Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70: Full Review

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70, a bike that’s been generating quite a buzz in the mountain biking community. If you're looking for a versatile, high-performance ride that can handle everything from cross-country trails to more technical descents, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll break down everything you need to know about this incredible machine, from its key features and components to its overall performance and value. So, grab your helmet, and let's get started!

Overview of the Rocky Mountain Element

The Rocky Mountain Element has always been known for its perfect blend of efficiency and capability. It's designed as a cross-country bike that punches above its weight class, offering a ride that's both fast and fun. The Element 2022 C70 is no exception, incorporating several updates and improvements that make it a standout in its category. The frame is crafted from high-quality carbon fiber, providing a lightweight yet durable platform. This allows for excellent power transfer when you’re hammering uphill and confident handling when navigating tricky downhill sections. Rocky Mountain has truly engineered this bike to cater to riders who want a machine that can do it all, whether it's setting personal bests on local trails or tackling multi-day adventures. The geometry strikes a balance between being aggressive enough for technical terrain and comfortable enough for long days in the saddle. This makes the Element a great choice for a wide range of riders, from seasoned racers to weekend warriors.

Key Features and Components

Let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore the key features and components that make the Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70 such a compelling bike. First off, the frame is constructed from Smoothwall Carbon, which optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio. This means you get a bike that's incredibly light but also stiff and responsive. The frame design also incorporates internal cable routing, giving it a clean and sleek look while protecting the cables from the elements. Suspension-wise, the Element C70 comes equipped with a Fox Float 34 Performance Elite fork and a Fox Float DPS Performance Elite shock, both offering 120mm of travel. This provides a plush and controlled ride, soaking up bumps and maintaining traction on rough terrain. The suspension components also feature remote lockout, allowing you to quickly switch between a fully active suspension and a firm, efficient pedaling platform. For the drivetrain, the bike utilizes a Shimano XT 12-speed groupset. Known for its reliability and smooth shifting performance, the Shimano XT ensures that you can always find the right gear, whether you're climbing steep inclines or bombing down fast descents. The brakes are also Shimano XT, providing powerful and consistent stopping power in all conditions. Rounding out the components are Race Face AR 30 rims paired with Maxxis Rekon tires. This wheel and tire combination offers a great balance of weight, durability, and traction, making it ideal for a variety of trail conditions. The cockpit features a Race Face stem and handlebar, providing comfortable and confident control.

Riding Experience and Performance

Alright, let's talk about what it's like to actually ride the Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70. In a word, it's amazing. The bike feels incredibly lively and responsive, thanks to its lightweight carbon frame and efficient suspension design. When you're climbing, the Element C70 excels. The stiff frame ensures that all your power is transferred directly to the wheels, propelling you forward with minimal energy loss. The remote lockout for the suspension allows you to firm up the ride even further, making it feel like you're riding a hardtail. Once you reach the top and start descending, the Element C70 truly shines. The 120mm of travel provides plenty of cushion to soak up bumps and maintain traction, while the slack head angle and stable geometry give you the confidence to tackle technical sections. The bike feels planted and predictable, allowing you to push your limits and ride faster than you ever thought possible. The Shimano XT brakes offer excellent stopping power, giving you precise control in all conditions. The Maxxis Rekon tires provide a good balance of grip and rolling speed, making them ideal for a variety of trail surfaces. Whether you're riding flowy singletrack, rocky descents, or technical climbs, the Element C70 handles it all with ease. It's a bike that inspires confidence and makes you want to ride more.

Pros and Cons

Every bike has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70 is no exception. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and Efficient: The carbon frame makes the Element C70 incredibly light, which translates to efficient climbing and responsive handling.
  • Versatile Suspension: The 120mm of travel front and rear provides a plush and controlled ride, capable of handling a wide range of trail conditions.
  • High-Quality Components: The Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes offer reliable and smooth performance.
  • Clean Aesthetics: Internal cable routing gives the bike a sleek and modern look.
  • Confidence-Inspiring Geometry: The slack head angle and stable geometry make the bike feel planted and predictable on technical terrain.

Cons:

  • Price: The Element C70 is a premium bike, and its price reflects that. It may not be within everyone's budget.
  • Tire Clearance: While the Maxxis Rekon tires are great for most conditions, some riders may want more aggressive tires for very muddy or loose terrain. However, the frame's tire clearance might be a limiting factor.
  • Component Spec: While the Shimano XT components are excellent, some riders may prefer higher-end options like Shimano XTR or SRAM XX1, which would add to the cost.

Who is This Bike For?

The Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70 is designed for a specific type of rider. If you're someone who values versatility, efficiency, and performance, then this bike could be a perfect fit. It's ideal for cross-country riders who want a bike that can handle both fast, flowy trails and more technical descents. It's also a great choice for marathon racers or riders who enjoy long days in the saddle, thanks to its comfortable geometry and efficient pedaling platform. If you're a seasoned mountain biker who's looking to upgrade to a high-performance machine, the Element C70 is definitely worth considering. However, if you're primarily a downhill rider or spend most of your time in bike parks, you might want to look at a bike with more travel and a more aggressive geometry. Similarly, if you're a beginner rider, the Element C70 might be a bit too much bike for your needs. There are other options that are more affordable and easier to handle. But for experienced riders who want a do-it-all cross-country bike that can handle a variety of terrain, the Element C70 is an excellent choice.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70? Overall, it's an outstanding bike that delivers on its promise of versatility and performance. The lightweight carbon frame, efficient suspension, and high-quality components make it a joy to ride in a variety of conditions. Whether you're climbing steep hills, bombing down technical descents, or cruising along flowy singletrack, the Element C70 handles it all with ease. While it may be a bit pricey for some, the investment is well worth it if you're serious about mountain biking and want a bike that can help you take your riding to the next level. The Element C70 is a true all-rounder that's capable of handling anything you throw at it. If you're in the market for a new cross-country bike, be sure to give the Rocky Mountain Element 2022 C70 a serious look. You won't be disappointed!