Make victory a way of life.

Make victory a way of life.
Make victory a way of life.
Pure Race Technology.
When we first launched Element to the world in 1996 it showed people that lightweight, efficient suspension was possible. It showed that full suspension
had a place in cross-country racing. It would go on to be the most enduring suspension platform of all-time, winning races all over the globe and
simply make riding more fun for anyone that rode one. When we set about to re-design Element for 2011, we knew we had to do justice to the Element
name and break molds once again.
Racing has evolved considerably over the years. While some racers want pure World Cup performance, some want a bike that can tackle gnarly
all-day epic racing. While Element RSL (98mm) and Element MSL (120mm) share DNA, their geometry and spec reflect their intended use: RSL has
more aggressive race oriented geometry and MSL has slightly relaxed angles for those all-day epic adventures.
We took our proven geometry and tweaked it to reflect the modern World Cup racer’s standards, giving it a longer top tube and a slightly relaxed
head tube angle. Extensive testing with World Cup winners Geoff Kabush and Marie-Hélène Prémont helped us achieve the perfect balance while still
maintaining Rocky Mountain’s legendary ride quality.
The real story behind Element RSL and MSL is the technologies we’ve employed. Our industry leading carbon manufacturing process has allowed
us to make a frame that is 99% carbon for ultimate stiffness and weight savings. For these new platforms we are using an all-new frame building
technique: a Smooth Wall monocoque frame. By using a high-density polyurethane inner core (rather than inflatable bladders), we can achieve a
glasslike, perfectly uniform inner wall. No extra resin, no extra fibers, no extra weight. How much weight did we save? We carved 678 grams off its
predecessor for a total frame weight of 1,960 grams (4.3 lbs) including shock, while increasing stiffness by 13%.
Our patent pending ABC™ (Angular Bushing Concept™) pivots are more durable, 80% lighter, and 105% stiffer than sealed cartridge bearings.
Element also features our patented and proven SmoothLinkTM suspension system, which sets the standard for pedaling efficiency. No detail was
spared with Element and it’s evident with features like titanium hardware, two anti-chainsuck plates, a built in anti-chaindrop plate and an integrated seat collar sleeve. Shimano’s BB-92 press fit bottom bracket and E-Type front derailleur systems allow us to optimize the outer shape of the
frame by freeing us from typical design constraints.
Element RSL and MSL. Coming to a race course near you.
1
Make victory a way of life.
eLeMent 70 rSL
2
3
SmoothLink Suspension™
For 2011 Element, we took what people loved about 3D Link: the easy
to reach rear shock for on-the-fly adjustments and lateral stiffness,
and reworked it to utilize our proven SmoothLinkTM suspension
design. Working in conjunction with Fox Racing Shox and Team
Maxxis-Rocky Mountain’s Geoff Kabush, we dialed in the suspension
for ultimate race performance. Element is a race bike first and
foremost, so we worked with the brightest minds in racing suspension
to deliver the fastest platform possible.
Rocky Mountain’s unique SmoothLinkTM design characteristics mean
that a line drawn through the main pivot and the rear pivot is always
above the rear axle at all points of travel. This is the key differentiator
between SmoothLinkTM and other suspension systems. The lower
linkage member is almost parallel to the Average Chain Torque Line
(ACTL), at all points of travel. THIS is the key to bob-free suspension,
since the chain tension cannot act on the suspension.
4
MiniMAL chAin groWth
creAteS A FuLLy Active SySteM.
SmoothLinktM features minimal chain growth (rSl: 9mm; MSl:
11mm) in order to create a very active suspension feel, while still
maintaining the traction and forward drive created by the etS™
effect. no kickback. no bob.
cALiper Mounting poSition
reduceS BrAke JAck.
By removing the braking forces from the lower linkage, they
are isolated and do not act on the suspension system, thereby
greatly reducing “brake jack”, or the stiffening of the suspension
under braking. The slight change in the angle between the
caliper and the lower link creates a “floating disk brake” effect.
