Element 970 rsl by Shred Creative

ELEMENT

29 RSL 2013

Rocky Mountain’s momentum is in full force and we aren’t just talking about rolling resistance.

After the 2011 Element RSL and MSL established Rocky Mountain as a leader in carbon fiber construction and suspension technologies, followed by 2012’s critically acclaimed RTC-29™ Geometry found on Vertex RSL and Element 29 RSL, we’re excited to introduce you to the 2013 Element 29 RSL. We believe the fastest cross country race bikes are 29ers and the 2013 Element 29 RSL leads the pack, not only in technology, but more importantly, in the ride. It’s important because the only thing that matters when you hit the trails is that you Love the Ride. What does that mean ? It means that hitting a gram target or stiffness value doesn’t paint the whole picture. Or that an exotic rear derailleur shouldn’t mean much to the customer. And great geometry isn’t enough on its own. Ride quality is Rocky Mountain’s number one goal when we set out to design any new bike and it’s clearly evident in the 2013 Element 29 RSL. From initial concept, to developing proprietary technologies like SmoothWall™ carbon construction and ABC™ Pivots, to working with our suppliers for carefully thought out parts spec, achieving the best ride is an exhaustive process. As a Vancouver company, we feel the best riding bike is

Our frames are what make the Rocky Mountain ride

one that is playful and agile. If there is anywhere that’s

experience. Parts are important, but the frame comes first.

the best test of a bike’s handling, it’s our rugged backyard

That is why we use the same technologies and carbon

trails. RTC-29™ Geometry has proven that 29ers can

layup in our top of the line Element 999 RSL in all of our

out-perform 26ers in any kind of terrain and combining

Element RSL bikes. We refuse to compromise frame quality

this with industry leading stiffness-to-weight ratio, the

to knock a few bucks of the price, because we think all of

Element 29 RSL truly needs to be ridden to be appreciated.

our Element RSL riders are entitled the best ride possible.

The 2013 Rocky Mountain Element RSL. Our challenge to mountain bikers everywhere to put ride quality first.

2013

DIFFERENCE THE RIDE MAKES

ELEMENT 29 RSL

WHATA

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

in the bike industry. We don’t want to speak for what others do,

process happens : riding. Our staff

but for Rocky Mountain R&D is a cornerstone in our business.

is made up of avid mountain bikers

Arguably, we pool more resources in R&D per bike than any

and we often head out with our team

other brand. It’s this commitment to constant innovation that

athletes to put concepts to the test on

has elevated our brand to where we are now – making some of

some of the most demanding terrain

the most innovative products in the industry.

in the world. Sometimes an idea is approved or killed in one short ride and sometimes it takes months.

Our team of engineers in Vancouver has the luxury of a full prototype and testing facility just steps away from their desks. An idea can be born in a meeting room, drawn on the computer and

We pride ourselves on our R&D process.

turned into a prototype in a matter of days. This close connection

It helps us make the innovative products

to the prototype and testing process allows us to be as creative

we do, always with the ultimate goal of

and move as quickly as we want. It’s not unusual to see one of our

creating the best riding bikes possible

engineers holding a welding torch or operating the CNC machine.

so you can Love the Ride for years to

We feel that it’s critical to always know how your bikes go together.

come.

2013

Then the really fun part of the R&D

ELEMENT 29 RSL

The term ‘Research & Development’ tends to be used loosely

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

Before prototyping, finite element analysis software is used to optimize frame shapes and tube thicknesses.

For all carbon bikes, we make aluminum mules in house to test suspension and geometry feel.

All frames must meet and exceed international testing standards. This is done in house at Rocky Mountain.

Rapid prototype plastic models allow us to check for fit and function before opening carbon molds.

Before we began the 2012 Vertex RSL and Element 29 RSL projects, cross country 29er geometry was all over the map. No one had yet taken a firm stance on what the best race geometry was and we knew we could improve on the status quo. We needed to kill the myth that 29ers weren’t good for tight and technical terrain and that 29ers could be just as playful and fun to ride as 26ers. We tested countless geometry configurations with our team racers and we quickly zeroed in on what we believe is the perfect race geometry for a variety of terrain. RTC-29™ Geometry is characterized by: Super Short Wheelbase and Chain Stay Length The myth that a 29er can’t handle technical terrain ends here. With an actual chain stay length of 445 mm and a 1097 mm wheelbase (medium size), Element 29 RSL will shred the tightest and most technical race courses.

