switching to Magura. I don't want to do something that drastic. I wonder how good 2 P XTR brakes are?

Why isn't Banshee Phantom V3 a part of this down-country comparison? It would be a great contender in my opinion.

My opinion, this isn’t a “down country”, or whatever you wanna call this category, bike….it’s just a short travel trail bike, a great one for sure though.

This or a Ibis Ripley AF?

Love Henry! Glad PinkBike brought him over!

Is it ok to be convinced that this bike could be my holy grail? So many trail "chads" would disagree and wine about travel length almost as if that is the way you judge how talented a mntBiker is. You said it well, but After have this bike on lone for most of last fall I described like,,, As a 50 yr old homie with a billion old broken bones and sports injuries, if on paper the bike shouldn't go down something than I definitely, likely should not go down it either. But like you said the element would likely rip down almost anything. "confidence inspiring" is the truth.

How does this bike compare to the Spec Epic Evo released last year?

@pinkbike

2 жыл бұрын

The crew does some more in depth comparisons in a podcast we launched today, and there's still a roundtable coming up as well. www.pinkbike.com/news/the-pinkbike-podcast-episode-95-field-test-down-country-bike-debrief.html

@bradclifford295

2 жыл бұрын

I wondered that too. I ended up getting an epic evo last year cause Rocky delayed the new element until 2022 but I’m still curious.

Me to Rocky Mountain “TAKE MY MONEY” I want one asap

And vs. the Ripley, how does it do ? Presumably the Ripley is better at descending and worse in efficiency but tech climb performance might be similar ?

@shaun1900

2 жыл бұрын

Mate has a Ripley with Formula Forks on it, best bike I have ever ridden, its awesome and a fantastic climber.

@gfowkes

2 жыл бұрын

MTB YumYum loves his Ripley, but said the Element is better.

@shaun1900

2 жыл бұрын

@@gfowkes cant find a review of the Element on his channel, when did he do it?

@gfowkes

2 жыл бұрын

@@shaun1900 it was during the Firebird live stream. He starts talking about the Element at around 49:00 and continues for about 20 mins.

@shaun1900

2 жыл бұрын

@@gfowkes cool ill take a look

Wish I could find one! Yes I agree that it should have a four piston brakes and the rims are very narrow.

@lazylearner967

2 жыл бұрын

It is sort of odd what bike manufactures do today. My Ripley which at the time was Ibis' most conservative trail bike came spec'd with 35MM wheels. I think the more narrow rims on the Element make more sense than the 35mm wheels on the Ripley. It seems wheels are the first place manufactures cut costs.

@jerryporter4898

2 жыл бұрын

@@lazylearner967 I would think that at least a 30 mm rims would be placed on these bikes especially since they’re setting them up to take much wider tires and they have in the past. I noticed that the trek top fuel has 30 mm rims. I’m definitely in the mood to buy a new bike in the spring and have been doing a lot of research on KZread and on the bike manufacturers sites. All things being even it’s going to be something along the lines of whatever is in stock in April will determine what I get.

@gfowkes

2 жыл бұрын

I bought one last week. Two shops in Utah have them in stock.

@lazylearner967

2 жыл бұрын

@@gfowkes Congrats! What model did you get? Any initial thoughts?

@gfowkes

2 жыл бұрын

@@lazylearner967 I really just wanted a frame, but couldn't find one so I bought a C30 build, stripped it down to the frame, and rebuilt it with parts I've been collecting for a Spur build. Had my first shakedown ride today. Totally blown away. Incredibly fast and efficient climber, but plush and poppy on the way down. Kept expecting to bottom out the rear shock but it sucked up even the biggest hits. Stoked!

isnt a down-down-country bike not already a up-trail-bike ??? lets make this the new thing

Seems like a nice bike at 3 times the cost i or anybody i know can pay 😉 The entry level will be almost 16 kg ready to ride. That's interesting because i have a 7 year old alloy AM bike kitted for downhill that weigh less.

I’m not seen this model whit such components like Fox fork and SRAM cassette . They sell this model whit Shimano and Marzochi fork for the carbon version

Im looking to get a new full-suspension bike for under 3k USD. Anyone have any suggestions?

@roadlesstraveledd

2 жыл бұрын

look into direct to consumer bikes like polygon, fezzari, canyon, etc.... awesome value!

when a xc bike gets 130mm travel at the front and 120 at the rear with 65(!) degrees headtube angle , you can safely say that it is a trail bike not a xc bike.

Transition Spur or Rocky Mountain Element??

Hmmm, I wonder how this compares to a more reserved bike, say the Polygon Siskiu D7, for example.

@jshbtly5416

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely, I’ve had a D7 and now considering an Element A30

Hi Henry, GMBN misses you! Good to see you resurface.....