SmoothLinktM was created around a linear rising rate suspension
curve. a rising rate gives the suspension that “bottomless” feel,
RATE
LineAr riSing SuSpenSion rAte.
2011 ELEMENT RSL
2011 ELEMENT MSL
while still riding high in its initial travel for an efficient pedaling
platform.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
VERTICAL TRAVEL (mm)
5
ABctM pivot technoLogy
our patent pending Angular Bushing concept™ (aBc) pivots represent a paradigm shift in high performance suspension linkage in the most
literal sense. ABctM 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 ABctM 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 ABctM pivots while increasing rear end pivot stiffness
by 105 percent. yes, you read that correctly; ABctM pivots are 105% stiffer than a sealed cartridge bearing. Plus, they need almost no maintenance
– just clean the contact surfaces from time to time.
pivot torSionAL StiFFneSS
TORSIONAL STIFFNESS, [N-m/deg]
70
61.87
60
ABCTM PIVOT
50
SEALED BALL BEARING
40
30.12
30
20
10
0
6
FORMTM carbon:
FORM™ C13 Carbon Design: Rocky Mountain engineers design every wall thickness,
flare, and taper in our carbon frame in-house. By doing this, we can precisely tune the
ride characteristics of the frame.
True Full Carbon: 2011 Element is as full-carbon as it gets. The only non-carbon pieces
are the threaded front derailleur bolt inserts and alloy inserts for the forward shock
mounts on the front triangle. Otherwise, the seatstays, chainstays, dropouts, disc tabs,
headset bearing seats, BB shell, cable guides and cable stops are all custom molded carbon.
Seamless integration of these carbon elements makes for a sleek and extremely light and
stiff package. RSL models even come with titanium hardware, because every gram counts.
We’re about 3 grams away from a 100% carbon frame… And working on it.
Smooth Wall Carbon Monocoque construction: Element RSL and MSL’s industry
leading Smooth Wall carbon layup process results in a perfectly smooth internal finish,
so what you see on the outside is what you get on the inside. You might be wondering;
aren’t all carbon frames smooth inside and out? Most are actually left rough inside
from the molding process. Element’s smooth internal finish means no extra weight
in the form of extra fibers and resin. No extra material also means no stress risers or
inconsistencies in the tubes that can compromise strength and ride quality.
Industry Leading Carbon Layup Schedule:
We’ve blended three different types of fibers from one of the world’s most renowned
manufacturers, Toray of Japan.
We begin with a standard modulus M30G for strength. With great transverse composite properties and slightly lower tensile strength, it’s extremely strong without being
overly brittle. A tensile strength of 5100 MPa allows us to go light on the layup.
We then blend M40J. Toray’s J series high modulus carbon fibers represent the
highest modulus PAN-based carbon fibers available. PAN-based high modulus fibers
are superior to pitch-based fibers due to tensile and compressive strengths that are
often more than twice that of a corresponding pitch-based fiber. This is the secret to
the fantastic stiffness to weight ratio of the new Element RSL and MSL.
Lastly, we use T700S: the highest strength standard modulus fiber available, with
outstanding processing characteristics. It has a tensile strength of 4900 MPa and a
yield of 400g / 1,000m. This fiber is used for impact resistance, always an important
concern with mountain bikes.
7
Frame Optimization
To reach our weight and stiffness goals, every feature of Element had to
be optimized and work in unison towards those goals.
BB-92 – Allows for a larger bottom bracket/downtube junction, which
increases lateral stiffness without compromising weight.
E-type Front Derailleur - By using the E-type front derailleur standard,
we created the absolute lightest and stiffest swingarm configuration.
The derailleur moves with the swingarm, eliminating clearance issues
and allowing us to make a more compact, stiffer chainstay.
Tapered Headtube – Element’s tapered headtube keeps the front end
as stiff as possible by facilitating a larger headtube/downtube junction.