Shortened Top Tubes We reigned in the TT lengths from our previous 29ers to give the rider a more natural, 26” bike feel with more maneuverability.

70.6 degree Head Tube Angle Head tube angles on 29ers vary widely, so we experimented extensively with different angles in the prototype process. Our riders unanimously concluded that 70.6 degrees delivered the perfect balance of stability and agility for a full suspension XC 29er. The slacker head angle also decreases toe overlap, which can be an issue on 29ers with short top tubes.

Less BB Drop We raised the bottom bracket slightly over our previous 29” wheel bikes. While minimizing pedal strikes, this also allowed us to further tuck in the rear wheel, which helps with lifting the front end and getting weight over the rear wheel, making this 29er more maneuverable in tight sections.

Wider Fit Range We can now comfortably fit riders from 5’4” to 6’6”

2013

ELEMENT 999, 970 & 950 RSL

C -

FRAME SIZE

2XL

A B

HEAD ANGLE (deg)

70.6°

SEAT ANGLE (deg)

74°

SEAT TUBE (mm)

394

432

470

508

546

HORIZONTAL TOP TUBE LENGTH (mm)

558

582

605

630

655

HEAD TUBE LENGTH (mm)

100

110

120

130

145

CHAINSTAY LENGTH (mm)

445

BOTTOM BRACKET DROP / RISE (mm)

-39.5

STANDOVER HEIGHT (mm)

771

WHEELBASE (mm)

1066

1097

1120

1146

1172

F A E G

ELEMENT 29 RSL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : RTC-29™ GEOMETRY

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

ELEMENT 999RSL Element 999 RSL Frame Weight (incl. hardware and rear shock) : 4.38lbs/ 1.993Kg Element 999 Complete Bike Weight*: 22.3lbs / 10.14Kg *without pedals.

SmoothLink™ has been referred to by one reviewer as the ‘Holy Grail’ of suspension systems, because it delivers active bump absorption without compromising pedaling efficiency. A big statement, but science backs it up, and please bear with us on the techno-speak for a moment.

Rocky Mountain’s patented SmoothLink™ design characteristics dictate that a line drawn through the main pivot and the rear pivot is always above the rear axle at all points of travel. This is the key differentiator between SmoothLink™ and other suspension systems. The lower linkage member is virtually parallel to the Average Chain Torque Line (ACTL), at all points of travel. THIS is the key to bob-free suspension, since the two are parallel, the chain tension cannot act on the suspension.

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : SmoothLink™ SUSPENSION

OTHER SYSTEMS

MINIMAL CHAIN GROWTH CREATES A FULLY ACTIVE SYSTEM. SmoothLink™ features minimal chain growth (Element 29 : 8 mm) in order to create a very active suspension feel, while still maintaining the traction and forward drive created by the ETS™ effect. No kickback. No bob.

Element 29 RSL FEATURES ROCKY MOUNTAIN’S PATENTED SmoothLink™ SUSPENSION PLATFORM

2013

CALIPER MOUNTING POSITION REDUCES BRAKE JACK. By removing the braking forces from the lower linkage, they are isolated and do not act on the suspension system, thereby greatly reducing ‘‘brake jack’’, or the stiffening of the suspension under braking. The slight change in the angle between the caliper and the lower link creates a ‘‘floating disk’’ effect.

LINEAR RISING SUSPENSION RATE. SmoothLink™ was created around a linear rising rate suspension curve, a rising rate gives the suspension that ‘‘bottomless’’ feel, while still riding high in its initial travel for an efficient pedaling platform.

