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Today’s Deals2025 Rocky Mountain
Instinct Carbon Frameset
A 29″ carbon frame trail frameset.
5'1" – 5'5"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'0" – 6'5"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is a versatile enduro bike praised for its adjustable geometry and confident handling on varied terrain. It excels in technical descents and offers refined suspension performance, though some reviews note issues with shock tuning and weight. Overall, it's designed as a capable all-rounder with strengths in wet conditions and customization.
Wide range of geometry adjustments
Fun and intuitive on-trail demeanor
Refined frame geometry and suspension kinematics
Versatile and confident in most terrain
Excellent spec and balanced ride
Under-powered brakes and fork
Heavy weight
Shock tune not to liking
Difficulty accessing latter stages of travel
Requires additional tuning to meet preferences
Rocky Mountain Bikes’ Instinct has always been an ideal choice for a do-it-all trail bike
Bikerumoryou don't ride spec sheets or CAD drawings. Bike riding happens in the real world, and that's where the Instinct loses its edge.Pinkbike
This is a borderline enduro bike, but one I’d be happy to own for just about everything.
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Sep 2024
The Rocky Mountain Instinct A10 offers great adjustability and ride quality but falls short in component quality for its price.
Wide range of geometry adjustments
Fun and intuitive on-trail demeanor
Under-powered brakes and fork
Heavy (size large weighed 36.2 lbs)
Sep 2025 · Travis Reill
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL sees a 27% power increase - from 65 to 75Nm of torque and 550 to 700W of peak power
Jul 2025 · Ron Koch
We test the 2025 Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 Shimano—an adjustable 150/140mm trail bike built for versatility, stability, and confident descending.
Mar 2025
The Instinct SL is Rocky Mountain's Powerplay on a diet, with less weight, battery and power. Was it enough for Uncle Dave though?
Nov 2024 · Henry Quinney
Three shocks and a whole bunch of laps to try to improve the Instinct.
Excellent geometry
Great features
Impressive weight
Heightened support with compression tune CS50
Shock tune not to liking for most testers
Requires re-valve for ideal performance
Difficult to access latter travel with stiffer spring
Oct 2024
The new Instinct Powerplay SL packs a punch in a lightweight package. Powered by the all-new Dyname S4 Lite drive system.
Mar 2024 · Tim Wild
Rocky Mountain Instinct at a glance: longer chainstays, steeper seat angle, longer dropper posts plus adjustable reach and chainstay length.
Mar 2024 · Matt Miller
The latest Rocky Mountain Instinct trail bike is a versatile, do-everything bike and technical trail smashers will love it most.
Versatile and confident bike in most terrain
Stiff carbon frame holds its line
Exceptional suspension performance
Hubs could be better
Not the most inspiring climber
| Frame | SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon | Penalty Box 2.0 Storage | Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings | Press Fit BB | Internal Cable Routing | 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs | RIDE-4™ Adjustable Geometry | 2 Position Axle | SM - XL = 145mm | XS = 140mm | SMOOTHWALL™ Carbon Rear Triangle Colors: Blue / Blue; Green / White/grey; Grey / Beige |
|---|---|
| Shock | Rear Shock Not Included | Rear - Sealed Bearing Eyelet Hardware included | Forward Shock Hardware not included - Refer to Technical Manual for more information |
| Headset | FSA Orbit NO.85 Reach Adjust | 0mm Cups Installed | +/- 5mm Cups Included | Sealed Stainless 36°x45° Bearings | 30.2mm x 41mm x 6.5mm Upper | 40mm x 51.8mm x 8.0mm Lower | 1.5" Crown Race |
First added March 22
Last updated June 1