Review -

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.

Das Rocky Mountain Instinct 990 MSL BC Edition wiegt 12,7 kg und kostet 6.500€
The Rocky Mountain Instinct 990 MSL BC Edition weighs 12.7 kg and costs € 6.500

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.

Das Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition musste seine Stärken während des Testzeitraums auf verschiedensten Trails und bei verschiendsten Fahrern unter Beweis stellen.
The Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition had to prove its strengths during the test, ridden by many different test riders on widely varying trails.

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.

Der 1x11 SRAM X01-Antrieb hat sich bei etlichen vorherigen Testbikes bereits bewährt
Rocky Mountain chooses the proven SRAM X01-drivetrain parts.
Race Face und Rocky Mountain, die beiden Kultmarken gehören einfach zusammen.
Race Face and Rocky Mountain, the cult brands fit well together. On the Instinct a 760 mm wide Next-bar ensures full control.
Mit Hilfe des Ride9-System kann der Fahrer sowohl die Geometrie, wie auch die Kennlinie des Instinct an seine Bedürfnisse anpassen
Using the Ride9-System the rider can tune both the geometry and the suspension spring rate to personal wishes.
Robuste ZTR Flow-Laufräder sollen auch härtere Traileinsätze problemlos wegstecken
Robust ZTR Flow-wheels should be strong enough for the hardest trail missions.
Keine Kompromisse: Auch nicht bei den Reifen. Die grobstolligen Maxxis Minion DHR II Reifen versprechen viel Grip auf dem Trail.
No compromises – even on the tyres. The big profile of the Maxxis Minion DHR II tyres promise to deliver plenty of grip on the trails.

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:

Screenshot 2015-01-26 14.32.22
Neben Christoph und Vinzenz hat auch ENDURO Testfahrer Pirmin dem Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition auf den Zahn gefühlt.
Along with Christoph and Vinzenz, ENDURO test rider Pirmin has also given the Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition a thorough grilling.

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

Back to ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Tags