SHOCK STROKE

2013 ELEMENT 29 RSL SUSPENSION RATE

ELEMENT 29 RSL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : SmoothLink™ SUSPENSION

VERTICAL TRAVEL (mm)

Our patent pending Angular Bushing Concept™ (ABC) pivots represent a paradigm shift in high performance suspension linkage. ABC™ pivots consist of an angular contact polymer bushing which rotates on a tapered alloy pivot. By carefully controlling the tolerance of these pieces, we are able to specify a torque value on the pivot and can eliminate binding, which has been impossible until now. The more you tighten a typical bushing system, the more the pivot will bind. Not so with ABC™ Pivots. And get this ; they’re lighter, more durable, and laterally stiffer than a cartridge bearing. On the Element we saved 120 grams by switching to ABC™ pivots while increasing rear end pivot stiffness by 105 percent. Yes, you read that correctly; ABC™ pivots are 105% stiffer than a sealed cartridge bearing. Plus, they need almost no maintenance – just clean the contact surfaces from time to time. We first introduced ABC™ Pivots in 2011 on Element RSL and MSL and most our customers are still riding the same bushings that came on their bikes. The technology has been such a success for Rocky Mountain, that we’re constantly looking for new applications for it.

PIVOT TORSIONAL STIFFNESS TORSIONAL STIFFNESS, [N-M/DEG]

61.87

60 50 40 30.12

30 20 10 0

ABC™

ABC™ PIVOT LOCATIONS

REGULAR SEALED BEARING

2013

ABC™ Pivots are used in 6 locations on every Element, saving 20g per location for a total weight savings of 120 grams over conventional cartridge bearings.

ELEMENT 29 RSL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : ABC™ PIVOT TECHNOLOGY

There’s a wide range of quality in carbon bicycle construction nowadays and it makes a huge difference in the ride and durability of a bike. It’s difficult for the customer to tell what’s inside the frame… If we could put windows in ours to show what’s going on, we would ! Before we get to detailed tech-talk, the take away is that our carbon manufacturing process in conjunction with ABC™ pivots put us at the very front of the pack of the industry in stiffness-to-weight ratio and frame durability. A super light bike isn’t any good if the rider loses power to frame flex or the frame is fragile in crash situations

The most important characteristic of SmoothWall™ technology is that it enables us to construct frames with the highest carbon layup density. SmoothWall™’s super high fiber to resin ratio with maximum compression of the pre-preg carbon layers results in the lightest and stiffest construction possible. SmoothWall™ also allows us to use full length (uncut) fibers, yielding a stronger frame. This all adds up to one of the most sophisticated carbon frames in the world.

Element RSL utilizes a precise carbon layup schedule, using multiple types of carbon weaves in specific locations to maximize stiffness and impact resistance while minimizing weight.

2013

Rocky Mountain’s FORM C13 High Modulus SmoothWall™ construction is 100% designed, engineered and tested in house by our engineering team. In 2011, we unveiled SmoothWall™ construction to the world with the introduction of the Element RSL, and since then it has won unanimous praise for its incredibly light weight and superior stiffness. SmoothWall™ construction is achieved by sculpting the inner surface of the frame as carefully as the outer, with the help of an inner mold, as opposed to the traditional air bladder. This results in no excess resin, fibers or filler, meaning no stress risers or extra weight.

ELEMENT 29 RSL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGIES : SmoothWall™ CARBON CONSTRUCTION

E-Thru 142 Rear Axle Bigger wheels = more flex, so we designed an E-Thru 142 x 12mm rear axle system into Element 29 RSL.

2. E-Type Front Derailleur By using the direct mount E-Type front derailleur, we created the absolute lightest and stiffest swingarm configuration. The derailleur moves with the swingarm, eliminating clearance issues and allowing us to make a more compact, stiffer chain stay. 3. Internal Cable Routing For less cable contamination and clean aesthetics. Our custom system allows for simple cable changes via a port near the BB. 4. Internal Remote Lockout and Dropper Post Cable Routing. For seamless integration of the newest technology from our partners.

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

2013 ELEMENT 29 RSL FRAME FEATURES

BB-92 Element’s wide BB92 bottom bracket shell allows for a larger junction with the down tube and seat tube, dramatically increasing stiffness.

Stainless Steel Chainstay Guard Because carbon fiber and bicycle chains don’t get along.

Seat Collar Sleeve If there is one thing we know about, it’s riding in the rain. Element’s fitted rubber seat collar sleeve prevents water from collecting in your frame.

