The Element has long been an integral part of Rocky Mountain’s portfolio, and rolls into the new season with 120 mm of travel front and rear, the new electronic RockShox Flight Attendant system, and a redesigned rear suspension. How do the updates affect its performance on the trail? To find out, we put the new Element through the wringer on the epic trails of the Dolomites!
When talking about Rocky Mountain, the first thing that springs to mind is the iconic maple leaf on the top tube and the manufacturer’s long tradition in the mountain biking segment. This comes as no surprise, because the Canadian brand based in Vancouver has been producing bikes since 1981. The first Element hit the market back in 1996 as a cross-country and marathon full-suspension rig that quickly proved its trail capabilities. With the new 2025 Element, Rocky Mountain have made some serious updates. The four-bar linkage rear suspension now relies on flex-stays rather than an additional pivot point on the chainstays. At just 11.88 kg, Rocky Mountain call the new Element a “classic” full-suspension mountain bike, exactly what you’d picture for a versatile trail machine. In today’s terms, we’d label it as a Down-Country rig.
What else has changed, and how does Rocky Mountain’s (undoubtedly pricey) € 12,500 carbon sled perform on the trails? Find out here!
The new 2025 Rocky Mountain Element in detail
Sleek, almost delicate – that’s the first impression the new Rocky Mountain Element gives. But it’s not just the looks that have slimmed down; there’s been a significant technical weight loss too. The rear pivot points of the four-bar linkage have been replaced by flex stays. Rocky Mountain call it the Smoothlink SL Flex Pivot technology, which removes the conventional pivot point on the chainstays and replaces it with flexible stays. This design saves weight while increasing rear triangle stiffness, and as a bonus, eliminates the need to service an additional pivot point 😉. Alongside the new carbon layup, this new technology allowed Rocky Mountain’s engineers to shave off 350 grams from the frame’s weight.
Despite the lower system weight, the Element scores high on practical features. Two bottle cage mounts on the down tube (available from size M upwards) allow you to carry two water bottles in a practical position. Additionally, there’s another mount under the top tube, which can be used to secure a tool strap or puncture kit, meaning that you’re always prepared for basic trailside repairs.
Rocky Mountain also focused on improving the bike’s durability. The pivot point on the seat stays, which is subjected heavily to lateral stress, now comes standard with reinforced, double-row bearings for a longer service life. The most striking feature, of course, are the flexing chainstays, which are clearly slimmer towards the rear section. A chainstay protector prevents chain slap and paint chips – although the minimalist design leaves the flex points exposed. That said, we didn’t have any issues with our test bike.
And what about the cable routing? With an electronic drivetrain, electronic dropper post, and electronic suspension, all that’s left is the rear brake line ;)—which is neatly routed through the frame. The cable ports are seamlessly integrated into the side of the frame, and hold the brake line securely in place – no annoying rattling or cable mess. A nice touch is the additional clip on the stem that prevents the front brake line from rattling against the handlebars.
The specs of our 2025 Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 99
Despite being just one point shy of 100, the Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 99 is the flagship model in the Element range, and features only the best components available on the market. It comes equipped with a 120 mm RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant fork and matching RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant shock. We’ll explain exactly how Flight Attendant works and which components are included in more detail below. Both the fork and shock generate 120 mm of travel, with rebound adjustments done manually, while all other settings are controlled electronically through the system. Both the fork and shock require a separate AXS battery.
Rocky Mountain Elemente Carbon 99
Specifications
Fork Rock Shox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant 120 mm
Rear Shock RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant 120 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 170 mm
Brakes SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 180/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission 1x12
Stem Rocky Mountain 35 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face ERA 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss XRC 1501 29"
Tires MAXXIS Rekon MaxxTerra, EXO 2.4"
Technical Data
Size XS S M L XL
Specific Features
two Bottlecage mounts
Tool mount
SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 4-piston brakes do stopping duties. The levers feature tool-free reach and bite point adjustment, while the brake reservoir sits closer to the handlebars for a sleeker design. The brakes are paired with 180 mm rotors front and rear. While this setup provides sufficient deceleration for a down-country bike, it reaches its limits on long, steep descents, overheating quickly and leading to arm pump. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic, wireless SRAM XX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which ensures smooth shifting even under load. Paired with the SRAM XX Eagle carbon crankset, the AXS power metre is integrated into the crank axle, which requires you to change the AA battery from time to time. A RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post rounds off the AXS package, offering a generous 170 mm of travel in size L. The dropper post too, requires an additional AXS battery that needs to be charged from time to time.
The DT Swiss XRC 1501 wheelset and the RaceFace ERA handlebars are made from carbon, helping keep the weight down. The rims are paired with MAXXIS REKON tires front and rear, both in the lightweight EXO casing and hard MaxxTerra rubber compound. While this setup is fast and light, it’s not the most puncture-resistant or grippy option out there. For better downhill performance, we recommend upgrading to more aggressive tires like the Maxxis Minion DHF (front) and Dissector (rear). As it stands, our test bike tips the scales at 11.88 kg, retailing at € 12,500.
