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Today’s DealsInstinct 970 MSL
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$5,399| Weight | 27.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 130 / 130mm |
| Fork | Fox Float 32 |
| Shock | Fox |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 2 × 10 |
| Groupset | X0, XT |
| Brakes | Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
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.
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
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
That trope about 29ers being no good in tight and hectic conditions? It’s crap.
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 BC Edition turns the fun dial up to 10.
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.
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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

Jan 2015 · Guy Kesteven
Stiff, light trail 29er with super-slack ‘flat out, foot out’ swagger, but size and tune carefully for full potential

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

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.
| 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 Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float CTD Remote Custom Trail Valved Travel: 130mm |
| 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 Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Rocky Mountain Lock On XC |
| 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 Type: Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano XT I-Spec Shifter Mount |
| 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\" |
First added September 9
Last updated April 14
Not listed for 1,874 days