Rocky Mountain Element 999 RSL

Description

All new Rocky Mountain RTC 29 Geometry.

When we began the 2012 Vertex RSL project, we knew we could improve on the status quo of 29er race geometry. We tested countless geometry configurations with our team racers and we quickly zeroed in on what we believe is the perfect race geometry for a variety of terrain.

Super Short Wheelbase and Chain Stay Length

The myth that a 29er can’t handle technical terrain ends here. With an actual chain stay length of 437mm and a 1087mm wheelbase (medium size), Vertex RSL will shred the tightest and most technical race courses.

Shortened Top Tubes

We reigned in the TT lengths to give the rider a more natural, 26” bike feel with more maneuverability.

70.25 degree Head Tube Angle

Head tube angles on 29ers vary widely, so we experimented extensively with different angles in the prototype process. Our riders unanimously concluded that 70.25 degrees delivered the perfect balance of stability and agility.

Less BB Drop

We raised the bottom bracket slightly over our previous Vertex 29 bikes. While minimizing pedal strikes, this also allowed us to further tuck in the rear wheel, which helps with lifting the front end and getting weight over the rear wheel, making this 29er more maneuverable in tight sections.

Our patent pending Angular Bushing Concept™ (ABC) pivots represent a paradigm shift in high performance suspension linkage in the most literal sense. ABC ™ pivots consist of an angular contact polymer bushing which rotates on a tapered alloy pivot. By carefully controlling the tolerance of these pieces, we are able to specify a torque value on the pivot and can eliminate binding, which has been, until now, impossible. The more you tighten a typical bushing system, the more the pivot will bind. Not so with ABC™ Pivots. 

And get this; they’re lighter, more durable, and laterally stiffer than a cartridge bearing. On element we saved 120 grams by switching to ABC™ pivots while increasing rear end pivot stiffness by 105 percent. Yes, you read that correctly; ABC™ pivots are 105% stiffer than a sealed cartridge bearing.

Plus, they need almost no maintenance– just clean the contact surfaces from time to time.

Our patent pending Angular Bushing Concept™ pivots are 20 grams lighter (per pivot) and 105% stiffer than sealed cartridge bearings. They’re more durable too.

Geometry