Compact Frame Design – The smaller the triangle, the stiffer the
frame. Element features a compact front triangle with a flex engineered
extended seat tube to ensure the stiffest configuration and ample
standover height.
Seat Collar Sleeve – It’s a hassle emptying water out of your frame
after a rainy ride, so we included a super light rubber seat collar sleeve
to keep the grit out.
Two Chain Suck Plates – Carbon fiber and bicycle chains don’t get
along well, so we integrated two chain suck plates into the frame.
Anti Chain Drop Plate – We’ve also included an anti-chain drop
feature in the mounting hardware for the front derailleur. It has been
contoured to keep the chain on the chain rings where it belongs.
Titanium Hardware on RSL – Because every gram counts.
Integrated Sag Indicator – A simple glance at the upper rocker
pivot will let you know if you’re set up properly.
Light and Stiff – Not only did we knock 678 grams off its predecessor,
Element RSL is now leading the industry in weight and stiffness. Total frame
weight with shock is 1,960 grams with a 52% increase in stiffness to weight!
8
geek out on thiS:
eLeMent teAM rSL, 70 rSL
Size
(“)
15”
16.5”
18”
19”
20.5”
heAd AngLe
deg
70.5°
70.5°
70.5°
70.5°
70.5°
SeAt AngLe
deg
74°
74°
74°
74°
74°
SeAt tuBe (centre BB to top)
(mm)
381
419
457
483
521
horiz. top tuBe Length
(mm)
540
565
585
605
630
heAd tuBe Length
(mm)
125
125
135
150
160
chAinStAy Length
(mm)
425
425
425
425
425
BottoM BrAcket drop
(mm)
20
20
20
20
20
StAndover height
(mm)
729
729
729
729
729
WheeLBASe
(mm)
1037
1062
1083
1104
1130
Size
(“)
15”
16.5”
18”
19”
20.5”
heAd AngLe
deg
69.5°
69.5°
69.5°
69.5°
69.5°
SeAt AngLe
deg
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
SeAt tuBe (centre BB to top)
(mm)
381
419
457
483
521
horiz. top tuBe Length
(mm)
540
565
585
605
630
heAd tuBe Length
(mm)
125
125
135
150
160
chAinStAy Length
(mm)
425
425
425
425
425
BottoM BrAcket drop
(mm)
13.5
13.5
13.5
13.5
13.5
StAndover height
(mm)
736
736
736
736
736
WheeLBASe
(mm)
1043
1069
1089
1110
1136
eLeMent 70 MSL, 50 MSL, 30 MSL, Lo MSL
9
geek out on this:
ELEMENT TEAM RSL
ELEMENT 70 RSL
ELEMENT 70 MSL
FRAME
SIZES
FORK
CRF124
RMB FORM C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque
15 - 16.5 - 18 - 19 - 20.5”
Fox 32 F100 RLC FIT Remote
CRF121
RMB FORM C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque
15 - 16.5 - 18 - 19 - 20.5”
Fox 32 F100RL FIT
CRF118
RMB FORM C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque
15 - 16.5 - 18 - 19 - 20.5”
Fox 32 F120RL FIT 15mm
FRONT TRAVEL
SHOCK
REAR TRAVEL
HEADSET
STEM
HANDLEBAR
GRIPS
BRAKES
BRAKE LEVERS
SHIFTERS
FRONT DERAILLEUR
REAR DERAILLEUR
CRANKS
BOTTOM BRACKET
PEDALS
FRONT HUB
REAR HUB
CASSETTE
CHAIN
SPOKES
RIMS
TIRES
SEATPOST
SADDLE
100mm. FIT Damper / Remote Lockout / Rebound / Tapered Steerer
Fox Float RP23 Custom Valved
95mm. Rebound / 3 Position ProPedal
