New Gear: Rocky Mountain Bikes

Rocky Mountain introduced its 26-inch Element design a year ago, but only in carbon. Now they’ve expanded the offering with three aluminum models including the $3,000 Element 50. Photo Jason Sumner

Among the Element’s features is an easy to reach rear shock, making on-the-move adjustments easy. Reported weight is 26.5 pounds. The aluminum models are only offered in MSL, aka marathon super light. While the carbon line also includes a more aggressive RSL version, aka race super light.Photo Jason Sumner

Also new for 2012 is the Element 970, a 29-inch version of the popular linkage design. The 29er has what Rocky calls RTC (Race Tuned Compact) geometry, which features shorter chain stays and wheelbase for increased agility in tight, technical terrain. Photo Jason Sumner

Bigger wheels can more greater flex, so Rocky designed an E-Thru 142x12mm rear axle system to balance things out. Photo Jason Sumner

Founded in 1981, Rocky made a name for itself in the race game, making light, fast 26-inch hard tails. But times are changing. Starting next year, the 26ers will be thing of the past, replaced by this carbon 29er. Retail price for the high-end frame is $1,900. Photo Jason Sumner

Pricing and weight breakdowns for all the new offerings.

Rock launch was held at the Squamish Visitor Information Center, which among other things, has lots of information about what to do if you run into a bear. Photo Jason Sumner

Bikes for around the world. Photo Jason Sumner

Base Camp in Squamish, not a bad place to hang after a truly spectacular day of riding. If you haven’t been, go. It’s really that good. Photo Jason Sumner