Rocky Mountain Instinct Review: Better in every way?
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- čas přidán 13. 06. 2024
- Today, we’ve got the all-new Rocky Mountain Instinct, a platform that was due for an update. It’s now on the sharp end of the geometry, suspension, and frame features side of things. It’s still the take anywhere, do anything mountain bike it’s famous for being, just modernized. So, is it better than the previous version? Stick around to find out.
Read the full review here - bebikes.com/the-hub/2024-rock...
0:00 Intro
0:25 What's new?
2:19 Uphill
4:36 Downhill
7:54 Comparisons
9:38 Who is the Instinct for? - Sport
Whenever I see a new bike "review" on Shill Bike, er Pink Bike, I always close the tab and head straight to my YT subscriptions to see if there is a real review by Bikers Edge..... Best bike reviews out there. 👍
Thanks! Love to hear it!
I couldn’t agree more. Keep up the great work homie! 🍻
Right?? Other “bike reviews” are just bike advertisements
Your reviews are so good. In ten minutes or so, you cover everything you need to know. Also love the who is this bike for?
Hey thanks!
Always can count on you for the best bike reviews! This bike sounds like a blast. Ripping through all types of corners is my favorite riding, seriously looking into this bike, wonder if you could build it as a mullet?
Hey thanks! You might be able to put a small wheel back there, but would be no way to adjust for geometry. Your BB will get really low and HTA even slacker.
@@bikersedge yeah… I am on tue shorter side and found mullets very comfortable. I usually don’t mind the slack HTA but the low BB is not ideal.
I commend Rocky for the adjustability. Adjustable angles and chainstay lengths are super nice
Agreed. The adjustable reach is kind of cool too.
Might just be my new dream bike, and a great review! Also, would love to see a comparison vid dedicated to just this category of bikes, like hightower, sentinel, occam etc.
This summer might be the time.
@@bikersedge sweet! Looking forward to it
I have the old model with a Works angle set. And have ridden it with 150-170mm up front. Settled on 160.
It’s perfection. Unless you’re really keen on having in bike storage, it’ll save you a few thousand dollars. 🤷🏻
The kinematics feel wildly different between the two. That alone is worth the money for me.
I've ridden Rockys since 2016, and have owned several. Last year I went from an Element C50 and Altitude A70 (both amazing bikes in their own ways), to the now previous gen C70. I wasn't really riding park anymore, and the Altitude was a little too heavy for my liking. The Element handled and rode amazingly well, but its 64* hta was too slack for me to really feel like I could trust 120mm of rear wheel travel and a 34. Maybe that's just me, but I did LOVE that bike, I actually miss it more than the Altitude.
However, I picked up the Instinct for 30% off and that made the transition to a one in between bike possible for me. I knew about the new Instinct coming before making my decision, and I felt like the old one is better suited for the kind of riding I wanted to do. I've owned two Instincts before this, one from each prior generation.
I wanted to retain the ride-9, steeper head angle, ability to transition to Altitude, and I'm not a fan of frame storage. That plus the sale price made it a no brainer for me.
I prefer bikes around the 65-66* HTA range, I feel like I can just push them harder than slack bikes.
But thank you for making this video explaining where the new bike is different than the old!
I think you made the right choice, I would rather have the older model at a discount.
Great review. Please try to review the new Revel Rascal V2. Keep up the great work on the channel.
Hey thanks! It's hihgly unlikely we will be able to do the Rascal V2
My Rocky altitude climbs awesome! Even with 170/160 love that bike! I’d like to ride one of these instincts for sure.
I really liked that one too. Stoked to see if there’s a new one on its way.
As always a great video and great review. If I didn’t own three great bikes already, I might be inclined. 👍
Hey thanks!
Another awesome review! My MTB vocabulary is ever increasing with every one of your videos. When are you starting your cooking channel ? I am looking for healthy waffle recipes and also a less tractiony waffle iron option.
Hey thanks! I'm always good for saying a few stupid non-words each video.
Great video, I always appreciate your reviews! Would this compete with the Revel Rail 29? Of course the Rocky has all the cool adjustability and frame storage.
This is a much more capable bike than the Rail in my mind. The Rail might beat it on the limbs though.
interesting how Geo can trump:) longer suspension. @@bikersedge
@@kerthaaron travel amount can be an indicator of how a bike rides but kinematics and geo have the biggest impact.
Thank you for this great review ! How does it compare to a Rallon ? Uphill and downhill ?
I think this is closer to the Occam LT in every way.