FSA Orbit no.42 Integrated w/ Carbon Spacers
Race Face Deus SL 31.8 x 6° 70-120mm
Race Face Next SL 3/4 Rise Ø31.8mm x 660mm x 4° Sweep
RMB Lock On XC
Shimano XTR Hydraulic Disc 180/160mm
Shimano XTR
Shimano XTR Rapid Fire 10spd
Shimano XTR E Mount 10spd
Shimano XTR 10spd
Shimano XTR 170-175mm 42/30T 2x10spd
Shimano SMBB91Press Fit
N/A
DT Swiss XR 1450 RWS
DT Swiss XR 1450 Star Ratchet Freehub / RWS
Shimano XTR-10 11-36T 10spd
Shimano XTR 10spd
DT Swiss AeroLite
DT Swiss XR 1450 Tubeless Ready
Maxxis Aspen ExCeption 2.1”
Race Face Next SL Carbon 30.9mm X 400mm
fi’zi:k Tundra k:ium
100mm. FIT Damper / Lockout / Rebound / Tapered Steerer
Fox Float RP23 Custom Valved
95mm. Rebound / 3 Position ProPedal
FSA Orbit no.42 Integrated w/ Carbon Spacers
Race Face Deus 31.8 x 6° 70-120mm
Race Face Deus 3/4 Rise Ø31.8mm x 660mm x 6° Sweep
RMB Lock On XC
Formula R1 Hydraulic Disc 180/160mm
Formula R1 Reach Adjust
Shimano XT Rapid Fire 10spd
Shimano SLX E Mount 10spd
Shimano XT 10spd
Shimano XT 170-175mm 42/32/24T 10spd
Shimano SMBB91Press Fit
N/A
DT Swiss X 1600
DT Swiss X 1600 Star Ratchet Freehub
Shimano XT-10 11-34T 10spd
Shimano HG94 10spd
DT Swiss Competition
DT Swiss X 1600 Tubeless Ready
Continental Race King Kevlar 2.2”
Race Face Deus 30.9mm X 400mm
fi’zi:k Gobi XM
120mm. FIT Damper / Lockout / Rebound / Tapered Steerer
Fox Float RP23 Custom Valved
120mm. Rebound / 3 Position ProPedal
FSA Orbit no.42 Integrated w/ Carbon Spacers
Race Face Deus 31.8 x 6° 70-120mm
Race Face Deus 3/4 Rise Ø31.8mm x 660mm x 6° Sweep
RMB Lock On XC
Formula R1 Hydraulic Disc 180/160mm
Formula R1 Reach Adjust
Shimano XT Rapid Fire 10spd
Shimano SLX E Mount 10spd
Shimano XT 10spd
Shimano XT 170-175mm 42/32/24T 10spd
Shimano SMBB91Press Fit
N/A
DT Swiss X 1600 15mm Axle
DT Swiss X 1600 Star Ratchet Freehub
Shimano XT-10 11-34T 10spd
Shimano HG94 10spd
DT Swiss Competition
DT Swiss X 1600 Tubeless Ready
Continental X King Kevlar 2.2”
Race Face Deus 30.9mm X 400mm
fi’zi:k Gobi XM
ELEMENT 50 MSL
ELEMENT 30 MSL
ELEMENT L0 MSL
FRAME
SIZES
FORK
CRF115
RMB FORM C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque
15 - 16.5 - 18 - 19 - 20.5”
Fox 32 F120RL
CRF112
RMB FORM C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque
15 - 16.5 - 18 - 19 - 20.5”
RockShox Recon Silver TK Solo Air
CRF127
RMB FORM C13 Hi Mod Carbon Smoothwall Monocoque
15 - 16.5 - 18”
RockShox Recon Silver TK Solo Air
FRONT TRAVEL
SHOCK
REAR TRAVEL
HEADSET
STEM
HANDLEBAR
GRIPS
BRAKES
BRAKE LEVERS
SHIFTERS
FRONT DERAILLEUR
REAR DERAILLEUR
CRANKS
BOTTOM BRACKET
PEDALS
FRONT HUB
REAR HUB
CASSETTE
CHAIN
SPOKES
RIMS
TIRES
SEATPOST
SADDLE
120mm. Lockout / Rebound / Tapered Steerer
Fox Float RL Custom Valved
120mm. Rebound / ProPedal / Lockout
FSA Orbit no.42 Integrated w/ Carbon Spacers
Race Face Evolve Sterling 6° x 70-120mm
Race Face Evolve 3/4 Rise Ø31.8mm x 680mm x 9° Sweep
RMB Lock On XC
Formula RX Hydraulic Disc 180/160mm
