To assess whether the considerable surcharge is worth it, we took a close look at the 150-millimetre bike from the Canadians. We were initially disillusioned by the spec: The Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes, Fox Performance Elite suspension and aluminium wheels are not bad in principle, but can already be found on some of the other bikes on the market. favourable bikes in the test field. In this respect, the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 does not stand out.
The Rocky Mountain Instinct scores with its carbon frame and handling
However, the Instinct comes up trumps in terms of frame material, build quality and practical details. With the exception of the Conway, none of the other bikes have a full carbon frame. The frame, which the Instinct shares with the Enduro Altitude, is relatively light at 2625 grams. Thanks to the Ride 9 adjustment on the rear shock mount and the adjustable chainstays, the frame can also be perfectly customised to the rider's preferences. Even with the short chainstays, the Rocky Mountain Instict is on the smooth side and impresses with its low, central centre of gravity and consistently good handling.
With a total weight of 14.59 kilos, the Rocky weighs the least in this comparison, but in terms of price, the gap to the normal test field could be greater. Because the rear suspension bobs a lot, the shock platform is a must when pedalling. Downhill, the perfectly tuned suspension impresses with a high level of damping control and maximum sensitivity, making the Instinct literally stick to the ground.
Conclusion on the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70:
Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager: "The expensive reference bike clearly scores the most points in the comparison and impresses with the best downhill performance, impressive quality and many adjustment options. However, given the price difference, we would have hoped for more in terms of equipment and overall weight.
Technical data for the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70
General
- Price: 7200 Euro
- Frame material: Carbon
- Frame size: S / M /L / XL (Tested size L / 44 cm)
- More info->
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 14.24 kg
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/155 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 36 Float Performance Elite Fit4
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Crank: Shimano XT
- Gear system: Shimano XT / Shimano XT 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano XT BR-M 8120 / 180 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Race Face / 175 mm / 30.9 mm
- Wheels: Race Face AR 30 rims; Rocky Mountain hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR II 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ Protection TR 29 x 2.50 / 2.40
- Ease of maintenance: medium
