After Element, Altitude and Slayer, the Canadians are also revising their two trail bikes for 2018 Instinct and Pipeline. The frame, which both models share, has been completely revised and now offers more than just 140 millimetres of travel. According to Rocky Mountain, the geometry has also been tweaked. In addition, the bikes should be stiffer and more efficient to pedal and respond better thanks to modified damper kinematics.
The Instinct rolls into the shops as a 29er with 140 millimetres of travel, front and rear. Those looking for a little more grip and better damping properties can opt for the Pipeline, which comes with 27.5 x 2.8 inch Plus tyres as standard. Whichever bike you choose, both models can accommodate both tyre sizes, are available in carbon or aluminium and are equipped with Rocky Mountain's Ride-9 geometry adjustment.
Instinct and Pipeline - that's new
Visually, the two bikes look very similar to their predecessors, but the Rocky engineers have actually tweaked everything. The most obvious change: the rear suspension travel of the frame has been increased from 130 to 140 millimetres. In addition, the shock is designed to be more progressive, but at the same time more sensitive. Higher "anti-squat" values are intended to tame the rear end when pedalling.
Also new: the shock settings depend on the frame size. Countless test rides are said to have provided the values for the optimum fine-tuning of the shock. With "Size Specific Tune", every rider, regardless of size, should be able to enjoy ideally customised suspension. The Ride-9 system, which allows the geometry and suspension to be adapted to the rider's riding style, terrain and weight, moves from the front to the rear shock mount.
In tune with the times
Rocky Mountain is fully committed to current standards for both technical details: bolted axles, Boost hubs and metric shock installation lengths. The clever "Spirit-Guide" mini chain guide is also fitted as standard. This useful component is simply screwed onto the chain stay. If you still want to fit a classic chain guide, there are also two ISCG-05 holes on the frame. If you don't fancy a hydration pack and the like, there is space for your water bottle in the frame triangle and those who like to change gears electronically can also be happy: the frame of the Instinct and Pipeline is prepared for Shimano's Di2 and Fox Live Valve Suspension System.
The geometry: longer and flatter
Rocky Mountain is following the trend towards longer reach and slacker head angles and the chainstays have also been shortened slightly. In figures, it all looks like this: the reach in size L is between 455 and 465 millimetres, depending on which Ride 9 setting you ride the bike in. However, because the seat stays are also slightly steeper, the length should not be too significant, at least when seated. At 66 to 67 degrees, the head angle is slightly slacker than its predecessor - but the values are nowhere near as extreme as those of some other manufacturers.
Instinct and Pipeline - same frame?
As with many current models, Rocky Mountain is also taking the route to the two-in-one bike. The revised frame can be ridden with either 29 or 2.7 inch tyres. This is made possible by a lower headset cap with different heights. When you buy an Instinct, Rocky Mountain includes a higher headset cap. This allows you to swap the 29er wheels for the slightly smaller Plus wheels. Understandably, the higher cap is already fitted to the Pipeline, but it can of course be swapped for a flatter model at any time to switch to 29-inch wheels.
Rocky Mountain Instinct and Pipeline in figures
The new frame should weigh 2310 grams in size M. On top of this, there are 260 grams for the frame protector, chain guide and axle. The total weight of the Pipeline Carbon 70 should therefore be 13.2 kilos. Prices range from 2599 USD for the Pipeline Alloy 30 to 5899 USD for the Instinct Carbon 90 BC Edition.
The geometry data
Rocky Mountain Instinct and Pipeline in detail
BC Edition with more suspension travel
Oh yes, of course there is also a BC Edition for all those who like a little more suspension travel. This is basically the abbreviation for more travel, slacker angles and more robust components. The Instinct Carbon 90 BC Edition has 155 millimetres of travel at the rear and a 160 mm Fox 36 at the front. This should make the Rocky Mountain a potent enduro rocket.
Stefan Frey
Editor