Formula RX Reach Adjust
Shimano SLX Rapid Fire 10spd
Shimano SLX E Mount 10spd
Shimano XT 10spd
Shimano SLX 170-175mm 42/32/24T 10spd
Shimano SMBB91Press Fit
N/A
DT Swiss X 1800
DT Swiss X 1800 SL Freehub
Shimano HG81-10 11-34T 10spd
Shimano HG74 10spd
DT Swiss Competition
DT Swiss X 1800 Tubeless Compatible
Continental X King Kevlar 2.2”
Race Face Evolve 30.9mm
fi’zi:k Gobi XM
120mm. Turnkey Lockout / Rebound / Alloy Steerer Tube
Fox Float RL Custom Valved
120mm. Rebound / ProPedal / Lockout
FSA Orbit no.42-1 Integrated
Easton 6° x 75-120mm
Easton Lo Rise Ø31.8mm x 685mm x 9° Sweep
RMB XC Kraton
Shimano BR-M445 Hydraulic Disc 180/160mm
Shimano BL-M505
Shimano Deore Rapid Fire 9spd
Shimano SLX E Mount
Shimano XT
Shimano Deore 170-175mm 44/32/22T
Shimano SMBB71Press Fit
Shimano PD-M505
Shimano M475 disc
Shimano M475 disc
Shimano Deore-9 11-34T
Shimano HG53
DT Swiss Champion
DT Swiss 445D Tubeless Compatible
Continental X King 2.2”
Easton 30.9mm
WTB Rocket V Comp
120mm. Turnkey Lockout / Rebound / Alloy Steerer Tube / LO Springs
Fox Float RL Custom Valved
120mm. Rebound / ProPedal / Lockout
FSA Orbit no.42-1 Integrated
Race Face Ride XC 6° x 80-100mm
Race Face Ride XC LO Ø31.8mm x 600mm x 5° Sweep
RMB LO Kraton
Shimano BR-M445 Hydraulic Disc 180/160mm
Shimano BL-M505
Shimano Deore Rapid Fire 9spd
Shimano SLX E Mount
Shimano XT
Shimano Deore 170-175mm 44/32/22T
Shimano SMBB71Press Fit
Shimano PD-M505
Shimano M475 disc
Shimano M475 disc
Shimano Deore-9 11-34T
Shimano HG53
DT Swiss Champion
DT Swiss 445D Tubeless Compatible
Continental X King 2.2”
Race Face Ride 30.9mm
RMB LO SL
10
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN STORY
Rocky Mountain has been building bicycles in Vancouver BC, Canada since 1981. In that time we have developed a reputation for quality and
innovation. We are proud of our work, and our customers are proud to own the bikes we make.
Rocky Mountain was born in 1978 in the basement of a bike shop in the heart of Vancouver. The employees there realized that there was huge
demand for high quality mountain bikes, so they began importing mountain bike frames from California to sell to their customers. Soon they
learned that despite the high quality of the imported frames, the technically demanding Vancouver trails called for a different geometry than
the frames offered. To meet the exploding demand, they formed Rocky Mountain Bicycles and began importing and manufacturing frames to
their exact specifications. The early years of Rocky Mountain served as an incubator for the west coast mountain bike industry, with a handful
of employees branching off to start several internationally successful bike companies.
Rocky Mountain has come a long way since its modest beginning, but its core values have never changed. These core values are the reason Rocky
Mountain bikes are as sought after today as they were in 1978.
