Why so misunderstood? Rocky Mtn Instinct Review...

[@Sck519]

Even though Jeff and i don't ride like each other (and im not comparing skill) i appreciate his views more than any reviewer because he has no skin in the game, just honesty My first MB was a 2018 Altitude and i loved it on the downs in CO, didnt love climbing with it, but the new one was the most grippy bike I've ever ridden. I hope they get through this, they are very important to the industry

[@enzochoi923]

crazily, Rocky Mountain just filed for bankruptcy protection

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah. We'll see what shakes. Would be a smart move for someone like Specialized or Trek to buy them.

[@DandyHippo]

whats that mean? Can you buy protection from going bankrupt

[@brianmgrim]

@@DandyHippoI believe it means you can legally steal from the creditors you originally promised to pay…but I’m not a lawdog.

[@b-manz]

They are going through refinancing which stops creditors taking them out.

[@DandyHippo]

@@brianmgrim lmao what this sounds scammy. In europe not sure of this is possible, still hope they make it

[@jg2wheels]

I ride a 2019 Instinct. Although being somewhat outdated on geo, it still rides and feels so good. Excellent bikes 👌🏻

[@billgeorge8415]

PinkBike didn't necessarily give the Instinct a bad review, all of the reviewers just agreed that the tune wasn't great for the bike. They threw different shocks on the Instinct and confirmed that it felt great. You can dismiss most of the reviewers if you want, but Matt Beer is a beast of a rider and I would absolutely trust his POV on any given bike.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I think the stock shock is fine for regular trail riding- at my speed, I didn't have huge complaints. However, I didn't bring the bike to the Whistler Bike Park. WBP, and even valley trails, are more extreme of a use case than what I'd want to ride with a lightweight 150/140 trail bike. The stock suspension set up is very progressive, and I've always enjoyed a lot of progression. Damping wise, it sure wasn't so far outta of the park for me that I found it any sort of a problem.

[@Boboo5]

I'll take a JKW review over PB every day

[@kendrickcarroll680]

I looked really hard at this bike, especially with the new updates this year. Ultimately went with a Transition Scout, which has very similar geo only with 27.5s (which is what i was riding before). And for roughly 1500 less... old stock versus new fully updated model.

[@allanridesbikes5856]

I got to ride my first Rocky Mountain bike in Sedona and it was also an Instinct. I really enjoyed it. I've got my eye on the 2023 Altitude when it was still an AM bike as compared to it's more Enduro 2024 version.

[@nicholashines7686]

I rode a Rockey with fox live valve and that is the only way I would take it. That being said Jeff your review was insightful as usual.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Nick, I enjoyed this bike, and it did mesh well with Livevalve. Stock, I also enjoyed it tho. After watching PB have a meltdown at the rear shock, I figured I should try another option... it was good, but I enjoyed both at the end of the day.

[@NewbGamingNetworks]

The 500 Burner pants are proper. I’ve put many thousands of miles on them and they perform well whether others do not. Size down for a race fit. Haven’t jumped on their jerseys yet, but I’m tempted. :)

[@richhb14]

I’m one of the people who requested this review-thank you for obliging! I own a 2020 RM Instinct and love the bike. It was a COVID purchase, so it’s probably a bit too small for me. I’m now considering either buying a longer-travel bike, like the 2023 RM Altitude, and keeping the 2020 Instinct as my shorter-travel option, or going for a “quiver killer.” What’s your go-to quiver killer? Also, how does the Instinct compare to the Hightower V3 or V4?

[@mattx3190]

And this comes just as RM is going out. 😞 Maybe it will be a great time to finally buy one when they are clearing inventory

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Well, its too early to say if they are gone. I doubt it. After restructuring, I bet they focus on what they do best, and with a smaller team. I hope it's just a bump in the road.

[@nicks8026]

@@JeffKendallWeed it’s hard not to appreciate your optimism, but I think the industry is in for some really dark times before things get even sort of better. And by better, I mean an industry that has found equilibrium but is almost unrecognizable from what we have now - far fewer brands, far fewer models, a focus on the high end, where margins are fatter, and - as much as I might not like it - a focus on E bikes.

[@petedog9581]

I love my Rocky Instinct and I hope Rocky Mountain can restructure and stay independent. The mega companies have too large of a footprint and they are struggling too. Competition drives innovation and keeps pricing in proper perspective for consumers. That all decreases when the ideas are under fewer roofs. Great vid and riding per usual. I'm glad you "vindicated" the new Instinct. You rode a Canyon Spectral recently. What do you think of the comparison? I don't remember you thinking it was ultra capable but enjoying enjoying the bike.

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

Rocky Mountain sure didn't keep their prices in proper perspective. While prices have been going down, Rocky has tried really hard to maintain their high price point.

