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Today’s Deals2022 Rocky Mountain
Instinct Carbon 90
A 27.5″ / 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$9,799| Weight | 30.0 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 140 / 150mm |
| Fork | Fox Factory Float 36 |
| Shock | Fox Float X Factory |
| Wheels | 27.5″ / 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | XTR |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
4'8" – 5'3"
5'1" – 5'6"
5'5" – 5'10"
5'8" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'6"
Summary
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is a highly versatile and adjustable trail bike, praised for its balanced performance across climbing and descending. Its Ride-9 system and adjustable geometry allow riders to fine-tune the bike to their preferences, making it suitable for a wide range of trails and riding styles. While it excels in versatility and adjustability, some reviews note limitations in high-speed stability and component choices.
Highly adjustable with Ride-9 system and geometry options
Versatile performance suitable for a wide range of trails
Balanced and stable handling
Good climbing efficiency
Comfortable for long rides
Frequent pedal strikes due to low bottom bracket
Some component choices could be improved
Limitations in high-speed stability
Initial setup may require adjustments
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is far too capable to be lumped into a category as pedestrian as 'trail bike.'
BetaA dialed and capable bike that puts the 'all' in all-mountain.Bicycling
Rocky Mountain’s 2021 Instinct offers solid modern geo and enough adjustability that anyone should be able to tune this bike to their terrain or riding style.
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Oct 2023
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay becomes an Altitude after 6 iterations during the 5 month test period
Jul 2022 · Simon Kohler
The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 stands up against the competition with a flashy paint finish and super variable geometry. How did it fare in our 2022 trail bike group test?
Versatile variable geometry
Efficient suspension generates tons of traction
Excellent all-round qualities
Spec leaves room for improvement
Neither a tool mount nor a storage compartment
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.
Incredibly versatile
Smart, functional customization
Clean, understated look
Ride 9 flip chip requires some trial and error
Chainstay-length flip chip adjustment not fine enough
Not cheap, but cheaper options abound.
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.
Premium component spec for the price (XT drivetrain, Fox 36, DPX2 shock)
Versatile geometry with Ride9 adjustability and wheelbase options
Excellent 4-bar suspension performance
Support for local BC brands (Rocky, RaceFace, OneUp, We Are One, North Shore Billet)
Customizable with upgrades like carbon wheels and Grip2 damper
Fox 36 specced with Fit4 damper instead of Grip2
Proprietary derailleur hanger for short wheelbase setting
Wheelset is entry-level (RaceFace AR30 with DT 370 rear hub)
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.
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 […]
May 2021 · McCoy
A must-have rig for all-day adventures
May 2021 · Steve Fisher
Rocky Mountain Bikes' 2021 Instinct offers an excellent framework for a do-it-all trail bike - and lets you dial it in to perfection.
| Frame | SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Press Fit BB. Internal Cable Routing. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. RIDE-9™ Adjustable Geometry. 2 Position Axle. 140mm Travel. SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon Rear Triangle BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Color: Gold / Red |
|---|---|
| Fork | Fox 36 Float EVOL FIT4 Factory Series 150mm | 27.5 = 37mm Offset | 29 = 44mm Offset Travel: 150mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Fox Float X Factory | Sealed Bearing Eyelet | 25x8mm F Hardware | XS - SM = 190x45mm | MD - LG - XL = 210x52.5mm | MD - LG - XL = 210x52.5mm | Size-Specific tune in FAQ Travel: 140mm |
| Bottom Bracket | Race Face BB92 30mm |
| Headset | FSA Orbit NO.57E | Sealed Stainless 36°x45° Bearings | 30.2mm x 41mm x 7.1mm Upper | 40mm x 51.8mm x 7.5mm Lower | 1.5" Crown Race |
| Stem | Rocky Mountain 35 CNC | 0° Rise | All Sizes = 40m |
| Handlebar | Race Face Next R | 780mm Width | 20mm Rise | 8° Backsweep | 4° Upsweep | 35mm Clamp |
| Saddle | WTB Volt Race 142 |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer Factory Series 30.9mm | XS - SM = 125mm | MD = 150mm | LG = 175mm | XL = 200mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | ODI Elite Pro Lock On |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR |
|---|---|
| Crank | Race Face Next R Cinch | 32T | 30mm Spindle | Crank Length = 170mm |
| Shifters | Shimano XTR |
| Cassette | Shimano XTR 12s 10-51T |
| Chain | Shimano XTR 12s |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR Trail 4 Piston | IceTec Metal Pads | F: Shimano RT86 180mm | R: Shimano RT86 180mm Type: Shimano XTR Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Race Face ARC Carbon 31 | 32H | Tubeless Ready - Tape | Valves Incl |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Competition 2.0/1.8/2.0 |
| Front Hub | Rocky Mountain Sealed Boost 15mm |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 350 Boost 148mm | 36T Star-Ratchet |
| Tires | F: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 WT 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ Tubeless Ready | R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra EXO+ Tubeless Ready | |
First added August 22
Last updated April 29
Not listed for 1,154 days