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Today’s DealsInstinct 950
A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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| Frame | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Float 32 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | X9, X7 |
| Brakes | Avid Hydraulic Disc |
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.
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
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
The Instinct 970 never shat the bed or raised a mechanical fuss.
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.
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.
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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 […]

Nov 2014 · MBA Action
Instinctively Smooth Straight From Canada

Aug 2014 · Canadian Cycling Magazine
Rocky Mountain Instinct 970 MSL is a big-wheeled bike for big rides
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

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.
| 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 Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float CTD Custom Race Valved Travel: 130mm |
| 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 Type: Rigid |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On XC |
| 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 Type: Avid Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Avid Elixir 50 XM |
| 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\" |
First added September 9
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 1,874 days