[@petedog9581]

@@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362 I bought a 2023 C30 with full Deore group set, Marzocchi Z2 Bomber 150mm, DPS , OEM bars/grips, and WTB wheels and saddle for $2900. The only upgrade is Renthal 30mm riser bars to raise the front stack 5mm from the Rocky bars. That's it and have not had one mechanical since out of the box. It has been the best bike I have ever owned for the last 8 months. Been on Stumpys and Enduros for 25+ years. It's best quality is versatility and the traction, but it is firmly in the trail category as a stock build... not all mountain like the Hightower or Switchblade. It's a darn good lookin bike too.

[@petedog9581]

@@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362 My 2023 C30 Instinct w full Deore group set, Z2 Bomber 150mm, Fox DPS, and WTB wheels was $2900. It has been flawless and the only upgrade is 30mm rise bars to raise the stack.

[@sgt.sender1]

I had a very hard time choosing between this and the Hightower v3. Ended up going with the Hightower just because I got such a good price on it but would have really liked to throw a leg over one of these. I’ve only owned one Rocky and it was the last version of the altitude and it was such a fun bike. Sad to hear that they are having a hard time right now. I hope they can pull through.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

You did fine with your choice, the Hightower pedals better and still jumps similarly. They do feel different, with the Hightower being a bit more "XC"ish, but both are fantastic choices. Congrats on your new rig!

[@sgt.sender1]

@ thanks Jeff! I did a ton of riding on it the last few months and I agree with everything you said in your review of it. I bought it knowing that I wanted something more pedally as opposed to my big 170/170 enduro bike and I couldn’t be more happy with it.

[@KineticsReborn]

Hey Jeff! Sweet rig and sweet riding. After watching pink bike I was torn between this and the Ari Cascade Peak. Have you any experience on the ARI? I'm a little let down with the stock componentry of the base A10.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I have never ridden an Ari or Fezzari. I would be more concerned about frames than components. Frames stick with you for years and years- but everyone swaps parts as they find things they like, good deals, break stuff, or other personal preferences. And frames are the most expensive of it all.

[@MrAntoniovine]

You and other reviewers say the Instinct suspension is very progressive. So if a rider wanted more support early in the travel, what can be changed? Coil shock, more air pressure, volume spacers, replace internal dampers?? Or is that baked into the kinematics of the bike?

[@kaibrittain17]

the timing is crazy lol

[@NickZambeck]

tough video to release with the news about Rocky today. :/

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Dang. I hadn't heard- I had to Google. Thanks for the head's up! Perhaps it is time for Rocky to expand more aggressively in the USA?

[@Doggepp]

They should market/try to sell more in Europe as well. The importer for scandinavia went bankrupt like a year ago. So we cant even buy them here any more. Only choice is buying online out of country.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ufff!!!

[@petedog9581]

@@Doggepp They need an American partner to help expand their footprint and avoid the proposed tariffs. I think Rocky is making a pre-emptive move ahead of the USA regime change, so they can restructure, downsize, and try to attract investors for the long-haul. They sell as many or more bikes on Jenson USA than consumer direct or American bike shops in the PNW. That will greatly affect their worldwide sales when every bike is tariffed for the importer. Jenson may drop a lot of Canadian brands and all frames are made in Asia. This is going put a princh on the entire bike industry, not just mtb. They should try to get their bike in LL. Bean. There are 55 stores nationally in the USA. Canyon just teamed up w REI.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Love your reviews, all I need to know. Absolutely unrelated but we treated a fox for mange with anti parasitic meds from the vet every 3 days iirc for almost a month it wasn't cheap, the little effer didn't even came back when we stopped feeding him the meds! No gratitude at all, no pets allowed. I was so bummed 😂

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Laurent, I always appreciate your comments! How did this fox come into your life? And stick around enough for the meds??? There's gotta be more to this story!

[@erhaley29]

Could you review a banshee bike?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I got the odd request to do that! Maybe one day, but to make the videos more worth my time, I try to do more widely requested bikes. I think a Norco Optic and Forbidden Druid are gonna be next. And more hardtails!

[@kriskapp1486]

At 10:36 was that a save? If so nice! (Nice even if you didn't.)

[@JeffKendallWeed]

No, I ate shit!!! I am ok.

[@MrAntoniovine]

Your Canadian puns are spot on….eh?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

UUfffff I'm sorry, I could have done better ;)

[@alexlucchetti5927]

Hi jefff super accurate rewiiew..Did it fell simlar from Canyon Spectral or Not..?!

[@tybronder172]

Could we get a review of a different kind of bike? I.e. high pivot like the forbidden Druid?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I have been watching marketplace/PB buysell with hopes to buy a used Druid V2 29", it'd be great to do that. I am also waiting for an eventual Optic from Norco.