BIKES MADE BY RIDERS
At Rocky Mountain we ride and test our bikes in the harshest conditions imaginable. It is these conditions that have spawned the bicycles in our
line up. British Columbia has the most diverse riding conditions in the world. In four hours one can go from the temperate rain forest of the coast,
crossing huge mountains and glacial fed rivers to the interior desert. The riding possibilities here are endless; long climbs, fast fire road descents,
twisty singletrack, technical rock and root sections, log rides and big drops. The terrain is demanding at the best of times, mind boggling and truly
scary at the worst. It is the desire to ride this terrain that has fuelled our passion to build bikes. It is this terrain that has inspired our innovation, to
create and build the best product possible.
Our staff members meet to ride in groups several times a week. Some of our staff group-rides would challenge the most seasoned pros - it goes with
the territory and results in the bikes that we design and build. There is a rich tradition of world-class riders who have ridden Rocky Mountain bikes
to victory and in the case of our freeriders, to our amazement. Our association with these riders has resulted in the bicycles we build.
Since the early 1990’s we have been at the forefront of cross-country racing with pioneer riders like Alison Sydor, Andreas Hestler, Chrissy Redden,
and Bruce Spicer. The highlights of our XC racing are certainly Marie-Helene Premont’s silver medal at the Athens Olympics and her 2008 UCI World
Cup overall title. Our newest XC superstar Geoff Kabush is poised to set the record for most US National Series race wins on a Rocky Mountain.
Rocky Mountain has dominated mountain bike stage racing for the past decade with riders such as Lesley Tomlinson, Andreas Hestler, Alison Sydor,
Pia Sundstedt, and Karl Platt. We have won every major stage race in the world.
In 2009 Rocky Mountain returned to World Cup downhill competition with the Maxxis-Rocky Mountain team. Sabrina Jonnier has already piloted our
prototype Flatline World Cup to six World Cup wins this season. In 2009 Rocky Mountain athletes raced more days in more countries than any other
mountain bike team in the world.
Our athletes were the first true freeriders. Our legendary Frorider team of Wade Simmons, Richie Schley, and Brett Tippie changed the sport forever
with their new and mindblowing riding style. We continue to push the limits of gravity riding with new talent, but remain extremely fortunate to
have an icon like Wade Simmons riding and helping us develop our bikes.
11
OUR HISTORY
1978
1986
+ A couple of guys at West Point Cycles in Vancouver, BC modify Nishiki road bikes with wide tires, straight bars and thumbshifters with internal 5-speed or external 10-speedgears. This is the first experience with “mountain bikes” for the soon-to-be Rocky Mountain founders.
+ Rocky Mountain Frame Designer Pippin Osbourne launches
Syncros Performance Components.
+ Rocky Mountain Bicycles begins distribution to the US.
1980
+ The Vancouver bike store boys want a more durable frame with
aggressive geometry. They call Tom Ritchey and begin to import his
version of the mountain bike.
+ They modify some components to withstand the harsh trails of
the West Coast. At the same time, due to a lack of quality racing
bike components available in the market, the bike store boys begin to import European bike parts and frames.
1987
TOTAL COMMITMENT
NO COMPROMISE
+ Launch of new tagline “Total Commitment, No Compromise.”
1988
+ Dirk Janz Returns home from a trip to Canada and starts
BIKE ACTION - a distribution company that brings
Rocky Mountain to Germany.
1989
R
OCK Y M OU
B
I
C
Y
C
L
E
C
O
M
NTA I
P
A
N
Y
N
+ Rocky Mountain produces its first aluminum mountain bike
– Stratos.
1981
+ Rocky Mountain Bicycles Inc. officially formed by three Vancouver
Bike Shop Owners.
+ Original Partner Grayson Bain coined the name Rocky Mountain Bicycles - inspired by the rugged geography of the Eastern BC Mountain Range.
