The Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 is a premium mountain bike that has gained popularity among serious cyclists due to its blend of lightweight design, advanced technology, and robust build. This bike is made for riders who want to take on tough trails, with features that provide both speed and control. Whether you’re riding downhill, across rugged terrain, or climbing hills, this bike offers excellent performance. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the key features, the bike’s performance on various trails, and why the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 is considered one of the best mountain bikes available.
Design and Build Quality
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 stands out for its full carbon frame, making it light yet incredibly strong. This design helps the bike to be quick and responsive without compromising durability. The geometry of the bike is designed for stability, especially when riding at high speeds or on difficult descents. It has a slacker head angle and longer reach, providing better control when riding downhill. On the other hand, the steeper seat angle allows for efficient pedaling on climbs. This balance makes the Instinct Carbon 90 versatile, offering an impressive performance whether you’re heading up or down the mountain.
The bike is also built to last. It has a carbon front and rear triangle, making it durable enough to handle aggressive riding. Its internal cable routing gives it a cleaner look while protecting the cables from dirt. Additionally, modern features like thru-axles and Boost hub spacing improve wheel stiffness and overall stability, enhancing the bike’s overall performance on challenging terrain.
Suspension and Handling
One of the standout features of the Instinct Carbon 90 is its suspension system. The bike comes with a 150mm front fork and a 140mm rear suspension, providing plenty of travel to handle tough trails and jumps. This system is designed to absorb shocks, making rides smoother even when you’re flying over rough surfaces. The Fox Performance Elite suspension components are known for being reliable, and the rear Fox DPX2 shock gives you the ability to adjust and fine-tune the suspension to suit various trail conditions.
Thanks to the suspension, the bike remains stable and easy to control, even on the most demanding trails. The bike’s ability to absorb impacts from rocks, roots, and uneven ground helps riders maintain comfort and confidence. The combination of front and rear suspension ensures a smooth ride, whether you’re descending at high speed or tackling tough uphill sections.
Components and Drivetrain
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 comes with a Shimano XTR 12-speed drivetrain. This high-quality system offers smooth and quick gear shifts, which is essential for tackling steep climbs or sudden changes in terrain. The drivetrain is one of the best in its class, providing a seamless riding experience by allowing you to quickly switch gears without losing momentum.
The bike also features Shimano XTR hydraulic disc brakes, which are known for their strong and consistent stopping power. Whether the weather is wet or dry, these brakes provide excellent control and reliability. The braking system ensures that you can safely navigate long descents and tricky turns, giving you the confidence to ride hard without worrying about losing control.
Performance on the Trail
When riding on the trail, the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 truly shows its worth. Whether you’re speeding down a steep hill or cruising along a tight singletrack, the bike offers a stable and comfortable ride. The carbon frame helps reduce vibrations, which makes longer rides much less tiring. When you’re going downhill, the bike’s wide tires, responsive suspension, and aggressive geometry give you full control, even on rough trails.
The Instinct Carbon 90 also performs well when climbing. Its low weight and steep seat angle make it an efficient climber. Even on steep, technical climbs, the bike feels nimble and responsive. It allows you to keep your momentum and power through difficult sections without slowing down.
Conclusion
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 is a top-tier mountain bike that offers exceptional performance on both rough descents and challenging climbs. With its lightweight carbon frame, advanced suspension system, and reliable drivetrain, the bike is built to handle a wide variety of terrains. Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or just starting out, the Instinct Carbon 90 provides the performance and confidence needed to take on any trail. Although it comes with a higher price tag, its top-quality design and technology make it a great investment for riders who are serious about their mountain biking adventures.
For riders who want a bike that can handle all types of terrain with ease and provide maximum control on both rough descents and steep climbs, the Instinct Carbon 90 is a fantastic choice. With its durable build, top-quality components, and smooth ride, it is a top contender for those looking for the best mountain biking experience.
Bike Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 different from other mountain bikes?
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 stands out due to its lightweight carbon frame, advanced suspension system, and Shimano XTR drivetrain. It is designed for both uphill climbs and downhill descents, providing stability, control, and durability on various terrains.
2. Is the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 suitable for beginners?
While the Instinct Carbon 90 is designed for serious cyclists and experienced riders, beginners who are looking for a high-performance bike and are ready to take on more challenging trails might find it suitable.
3. How does the suspension system on the Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 90 work?
The bike features a 150mm front fork and a 140mm rear suspension, which help absorb shock and provide smooth handling on rough terrains.