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2014 Rocky Mountain

Instinct 970 MSL

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

$5,399
Weight27.3 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 130 / 130mm
ForkFox Float 32
ShockFox
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 10
GroupsetX0, XT
BrakesShimano XT Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Instinct 970 MSL
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 970 MSL

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?

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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

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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

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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

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

SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon 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 FIT CTD

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Fox Float CTD Remote Custom Trail Valved

Travel130mm

Bottom Bracket

Race Face Press Fit Team XC

Headset

Cane Creek Forty Series: IS42mm Top / IS52mm Bottom Tapered

Stem

Race Face Turbine 6° x 60-80mm

Handlebar

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

Saddle

WTB Silverado Race SL

Seatpost

RockShox Reverb Stealth 30.9mm x 355-420mm

TypeDropper

Grips

Rocky Mountain Lock On XC

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT Shadow Plus Direct Mount 10spd

Front Derailleur

SRAM X0 S3 Direct Mount 2x10spd

Crank

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

Shifters

Shimano XT Rapid Fire I-Spec 2x10spd

Cassette

Shimano HG81 11-36T 10spd

Chain

Shimano HG75 10spd

Brakes

Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc 180mm

TypeShimano XT Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano XT I-Spec Shifter Mount

Wheels
Rims

Stan\'s ZTR Arch EX Tubeless Ready

Spokes

DT Swiss Competition

Front Hub

Shimano XT / Centerlock / 32H / 15mm Axle

Rear Hub

Shimano XT / 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