Hey Connor - love the reviews, thank you for your work. As a Vermont rider, my hand-built home trails are mostly tight, slow, and technical. Do you think the prior generation Instinct makes more sense here given its tighter geo? Or do the new gen's improvements still make it the better bet? Cheers.
I think from a handling perspective the old one might be better for you. From a suspension quality and capability standpoint I think the new one is better. If you like bigger hits and Steele stuff you’ll like the new one. If you’re picking your way through slow tech the old one could be better.
@@bikersedge makes sense, thanks!
Will you guys be doing more demo days this year? I'd love to come check one of these out.
We have a few scheduled for the year. It seems like they might finally be happening again after the last few years of craziness.
Hey! Love your channel. How would your rate this bike against the SC HT3? Im undersided on what to go for and we dont have much to demo here in OZ. Thanks
Hey thanks. I think the Instinct is a little less well rounded than the HT3. It’s slacker and easier to get into the travel I think.
Rocky's are great, any chance the new SIght or Optic review is upcoming? Some of the best reviews around.
Unfortunately not. We don’t carry norco anymore. Won’t be able to make it happen.
I demoed an Altitude Last year and loved it. Just waiting for a new Altitude to drop !!
Hopefully it’s soon.
I’ve got an altitude and it’s super impressive, it would have to be something sooo good for it to make me want to push the button on a new one
@@Whyusadd it’s an awesome bike!! Probs a bit slacker HTA , steeper STA , in frame storage. Hopefully no radical changes to it honestly.
How does new instinct compare to santa cruz hightower v3? Amazing review as usual!
This feels a bit more forgiving and easy going. The suspension feels softer and easier to get into. The HT climbs better and feels a bit stiffer and more serious. Little less fun.
Great video, thanks
Crazy question, do you think I can put a 140mm fork to this bicycle ?
I ask because I want to build an Instinct from the frame and I already have a Fox 34 - 140mm.
Thanks in advance 👍👍
I personally wouldn’t. I think the bike is better suited with a 36 anyway.
@@bikersedge thank you very much!
Thoughts on this bike in the Asheville area vs any others that come to mind? Maybe SB140 for the tighter east coast trails you mention?
Haven’t ridden Asheville. From the looks of it some of the trails in the area seem fairly high speed and open. I don’t think you could go wrong with either this or the 140.
@6-2 I’d be interested in trying a Large with adding 5-10mm to the reach adjustment to see how that feels. The XL seems long 🤷♂️
That versatility is nice.
Man, this makes me want to sell my Instinct and pick up an Instinct.
Either way it's an Instinct.
How would you compare this to the Yeti SB140 lunch ride? I know you loved the sb130 LR. This or the Occam LT are on my radar.
This is probably a bit more descent focused than the 140. Suspension is easier going and the geo is more relaxed. The SB140 climbs better.
Interested to know how this compares to the SB140 LR
Check the other comments. Answered that one already.
Hey! I really would like you to review the Banshee Titan!
Unfortunately won't be able to make it happen. We don't cary Banshee at the shop.
What would you recommend as a one quiver bike this or the 2023 Altitude? For someone who rides the wasatch front/front range daily, will hit bike parks like DV/Keystone ~4 times per year and do a few long rides like the whole enchilada each season. I noticed this new Instinct is slacker and even has a longer wheelbase than the 2023 version of the Altitude!
This one did get lightened up quite a bit vs the previous Altitude. that will help on the big pedal days. I think it is nearly as capable as the previous altitude too, especially with the slack front end. My vote would probably be for this.
After riding the demo at Bikers Edge the C90 version it’s currently at the top of my list for the new bike. I see a C99 version that has all the wireless and pretty much everything I’d put on my bike besides the flight attendant and it comes with 150/160mm of travel. Do you think going 150/160 like the C99 version would hurt the climbing and poppy snappy feeling the 140/150 setup has? Can’t find anyone who has ridden both to give me a better idea but you ride a lot of bikes and I value your opinion.
I’d personally really like to try the Instinct with a 160mm fork. Although I was blown away by how hard I could ride it even with the cheaper 34mm stanchion 150mm fork. I don’t think you’ll lose much on the climbs bumping to 160. 10mm isn’t all that noticeable. You could counteract the slacker HTA with the flip chip. Should keep the climbing similar.
@@bikersedge sounds amazing, I wish the C99 didn’t have flight attendant, I’m not sure if I’m ready to make that technology jump yet but it has every other thing I want on it, transmission, wireless everything. Pretty much my dream build but am I willing to take the jump and go for the flight attendant.
