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2021 Rocky Mountain

Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70

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

$6,799
Weight53.4 lbs  
FrameAluminum
SuspensionFull, 140 / 160mm
ForkRockShox Pike Select
ShockRockShox Deluxe Select+
Wheels29″ Aluminum
GroupsetXT
MotorDyname 250W 108Nm mid-drive
Battery672Wh
BrakesShimano XT Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70
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)

29 mph

Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'4" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'9" – 6'2"

XL

6'6" +

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.

Reviews
Bikerumor
Rocky Mountain 2022 Instinct Powerplay eMTB is Versatile & Powerful, but Still Has Some Bugs to Work Out

Nov 2022 · Steve Fisher

Rocky Mountain's 2022 Instinct Powerplay is a versatile trail bike with tons of power, but its reliability suffers due to fussy electronics.

Read Review

Beta
The Beta Tests: Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70

Aug 2021 · Travis Engel

This is not a trail bike. When things get real, the Rocky Mountain Instinct can take it. It can be anything. Maybe even a trail bike.

Highs
  • Incredibly versatile

  • Smart, functional customization

  • Clean, understated look

Lows
  • Ride 9 flip chip requires some trial and error

  • Chainstay-length flip chip adjustment not fine enough

  • Not cheap, but cheaper options abound.

Read Review

Whistler Mountain Bike
2021 Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 Ride Review

Jul 2021 · Dale Tiessen

If you’re like me, 2021 left you scrambling for a bike this spring. Having sold off my 2020 Santa Cruz Megatower, feeling it was a bit too much bike for me, I had settled on getting a more trail oriented bike for 2021.

Highs
  • Affordable price compared to other premium brands

  • Frame shared with Altitude for better part availability

  • Adjustable geometry (Ride9, wheelbase adjust)

  • Good climbing performance, high anti-squat

  • Predictable suspension behavior

  • Great component spec (XT drivetrain, brakes, RaceFace dropper, Maxxis tires, Ergon grips)

Lows
  • Fox 36 fork had only Fit4 damper, not Grip2

  • Proprietary derailleur hanger in short wheelbase setting

  • Ride adjustability may indicate not optimized out of box

Read Review

Mountain Flyer
Tested: Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70

Jul 2021

When it came time to ride my hometown trails, I was able to really see how the Instinct stacked up. I’m not one to use clichés, but as I descended the rocky, technical landscape of the Red Hill Special Recreation Management Area near Carbondale, Colorado, all I could think was “Has the trail gotten easier?” The tread, in fact, was more blown out than usual, and ruts were worn deeper around the rocks. The trail hadn’t become easier; the 140 mm travel Instinct just made it feel easier. “This is what they mean by ‘trail-tamer,’” I thought.

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Revolution Mountain Bike Magazine
[R]eviewed // Rocky Mountain Instinct ‘Carbon 70’

Jun 2021 · June 15, 2021

If you’ve been following the mag over the years you’ll know that Rocky Mountain’s are a definite favourite amongst our staff here at [R]evo. The reason that we’ve been such big fans of the brand for such a long time comes down to a simple fact; they’re bikes kick arse! Trail performance, speed, technology, reliability and frame aesthetics – Rocky always manage to tick every box and each year their ‘new’ bikes come out with a few little unique details […]

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Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 in review - Reined in by its spec

Jun 2021 · Felix Stix

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 is one of the hottest bikes of the year. The look and feel of the carbon frame are truly awesome and once you hit the trail, the bike reveals great potential. Unfortunately, this is held back by the spec, which robs the Instinct of its chance of securing the coveted Best in Test title in our big mountain bike group test.

Highs
  • Adjustable geometry and kinematic concept

  • High-quality and well-thought-out frame

  • Conveys safety and fun on every trail downhill

  • Comfortable on long rides

Lows
  • The spec doesn't live up to the potential and rowdy nature of the Instinct

  • Climbing efficiency

  • Heavy paint wear on chainstays and top tube

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Bike Review: Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70 Trail Bike - Mountain Bike Action Magazine

May 2021 · McCoy

A must-have rig for all-day adventures

Read Review

EMTB Forums
2021 Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Powerplay A50

May 2021 · Knut Nes

We’ve previously ridden Rocky Mountain Powerplay bikes, both the Instinct and the Altitude. Before riding the Instinct we were wondering, was it a less burly and more versatile bike, or a more aggressive bike? It turned out it could be both, thanks to the adjustable geometry. Scroll to the end if you prefer a video review. Geometry The bike on test is called B.C, short for British Columbia. The B.C. name means the bike is optimized for descending. There is …

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

FORM™ Alloy. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Press Fit BB. Internal Cable Routing. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. RIDE-9™ Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate. 140mm Travel. FORM™ Alloy Rear Triangle

ColorsGreen / Black; Grey / Black

Fork

RockShox Pike Select RC 150mm | 42mm Offset

Travel160mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

RockShox Deluxe Select+ | Sealed Bearing Eyelet | 210x55mm

Travel140mm

Bottom Bracket

Shimano SM-BBMT500

Headset

FSA Orbit NO.57E

Stem

Rocky Mountain 35 AM | 40mm

Handlebar

Rocky Mountain AM 780mm

Saddle

WTB Volt Race 142

Seatpost

Race Face Aeffect R Dropper 30.9mm | Shimano MT500 Remote | SM = 125mm | MD - LG = 150mm | XL = 175mm

TypeDropper

Grips

Ergon GE1 EVO Lock On

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT

Crank

Race Face Aeffect Cinch 34T

Shifters

Shimano XT

Cassette

Shimano XT 10-51T

Chain

Shimano M8100

Brakes

Shimano XT Trail 4 Piston

TypeShimano XT Hydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

WTB ST i35 TCS 2.0 Tubeless / Tubeless Ready - Tape / Valves Incl

Spokes

DT Swiss Champion 2.0

Front Hub

Rocky Mountain Sealed Boost 15mm Torque Cap

Rear Hub

DT Swiss Hybrid 370 Boost 148mm

Tires

F: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ Tubeless Ready // R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.6 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ Tubeless Ready

Electric Components
Motor

Dyname 3.0 Class 1 eMTB Drive | 250w | 108Nm | Upgraded High Cadence Boost & Power Extension Firmware

Battery

672 Wh Fully Integrated Li-Ion | 48V FAST Charger | 80% Charge in 2:10 | 100% Charge in 3:50

Remote

iWoc TRIO V3 Remote w. ANT+ LEV communication

Display

iWoc LED Indicators

Charger

Dyname FAST Charger | 48V

Rider Notes
Riders Also Viewed

First added August 11

Last updated September 28

Not listed for 1,718 days