The developers at Rocky Mountain inhale the spirit of Vancouver's Northshore trails. It's not for nothing that the headquarters are located just one street away from the starting point of legendary trails (well, this street is five kilometres long). For these people, it's clear that a mountain bike is for riding in the mountains - not for measuring forest tracks. The Instinct 930 has therefore endeavoured to score points in the "riding fun" criterion. Sit on it, feel good, have fun. Admittedly, the comfortable riding position does not invite you to race uphill. The lockout lever on the handlebars helps to conceal the weaknesses of the kinematics, as the Instinct rocks a lot when the suspension is open. Be that as it may, as soon as you set the shock to downhill, the perfectly colour-coordinated carbon chassis reveals its purpose. It feels right at home on the trail, only the Manitou fork bucks a little on fast hits. The Ride 9 system allows you to adapt the geometry and kinematics to your riding style and terrain. The developers leave the price/performance tip to others. The equipment level is low, but functional.
Conclusion: The promise of riding fun: The Instinct is great fun on the trail and downhill. Get on it and step on the gas. The heavy weight is a hindrance uphill.
The alternative: Those who prefer 27.5-inch wheels will find them on the Thunderbolt model. The 730 MSL for 3300 euros is similarly equipped to the Instinct. 120 millimetres of suspension travel give the bike a noticeably more agile character.
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