You mentioned how this bike would be on "east coast trails". Can you compare it to the old Instinct in terms of pedal strikes? The old Instinct was plenty low and I am concerned about that on the new.
Pedal strikes aren't something I deal with all that much. Even in the desert (similar-ish style to east coast riding) they're pretty rare for me. I honestly don't really pay that much attention unless a bike is pretty egregious. I don't notice on the instinct.
I need an advice: I ride a 2022 Rocky Mountain Element C70 and I am thinking if I should switch to the new RM Instinct.
I love riding uphill and S2 / S3 trails in the European Alps. What do you all think?
If you really love uphill I don’t think I you’ll be as happy on the Instinct. You’ll definitely see a reduction in climbing ability. The tradeoff though is much more confidence and control on the tougher descents.
@@bikersedge Yeah, that was my gut feeling as well. But, as I am getting older (53) I could use some extra travel / self-confidence... 🤪
I think I will stick to the Element and get a second job to buy the Instinct as well. 😅
Thanks for your advice! Rainy regards from Munich, Germany. 😊
More brands should do adjustable reach and rear center length... Both easy and cheap to implement
Agreed. Really nice touches for sure.
“Reviewer’sSkills: hardly any”
Man I’m calling BS 😂
Great review as always!!
Hey thanks!
Still carry Yeti? Was hoping for a comparison to the SB130/140 since it seems to fill a similar niche!
We sure do. It’s funny the SB140 doesn’t really ride too much like this. The yeti is much racier and sportier. This is more plush and fun. They both accomplish the same thing in different ways.
@@bikersedge I appreciate the response. That's surprising given past Rocky bikes have felt really similar to Yetis to me -- more spritely than plush. Seems like they're going a new direction with their suspension
Instinct is really now an enduro if it was circa 2018 and a mini-duro today.
Maybe on paper, but it doesn't really ride like an enduro bike.
In this category, which do you consider to be the best in climbs?
Occam SL. You could argue that’s in a category more pedally than this though. The HT3 is pretty good too.
I just don't get the the 150mm fork. Might as well get put on a 160mm fork. If the 150mm fork already has the heavier stanchions, it might as have the extra 10mm of travel.
The Dissector tire is my least favorite tire of all time. I'll take a Rekon, Forekaster, or Minion DHR over a Dissector every time. I tried the 2.4 Dissector on the front and it just won't hold a line. I was pinballing all over the trail. And, as a rear tire, it was always sliding out. Even the lightly treaded Rekon performs better.
new instinct vs the latest hightower?
Similar but different. They both fall in the "mountain bike" category for me, but the Instinct is on the mych more playful and fun side of the spectrum. The HT is more well rounded probably.
How does this compared to the sc Hightower?
I think it punches harder than the HT on the descents. Climbing is similar. HT is maybe a bit more versatile.
@@bikersedge when does the new Altitude drop? Was that a hint that this bike and the new version do not share frame styles?
How does it ride against the Rallon R6? Quite similar geo but less travel, on the other hand the Rallon ist quite nimble for enduro
Oh, just saw the reach and stack, that’s too short and low for me in M for sure. And L has too long seat tube. And price in Germany is nonsense like high with 6k dollars/€ for c50… got same build for the half on the Rallon
And thanks for your cool video review. Best reviews for comparison.
Interestingly it rides very unlike a Rallon. The Rallon feels firmer, racier and sportier. The Instinct feels more fun and lively, although with a little less forgiveness for big hits.
Thanks. I never felt the Rallon to be not lively enough, so it seems a good choice for me
Next is the Altitude. If they made the instinct this slack I wonder how slack the altitude will be. I ride some pretty steep stuff and a Headtube angle around 64 - 64.5 feels slack enough. I am not sure of this direction for an all mountain bike.
The combo with the shorter travel is pretty special. I’m a huge fan.
@@bikersedge I am sure, but now we are getting in the realm of what is to slack. If the new Altitude comes out with a 63.5 to 62 degree Headtube, that might be too much. It’s just a thought.
Agreed - too slack is a thing. I would imagine the Altitude doesn't go too much if any slacker than this. I bet it just goes longer travel. Who knows.
@@bikersedge agreed, it will be interesting to see.
Interested in the altitude, hopefully it’s just completely different to to the instinct
Hopefully we see it soon.
it is, VPP-esque
Interesting.
I thought you had the veinest forearms ever, then realized its your jacket
You're not the only person to mention that. 😂
How does this compare to the Smuggler
Way more all mountain than the smuggler.
