From everyday use on the home trails to multi-day adventures on alpine trails - this is how Rocky Mountain defines the new Instincts' range of use. And that's exactly how it should be for an all-mountain bike. In order to perfect the bike for this purpose in the new model year, the Instinct no longer shares the frame platform with the Enduro Altitude, as was previously the case. To repeat: Enduro and All Mountain shared the same main frame as well as the identical rear triangle. In order to reduce the travel of the Instinct from 160 millimetres to 140 millimetres, Rocky Mountain opted for a replaceable front shock mount under the top tube. The conversion measures to turn the Enduro into an All Mountain or vice versa were therefore very straightforward.
In 2024, the Canadians are throwing this feature overboard and relying on an independent frame design. And for the benefit of all Instinct fans. This is because the developers want to have tailored both the kinematics and the geometry uncompromisingly to the requirements profile of an all-mountain bike. But don't worry. The Instinct remains a quick-change artist in the new model year and even has a few more tricks up its sleeve.
Rocky Mountain Instinct MY24 - Fact check
- Field of application: All Mountain
- Frame material: one aluminium model, three models with full carbon frames
- Spring travel: 140 mm hi. / 150 mm vo.
- Available frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Wheel size: XS: 27.5", S: either 27.5" or 29", M-XL: 29"
- Weight: 13.97 kg without pedals in size L (BIKE measured value, Instinct Carbon 70 for 7900 euros)
- Pricefour models between 4600 euros and 12000 euros
- Special features: Variable offset headset (+/- 5 millimetres), variable chainstay length via flipchip, Ride-4-Flip-Chip on the shock mount for fine-tuning geometry and suspension, size-specific shock tuning
Rock Mountain Instinct 2024: Same suspension travel, more downhill-orientated geometry
Despite the new frame platform, the key data of the Rocky Mountain Instincts has not changed. Depending on the frame size, 29- or 27.5-inch wheels, 140 millimetres of travel at the rear and 150 millimetres of travel at the front. However, there is news to report with regard to the geometry. First of all: the Ride 9 flip chip on the lower shock mount, as we know it from the old Instinct, will no longer feature on the successor. Instead, the developers have opted for the reduced Ride 4 flip chip. As the name suggests, it enables four different settings to customise the geometry and suspension to personal preferences. Depending on the Ride 4 setting, the seat angle of 76.7°-77.3° is slightly steeper than its predecessor (76.1°-77.2°). On the one hand, this ensures a lot of pressure on the front wheel when climbing, but also an upright, relaxed riding position. The steering angle, on the other hand, reveals greater differences. This flattens out on the new Instinct - also depending on the Ride 4 setting from 65.1°-66.2° to 63.5°-64.3°. This also lengthens the wheelbase and gives the bike a good deal more composure. At 480 millimetres in size L (with a neutral offset headset), the reach value is in the same order of magnitude as the 2021 Instinct and is at the long end of the size spectrum. However, there is the option to lengthen or shorten the reach by five millimetres with the offset headset. In addition, the chainstay length on the new All Mountain can still be changed by 10 millimetres using the flip chip.
Fresh design with thicker tube cross-sections creates space for a storage compartment in the down tube
In addition to the technical features, the Instinct 2024 also adopts a new, more angular and straightforward design language. The seat tube now runs straight between the top tube and bottom bracket. This improves the seatpost insertion, allowing even small frame sizes to enjoy long telescopic seatposts. The voluminous down tube runs straight into the head tube. However, the thicker tube cross-sections are the most striking feature. The solid look is not only pleasing to the eye, but also creates space for a storage compartment in the down tube. Penalty Box 2.0 - that's what Rocky Mountain calls the "boot" of the Instincts. The newcomer comes with a waterproof bag that fits perfectly into the down tube so that nothing gets lost in the generous storage space and the load doesn't start to rattle while riding. The lid of the storage compartment sits firmly on the opening in the down tube with a hinge system, does not rattle and is easy to use. Also good: a bottle holder can be mounted on the lid and there is a secret compartment on the inside to hide an AirTag.
Rocky Mountain Instinct 2024 - Models and prices
All new Instinct models are available in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL. Thanks to the size-specific wheels, the bike in size XS rolls on 27.5-inch wheels. Bikes in frame size S are available in either a 29er or 27.5er set-up. Sizes M to XL all use 29-inch wheels. This means that bikers of all sizes can enjoy balanced riding behaviour. The three most expensive model variants in the Instinct line-up use carbon as the frame material. Only the entry-level Instinct Alloy 50 model comes with an aluminium chassis. Please note: Here, the developers have dispensed with the storage compartment in the down tube. The Canadians also offer a carbon frameset with a Fox-Float-X shock from the Factory quality class. Price: 4400 euros.
The new Rocky Mountain Instinct - how it rides!
We have already been able to subject the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70 to its first practical tests. Our impressions are based on the neutral offset setting, the short chainstays and the flat Ride 4 setting. But now to the bike: 7200 euros sounds like a lot of money at first. However, if you take a look at the equipment, the price that the cult brand is charging for its new all-mountain bike is put into perspective. The Canadian bike is equipped with a fully-fledged Shimano XT drivetrain. The product managers also used XT brakes for the four-piston brakes. There is also a Fox Performance Elite suspension, which differs from the Factory models only in the absence of the Kashima coating. This leaves nothing to be desired. Even the old Rocky Mountain Instinct couldn't deny that it shared its top-quality carbon frame with the Enduro model Altitude. Thanks to the slacker steering angle and the increased wheelbase, the successor is even more confident on the descents. The bike integrates the rider centrally and safely behind the high front - perfect for fast and steep descents.
The rear suspension in particular does a great job. The response behaviour is first class. The Instinct literally sticks to the ground - even when the suspension is subjected to fast impacts. Nevertheless, the rear knows how to parry hard landings with sufficient counter-pressure. In short, the bike can realise its full potential on demanding terrain. On gentle trails with little gradient, the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70 feels a little underpowered and slower than other all-mountain bikes. Even though it has lost as much as 250 grams compared to its predecessor, its length requires an extra portion of physical effort in tight corners or when playing around on the trail. However, for a more playful riding behaviour, the Instincts' steering angle could be steepened by 0.8 degrees via Ride-4 and the reach shortened by five millimetres. With its 77-degree seat tube angle and generous reach, the Instinct puts you in a very balanced riding position. Not too long and not too short. True to the motto "sit on it and feel good", you can survive long days in the saddle. When pedalling out of the saddle, the rear end does bob a little, but always provides top traction. Add to this sufficient pressure on the front wheel and long chainstays, and the Instinct also climbs technical steep sections skilfully. If you're bothered by the rear suspension on long climbs, you can use the easily accessible platform lever on the shock while riding.
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
The new Rocky Instinct - even more so than its predecessor - is too much of a good thing on the fast domestic circuit or in tame terrain. On technical trails and fast descents, however, it is in top form. The suspension in particular knows how to unleash its full potential here and impresses with its sensational response behaviour. When it comes to handling, nothing is left to be desired either. Also good: The combination of the variable offset headset and the reduced Ride 4 flip chip means that the Instinct can be customised to the rider's preferences better than ever before. In short: The Instinct is particularly suitable for bikers who are looking for technical challenges on tour, who like to perfectly adapt their bike to themselves and their area of use, and who prioritise performance over lightweight construction.
Max Fuchs
Editor