All spec variants of the 2025 Rocky Mountain Element
Alongside the Element Carbon 99 flagship model we tested, Rocky Mountain offer two more variants, which have slightly different components and a bit more travel at the front. Both models feature a 130 mm fork without RockShox’s electronic Flight Attendant system, which not only drops the price but also simplifies the initial suspension setup. Less tech means fewer batteries, which in turn means less charging and a more straightforward riding experience. The more affordable Element Carbon models also renounce any kind of climb switch on the suspension.
The Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 70 is a more budget-friendly option, yet still offers countless adjustment options with its 130 mm Fox 34 Float Performance Elite fork with the brand-new GRIP X damper. This allows you to fine-tune both the low- and high-speed compression, as well as low-speed rebound. At the rear, a Fox Float Performance Elite shock controls 120 mm of travel, and is known for its responsive performance despite offering fewer adjustment options. The shock can be adjusted via a three-position compression lever and rebound setting, which should be more than sufficient for most riders.
The Carbon 70 comes equipped with a sturdy SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission wireless drivetrain, which requires just one additional battery. A Fox Transfer Performance Elite dropper post with a massive 210 mm of travel (frame size XL – 180 mm in frame size L) ensures plenty of freedom of movement on the bike. A robust Race Face alloy wheelset rounds off the harmonious overall package. With its sturdier build and longer travel fork and dropper post, the € 7,300 Carbon 70 is the more downhill-oriented variant in the Element lineup.
The entry-level Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 30 model comes equipped with a unique 130 mm Marzocchi Z2 Float EVOL fork and a Fox Float Performance rear shock. For the brakes and drivetrain, Rocky Mountain rely on a reliable Shimano groupset. The cable-operated XT drivetrain might require more time to set compared to a wireless system, but ensures butter-smooth shifting performance. X-Fusion supply the dropper post, which offers up to 200 mm of travel in size XL (170 mm in size L). The Carbon 30 model rolls on WTB KOM Team alloy wheelset, and, at 5,600 €, offers a solid, well-rounded package without breaking the bank.
How does the new RockShox Flight Attendant cross-country suspension system work?
The new Flight Attendant cross-country suspension system of the Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 99 relies on a sensor-driven mini-computer on the fork that analyses the riding situation and adjusts the damping accordingly to one of three modes. In the Wide-Open mode, the suspension is fully open, offering maximum sensitivity and traction. Sprint-on-Lock locks both the shock and fork for maximum efficiency, while the Magic-Middle mode strikes a balance, providing firm support at the beginning of the stroke but remains sensitive in the mid-stroke for more control with fast, consecutive hits.
The bias setting, already familiar from the previous system, can be adjusted in five levels from -2 to +2. In the Bias + scenario, the suspension locks more frequently, prioritising efficiency during climbs. This means that the suspension is locked more often to save energy and make climbing easier. The settings for the fork and shock remain consistent, even in the 0 position. On the other hand, the Bias – scenario locks the suspension less frequently, focusing more on downhill performance. In this case, the suspension never fully locks, and instead switches between Wide Open and Magic Middle. The fork tends to stay open more often than the shock, ensuring optimal traction and a smoother descent. With a bias of -2, the fork stays open all the time, maximising downhill performance but reducing climbing efficiency.
Unlike the first series of the Flight Attendant, which can be found mainly on trail and enduro bikes, the latest iteration of Rockshox’s electronic suspension system comes with an integrated power metre in the cranks of the 2025 Rocky Mountain Element. This enables what’s called Adaptive Ride Dynamics. The system uses an algorithm to learn your riding style and then calculates four individual power zones – Sprint Zone, and high, medium, and low power zones – adjusting the suspension accordingly to optimise performance.
Sprint Zone: When your power output reaches the Sprint Zone, the system switches the suspension to the Sprint-on-Lock position for both the shock and fork. This gives you maximum power transfer during a finish-line sprint – or when racing your mates to the town sign.
High Power Zone: When your output enters the high power zone, Adaptive Ride Dynamics adjusts the suspension for more efficiency. This means the suspension is firmed up to provide precise control at high speeds and during aggressive riding.
Medium Power Zone: As your output drops into the medium power zone, the system strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency. The suspension is calibrated to provide a smooth ride without sacrificing performance.
Low Power Zone: In the low power zone, or when you’re riding more casually, Adaptive Ride Dynamics prioritises comfort. The suspension turns plusher to absorb bumps and ensure a more comfortable ride across rough terrain.
In addition to adjusting the suspension, Adaptive Ride Dynamics provides intuitive feedback by displaying different colours on the fork to indicate which power zone you’re currently in. For those who want to take control despite all the smart algorithms, there’s the Override function, which can be activated via the left AXS pod. This disables the automatic system temporarily and switches the suspension to a pre-defined override setup.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that manual compression adjustments are no longer possible with the XC Flight Attendant, which was an option with the older Flight Attendant forks. All settings are made through the AXS app. Since these settings are based on your personal power zones and the gradient, the feel of the suspension will vary depending on the rider and the trail.