[@tybronder172]

@ hooray! I’ve been waiting for your take on forbidden/high pivots. And the optic would be sick to see as well. Looking to switch from forbidden to Norco for 2025

[@santanalor9771]

With your riding style, do you prefer to be underbike or overbike?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Depends on where I'm riding and my mood. For my local trails, I normally enjoy being under biked slightly. For the gnarlier stuff, I don't enjoy that feeling as much! I had a ton of fun riding that rigid Stooge this year. I just rode it again yesterday- rigid is underrated!

[@martinschwartz7342]

I really like Rocky Mountain Bikes but there are no dealers anywhere near Cleveland, Ohio, where I live.

[@petedog9581]

I live in Mentor, OH and I have a 2023 Instinct C30. Their customer support is good from the BC headquarters, and they have a distribution hub in Quebec that is closer for parts and accessories. I do fine w/o a dealer/bike shop. I guess you cannot demo one though. I knew the geo and reach, etc. was spot on for me w/o a demo. It is a great bike and I had it delivered to my door almost fully assembled-- $2900 from Jenson. It is a steal.

[@mitchelladams306]

What'd you think of Pinkbikes's review of the Ripmo?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Eh, I mean, it's not built for where they are riding (Whistler Bike Park), but I agree it's more of a light duty trail bike than the outgoing model. I found it to be frame stiffness, they never mentioned stiffness and instead complained about some other random bits.

[@mitchelladams306]

@@JeffKendallWeed Cool, thanks. I love riding my Ripmo V2 in Colorado, but am thinking about what I will replace it with in the future. Really leaning towards the new Sentinel, would love to see a review from you on that bike! Seems like the new Sentinel is now a better all arounder.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I hope to ride one soon! They are in the same town as me, but I've been too busy to get back on one since the Spire.

[@kungfutiger606]

RM bikes always seemed great, they're just very lackluster in appearance. Something the US and Europe have pretty dialed in that aspect. They at least need a new font for their logo, something. Should you buy a bike based on that? Absolutely not but people do and will just because there's so many other options now. Plus this isn't a direct to consumer brand, so you're paying a lot for a bike that doesn't give you chubby when you open the garage door like most other $8k+ bikes will

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I disagree. I think the Element is one of the most beautiful carbon bikes I've ever seen. And the outgoing Altitude and this here Instinct are absolute lookers.

[@philblack5910]

C-70 is carbon frame, there also isn't an in frame storage on aluminum i think.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah I have a carbon C 70. Misspoke by saying aluminum. The alloy version has reach adjust, but it's press in/out cups rather than simple o-ring cups, and there is no internal storage AFAIK. Otherwise, the alloy and carbon should be very similar.

[@philblack5910]

I have the C-50 and like you, just swap out parts to make it work for me. I’m surprised you love up as much as you do, you preservation and I love flexy but predictable platforms, which the Instinct is. You jib way more than I do, we enjoy watching you toss bikes around, thanks for that!!

[@GOTCHAPARK]

Love my instinct !

[@Accuracy158]

This is way more where my interest is than the Altitude. But I also live on the east coast. :P

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Oh yeah! This is more of an east coast style of rig. If I had a Sedona trip planned, I'd try this bike with a 160mm fork, 2.6 tires, and 165mm cranks. Very progressive, which is nice for random drops to flat. Not as "peppy" as a Switchblade or Ripmo, but also more of a low key, fun feel.

[@ostankovalex1176]

@@JeffKendallWeed you can also use 55 stroke shock there, I've read fox X shock tend not to like reduced stroke

[@flyingnorseman]

Pinkbike bros really didnt like this rig.

[@petedog9581]

So what? Everybody else has and for years. This 2024 bike is not much different than my 2023 Instinct C30. The bike absolutely does not sit down in travel on climbs, even w my base DPS. Gotta run 20-25% sag with the leverage curve and kinematics.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Well, they did test it in the friggin WHISTLER BIKE PARK... I mean, it's a trail bike! WTF? I don't want my trail bikes to work good in the bike park. I want my enduro bike to simply be tolerable in the bike park, and my trail bike to work well on, you guessed it, regular 'ol trails! SMH...

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I found it very progressive, so I went to the less progressive setting, and ran only 30% sag. It worked well for me like that, but I could see consumers benefitting from less progression.

[@mannyfnsc29]

Pinkbike reviews are just silly.

[@ryanhennig340]

Pink bike also think everyone wants to be a pro. They are out of touch. Some people just love to be outside and enjoy riding in nature.

[@milktop1]

I always wanted to own a Rocky but they are just too expensive compared to other companies.

[@loamchasers]

It’s weird listening to this video knowing Rocky announced bankruptcy……nothing good comes from growing too fast

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The globalists have lost the battle tbh, new management wasn't grounded in current realities, old management is back but probably too late.

[@davidbeauvais1364]

You bowleg too much, the pants plus bowlegging looks terrible

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Great feedback, thanks!