2003 Rocky Mountain Element

Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Rock Shox Duke XC, 80mm travel · Aluminum/magnesium, single crown

• Inspect the complete frame for cracks, dents, distortion, heavy abrasion, suspicious paint differences or evidence of a previous repair.

Archived: Fork: Rock Shox Duke XC, 80mm travel · Rear shock: Fox Float R, 3.6" travel

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Inspect the shock shaft and seals, cycle the rear suspension through its travel and check for oil, air loss, binding or unusual top-out and bottom-out noises.
• Hold the rear brake and load the suspension from several directions. Check pivots, bearings and mounting hardware for knock, looseness or side play.
• Ask for dated fork, shock and pivot-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil, bushings or bearings.

Archived: Group: Mountain Mix · Shifters: Shimano Deore LX RapidFire SL · Front derailleur: Shimano Deore LX, top-pull/clamp-on 31.8mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore XT GS · Crankset: Shimano Deore FC-M510S, 22/32/44 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-ES30, 113mm spindle · Rear cogs: 9-speed, 11 - 32 teeth · Chain: Shimano CN-HG53, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano Deore M525 hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Deore M525 hydraulic levers

• Squeeze each lever firmly. It should feel consistent and return cleanly. Check levers, hoses and calipers for fluid, inspect pad thickness and contamination, and examine rotors for wear or bending.

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Mavic X223 Disc, 32-hole · Hubs: Shimano Deore disc · Front tire: 26 x 2.00" Hutchinson Python Air Light

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.

Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" threadless Ritchey Logic · Handlebar: Race Face Prodigy · Stem: Race Face Prodigy · Seatpost: MTN Lite, 26.8mm diameter · Saddle: Selle Italia Custom · Pedals: Shimano PD-M515 SPD

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.