1982
+ Rocky Mountain founders accompany Tom Ritchey to Japan to explore
the world of durable components and frame tubing that can be
fashioned into a mountain bike.
+ Birth of the Sherpa. They create their first production Rocky Mountain
bike - “Sherpa” by modifying bike parts. This is Canada’s first homegrown
1990
+ RMB Logo Refresh.
+ Rocky Mountain sells a radical sloped top-tube bike with passive
rear suspension – called the “Wedge”. It is an innovative design that German magazine “Bike” calls “one of the 7 Ferarri’s”.
fat tire bike.
1984
+ Legendary frame builder Derek Bailey Joins the Rocky Mountain Team.
1991
1985
+ Birth of the Blizzard.
+ Beginning of “WheelTech”, a unique process of hand-building wheels
for maximum strength & durability.
+ Alison Sydor Signs with Rocky Mountain.
+ First Easton aluminum MTB - Nimbus.
+ Alison Sydor has first World Cup win on a Rocky Mountain Altitude – first World Cup Cross-Country win by a Canadian.
+ Regina Stiefl wins World Cup Downhill on a Rocky Mountain Edge.
+ Chris Dekerf, Rocky Mountain frame builder launches
Dekerf Cycle Innovations.
12
OUR HISTORY
1992
+ Chris Battig of Chris Sports Systems begins distributing Rocky Mountain
in Switzerland.
+ Rocky Mountain launches a new component product offering – Race Face. Products include titanium bar-ends and titanium stems.
1993
+ Rocky Sponsors the all woman Kahlua Mountain Bike Team: Lesley Tomlinson, Clara Hughes, Alison Sydor, Sue Palmer, Maria Hawkins.
+ Rocky Mountain introduces bikes made with Easton aluminum tubes
– the “Vertex” and the “Thin Air.” Rocky is one of the first bike companies in the world to sell production bikes made with the 7005 tapered Easton tubing.
+ The Edge goes into production - the first commercially available full-suspension bicycle.
1994
TO
C
AL
OMMITM
E
1981
1996
1996
FO
RIDE THE DIFFERENCE
1999
NT
T
+ Bruce Spicer wins Cactus Cup.
+ Lesley Tomlinson wins Silver medal in the team time trial at the
Commonwealth Games on a custom Rocky TT bike.
1998
+ 1998 Rocky Mountain introduces the first true “freeride” bicycle, the Pipeline. A mixture between DH and XC the Pipeline offers on the fly adjustability with 4”-6” of travel.
+ Rocky Mountain becomes the first company in the world to sponsor a professional “Freeride” team.
+ Rocky Mountain sponsors the new Freeride movie Kranked and three riders. Richie Schley, Wade Simmons, and Brett Tippie astonish the world with a new riding style which changes the industry forever.
+ Davide Bonandrini of DSB begins distributing Rocky Mountain in Italy.
R 15 YEAR
S
+ Birth of the Element.
+ Hammer Race is awarded “Bike of the Year” by Mountain Biking Magazine.
+ Rocky Mountain Bicycles celebrates 15 years of Handbuilt Quality.
+ Andreas Hestler competes in first ever Olympic mountain bike race in Atlanta.
+ Birth of RM9
+ 1999 - Launch of the new tagline “Ride the Difference.”
+ Birth of the “Frolosophy”.
“Frolosophy, the zen of being Fro. It’s not about racing, it’s not about
spandex, it’s about wicked rides and having fun. Pushing the limits of
sanity and hair gel, the Fros are the ultimate test for Rocky Mountain
bikes. The goal of the Fro is to find the funnest way from point A to
point B, not the fastest. Go with the Fro.”
1997
+ Race Face forms separate and independent company to meet growing demand for its innovative cycling components.
+ A&F Corporation begins distribution of Rocky in Japan.
13
OUR HISTORY
2003
2000
+ RMB Logo Refresh.
+ Birth of RM6 - The bike that defined Freeride.
+ Birth of Element Team SC.
+ Birth of Vertex Team SC.