Is it assembled

Now question is this a better Tallboy?

@jg8273

2 жыл бұрын

It’s much lighter and the tallboy gets out climbed by many other bikes.

🔥🔥🔥

Omg I was waiting for this test. How does it compare to the spur

@lazylearner967

2 жыл бұрын

I'm Curious too. A LBS in Utah who carries both told me the Spur would most likely climb better but the Element would be "easier" on the downs. Granted he didn't have the Element in stock yet, so take that with a grain of salt.

Giant Anthem Advanced Pro 0 2022 Please

Intro music?

Whats the price in£please

I would love to own this bike so bad

Press Fit BB = No go.

@ricodvorsky3844

2 жыл бұрын

Is press fit really that bad? Have you had any experiences with it?

Spur or element?

@Windband1

2 жыл бұрын

Following....(not the bike, I'm just following this)

@brandoncollins3334

Жыл бұрын

No answer

Would love to see this head-to-head with the Ibis Ripley. Also, how would it do with a 140 mm fork?

@JimmyJamesonJnr

2 жыл бұрын

Same as a 130 +10mm

Wondering how this bike would feel with a 120mm 34 step cast. Maybe in the slack position of ride 4.

@johnr5001

2 жыл бұрын

RMB team racer is running the 34 SC. It's plenty slack enough to handle the steepening. The BB height gets crazy low though.

@brianrowbotham4010

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnr5001 he's running it in steep mode with the SC34. I'm planning to do the same.

@johnr5001

2 жыл бұрын

@@brianrowbotham4010 same here. Just took delivery of a frameset. Pretty stoked for the build.

Pretty good but please test ghost full party or canyon strive

@pinkbike

2 жыл бұрын

The Ghost review drops next week. IIRC on the 15th.

@ertugrul791

2 жыл бұрын

@@pinkbike thanks man

When the bike is nearly 10 grand you arent being nitpicky to expect more expensive carbon rims or 4 piston brakes. Its unforgivable really given the competition

@erlendsteren9466

10 ай бұрын

I think the brakes on Orbea Laufey has two pistons on 180 mm disc, and I love those brakes. About the rims. I think rims on a bike like the Element should hawe width optimized for ca 2.35" tyres.

How would it compare to the Trek as an XC racer? It is much lighter, and obviously more efficient- but without that fire under your butt… also; which one is just more fun and poppy? (The Blur 🤓)

Looks like my spur is useless now!

@tuftschristopher

2 жыл бұрын

Would be the ~first one I’ve seen up for resale

@jeremypollard2548

2 жыл бұрын

Well, your Spur will sell in less than 10 minutes. However, don’t sell it before the Element arrives.

Let's just say it now and I cannot believe that it was not said in the video. They should buy Transition a load a beers and thank them for making a bike that everyone wants to copy. It literally is that bike. Slacker in the head tube and steeper in the seat tube, but it's a copy. You know why? Cause it works. and people love it. My spur is amazing. And this bike seems to have all the attributes that the Spur has. I would love to throw a leg over this one day. Great review.

@jg8273

2 жыл бұрын

The Element has 4 different geometry positions and internal cable routing. Spur does not. I think the Element should have a 120 fork. My 2 cents

@johnr5001

2 жыл бұрын

Found the transition fanboi... Similar geo doesnt make a bike a copy. Ride4, internal routing, an actual rear pivot, lower STL and 130 fork are some notable differences.

@brianhanish6307

2 жыл бұрын

@@johnr5001 yes those are differences. I don't mean a carbon copy. Its intended purpose is the same and has very similar silhouette. It looks like the transition. Fanboi, no I just really like the bike I bought. If the rocky came out first I would have said the same thing about the Transition.

2:20 I cannot believe the tyre or the rim did not break.

Sounds like a Transition Spur.

When are you going to take the rocky element on a tough trail ? Been waiting. Every video I watch with this bike from you guys says “would love to ride this on something more intense” . Give me that video. Put this into something out of its element

Next time. Please add the polygon siskiu d series.

Nice looking bike but poor quality control or poor transport.Rear wheel has major issues right out of the box. kzread.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Rear axle is bent! Derailleur is misaligned.Since the rear wheel comes assembled I would have expected better.Assembly instructions poorly written, but that was not unexpected...just annoying.I just had the bike checked at a shop and was told that I should contact the seller about getting a whole rear wheel assembly with cartridge. (The bike shop could not do anything to help me).Not a good experience with this bike, so lesson learned.Added 3 stars for excellent customer serviceUpdate Sept 8 2020Just received a complete replacement wheel for free. Great service and an otherwise fine bike.

Next time drop the guy in the middle, just have the other 2, the conversation will be lot better