The geometry of the new 2025 Rocky Mountain Element
The new Element is available in five sizes, from XS to XL, whereby the smallest XS frame relies on smaller 27.5″ wheels and shorter chainstays. The rest of the geometry has been modernised and adapted to the current “down-country” standards. With the flip chip in the slack position, the Element combines 64.9° head angle and 76.8° seat tube angle. The FlipChip is positioned in the shock mount and is part of Rocky Mountain’s RIDE-4 system, which allows for countless geometry and kinematics adjustments across four settings. This system lets you vary the head angle from a slack 64.9° to 65.6°, while moving the seat tube angle between 76.8° to 77.7°. The position of the flip chip also affects the shock’s progression, meaning that you can fine-tune the rear suspension step to your preferred setting. Long reach values across the board – up to 509 mm in size XL – ensure good composure, and Rocky Mountain has also adjusted the shock tune according to frame size to ensure optimal suspension performance for all riders. The chainstay length grows with the frame size, ranging between 425 mm in frame size XS (with 27.5″ wheels) and 509 mm in XL.
Size | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top tube | 536 mm | 566 mm | 591 mm | 617 mm | 648 mm |
Seat tube | 359 mm | 385 mm | 420 mm | 445 mm | 480 mm |
Head tube | 90 mm | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
Head angle | 65.4° | 65.4° | 65.4° | 65.4° | 65.4° |
Seat angle | 77° | 77.3° | 77.5° | 77.6° | 77.7° |
Chainstay | 425 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm |
BB Drop | 22 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,190 mm | 1,178 mm | 1,207 mm | 1,237 mm | 1,371 mm |
Reach | 425 mm | 429 mm | 454 mm | 479 mm | 509 mm |
Stack | 567 mm | 609 mm | 618 mm | 627 mm | 537 mm |
New 2025 Rocky Mountain Element on test
The Rocky Mountain Element catches the eye with an extremely sleek, distinctive design, which is partly due to the slightly angled shock. But the Element doesn’t stick out from the downcountry crowd just because of its frame design, but also due to the Flight Attendant Cross Country system, which adds a very exotic touch and proves to be highly efficient especially on climbs. The stretched, front-heavy riding position puts plenty of pressure on your hands, ensuring a sporty, performance-oriented ride feeling. The electronic suspension automatically selects the right setting, meaning that you don’t have to think about adjusting levers – whether it’s wide-open, Magic-Middle, or Sprint on Lock. As a result the rear end doesn’t bob, and instead generates traction on technical, rough climbs.
When gravity takes over, you hear a quick double beep, signalling the switch to Wide-Open mode: the suspension is now fully open and ready to perform. While the 120 mm of travel front and rear don’t turn the Element into an extreme downhill machine, they provide solid grip and a sense of security. This is further enhanced by the bike’s low, central riding position, which inspires confidence as you tackle the trails.
With nearly 480 mm reach in size (size L), the Element is relatively long for a down-country bike, which, in combination with the slack head angle, ensures plenty of composure on the trail. As a result, the Element feels more capable than you’d expect from a 120 mm bike. It’s only in rough rock gardens and nasty root sections that the suspension slowly reaches its limits. You’ll also notice that the tires lack traction, which robs you of confidence, especially in wet conditions. If you ride in wet conditions on a regular basis or if you prioritise downhill performance, we recommend switching to more aggressively-profiled tires like the Maxxis Minion DHF up front and Dissector at the rear.
However, the Element truly really comes to life with experienced riders and on flowing trails. Here the Element encourages you to pop off ledges and build up speed by pumping through rollers and berms putting a big grin on your face in the process. It’s in these situations that Rocky Mountain down country machine proves just how much fun an active suspension and slightly less travel can be.
Who should take a closer look at the 2025 Rocky Mountain Element?
The new Rocky Mountain Element feels more like a downsized trail bike than beefed-up XC rig. It’s aimed at sporty riders who value climbing efficiency and crave action on descents. Thanks to the Flight Attendant suspension, you get a noticeable boost in efficiency on the way up, while on descents, the bike encourages you to let it rip. An active riding style is rewarded with plenty of speed – though in wet conditions, the tires can be a limiting factor.
The Element is ideal for long, sporty rides, flowing trails, and familiar routes. If you’re after a bit more travel upfront and want to minimise complexity, the more affordable models without Flight Attendant are worth considering. While you’ll need to manually manage the shock lockout and other suspension settings, these models offer an extra 10 mm of front travel and come with a more robust setup.
Conclusion about the new 2025 Rocky Mountain Element
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. While the RockShox Flight Attendant system ensures maximum climbing efficiency, traditional cross-country racers might be less attracted to its long, slack geometry. Instead, Rocky Mountain stayed true to their brand’s DNA, creating a bike for trail acrobats that excites and inspires, whether you’re climbing or descending.
Tops
- Strong trail performance
- Flight Attendant broadens the range of use
- Many mounting points
Flops
- Increased complexity due to Flight Attendant
For more info, visit bikes.com.
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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Julian Schwede