Value-for-money comparison: The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 put to the test
Jan Timmermann
· 09.10.2023
With a price tag of 7,900 euros, it would seem that the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 is at a disadvantage in our value-for-money comparison. However, a high price is only an issue if the riding performance does not match the asking price. When you look at the superbly crafted carbon frame and the full-spec Shimano XT groupset, the question quickly arises as to whether the purchase price might be justified after all. This much we can reveal from the following test report: the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 scores highly in the all-mountain category.
The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 put to the test: here’s what this premium all-mountain bike is like to ride
The iconic bike manufacturer Rocky Mountain is just as far from being known for affordable bikes as Rolex is from being known for cheap watches. The fact that the Instinct C70 still sells so well is also down to its decent standard specification. This Canadian-made bike is fitted with a full Shimano XT drivetrain. The XT logo also features prominently on the four-piston brakes. It also features a Fox Performance Elite suspension, which differs from the Factory models only in the absence of the Kashima coating. No corners have really been cut on any part; everything is upper mid-range.
On the descents, the Rocky Mountain Instinct can’t hide the fact that it shares its superbly crafted carbon frame with the Altitude enduro model. The Rocky positions the rider centrally within the frame and treats them to confident, smooth handling – brilliant when the going gets steep and fast. In the flat position of the Ride Four geometry adjustment, the head angle measures a downhill-hungry 65.5 degrees. For a more playful ride, the Instinct can be set up to one degree steeper.
On trails with a gentle gradient, however, the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 feels more cumbersome than other all-mountain bikes, even in the middle position. The Rocky Mountain demands a great deal of commitment when navigating tight bends. It’s certainly no comfortable ride. On the other hand, thanks to its solid suspension, the bike copes well even with hard impacts.
With a seat angle of 77.1 degrees and a short 40-millimetre stub stem, the Instinct positions its rider in a an upright, comfortable and relaxed sitting position. Under load, the rear end compresses only slightly and provides plenty of traction at all times. However, acceleration is a little sluggish due to the soft Maxxis tyres.
Technical specifications and ratings for the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70
Manufacturer's specifications
- Category: All-mountain
- Price¹: 7,900 euros
- Available from: specialist retailers
- Frame material: carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inches
Measurements
- Suspension travel: 146 mm (front) / 154 mm (rear)
- Weight excluding pedals: 14.18 kg
- Frame weight: 2599 g
- Weight of wheels: 5277 g
- Acceleration of the wheels: 4264 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Frame stiffness (absolute): 45 N/mm
Facilities
- Wheels: DT Swiss 370 / Race Face AR 30
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR II Exo+ TR 3C MaxxTerra 29 x 2.5 / 29 x 2.4
- Front fork: Fox 36 Float Performance Elite Fit4
- Shock absorber: Fox Float X Performance Elite
- Brakes: Shimano XT 4-piston/180/180 mm
- Gear system: Shimano XT 1 x 12
- Translation / Range: 32; 10–51 / 510 %
- Telescopic seatpost / travel: Race Face Turbine R / 175 mm
Rating
- Handling uphill: 21.25 out of 25
- Chassis efficiency: 16 out of 20
- Rolling resistance: 7.5 out of 10
- Weight: 4.5 out of 15
- Inertia of the wheels: 4 out of 10
- Bottle holders: 5 out of 10
- Handling handed over: 31.5 out of 35
- Rear suspension: 22.5 out of 25
- Front suspension: 18 out of 10
- Saddle adjustability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 13.5 out of 15
- Tyre grip: 13.5 out of 15
- Handling: 5 out of 10
TOTAL UPHILL: 58.25 out of 90
TOTAL DOWNHILL: 114 out of 130
- Miscellaneous: 22.5 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: moderate
BIKE test rating²: Very good – 194.8 out of 250 points
Conclusion on the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 test
The Rocky excels on challenging trails and is a comfortable ride for touring. If that appeals to you, the well-equipped Instinct C70 could be the one bike to rule them all – but you’ll have to dig deep into your pockets for it. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
¹Price may be subject to additional charges for packaging, postage and coordination.
²The BIKE rating reflects the laboratory measurements and the test riders’ subjective impressions. The BIKE rating is independent of price. BIKE ratings: excellent (250–205 points), very good (204.75–180 points), good (179.75–155 points), satisfactory (154.75–130 points), with weaknesses (129.75–105 points), inadequate (104.75–0 points). The weighting of points across the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.
Jan Timmermann
Editor