Rocky Mountain Element C99 SRAM: A Pro’s Perspective on This Lightweight Trail Weapon
As a long-time rider who’s pedaled everything from old-school hardtails to modern trail monsters, I’ve seen the evolution of XC bikes firsthand. The Rocky Mountain Element has always been a solid contender, but the Element C99 SRAM takes things up a notch, blurring the lines between cross-country speed and all-mountain capability. After spending time on this bike, I can confidently say: this thing rips.
First Impressions: Modern XC Meets Trail Aggression
The Rocky Mountain Element C99 SRAM isn’t your average weight-conscious XC rig. It’s built for real-world trail riding, meaning it climbs like a rocket but still holds its own when the trail points down.
The full-carbon SMOOTHWALL frame is not just lightweight—it’s dialed for aggressive handling. At first glance, the slack head angle, long reach, and low BB scream “trail bike,” but after my first ride, I realized it still has the pop and responsiveness of an XC racer. If you’re coming from a traditional cross-country bike, expect a bit of an adjustment period—this thing wants you to push it.
Geometry: A Modern Take on XC
What sets the C99 apart from other XC race bikes is its progressive geometry. The longer reach and lower standover height make it feel more planted at high speeds, while the steeper seat tube puts you in an efficient pedaling position for crushing climbs.
On paper, this bike might look aggressive for an XC bike, but in the saddle, it strikes the perfect balance between fast and fun. You won’t feel like you’re going to get pitched forward on the descents, but you also won’t feel like you’re fighting an enduro sled on the climbs.
Suspension: A New Kind of Flex
Rocky Mountain introduced a 120mm travel frame with a flex-stay rear suspension, eliminating the need for pivot hardware in the rear triangle. What does this mean? Less weight, more stiffness, and a smoother ride.
Matched with a 120mm Fox 34 Step-Cast Factory fork, the Element C99 is plush where you need it but still retains that XC-style efficiency. The suspension kinematics make it feel efficient on long climbs while staying active enough to soak up rough trail chatter.
Drivetrain and Brakes: SRAM XX Transmission for Precision
This bike comes fully loaded with SRAM’s XX Transmission, a wireless drivetrain that delivers instant, precise shifts even under heavy pedaling load. No more worrying about missed shifts on steep, techy climbs.
Braking power comes from SRAM Level Ultimate brakes with 180mm rotors, which—while lightweight—have surprisingly good stopping power. I’d personally prefer a bit more bite on fast, rowdy descents, but for a lightweight trail bike, they do the job well.
Wheels and Tires: Fast and Nimble Setup
DT Swiss XRC 1501 carbon wheels are stiff, light, and responsive, helping keep the overall weight in check. They’re wrapped in Maxxis Rekon Race tires, which are perfect for fast rolling speed but might feel a bit sketchy if you push hard in loose terrain. If you’re planning on riding rougher trails, swapping to something like Maxxis Forekasters or a Dissector/Rekon combo could add more grip.
How It Rides: A Bike That Loves to Go Fast
Climbing: A Rocket on the Way Up
If you’re the kind of rider who values climbing efficiency, the Element C99 won’t disappoint. The steep seat tube and light frame make it feel like you’re riding on a cloud when grinding up long climbs. The rear suspension stays firm under pedaling but still absorbs chatter, which means you get all-day comfort without losing any power.
Descending: More Fun Than Your Typical XC Bike
Most XC bikes feel sketchy on the downs—not this one. The slack head angle and long wheelbase make this bike way more composed than you’d expect. It doesn’t have the plushness of an enduro rig, but it lets you stay aggressive without feeling like you’re constantly on edge.
I hit a few rock gardens and root sections that I’d normally hesitate on with a pure XC bike, and the Element handled them without flinching. It’s definitely a bike that rewards confident riding—the faster you go, the better it feels.
How It Compares to Other XC and Trail Bikes
Vs. Specialized S-Works Epic
The S-Works Epic is an all-out XC race machine, but it lacks the trail capability that the Element C99 has. The Element is a better all-rounder, capable of handling bigger hits while still climbing efficiently.
Vs. Trek Top Fuel 9.9
The Trek Top Fuel is similar in its XC/trail hybrid nature, but the Element has a more progressive geometry and a more capable suspension setup. The Top Fuel feels a little snappier in short, punchy sections, but the Element wins on technical trails and all-day rides.
Vs. Yeti SB120
If you’re considering a Yeti SB120, you’re likely looking for a lightweight but capable trail bike. The Element is lighter and still holds its own on descents, making it a strong alternative for riders who want speed and efficiency with just enough rowdiness.
Who Should Ride the Element C99 SRAM
The Rocky Mountain Element C99 SRAM is not just for XC racers—it’s for any rider who loves to go fast but doesn’t want to be limited by a traditional cross-country bike.
Final Thoughts: Is the Element C99 Worth It?
After putting this bike through its paces, I can confidently say the Rocky Mountain Element C99 SRAM is one of the best modern XC/trail bikes out there. It’s ridiculously fast, lightweight, and capable beyond what most XC bikes can handle.
If you’re looking for a race-ready XC bike that doesn’t feel out of place on aggressive trails, this is absolutely worth considering. Rocky Mountain nailed it with the Element C99—it’s a bike that rewards aggressive riding while still being efficient enough for marathon days in the saddle.
Would I ride this bike as my one-bike quiver? Absolutely. Would I swap the tires out for something grippier? Without a doubt.
But overall, this bike delivers exactly what experienced riders are looking for: speed, capability, and fun.