2023 Rocky Mountain Element C50

The 2023 Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 50 is a top-tier cross-country mountain bike designed for riders who demand high-performance and precision on the trails. It is packed with advanced features and components that make it a formidable choice for competitive racing or spirited trail riding. Let's take a closer look at what this bike has to offer.

At the core of the Element Carbon 50 is the SMOOTHWALL carbon frame with RIDE-4 Adjustable Geometry. This frame construction is known for its lightweight and stiff properties, providing excellent power transfer and responsiveness on the trails. The SMOOTHWALL technology ensures consistent wall thickness throughout the frame, enhancing its strength and durability without compromising weight. The RIDE-4 Adjustable Geometry system allows riders to fine-tune the bike's geometry to suit their preferences and trail conditions. With four different geometry configurations, riders can optimize the bike's handling characteristics for climbing, descending, or striking a balanced all-around performance.

The drivetrain of the Element Carbon 50 features a Shimano XT/SLX combination, offering a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains. The XT components provide precise and reliable shifting performance, ensuring smooth gear transitions even under load. The SLX components offer reliable and consistent performance, making it an excellent choice for aggressive cross-country riding. This drivetrain combination delivers the ideal balance of durability, efficiency, and affordability, making it suitable for riders who want high-quality shifting without breaking the bank.

For front suspension, the bike is equipped with a Fox 34 Float Performance fork with 130mm of travel. This fork strikes a balance between weight and performance, offering excellent control and responsiveness on the trails. With its advanced damping technology and adjustable settings, riders can fine-tune the fork's performance to match their riding style and trail conditions. The Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock complements the fork's capabilities, providing 120mm of rear travel. It offers a smooth and controlled ride, absorbing trail imperfections and enhancing traction for optimal performance.

The Element Carbon 50 rolls on a DT Swiss 370 Boost 148mm rear hub laced to a WTB ST Light i27 TCS 2.0 Tubeless wheelset. The Boost hub spacing increases the wheel's stiffness and durability, providing a solid and responsive platform for aggressive riding. The lightweight WTB ST Light rims offer excellent strength-to-weight ratio, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness on the trails. The tubeless-ready design allows riders to run lower tire pressures for improved traction and control while reducing the risk of flats.

Braking performance on the Element Carbon 50 is handled by Shimano SLX 2-piston brakes. These brakes deliver reliable and consistent stopping power, allowing riders to modulate their speed with precision and confidence. The 2-piston design offers a good balance between stopping power and weight, making it suitable for cross-country riding. Whether you're tackling steep descents or navigating technical sections, the Shimano SLX brakes provide excellent control and reliable performance.

The Maxxis Rekon 2.4 wt EXO tires complete the Element Carbon 50, providing excellent traction and versatility on the trails. The Rekon's aggressive tread pattern offers reliable grip in a variety of conditions, whether it's loose gravel, hardpack, or wet roots. The wide trail (wt) design provides increased volume and support, improving stability and cornering performance. With the EXO casing, the tires offer enhanced durability and resistance to punctures, ensuring a worry-free riding experience.

Completing the bike is the WTB Silverado Race 142 saddle. This saddle offers a balance of comfort and performance, featuring a sleek profile and lightweight construction. The Silverado Race saddle provides support and comfort during long rides, allowing riders to maintain an optimal riding position and focus on the trail ahead.

In summary, the 2023 Rocky Mountain Element Carbon 50 is a high-performance cross-country mountain bike that delivers exceptional performance, versatility, and control. With its SMOOTHWALL carbon frame, RIDE-4 Adjustable Geometry, Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain, Fox 34 Float Performance fork, Fox Float DPS Performance rear shock, DT Swiss 370 Boost 148mm 18T Star-Ratchet rear hub, WTB ST Light i27 TCS 2.0 Tubeless wheelset, Shimano SLX 2-piston brakes, Maxxis Rekon 2.4 wt EXO front and rear tires, and WTB Silverado Race 142 saddle, this bike is well-equipped to handle the demands of cross-country riding with confidence and style.