Product Focus - Rocky Mountain Instinct: Trail Universal

Meet the Rocky Mountain Instinct trail machine. Independent reviews confirm that this bike will conquer trails of all types and difficulties with ease, yet isn't afraid to pedal.

Rocky Mountain Instinct belongs to the category of trail bikes, but its range of capabilities is much wider. With modern and sophisticated geometry and a lot of extra setup options, this bike is great for all kinds of terrain and all kinds of uses. It doesn't shy away from rough descents and handles climbs efficiently.

The sophisticated frame is designed to work perfectly in all sizes and with riders of different heights. Rocky Mountain uses 27.5" wheels for smaller sizes and 29" for M and larger frames. They also tune the suspension differently for each size.

Bikerumor, for example, describes the Instinct as a well-balanced, stable and versatile trail-gobbling machine. Reviews confirm that it's an exceptionally versatile machine, and if you take advantage of the RIDE-9 adjustability and variable length of the chainstay, you'll expand its options even further.

• RIDE-9 – Easily fine-tune the geometry and suspension with just a pair of Allen keys. Two combinable chips allow a total of nine combinations. So you can fine-tune the bike's characteristics to suit your preferences and riding style. Try out different settings one by one and find the best one. Don't make hasty changes and enjoy it all!
• Variable chainstay flip-chip - Choose a longer or shorter chainstay depending on how you ride or how it suits you.

Other features include shielded bearings in all pivot points, guided internal cable routing and dual bearings in the chainstay/seatstay junction for increased stiffness and durability.

Ride Impressions

According to impressions from independent tests, the Instinct in its most stretched setting comfortably delivers on steep and rough trails while giving you stability and balance. Its characteristics are close to endurance, but the riding position is still suitable for smooth pedalling and the bike retains agility. Changing the RIDE-9's settings can then slightly tighten the head angle and improve the bike's ability to climb.

When it comes to adjusting the rear axle position, you won't go wrong with either option. In any case, the Instinct offers an excellent balance of liveliness and stability, but you have the option to lean one way or the other. If you're in the mood for a more playful ride, set a shorter position. On the other hand, do you want more confidence on the climbs and descents in steeper terrain? Turn the rear axle attachment backwards!

What the Bike Media Says

If you still think we're sucking on Instinct's strengths, here are some more reviews from independent bike media:

• „Suppleness, stability, sportiness and the perfect amount of travel.“
   – Beta MTB
• „A dialed and capable bike that puts the “all” in all-mountain.“
   – Bicycling
• „The Instinct is an ideal weapon for riders who like long rides and prefer to pedal deep into a trail system with challenging climbs, yet it still more than holds its own when pointed downhill.“
   – Freehub
• „It makes the Instinct capable of covering a wide breadth of riding that falls under the trail category. From fast, flowing cross country to the steeper, more technical trails that the B.C. brand calls home.“
   – Canadian Cycling Magazine

 

Variants

Since the Rocky Mountain Instinct is available in various frame material and mounting combinations, let's take a look at some of the models in our range.

• Alloy 50 Tour – A more affordable option built on a FORM aluminum frame, Rocky Mountain's own alloy. Suspension is provided by RockShox forks and shock, and reliable shifting and braking is handled by a top-of-the-line Shimano XT groupset.
• Carbon 50 Tour – If you want the same good fit but a lighter and more agile frame construction, there's a carbon SMOOTHWALL option for you, which is one of the world's best in terms of stiffness, weight and durability.
• Carbon 70 – The high-end carbon frame is complemented by an even better mounting and Fox suspension in this variant.

Check out our full range of Rocky Mountain Instinct bikes!

• Do you like the Instinct but crave electrification? Go for Instinct Powerplay.
• Does it need more travel? Then there's Altitude.