Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 XT Mountain Bike

Why We Like The Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 XT Mountain Bike

Whether we are looking for that one bike to shine on the majority of the riding we do or just a brawler of a trail bike with a versatile design, the Rocky Mountain Instinct Mountain Bike checks all the boxes. Dual 29-inch wheels riding on 140mm of ultra-efficient Smoothlink suspension help place the Instinct in the Goldilocks zone for trail bikes, giving us a bike perfect for most of the riding we will ever do. Size-specific tunes deliver optimal small bump sensitivity, mid-stroke support, and bottom-out resistance across all sizes, while the two smallest sizes have the option of running 27.5-inch wheels to better compensate the smallest riders. The newest Instinct features various geometry improvements over its older siblings, giving us a more capable platform with a simplified adjustment range. Switching from their Ride-9 adjustment system, Rocky Mountain implemented their simplified Ride-4 adjustment system, reducing the adjustments to four settings with a larger change between each setting. The Instinct´s neutral geometry setting features a longer wheelbase, slacker head tube angle, steeper seat tube angle, a shorter reach, and a shorter standover height over previous models in their neutral setting. These frame improvements lead to enhanced capability, and a better frame fit for all riders. The 2-position adjustable axle allows us to adjust our chainstay length independently of our frame geometry to give us a more stable or playful ride, and the included reach-adjusted headset cups allow us to increase or decrease our reach by 5mm in each direction. With versatile adjustments, all-mountain capability, an efficient suspension system, and modern frame ergonomics and detailing, the Rocky Mountain Instinct is a quiver-killer of a trail bike that our instincts are telling us we shouldn´t ignore.

The C50 XT build of the Rocky Mountain Instinct is a middle-of-the-line build that features quality components with trusted reputations. First up, Rocky Mountain´s Smoothwall carbon frame optimizes its stiffness-to-weight ratio to give us premium ride quality and a lightweight frame. Next, Shimano´s Deore XT drivetrain gives us a wide-range 12-speed gearing, ensuring we have the perfect gear for any technical climb. Deore XT 4-piston brakes stop on a dime and have great modulation, while the WTB ST Light i30 TCS 2.0 rims are fitted with a DT Swiss 370 hub in the rear for quality performance spinning up the technical climbs. Big hits and technical descents are handled by the RockShox Select RC fork up front, sporting 150mm of travel with rebound and compression adjustment to tune to our riding style, while the Fox Float X Performance rear shock features a size-specific tune for optimal performance.

*Due to a high demand in the global supply chain and bike industry since the start of the pandemic, material weight and exact components are subject to change. We are working diligently to keep tech specs updated, and any adjustments will be of equal or better spec level. If you have any questions, reach out to a Gearhead by chatting online or calling 1-888-276-7130.

Heads up - We do our best to keep bike specs and images current, but occasional component changes can happen without warning-and sometimes the photos might not show the exact build you´ll receive. If you want to double-check the details, our Gearheads are always here to help.

Details

• Versatile trail bike with improved geometry
• Smoothwall carbon frame offers a high strength-to-weight ratio
• 140mm of Smoothlink suspension boasts efficiency and tunability
• Ride-4 adjustment system changes our frame geometry to meet our riding style
• Adjustable rear chainstay length allows us to customize our ride feel
• Fox Float X Performance rear shock has a custom size-specific tune
• RockShox Lyrik RC, 150mm fork has all-mountain prowess
• Size small is only offered with a 27.5in wheelset
• Item #RMBB00T

Tech Specs

Frame Material

carbon fiber

Suspension

Smoothlink

Rear Shock

Fox Float X Performance

Rear Travel

140mm

Fork

RockShox Lyrik Select RC

Front Travel

150mm

Headset

FSA Orbit NO.85 Reach Adjust, +/- 5mm cups included

Shifters

Shimano XT, 12-speed

Rear Derailleur

Shimano XT, 12-speed

ISCG Tabs

2-bolt ISCG-05

Crankset

Race Face Aeffect Cinch, alloy, 12-speed

Chainring Sizes

32t

Crank Arm Length

[x-small, small] 165mm, [medium, large, x-large] 170mm

Bottom Bracket

Shimano SM-BBMT500

Cassette

Shimano SLX, 12-speed

Cassette Range

10-51t

Chain

Shimano M6100, 12-speed

Brakeset

Shimano MT6120

Brake Type

4-piston

Rotors

[front] Shimano RT66 203mm, [rear] Shimano RT66 180mm

Handlebar

Rocky Mountain AM

Handlebar Rise

25mm

Handlebar Sweep

[up] 5-degrees, [back] 9-degrees

Handlebar Width

780mm

Grips

ODI Elite Pro Lock On

Stem

Rocky Mountain 35 AM

Stem Length

40mm

Saddle

WTB Volt Race, 142mm

Seatpost

X Fusion Manic, Alloy, 30.9mm

Seatpost Travel

[x-small] 125mm, [small] 150mm, [medium] 170mm, [large, x-large] 200mm

Wheelset

[front, rear] WTB ST Light i30 TCS 2.0 tubeless, 28H

Hubs

[front] Rocky Mountain SL Sealed, Boost, 28h, [rear] DT Swiss 370, Boost, 18t, 28h

Front Axle

15 x 110mm Boost

Rear Axle

12 x 148mm Boost

Tire Clearance

[rear] 2.5in

Tires

[front, rear] Maxxis Dissector, WT, 3C, MaxxTerra, EXO, TR

Tire Size

[front, rear] 29 x 2.4in (size small only offered in 27.5in)

Pedals

not included

Extras

downtube protector, chainstay protector, shuttle guard, Ride-4 adjustable geometry, 2-position rear axle, SRAM UDH compatible, Penalty Box 2.0, enclosed internal cable routing

Activity

trail

Manufacturer Warranty

5 year