+ Element Race awarded “Bike of the Year” by
Mountain Bike Magazine Germany.
+ RMB logo gets refreshed.
+ Birth of the ETSX.
+ Alison Sydor re-signs with the Rocky Mountain team.
+ Lesley Tomlinson & Gretchen Reeves win TransAlp Challenge.
+ Bike Action celebrates 15 years of Rocky distribution in Germany.
2001
+ Birth of the Slayer.
+ Wade Simmons wins first ever Red Bull Rampage.
+ Mountain Bike magazine USA readers choose Rocky Mountain as the fastest growing bicycle company.
+ Rocky Mountain Bicycles acquires ISO certification.
2004
+ Marie-Hélène Prémont wins Silver medal at Athens Olympics.
+ Element platform refresh.
+ Birth of the SOLO road program.
+ RMX redesign - 8” Travel.
+ Karl Platt wins TransAlp Challenge.
+ Lesley Tomlinson wins 24Hr Solo World Championships.
2002
+ Birth of the Switch.
+ Chris Sport Systems celebrates 10 years of Rocky distribution
in Switzerland.
+ Slayer awarded “Bike of the Year” by Mountain Biking Magazine.
+ Karl Platt & Carsten Bresser win TransAlp Challenge.
+ Lesley Tomlinson & Gretchen Reeves win TransAlp Challenge.
+ Lesley Tomlinson wins 24Hr Solo World Championships.
14
our hiSTory
2005
+ Special edition MTB Program launched.
+ 20th anniversary of the Blizzard.
+ launch of new Tagline “love the ride”.
+ karl Platt & carsten Bresser win Transalp challenge.
2007
+ element redesign.
+ element 70 wins Bike of the year - Mountain Biking Magazine.
+ Marie-hélène Prémont finishes 2nd overall in the uci world cup.
+ alison Sydor & Pia Sundstedt win Transalp challenge and Transgermany.
2008
+ introduction of the flatline.
+ Marie-hélène Prémont wins uci world cup overall.
+ Marie-hélène Prémont wins Mont. Ste. anne world cup aboard.
prototype carbon Vertex rSl.
+ alison Sydor and Pia Sundstedt win cape epic challenge and
Transalp challenge.
+ wade Simmons finally attempts and lands a backflip.
Sydor
SundStedt
+ 25 years of handbuilt Quality.
+ new Suspension System: lc2r.
+ Switch redesign - 7” travel.
+ eTSX redesign - 5” travel.
+ element celebrates 10 years of Production.
preMont
2006
15
our hiSTory
Jonnier
+ rocky Mountain introduces its first proprietary carbon bikes,
vertex rSL, Altitude rSL.
+ altitude features industry leading Straightup™ geometry and
SmoothLink™ suspension.
+ rocky Mountain joins forces to field the most powerful team in
north america. Team Maxxis-rocky Mountain debuts with geoff
kabush winning the fontana u.S. cup on a Vertex rSl Team.
+ factory Team rider Alison Sydor wins 2009 cape epic challenge
and transAlp challenge on a Vertex rSl Team.
+ rocky Mountain returns to world cup Downhill competition.
Sabrina Jonnier wins 6 World cups in a row and locks up overall
title with 2 races left on flatline world cup prototype.
+ geoff kabush wins Bromont World cup on Vertex rSl. This is his
first world cup win, and rocky’s first male Xc world cup win. it’s also
the first world cup Xc victory by a north american male since 2002.
+ geoff kabush surpases John tomac for all-time u.S. Series race
wins, with 15 victories (and counting).
+ geoff kabush wins rocky Mountain’s first men’s world cup victory
aboard Vertex rSl.
2
yeArS.
product LAuncheS.
WorLd cup overALL titLeS.
kABuSh
2009
2010
+ rocky Mountain launches
2011 Slayer at Sea otter classic.
rocky MounTain launcheS
2011 eLeMent aT garDa
Bike feSTiVal.
16