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

2013 ELEMENT 29 RSL FRAME FEATURES

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

2013

ELEMENT 29 RSL

2013 ELEMENT 970 RSL SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME

FORM™ C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque. ABC™ Pivots. Tapered Head Tube. Press Fit BB. 29" RTC Geometry.

SIZES

S - M - L - XL - 2XL

FORK

Fox 32 Float 29 100 FIT Dual Remote CTD

FRONT TRAVEL

100mm. FIT Damper / Rebound / Remote Climb (Lockout) - Trail (Compression) - Descend (Open) Settings / 15mm Axle / Tapered Steerer

SHOCK

Fox Float Dual Remote CTD Custom Race Valved

REAR TRAVEL

SmoothLink™ Design 95mm. Rebound / Remote Climb (Lockout) - Trail (ProPedal) - Descend (Open) Settings

HEADSET

Cane Creek Forty Series: IS42mm Top / 52mm Bottom Tapered

STEM

Race Face Turbine 6° x 70-100mm

HANDLEBAR

Race Face Turbine Flat Wide Ø31.8mm x 700mm x 9° Sweep

GRIPS

Rocky Mountain Lock On XC

BRAKES

Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc 180mm

BRAKE LEVERS

Shimano XT Integrated Shifter Mount

SHIFTERS

Shimano XT Rapid Fire Integrated Spec 2x10spd

FRONT DERAILLEUR

Shimano XT E Mount 2x10spd

REAR DERAILLEUR

Shimano XTR 10spd

CRANKS

Race Face Turbine 170-175mm 38/24T 2x10spd

BOTTOM BRACKET

Race Face Press Fit Team XC

PEDALS

N/A

FRONT HUB

DT Swiss X 1.6 Straight Pull 15mm Axle

REAR HUB

DT Swiss X 1.6 Straight Pull / Star Ratchet Freehub / 12 x 142mm

CASSETTE

Shimano XT 11-36T 10spd

CHAIN

Shimano HG94 10spd

SPOKES

DT Swiss Competition Straight Pull

RIMS

DT Swiss X 1.6 Tubeless Ready

TIRES

Continental Folding F: X King 29" x 2.2" / R: Race King 29" x 2.2"

SEATPOST

Race Face Turbine 30.9mm x 400mm

SADDLE

fi'zi:k Gobi XM

Element is one of the longest lasting and most prolific mountain bike platforms in history, winning races and putting smiles on faces all over the globe. Here’s a glimpse into its rich heritage. 1996 1997

First Element introduced. One of first lightweight cross country full suspension race bikes available. 1996

1997

1998

1999

1998 1999

2001

Element Race is chosen Bike of the Year by Mountain Bike Magazine Germany.

2002

First Element offered with Easton Scandium tubeset.

2003

Lesley Tomlinson and Gretchen Reeves win the TransAlp Challenge aboard Element.

2004

Element again on top of the podium of the TransAlp with Karl Platt and Christoph Listmann.

2005

Element pivots changed from top-hat bushings to sealed bearings.

2006

Element wins TransAlp under Karl Platt and Carsten Bresser.

2007

RMB releases limited edition 25th Anniversary Element Team Scandium. It was an instant collector’s item.

2008

Element 70 wins Bike of the Year from Mountain Biking Magazine.

2009

Element wins TransAlp under Pia Sundstedt and Alision Sydor.

2010

Element Team bumped from 80mm to 100mm rear travel.

2011

TransAlp win for Element with Pia Sundstedt and Daniel Gathof.

2012

First ground-up redesign of Element since introduction with carbon fiber Element RSL & Element MSL. Introduction of ABC™

2000

2002

2004

2007

2009

Pivots and SmoothLink™ Suspension to Element. Element RSL wins BC Bike Race under Chris Sheppard.

2013

Element 29 RSLand Element 26 introduced featuring same frame configuration as Element RSL and MSL. Intro of RTC-29™ Geometry.

Following success of RTC-29™ Geometry, 100mm travel Element RSL introduced and offered as 29” only.

2013

2000

ELEMENT 29 RSL

ELEMENT HISTORY TIMELINE