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2022 Rocky Mountain

Instinct Carbon Frameset

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail frameset.

Manufacturer Price

$3,729
Weight3.4 kg (frame)  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 140mm rear
ShockFox Float X Factory
Wheels29″
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
Top Comparison
Insights
Sizing
XS

142cm – 158cm

SM

155cm – 168cm

MD

167cm – 178cm

LG

175cm – 188cm

XL

185cm – 198cm

Rider Fit Notes
  • 182cm, size LG, Just right
Reviews

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • Frequent pedal strikes due to low bottom bracket

  • Some component choices could be improved

  • Limitations in high-speed stability

  • Initial setup may require adjustments

Key Quotes
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is far too capable to be lumped into a category as pedestrian as 'trail bike.'
Beta logoBeta
A 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.
Bikerumor logoBikerumor

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NSMB
Rocky Mountain Instinct-to-Altitude Powerplay

Oct 2023

The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay becomes an Altitude after 6 iterations during the 5 month test period

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Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 – In our 2022 trail bike group test

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?

Highs
  • Versatile variable geometry

  • Efficient suspension generates tons of traction

  • Excellent all-round qualities

Lows
  • Spec leaves room for improvement

  • Neither a tool mount nor a storage compartment

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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.

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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
  • Great spec'd out of the box with XT components

  • RaceFace Turbine R dropper

  • Maxxis tires

  • Higher end Ergon grips

  • Frame design spans two models (Altitude and Instinct) reducing cost

  • Ride9 adjustability

  • 10mm wheelbase adjustability

  • Predictable suspension, good climbing and descending

Lows
  • Price tag initially expected to be lower but with upgrades becomes north of $10000

  • Spec low on some components (cockpit, wheels) leading to upgrades

  • Fox 36 spec'd with Fit4 damper instead of Grip2

  • Wheelbase adjustability requires proprietary hanger for short setting

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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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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

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Bikerumor
Long Term Review: The 2021 Rocky Mountain Instinct adapts to tackle any trail network

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.

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Geometry
Specs
Build
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.

ColorGold / Red

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

Travel140mm

Rider Notes
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First added 22 August

Last updated 29 April

Not listed for 1,140 days