Make victory a way of life.
Transcription
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