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2013 Rocky Mountain

Instinct 950

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 130mm
ForkFox Float 32
ShockFox
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetX9, X7
BrakesAvid Hydraulic Disc
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Instinct 950
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

28 mph

Instinct 950

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Reviews

Summary

The Rocky Mountain Instinct is a versatile trail bike praised for its customizable geometry and suspension through the RIDE-9 system, making it adaptable to a wide range of terrains. Its durability and performance on technical descents are frequently highlighted, though some reviews note areas for improvement in fork stiffness and rear suspension plushness. The bike's ability to balance agility with stability at high speeds is a consistent strength across reviews.

Pros
  • Customizable geometry and suspension with RIDE-9 system

  • Durable and performs well in harsh conditions

  • Balances agility and stability at high speeds

  • Effective on technical terrain

  • Clean cable routing and stylish design

Cons
  • Fox Float 29 32 fork could be stouter

  • Rear shock doesn't fully utilize its stroke

  • Handling can feel imprecise for some riders

  • Missing a dropper post in some builds

Key Quotes
The Instinct 970 never shat the bed or raised a mechanical fuss.
BIKE Magazine logoBIKE Magazine
It quickly became apparent that the Instinct lives to rip technical terrain. It ate up rocks and roots on rough trails, flew through high-speed singletrack and carved corners with ease.
Canadian Cycling Magazine logoCanadian Cycling Magazine
The bright green Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL didn’t just stand out amongst the other black and silver test bikes because of its colour: the high quality finish and beautiful shapes also contribute to the stylish-looking machine.
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine logoEnduro Mountainbike Magazine

Feedback?

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Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Back Issue | Group Test: Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL Review

Dec 2014 · Christoph Bayer

The bright green Rocky Mountain Instinct 950 MSL didn’t just stand out amongst the other black and silver test bikes because of its colour: the high quality finish and beautiful shapes also contribute to the stylish-looking machine. This review is part of a Group Test. View the main article here. Cube Stereo 120 HPC Race […]

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Mountain Bike Action
Bike Test: Rocky Mountain Instinct 970

Nov 2014 · MBA Action

Instinctively Smooth Straight From Canada

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Canadian Cycling Magazine
Review: Rocky Mountain Instinct 970 MSL

Aug 2014 · Canadian Cycling Magazine

Rocky Mountain Instinct 970 MSL is a big-wheeled bike for big rides

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MTBR
First Look: Rocky Mountain Instinct MSL – 130mm Travel Carbon 29er Revealed

Jul 2013 · Francis Cebedo

Smooth going up and even plusher going down. The Rocky Mountain MSL is a capable ride for rocky, rooty, and fast terrain. - Mtbr.com

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BIKE Magazine
Rocky Mountain Instinct 970 Review

May 2013

There are plusher bikes out there. Lighter bikes as well. Where the Instinct excels, however, is its balance and versatility. I'd happily ride this thing anywhere outside of a bike park. A quick tweak of the geometry and the bike is ready to tackle just about anything. That's not something you can say of most 29ers.

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Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

FORM™ Alloy Custom Hydroformed Frame ABC™ Pivots Tapered Head Tube Press Fit BB Internal Cable Routing Internal \"Stealth\" Dropper Post Routing Internal Shock Remote Routing ISCG05 Tabs RIDE-9™ System Adjustable Geometry & Suspension Rate

Fork

Fox 32 Float 29 130 CTD

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float CTD Custom Race Valved

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

Race Face Press Fit Team XC

Headset

Cane Creek Ten Series: ZS44mm Top / ZS56mm Bottom Tapered

Stem

Race Face 6° x 60-90mm

Handlebar

Race Face Evolve 3/4 Rise Ø31.8mm x 725mm x 9° Sweep

Saddle

Rocky Mountain XC Light

Seatpost

Rocky Mountain XC 30.9mm x 400mm

TypeRigid

Grips

Rocky Mountain Lock On XC

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X9 Type 2 All Mountain 10spd

Front Derailleur

SRAM X7 S3 Direct Mount 2x10spd

Crank

Race Face Evolve 170-175mm 36/24T 10spd

Shifters

SRAM X7 MatchMaker Triggers 2x10spd

Cassette

SRAM PG-1030 11-36T 10spd

Chain

SRAM PC-1031 10spd

Brakes

Avid Elixir 50 XM Hydraulic Disc 180mm

TypeAvid Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Avid Elixir 50 XM

Wheels
Rims

Wheeltech Inferno 25 by SUNringlé

Spokes

DT Swiss Champion

Front Hub

Wheeltech SL Hi Tension Straight Pull / Precision Sealed Japanese Bearings / 24H / 15mm Axle

Rear Hub

Wheeltech SL Hi Tension Straight Pull / Precision Sealed Japanese Bearings / 28H / 12 x 142mm Axle

Tires

Continental Folding F: Mountain King 29\" x 2.2\" / R: X King 29\" x 2.2\"

Rider Notes
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First added September 9

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 1,874 days