How does it compare to a Ripmo?
It's been a long time since I've ridden one. This feels more playful, more lively, and more capable. The Ripmo might climb a hair better.
Doing a Norco Sight review?
Unfortunately not. We no longer carry Norco.
The Altitude desperately needs the UDH makeover, gonna be a banger after that
If it sees an update I'm sure it will.
It does in the long setting
that shirt kicks where did you get it haha
It’s an old one. No idea where it came from to be honest.
For the price i go tallboy or hightower
Those don’t ride just like this one though. This is a bit unique. But to each their own.
I really hate when I hear people say that the certain bikes aren’t fast enough lol all bikes are fast enough for what they are meant to do it’s all about is if you as a rider can get the bike as fast as possible so fitness is the key 🔑
Right but if I’m at a given fitness level, I’m going to be faster on some bikes than others, even within the same category. I’m not saying you can’t be fast climbing on an instinct but if I’m putting out 300w on an instinct I’m going slower than if I’m putting out 300w on an Occam SL.
@@bikersedgeI’m happy with “fast” being the adjective. We all know what you mean.
Can't wait for the new Altitude. Tempted by the Instinct too though!
I'm typically an Altitude guy myself, but I'm pretty sure Rocky isn't getting their Instinct back. Easily one of my favorite bikes.
I'm gonna guess you bleeped out "kitchen." What other kind of marbley corners are there?
It was "Michelangelo's David"
bb numbers are really low on that thing. 6 mm lower than my Rocky Mountain altitude in the number three position. 10 mm lower in the slackest.
It would make sense that it’s a bit lower than the altitude. Altitude has more travel to sag into so it would need to be a bit higher off the ground statically. But yeah this thing is low. Corners well because of it.
32lbs for this category is an excellent achievement and with carbon wheels no doubt climbs great, 63.5 HA not what I'd want to climb on tho 🤪
Handles surprisingly well for being so slack. You kind of have to look at the whole combination of geo and suspension rather than singling out one geometry number.
Idkkk wheelbase is a bit long, and its getting pretty slack. Geo is pretty close to an altitude
Rides very different from the altitude though. Suspension kinematics and build make a difference.
New instinct vs new spectral… same travel, who wins?
Not sure haven’t ridden a spectral.
@@bikersedge that would be interesting. anyway you're the best mtb reviewer out there... for me, better than some most popular channels. with you I can really understand what's like riding a certain bike rather than one other.
@@effevu2759 thanks for the kind feedback! Stoked you like the videos.
Wtf price?
?
Those aren’t trail bike geo numbers. Don’t care what you say. That’s definitely enduro bike geometry. That bike is basically a enduro bike with shorter travel. Trail bikes HTA should be 64.5-66 to be a True trail bike.
I said it’s in the “mountain bike” category. Plus rules are meant to be broken. I’d hate if every bike followed the same rules. Would get so stale and boring.
🙄
HTA and STA are getting too extreme, seems like it's just a marketing ploy.
Nah. The 63.5 range rides really nice on an aggressive descender.
@@bikersedge good to know the numbers all work out together then.
There’s some truth to this.. some of the bike brands are actually making their HTA more conservative from the same model in previous years. If you aren’t going FAST a very slack HTA will feel less stable. This is partly why folks complain about ultra slack HTAs on climbs .. it’s not just the heavy bike and suspension, but there’s a lot of wheel flop at those speeds (and people are slow while climbing). You often won’t notice until your down a tight turn at slow speed. The spectral 125 is guilty of this because they advertise it as a down country bike, but it still has the aggressive 64degree HTA as its big brother.. it would probably feel more comfortable to most people as a 66… unless you shred everything at high speed
@@zacharypump5910 Totally agree. The "slacker" trend is certainly slowing down as brands are settling in in the right numbers. that said I think it depends on the intended application of the bike. On a bike like this, slacker is a welcomed update. the old one was rather steep for the travel and intended use. I also live in the western US where slack and long is pretty beneficial. We have wide-open and fast trails. your mileage might vary.
@@zacharypump5910 I would like to hear of some examples of companies making HTA angles steeper, cant think of any off hand right now. They all seem to be going slacker with every update.
The AirTag on the plastic door is literally the stupidest thing I have ever seen!
I mean I’ve seen a $1,000 carbon strider bike for toddlers so….
@@bikersedge the AirTag placement on this bike definitely beats the kids bike!
SO EXPENSIVE