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2014 Rocky Mountain

Instinct 950

A 29″ aluminum frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$3,099
Weight30.1 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 130 / 130mm
ForkFox Float 32
ShockFox
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetXT, X7
BrakesShimano SLX 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 that excels on technical terrain, offering a confident ride with its relaxed geometry and quality components. While its rear suspension may not be the plushiest, it provides ample traction and efficiency. The bike's adjustable Ride-9 system and robust build make it a strong contender for riders seeking a durable and adaptable 29er.

Pros
  • Relaxed geometry and bomber kit lend confidence to the ride

  • Ride-9 adjustable geometry and suspension system for optimized performance

  • Quality components like Fox 34 fork and Reverb Stealth dropper post

  • Excellent handling on technical terrain and high-speed singletrack

  • Active suspension enhances ride quality

Cons
  • Rear suspension isn't the plushiest

  • Some flex under hard braking and cornering for aggressive riders

  • Premium pricing and may require careful tuning

  • Beefier builds can add noticeable weight

Key Quotes
That trope about 29ers being no good in tight and hectic conditions? It’s crap.
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 BC Edition turns the fun dial up to 10.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
This bike will do most things well, from general trail riding to long adventure rides or backcountry stage races to steep and blown out shuttle descents.
MTBR logoMTBR

Feedback?

View all reviews

MTBR
First Ride Review: Rocky Mountain Instinct 990 MSL BC Edition

Oct 2015 · Kent Robertson

From general trail riding to long adventure rides or backcountry stage races to steep and blown out shuttle descents — this bike is ready. - Mtbr.com

Read Review

BikeRadar
Rocky Mountain Instinct 990 MSL BC Edition - first ride review

Jan 2015 · Guy Kesteven

Stiff, light trail 29er with super-slack ‘flat out, foot out’ swagger, but size and tune carefully for full potential

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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

Read Review

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

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
'14 Bible of Bike Tests Roundtable Reels: Rocky Mountain Instinct 970 MSL BC Edition

Feb 2014

The Rocky Mountain Instinct 970 MSL BC Edition sparked serious emotions in our testers, leading to this robust debate about what wheel size actually means.

Read Review

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 60-80mm

Handlebar

Race Face Evolve 1/2 Rise Ø31.8mm x 750mm x 9° Sweep

Saddle

Rocky Mountain XC Light

Seatpost

Race Face 30.9mm x 375mm

TypeRigid

Grips

Rocky Mountain Lock On XC

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT Shadow Plus Direct Mount 10spd

Front Derailleur

SRAM X7 S3 Direct Mount 2x10spd

Crank

Race Face Evolve 170-175mm 36/22T 2x10spd

Shifters

Shimano SLX Rapid Fire I-Spec 2x10spd

Cassette

Shimano HG62 11-36T 10spd

Chain

Shimano HG54 10spd

Brakes

Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc 180mm

TypeShimano SLX Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano SLX I-Spec Shifter Mount

Wheels
Rims

Wheeltech Inferno 25 by SUNringlé

Spokes

DT Swiss Competition

Front Hub

Shimano SLX / Centerlock / 32H / 15mm Axle

Rear Hub

Shimano SLX / Centerlock / 32H / 12 x 142mm Axle

Tires

Continental Mountain King Folding 29\" x 2.2\"

Rider Notes
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First added September 9

Last updated April 14

Not listed for 1,874 days