Rocky Mountain presents new 29er bikes

For the 2012 model year, Rocky Mountain is expanding the Element family with a new 26- and 29-inch aluminum bike. They are also presenting a new "Vertex RSL". The race hardtail will only be available as a 29er next year.

Both new aluminum elements share the previous technologies of the Element RSL and MSL. While the 26-inch Element has 120 millimetres of rear travel, the 29er Element has 95 millimetres. The former uses the same geometry as the "Element Carbon MSL", while the 29er Element is based on a compact RTC geometry (Race Tune Compact). This should make the large bike as maneuverable as a 26-inch bike, but with the advantages of the large wheels. Both bikes rely on the tried-and-tested four-bar kinematics "Smoothlink". Depending on the version, the 29er element has 90 to 120 millimetres of suspension travel at the front, while the 26er has 120 millimetres.

Features of the aluminum elements:

Anti-chain drop plate on the front derailleur, protects against chain jamming between bottom bracket and chainring
E-type front derailleur
Integrated SAG indicator
Rubberized seat clamp protection against dirt and water
ABC™ swivel joint technology (Angular Bushing Concept) - 105% stiffer and 120 grams lighter
ETS™ effect
142x12 mm rear axle for more stiffness (on the 29er)

Only on a big foot
After a long period of tinkering, the new "Vertex RSL" is now here. Developed in Vancouver, the end product, a 29er carbon hardtail, weighs a light 995 grams. Rocky Mountain is taking a consistent approach: the new "Vertex RSL" will only be available with large wheels next year. In addition to the decent weight, the frame should also be very stiff. The vertical stiffness is achieved by the massive down tube, the wide and flat top tube, a BB92 bottom bracket shell and a 142x12 millimeter rear wheel thru axle. The 27.2 millimeter thin seat post and the thin chainstays ensure sufficient self-damping. But no other modern features are missing. Internally routed cables and a tapered head tube are also part of the package.

Other features of the Vertex RSL:

SmoothWall™ technology for a monocoque carbon lamination that guarantees smooth inner and outer surfaces
Short wheelbase and short chainstays for maneuverability in tight trails, as well as a short top tube that is very close to the 26ers (RTC geometry)
Chain drop plate on the down tube and chainstay to protect the carbon frame

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