Element

The 2025 Rocky Mountain Element continues its mission as a highly capable, short-travel cross-country bike designed for riders who push XC boundaries. Delivering 120mm of rear travel paired with a 130mm fork on most builds, this 29er retains the aggressive geometry and large main triangle of its predecessor while introducing a completely redesigned rear end. Rocky Mountain replaces the traditional dropout pivot with the SmoothLink SL Flex Pivot, relying on engineered flex in the chainstays. This architectural shift drops roughly 350 grams from the frame and increases lateral stiffness without altering the four-bar suspension feel. It remains a pedal-efficient platform suited for long backcountry days and technical singletrack, now featuring updated frame details like an accessory mount under the top tube and reinforced pivot bearings.

Gen 2025 Element

Year

Build

Size

Stack	631mm
Reach	475mm
Top tube	618mm
Headtube length	120mm
Standover height	807mm
Seat tube length	445mm

Fit and geometry

The Element utilizes progressive geometry to center the rider for both efficient climbing and stable descending. A steep seat tube angle keeps weight forward during seated ascents, creating an upright posture that reduces fatigue on long rides. Up front, a slack head tube angle and generous reach measurements provide composure at higher speeds, preventing the bike from feeling nervous on steep descents.

Riders can fine-tune these characteristics using the Ride-4 flip chip located at the shock mount. This system offers four positions that subtly adjust the head and seat tube angles, bottom bracket height, and suspension progression to suit specific terrain. Most sizes roll on 29-inch wheels and share a consistent chainstay length, but the extra-small frame switches to 27.5-inch wheels and a shorter rear center to maintain proportional handling for smaller riders. The frame’s low standover height and short seat tubes easily accommodate long-travel dropper posts across the size run.

Builds

The 2025 Element lineup consists entirely of carbon frames, with no aluminum options available. The range spans three primary builds, starting with the Carbon 30, which features a Marzocchi Z2 fork, Fox Float Performance shock, and a Shimano Deore and XT mixed drivetrain.

The mid-tier Carbon 70 moves to Fox Performance Elite suspension, including a 34 fork with the Grip X damper, and utilizes a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission wireless drivetrain. This build rolls on Race Face ARC 27 alloy rims laced to a DT Swiss 370 rear hub and relies on SRAM Level Bronze four-piston brakes.

At the top of the ladder, the Carbon 99 shifts the bike into a dedicated race focus. It drops the fork travel to 120mm and equips the automated RockShox Flight Attendant suspension system. This premium build includes a SRAM XX Eagle Transmission with an integrated power meter, SRAM Level Ultimate brakes, and DT Swiss XRC 1501 carbon wheels. Across all builds, the frame features fully internal cable routing, a press-fit bottom bracket, and upgraded dual-row seatstay bearings designed to improve long-term durability over the previous generation.

Carbon 30

$4,499

2025

Carbon 70

$6,999

2025

Carbon 99

$9,599

2025

Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Element for balancing cross-country pedaling efficiency with genuine trail capability. The transition to a flex-stay rear triangle yields noticeable benefits on the dirt, providing a firm platform that accelerates quickly. One tester noted that the bike "craves speed even on flat trails" (Bike-test), rewarding riders who pump through rollers and carry momentum. When pointed downhill, the suspension remains active and supportive, leading another reviewer to describe the handling as "slicing and dicing with an old friend" (Theradavist).

Despite its descending prowess, critics point out that the bike still has the travel limitations of an XC platform. Pushing the Element into steep, chunky terrain requires precise line choices, as the "margin for error is small" (Singletracks). Multiple reviewers also noted that the stock Maxxis Rekon tires limit traction in wet or aggressive downhill scenarios, frequently suggesting a swap to heavier-duty rubber for riders leaning into the bike's trail capabilities. Additionally, the SRAM Level brakes specced on several builds drew criticism for fading on extended descents, and the slow engagement of the DT Swiss 370 rear hub on the mid-tier model was a common frustration during technical climbs.