First Look | Rocky Mountain Instinct 990 MSL BC Edition
There are certain names that ring out in the biking community, freeride legends Wade Simmons, Thomas Vanderham and Brett Tippie have been on the scene for so long now that they have become living legends? But the three of them have more than just their legendary status in common: they are all team riders for Rocky Mountain and part of the brand’s development team, where their ‘go big or go home’ ethos can be seen running through the veins of the new Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition. You can read the in-depth test report in the upcoming ENDURO Mag issue #015 hitting the shelves on Feb 23rd – for those who can’t wait here’s a detailed first look at the Canadian trail rocket.
All Rocky Mountain models with the BC-Edition name tag have one thing in common, they have all been supercharged for increased downhill fun. Bristling with a more potent suspension and adorned with components chosen for this type of use. On paper the Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition sounds pretty promising: 140 mm travel, 760 mm bars and sturdy 29″ wheels with big tyres. The rest of the parts on the €6,500 bike also leave little need for upgrading – trail fun should be guaranteed.
The specification
“There’s nothing to say about the spec, it’s just perfect!” says ENDURO Testrider Vinzenz. And in fact he’s right: everything feels coherent and well chosen. Compared to the ‘normal’ version of the Instinct the Canadians have not only fitted the BC-Edition with higher performance suspension parts (RockShox Pike RCT3 & RockShox Monarch shock), but also a wider Race Face Next / Turbine-cockpit, robust ZTR Flow wheels and grippy Maxxis Minion DHR II-tyres.
The geometry:
By using the Ride9-System the Rocky Mountain Instinct can be adapted both in terms of the rear suspension spring rate and in the overall bike geometry. The reach is noticeably short at 409-426 mm (size L). The comparatively long chainstays (452mm) combined with a steep seat tube angle should lead to excellent climbing characteristics.
Geometry overview:
Can the fire breathing BC-Edition Rocky Mountain Instinct win over the ENDURO test riders? You can find out on February 23rd in issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine – as always digital and free.
You can find more information about the bike here.
Words & Pictures: Christoph Bayer