Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 – In our big 2025 trail bike comparison test

While Rocky Mountain, the legendary MTB-brand from Vancouver, might still be an exotic name for many riders, it has repeatedly proven that it’s capable of building next-level trail machines. But where does the new Instinct stack up against the competition? We put it through the wringer to find out if it lives up to the strong performance of its predecessors.

The new Rocky Mountain Instinct stays true to the proven design of its predecessor, focusing on evolution rather than revolution. In purely visual terms, it combines the familiar look of the previous model with a few modern, thoughtful detail updates. Although the € 7,900 C70 spec variant we tested isn’t the flagship model in the range, it comes with solid, high-quality components. The Instinct combines 150/140 mm of travel and even though it is slimmed down from its predecessor a little, it still offers countless geometry and progression adjustments, ensuring a high level of versatility. Weighing in at 14.5 kg in size L, it sits right in the middle of our test field — but is that enough to impress?

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 in detail

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 stays true to its sleek and elegant design. The shock is still positioned horizontally under the top tube, and integrated into the proven four-bar rear suspension. A key update is the fixed upper shock mount, which was interchangeable on the previous model to adjust travel. Additionally, Rocky Mountain replaced the preexisting RIDE9 system with the simplified RIDE4 variant, which offers “just” four options for adjusting the geometry and rear-end progression.

A real highlight is the new storage compartment, which Rocky Mountain call the Penalty Box 2.0. It features a large opening with a premium closure system and a protective liner that prevents you from either ruining your clothes or injuring yourself with the cutout’s sharp edges. The storage compartment comes standard with two practical pouches for your tools and accessories – once again, this proves that when Rocky Mountain do something, they do it right!

Rocky Mountain also put lots of effort in smaller details, like the generously-sized chainstay protector and the cable routing, which both ensure a quiet ride on the trail, even in rougher sections – very impressive! The cables are securely clamped at the ports and the chainstay protector is complemented by a massive TPU plate on the downtube, which shields the frame against stray rocks and nasty impacts.

The spec of the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 features a well-thought-out spec that focuses uncompromisingly on trail performance and forgoes any unnecessary bling. FOX supply the 150 mm 36 Performance Elite fork with the brand-new GRIP X damper, which offers countless adjustment options and delivers a tremendous performance on the trail, achieving a significant improvement over the older FIT4 damper. The shock is paired with a FOX FLOAT X Performance Elite air shock, which delivers the same excellent performance as its top-tier Factory counterpart — minus the fancy Kashima coating.

With its 200 mm of travel, the Race Face Turbine dropper post ensures excellent freedom of movement on descents. SRAM CODE Bronze brakes with a 200 mm rotor at the front and 180 mm disc at the rear provide powerful, reliable deceleration. A 200 mm rear rotor would be even better for long descents to prevent overheating.

Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which delivers reliable, butter-smooth shifting even under load thanks to the direct-mount rear-derailleur.
For the cockpit, Rocky Mountain rely on their in-house components, combining an alloy stem and 780 mm carbon handlebars.

The wheelset consists of robust DT Swiss 350 hubs and Race Face’s in-house AR 30 alloy rims. The wheelsare paired with MAXXIS tires, with a Minion DHF at the front and Minion DHR II at the rear, both in the medium-gauge EXO+ casing and harder MaxxTerra rubber compound. For added grip and control, we recommend upgrading to the softer MaxxGrip compound at the front.

Tuning Tip:
– Front tire with softer MaxxGrip rubber compound

The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 is available in four sizes, XS to XL, offering a suitable choice for riders between 147 cm and 198 cm tall. The smallest XS frame rolls on 27.5” wheels, while sizes M through XL come equipped with 29” wheels. With frame size, you have the option of choosing between both wheel sizes.

The RIDE4 flip chip allows you to adjust both the geometry of the bike and the progression of the rear suspension in four positions. This affects the head and seat tube angles, the bottom bracket height, and rear suspension progression, as these parameters are linked and cannot be adjusted separately. Rocky Mountain deliver the bike with the flip chip in Position 3 (“neutral”), which is how we rode it most of the time.

Riders looking for versatile adjustment options will love the RIDE4 system and adjustable chainstays.

For more efficient pedaling and long tours, you can raise the bottom bracket, which also steepens the angles and reduces rear suspension progression. For aggressive trail riding, you can drop the bottom bracket, which also slackens the angles and increases progression – the optimal setting for charging down technical trails.

Additionally, the chainstay length can be adjusted between 440 mm and 450 mm on all frame sizes simply by flipping the rear thru-axle. We rode mostly in the longer setting.

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 on the trail

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 is a comfortable yet not very efficient climber. The upright pedalling position is comfortable, but the rear suspension bobs noticeably. On long climbs, activating the easily accessible climb switch helps firm up the suspension – though on loose surfaces, the rear tire quickly loses traction. Just don’t forget to unlock it before descending!

Riding downhill, the Instinct shines with outstanding balance, integrating you nicely between its wheels, with the weight evenly distributed between the front and rear, no matter how technical the trail is. The high front end and integrated riding position inspire confidence but require an active riding style to generate traction on the front wheel and unleash the bike’s full potential.

Steering precision is impressive, even in rough sections. As a result, the Instinct implements steering input quickly and directly, allowing for a precise line choice. Despite the suspension’s mid-range travel, the Instinct makes you feel as if it had more travel than it says on the tin, delivering the same level of composure as bikes like the Santa Cruz Bronson and YT Jeffsy. However, agility is not its strength. In tight, fast corners, it takes considerable effort to throw the bike from one side of the trail to the other.

Thanks to its thoughtful design and tidy cable routing, the Instinct stays pleasantly quiet even on rough trails.

The firm suspension ensures a planted ride, soaking up big hits with great eagerness while at the same time generating excellent traction. The supportive setup also allows you to pump through rollers and berms with great confidence. It’s a well-rounded suspension system that stands out with ample reserves, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in technical sections.

Overall, the Instinct C70 is a capable trail bike that focuses on composure and control. However, it lacks the final touch it needs to compete with the best bikes in the test field, especially when it comes to agility.

Who should take a closer look at the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70?

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 is the ideal choice for riders who enjoy playing around with their setup and are after a quiet, high-quality bike. It’s designed for those looking for a stable trail bike that stays composed at high speeds and in rough terrain. Riders willing to compromise on agility and uphill performance will be rewarded with a composed bike that excels on technical descents and fast trails with precise, direct handling.

Conclusions about the Rocky Mountain Instinct C70

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 impresses with a discrete, sleek look and modern design language. Thoughtful details like the Penalty Box storage compartment round off the harmonious overall package. The Instinct is stable and secure but demands an active riding style and greater physical effort when climbing. Riders seeking a robust, quiet bike with flexible adjustment options – and are willing to compromise on agility and uphill performance – will find a capable all-rounder with plenty of potential.

Tops

• Excellent stability and balance
• Super quiet
• Extensive adjustment options

Flops

• Weak uphill performance
• Lacks agility

For more info, head to Rocky Mountain’s website.

The test field

For an overview of the test field head to our “Best trail bike of 2025” comparison test – 16 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test

All bikes in test: Atherton S.150 | Canyon Spectral CF LTD | Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD | Ibis Ripmo XT | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL | Norco Optic C1 | Orbea Rise LT M-LTD | Pivot Switchblade Team X0 Transmission | RAAW Jibb V2 | Rocky Mountain Instinct C70 | Santa Cruz Bronson CC X0 AXS RSV | Santa Cruz Hightower CC X0 AXS RSV | Specialized S-Works Stumpjumper 15 | Transition Sentinel X0 AXS | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF

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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker