2021 Rocky Mountain Instinct Test Ride & Review

[@mtbyumyum]

VIDEO SPONSOR Hip Pack: Use promo code YUMYUM at checkout for 25% off: labaustere.com/

[@renearrieta5204]

Hey, something happened to your audio, it is not as good as usual. I am using good quality noise cancelling headphones and the sound quality is below par.

[@ceedeecancelculturenazis2771]

Yo yum yum I wanna send U that drink au always drink!?

[@ryderavenue73]

Have you buzzed the material off the lab austere pack yet? 1st ride and it was torn. They did send me a new one but I think they need a more resistant material in the center since they sit low off the hips.

[@TheArsenalGoonship]

Just got this bike. I've had a Ripley, Ripmo, Switchblade, Stumpy., etc. This is my favorite bike I've ever ridden. It's versatile, and so fast. Also, the Instinct and the Altitude share the same frame. You can literally get a longer stroke shock and shock mount for the Altitude, and with a longer fork, you've now got an Altitude too. Totally agree with you that Rockys just feel right. Couldn't be happier with this bike!

[@mtbyumyum]

Wow, what an endorsement for this bike.... we've ridden a lot of the same bikes. Thanks for weighing in!

[@madgtrgrhtrgrtgtyhrg]

Seconded on the Rocky just feeling "right". My buddy's '18 Instinct was the first bike I rode that was immediately comfortable and didn't require mental adjustment for the geo, wheelbase, etc. I hopped on and was immediately at home. My '20 was exactly the same - as soon as I sat on it and rode around a bit, I knew that it was the right bike. My experiences with the bike on the trail have never left me questioning if the bike was the right one.

[@chriswood9693]

The camera work on this one is your best ever. Flipping between the front and rear facing camera gives a much better sense of the reality of the trail.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you! I'm really happy with how it turned out as well.

[@marcid6527]

Loving the different camera perspectives!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks!

[@colin1778]

Great review! Have had my 2021 Instinct A50 since April and absolutely love it. Been the best bike I've owned so far. Love the Ride9 setup. multiple bikes in one. This thing can do it all. I agree with you on the tires though, so sluggish and heavy. Looking forward to a new set of rims and tires for it next year.

[@rockresume]

Backwards follow-cam for the win!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, thanks! Kevin's idea and I really like it!

[@jarvs8630]

Great! Back to back switch of camera view.

[@avkovale4427]

I'm glad I ran across this review, I missed it when you first posted it. My old boss is a huge Rocky Mountain fanboy and I've been looking for a single bike, that can do just about anything, and I think I may have found it!

[@mtbyumyum]

Right on! The Instinct is incredible!

[@BurninatorTheTrogdor]

Always rode a RM. Have the Thunderbolt now. Finally figured out you have to lock everything out for climbing. haha That was my first FS bike and was used to how a hard tail felt. Now I have it tuned just right and can get out of the saddle like I used to. Coming from the old 90s bikes this thing with only 130mm of travel can smash the downhill all day long with no problem. I'm one of those guys that looks forward to the climb and the decent. Great video!

[@trevorruffner2538]

I find that i climb better in trail mode. The bike tends to go over stuff much better. The only time I fully lock out is fire roads and pavement.

[@BurninatorTheTrogdor]

@@trevorruffner2538 I'm a small guy so that might have something to do with it. Only 150. Plus I grew up with hardtails so it just feels natural.

[@McGuillicuddy1]

Funny. After riding a Thunderbolt for a few years I put it in the most plush setting ("Descend") and haven't touched it since.

[@cobykluth1878]

Yum Yum loves a Rocky Mountain, such killer bikes might have to take his advice and try one.😅

[@lazylearner967]

Great video YumYum. I picked up a lab hip pack last fall and really like it! It is SO much better than any other pack I've used. Thanks for your great insights!

[@nicholashines7686]

Sorry Jason because of your videos and my bike addiction I’m a total ibis fan boy now. I’ve got a six week old Ripley and I just took delivery of my ripmo. I think they pedal so much better than rocky mountain bikes. Great review. Wish I had those trails near me.

[@bryansirois181]

I know this question depends on so many things but if you had to pick just the Ripmo or just the Ripley, which would it be? More of my riding will be flowy but I want to still enjoy the downs. And I’d be going AF. Thanks!

[@bradyhall8086]

@@bryansirois181 Hi Bryan. I have the Ripley AF and I've spent plenty of time on the Ripmo AF(Also the Carbon version of both) They are both great bikes and handle climbing and descending very well. I enjoy the Ripley AF more than Ripmo AF because of the weight difference and handling characteristic's. The first thing I would recommend on either of them is take the heavy tires off and put a lighter set on them. The Assegai's have amazing traction but they are pigs and make the bike dull and slow. Hope it helps!

[@mtbyumyum]

Nicholas, totally get the Ibis fan boi thing.... I am one haha

[@mtbyumyum]

Bryan, like Brady mentioned, try swapping tires first. It's an easy and affordable way to completely change your riding experience. As for a new bike, the biggest factor should be speed then terrain and riding style and expectation next... good luck!

[@felixduprey]

Want to see a side by side with Orbea Occam with 36 fork...

[@schlooonginator1227]

Got me a Lab Austere hip pack and loved it but there's room for improvements, like everything. Would like to see some improvement in durability. The inside epening of the bottle holders could use bar tacks, maybe some tape along the seams to prevent tearing from repeated pulling out bottles. Mine tore. The zipper could be beefier and attached to a more durable fabric, again mine eventually tore off and the zipper pull pulled completely off the zipper. Finally, add some adjustable bungee loops, one on each bottle holder, an option to loop around the bottle and tighten preventing loss of bottles. Honestly, get rid of the insulated type material used to hold the bottles and just use nylon with elasticized mouth along with those loops and it would be even lighter, more durable and open up more bottle sizes. Finally the side pocketsreally need more room, make Em bellowed.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm sure they'll see this post.... It's my understanding, they wanted it to be as minimal as possible. Thanks!

[@jeffmacdonald9596]

Just came across this review and it cements my decision on the 2022 C50 I ordered, I like the 2021 colors better, but certainly not a deal breaker.

[@chichiballz]

You liking it?

[@jeffbond5062]

Yum yum’s back

[@mtbyumyum]

It's been a crazy past few months. Hope to start uploading more regularly!

[@madgtrgrhtrgrtgtyhrg]

@@mtbyumyum I feared we'd lost you to backyard motocross :D

[@montechie]

Great camera work! I love these last 2 gens of the Instinct, also the Pipeline when they had it. I can't put my finger on anything specific in the geo/spec, but they just have me wanting to ride until the legs are dead. In the northern states/Canada that stock tire combo would be appreciated more, although I agree the DHR could be swapped out for something faster on the back even in our loose rock piles and root clusters (aka trails) up here, at least once the trails dry up. I've been loving an Assegai with an Aggressor or Spec Eliminator on the back, don't get too much polished buff in MT except at bike parks.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, there's just something about these bikes! As for tires... terrain is the big factor here. I love the beefier tires and have them on my dedicated long travel bikes. My Altitude has Assegai 2.5 front and DHR II 2.4 rear both in exo+ casing. Just cant imagine dragging those tires around 5 days a week...

[@chriswood9693]

A patrion to pay to stain the fence :) Great review. I just bought this bike and I am blown away by how different it can be using ride 9. Park bike set in the 1. Trail bike set at 5. XC bike set at 9. It makes it easy to turn it into the bike a rider wants for their trails. This is the first bike I have LOVED in a long time. Great review as always. For the live chat can you compare cornering Instinct vs Altitude?

[@mtbyumyum]

Chris, congrats! Yeah. Hope to have a live stream soon!

[@mprox3431]

What about the Revel Rascal? How does it compare and which do you consider the better climber? Thanks for the great reviews!

[@eugenespreutels8305]

The rocky is a fun bike. I had one 20 years ago, looks like the new one is a lot nicer. Planning my first trip to park city next month, hopefully I can drop by these trails one day also.

[@mtbyumyum]

Fun. Hope you have a great time here!

[@eugenespreutels8305]

What's the name of those trails you always are riding? Any other good ones near there?

[@billw_mtb3220]

Who is this bike for...Me! You said it in the video, you get on it , it just feels right. That’s how I felt about the previous version. Excited to get on one and give it a try. This is one of your best review videos. I really like the addition of the case camera.

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks Bill! This bike could work for a lot of riders out there!

[@madgtrgrhtrgrtgtyhrg]

I ride a 2020 Instinct C50 and LOVE it. as Jason says, it's a tremendous all around bike. I had my heart set on a Ripmo, but after a weekend in Moab riding that then my buddy's '18 Instinct, the Rocky just felt right. No regrets on going with the Instinct, it is plenty of bike for the trails I ride. It is an exceedingly competent bike in every environment I ride, zero regrets.

[@cyclewise6926]

Hey, great video, just coming across it now, I am on the east coast, the trails are more rocky and twisty then the trails in the video, how do you think this Rocky would ride on those types of trails? and also 2 years on do you think it's still a good bike (I am not sure if anything has changed from the 2021 version to the 2023 bike)

[@Brandomonium410]

Great review! Curious how it compares to the Revel Rascal! 130 vs 140 out back with same 150 up front.

[@Shooterthecat1]

Thanks for the promo code and review. My Lab Austere hip pack is on the way. Thx!

[@mtbyumyum]

Hope you enjoy it! I love mine!

[@alexanderjones1739]

Great review! Absolutely loving my '21 Instinct. I'm interested to try some different tire combinations on the bike like you recommended. Instinct and Altitude share the same frame by the way!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, it's crazy how much tires can change the experience.

[@jaceizzon7095]

@@mtbyumyum I could sure use a tire review. There's so many and it seems someone loves every one of them most - lol - can be confusing

[@MsGolfchick]

Good to see some different perspective footage, should mix it up more for new vids. Interested to know how this compares to a Santa Cruz Hightower as so close travel wise rather than a ripley which is distinctly less travel.

[@Jeff-fs3rn]

Livestream would be great. Nice review.

[@mtbyumyum]

Coming soon!

[@jben4807]

Rear facing camera is the shiz! Nice touch

[@mtbyumyum]

thanks!

[@kuma_score7536]

so I normally watch your videos on speaker but watching with headphones made me think my right driver wasn't working and after checking another video I now know that your audio is very biased to the left... it's really distracting so I guess I'll just have to make sure I'm on speakers for these videos (edit, checking another one of your videos it seems to only be on this video)

[@mtbyumyum]

Correct. I recently switched to a new audio source. Rode wireless ii

[@vwmk5gtiblk]

Awesome vid. Love the new cam angle. 🤙

[@mtbyumyum]

Awesome thank you!

[@69Tonyro]

Ha ha! That abrupt ending though! Great review, nice camera work. Love your vids!

[@mtbyumyum]

Much appreciated!

[@ceedeecancelculturenazis2771]

Great switch back camera views!!! Nice pack too!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks!

[@FlyEaglesFly333]

Great review! Loving my 2019 Instinct. Really light for a 140/140

[@mtbyumyum]

I don't think you loose anything stepping up to 150mm on the fork here with the new geo.... I think the 150mm fork matches that open feeling you get from the back of this bike as well!!

[@thomasriverson3536]

Good review thanks

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryanwetherington3043]

I had a ripley but now torn between the instinct or Ripmo. I love climbing, which one climbs better. Which one should I order between the two?

[@terrymtbnurse4760]

Hey man, love the cannel. I'm getting ready to take a travel nursing job and will be traveling throughout the U.S. I currently own a Surly Karate Monkey steel frame H.T. Its fine up here in Michigan, however not wanting to travel with it. You mentioned the Rocky Mountain instinct would be a good one bike only. Would you recommend it for the variety of trails across the U.S. Thanks man.

[@mtbyumyum]

Absolutely! 100% Don't think you could find a better do it all bike! Have fun.... sounds incredible!

[@MosesWAPNIK]

Thanks! It was so fun watching. Moses Tel Aviv 👏

[@thomassawchuk9668]

Thanks for the great reviews. If you had to pick between the Instinct, the Delano Peak and the YT Jeffsy, which would you pick? I would be getting a lower version than you test, but based on the ride…Thanks!

[@mtbyumyum]

I would go with the Instinct but... Fezzari is having an early black Friday sale on the Delano Peak right now for the more entry level build here: fezzari.com/pages/build?bike=delano This is a killer deal if you ask me. Good luck! I really liked the Delano for the few days I rode it and in this price range, I don't think you can beat it!

[@chrishealey4082]

Bro, get on that new alchemy arktos 🤯

[@rrobinsx]

Is this bike more trail than the Revel Rascal if you put the same tires on both?

[@mtbyumyum]

Great question. The Rascal is a special bike on the downhill.... I would need to ride them back to back....

[@madgtrgrhtrgrtgtyhrg]

@@mtbyumyum If you are serious about this I could almost certainly arrange it for you with a '20 Rascal and a '20 Instinct.

[@aerialheights5680]

@@mtbyumyum That means they *_both_* gotta be awesome -

[@Kendubious]

Rode the Altitude at Brian Head last week and was really impressed with the climbing. Just how much better of a climber is the Instinct than the Altitude?

[@patrickwoods2165]

The Instinct is a noticeably better climber IMO. I've had mine in both Instinct-mode and Altitude-mode on big pedal days (>25 miles, >4000'), and I never needed to use the climb switch while in Instinct-mode (even while having it in the slackest position on the Ride-9). That said, in Altitude-mode it still climbs reasonably well...and then descends like a mini-DH bike.

[@robinbreeds9217]

Altitude mode ? @@patrickwoods2165

[@petedog9581]

That pack looks good and It sits low, but I would worry about buzzing it constantly.

[@mtbyumyum]

as a shorter rider who's buzzed his butt dozens of times on rear tires, I've never had a problem with this... I think it's too far away from the tire and your butt is in the way

[@petedog9581]

@@mtbyumyum LOL. I was hoping it would protect my butt.

[@mtskibum16]

How does it compare to the Evil Offering?

[@junglejim36]

Great review Jason, too many good bikes to choose from 😂

[@mtbyumyum]

Tell me about it... this Instinct is tough to beat!

[@jfinn9827]

I've been looking for a agressive trail bike for a while this might be it

[@mtbyumyum]

It would be a top contender for me personally if I could only have one bike. Call Mike at Utah Mountain Biking.... he has them in stock! 801-367-9750

[@themtbguy9496]

Getting the Element as a demo anytime soon? 😊

[@mtbyumyum]

Dude. I. Can. Not. Wait!!!!!!!!

[@323johnnybravo]

I legit think I’m going to buy that pack, I never use my Osprey anymore.

[@mtbyumyum]

you wont be disappointed!

[@evenstephen2000]

I bought one and love it. Won’t go back to any other pack!

[@viclevy]

Hi Jason, great review as always. I wanted to ask you why do you prefer the 2.4 rekon over 2.6 (is supposedly lighter than the 2.4)? thanks

[@mtbyumyum]

never tired the 2.6

[@viclevy]

@@mtbyumyum Just ordered one for the front. I will let you know if I find it to be better.

[@yowzerbaby]

@Victor Levy, I have run both the 2.4 and 2.6 rekon. The 2.6 rekon is an amazing front tire. It is lighter in 3C/120TPI and has slightly more robust tread. @MTB yumyum would love the 2.6 rekon paired to his 2.35 ardent race for fast days. 2.6 rekon is nice and wide and the tread pattern is so consisent and reliable, if you are a 15-20 mph downhill rider imo it is more predictable than the Dissector. I feel the Dissector needs super fast speeds to really connect well. My favorite front tire is a DHR2 for reference. I've run the 2.6 rekon on 25-29 mm internal rims and the shape is perfect.

[@yowzerbaby]

@@mtbyumyum I bet you would absolutely love and prefer the 2.6 rekon paired to your 2.35 ardent race. The 2.6 has slightly more robust tread and is lighter weight than a 2.4 in 3C/120 TPI. My 2.6 have weighed in at 780-800 grams. I have run the 2.6 on 25-29 mm rims with a perfect shape. I will run the 2.6 front rekon with ikon 2.35 (very nice), ardent race 2.35 (just a tad more traction, marginal), and 2.4 rekon. I have not tried 2.6 rekon front/rear yet.. need to do that. All on Ripley V4 (AR/rekon) and Epic Evo (ikon)

[@RH-vp8gr]

Be good to do a short tyre video from your experience.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, that would be fun!

[@mattking3973]

I’m wondering if you thought the Instinct was on the heavy side of things? I’m coming from a Ripley as well and looking to add another longer travel bike for the high speed rowdy travels. However In my area we have to climb. So lots of vert. You are bias to good climbing bikes you’ve said. Is this Instinct a good climber?

[@mtbyumyum]

Not at all... for the money, the Instinct is on the lighter side of the mid travel 29er world. You can build the Instinct lighter than the Ripmo but there are things about the Ripmo that are better than the Instinct. If you're keeping the Ripley, go Ripmo. If you're selling the Ripley, the Instinct could be fun and give you a different experience. Call Chris at Salt Cycles.... he has really good perspective and has Ripmo's in stock now!! 801-943-8502

[@mattking3973]

@@mtbyumyum Thanks Jason, amazing with the quick reply. You rock!

[@Drogos79]

can you project quick comparison on downs vs Ripmo AF, thx

[@chadclark2070]

Great review! Quiver killer?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, maybe... depending on your terrain, speed and riding style & expectations.

[@santosgarcia7909]

Hi Jason, Nice review. although I like better the Ibis Ripley for my trails. Also, I remember you mentioning about an endurance drink of about 300 calories per serving but have not been able to find the video. Would you mine telling what brand that endurance drink was?

[@mtbyumyum]

carborocket.com/pages/halfevilbundle?agency=demandriver&source=g&gc_id=13276016392&h_ad_id=524301886278&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5PGFBhC2ARIsAIFIMNcg5S7ssklrzLtwhXDYanQvkDaoPHZ8K9L2_1upfAOSnFOWLX0LHBkaAlWEEALw_wcB Use promo code: YUMYUM at checkout for 25% off. I like the grape!

[@santosgarcia7909]

@@mtbyumyum thank you so much..

[@kipmadsen6292]

How's this compared to Santa cruz tallboy?

[@iantaylor8190]

Really good review man

[@mtbyumyum]

Glad you liked it, thank you!

[@lordnormington]

Love the slo mo' flip into climb mode. So steasy.

[@mtbyumyum]

thank you. trying to get more creative!

[@jankubista3335]

Great review! Can´t decide between this in aluminium and the new Norco Optic. Any chance you will get your hands on the Norco? :) Greetings from Czech Repubic!

[@mtbyumyum]

Easy.... The Ibis Ripley AF is 27% OFF RIGHT NOW: bit.ly/3y9Oglu If I were looking at an aluminium bike I would almost certainly go with the Ibis Ripley. The suspension system is just so much better than what comes on a Rocky Mountain or the Norco. DW Link on the Ripley is incredible. And the Alloy Ripley AF is on sale right now!! Ripley AF: bit.ly/3y9Oglu If I didn't go this direction the only other bike I would consider in alloy is the Giant Trance. For some reason the Giant alloy bikes aren't very heavy... I think they use a better lighter alloy and their very good.

[@jankubista3335]

@@mtbyumyum Thanks! Unfortunately Ibis is very expensive here. I can get a good deal on RM and Norco though. But I might have a look at the Trance!

[@MileHighEric303]

I have about a dozen rides on my new Pivot SB, and coincidentally this morning was the first time I flipped the Fox Factory DPX2 from the open to the trail position because I felt I was riding a little lower in the travel than I prefer to. Felt much better and more responsive climbing, especially out of the saddle. Did you ride the SB in open or trail? I'd appreciate your thoughts if you rode in both positions.

[@mtbyumyum]

I always rode the switchblade open. That said, the first time I rode the sb it had fox live valve.... I didn't love it. Too harsh. In fact, My only real complaint about the sb after owning it was that at times, as a lighter weight rider, that bike would feel too harsh...

[@alexanz2101]

Hey man, what's the name of this trail, and where is located?

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

You say that is why you buy a Rocky because of the way they descend, but compared to a Santa Cruz? Thoughts Jason? Love the upped game on the cameras man. Great work. I'm sure every one wants the new Bronson review, lol...

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, new Bronson looks rad! I turned my Rocky Mountain Altitude into a Mullet last summer and loved it. Still have it... 160mm rear, 160mm fox 36 75.5 sta and 64.5 hta.... Love that thing! The lower shock mount on the Santa Cruz bikes feels bottomless... it's really really good. The Rocky's feel more open feels like nothing is controlling it... just glued to the ground and supportive... hard to explain!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

@@mtbyumyum Yeah I saw the new Bronson yesterday. The paint is unreal! If I could describe it as a satin metallic mango, so sick. Buuut, I would wrap that thing quick, looks like it belongs in a car show.

[@testvideo971]

I am an older rider in MD. I have found a new instinct, SC Hightower and Norco Optic. Any thoughts on which way to go?

[@mtbyumyum]

Depending on your speed, the Pivot Trail 429 is excellent, the Ibis Ripmo if you need a bit more speed or this Instinct sort of splits right between them. Good luck!

[@testvideo971]

@@mtbyumyum thanks, pivot 429s and ripmos are unicorns right now and very long lead times to ger

[@oliverburke3743]

Dude. You getting a ride on the Epic Evo any time soon?

[@unSTEVOED]

Bro, you left your boy hanging!! 7:34

[@thelmaviaduct]

Would you buy a new one (2023 model) in 2024 with a 60% discount?

[@mtbyumyum]

Absolutely! I really really liked that instinct a lot!! Call Mike at Utah Mountain Biking!!

[@patp235]

Can’t wait for mine to come in end of June! Based solely on reach numbers I ordered a Small with my height at 177cm. Dead on with Lee Likes Bikes calculator. But now I’m second guessing myself on sizing seeing you shred on a medium. Did it feel too stretched out compared to say the previous medium 2019 instinct BC with the 2021 geometry changes and reach growth?

[@mtbyumyum]

Medium felt perfect for me. 5'8"

[@patp235]

@@mtbyumyum thanks! Buddy of mine got a Ripley thx to you :) Would also love to hear your thoughts on the ride 9 system and its change in suspension curves. Livestream Q&A soon??

[@roellecorregidor1201]

Do you have an update on how this Bike fits with you? I’m at 169cm, with a RAD of 74-78cm, so I would ride small as well. Did you get a bigger stem, and more rise on your bars?

[@patp235]

@@roellecorregidor1201 I love it!! Size small is so nimble! I would need a higher rise for gnarlier stuff but it crushes the XC Stuff with the Geo switch. It definitely is a beast of a thing at 37lbs - A30. The 35 fork is crap and leaking already. Ultimately I’m really happy to be out on the trails on my bike cruising past the carbon bikes pumping for joy.

[@roellecorregidor1201]

@@patp235 Thanks for the update. It sounds like the small is working out for you.

[@mikepearce5120]

Hi... What is the recommended tiger height for the Large Frame?

[@harv83]

If you're going to listen with a single earbud, you'll quickly realize it needs to be the left channel. Was wondering why there was no sound at first

[@mtbyumyum]

thanks for mentioning this..... I recently started recording the audio with a new Rode sound devise.... thank you

[@williamwise6610]

How would this bike compare to the Stumpjumper Comp?

[@catg9196]

Thats interesting you say that you have rebound almost open, cuz I recently built up a 2019 Norco Carbon Sight with the same 4 bar linkage design(FSR) . 150mm front and 130mm rear and Ive got the rebound fully open. Tons of traction through fast rough trails. I thought I was doing something wrong to have it open, but to me it feels like it just floats over that stuff. I also have a 2018 SC Hightower LT I’ve been riding for almost 2 years and doesnt feel like its got as much traction. I think the FSR suspension is so active under me, it feels faster?..... Nice review 👍

[@aerialheights5680]

I dumped my 2018 HT LT for a DW link and am _loving it!_

[@mtbyumyum]

Cat G, bingo! Sounds like you've got your bike dialed! Yep. For whatever reason, I can run the rear faster without feeling too much chatter or loss of control... the rear just feels glued to the ground and always ready for the next hit without ever feeling like I'm getting bucked. Love it

[@catg9196]

@@mtbyumyum now you got me thinking about those tires ur running when my DHR2 wears out!

[@matthewlarson3058]

Assegai Minion setup - more grip.

[@jack91522]

Have you definitively settled on a wheel size ?

[@rynolindz]

Great review as always Jason. Glad to see you back. Just my thoughts...SC Tallboy is a 130/120 with a DPS and Fox 34/ Pike. You stick a DPX2 and a 36 up front its a game changer. You lost me on the RM with the 36 fit 4 damper. I hate that thing. Even on a trail bike the grip 2 is so much better. Cheers bro and ride on!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah. The grip 2 is much better... I'd like to try the fox 36 on my Ripley

[@5cottins]

Hi how do you compare to pivot 429 trail?

[@karip1126]

For your mullet setup did you put a 27.5 wheel on the back of a 29 bike or a 29 on the front of a 27.5 bike? Is one way better than the other?

[@mtbyumyum]

You're better off starting with a 27.5 bike and raising the front. Dropping a 27.5 wheel on the rear of a 29er will really drop the bottom bracket really low likely resulting in many pedal strikes. I started with a 27.5 Altitude. 160mm 29er fork and riding in the steepest ride-9 setting. Resulting in about a 64.5 degree hta and 75.5 sta

[@nvictus3909]

nice camera work

[@mtbyumyum]

Thanks!

[@mjor6406]

Is this bike good for berms and flow trails?

[@mariorock76]

Hi. Can you tell me, what does the term "composed" mean? I am french Canadian, I am bilingual, but I don't understand this term. Thanks

[@achn2b]

Calm, in control. Doesn't get rattled in sticky situations.

[@EliteHardrive]

Do you think the instinct would be alright using a mullet set-up?

[@mtbyumyum]

It's my understanding that starting with a 29er is more difficult than starting w a 27.5 bike.... bb would likely be too low

[@peterhoward6749]

Rascal or instinct which do you prefer. I am narrowed down between the two and cant demo them.

[@mtbyumyum]

The Instinct will build up lighter weight and has better geo... that said, the Rascal is unlike any bike out there. Incredible bike that just feels different and descends like a dream!! Hard choice... good luck!!

[@testvideo971]

I am an old rider living in Maryland. Would you go Evil Offering or Instinct.

[@mtbyumyum]

I've not ridden the current offering... sorry.

[@yoondaman316]

How would you feel about the aluminum version of this bike? That is, is the carbon Instinct really that much better? Thanking you in advance.

[@mtbyumyum]

Too heavy... if you're looking for an aluminum bike, check out Giant... they have very light weight alloy and excellent value~!

[@unSTEVOED]

@@mtbyumyum Thats good to know, I was thinking of going for the A50 - only problem is The carbon versions are a bit out of my price range

[@jorgeguerrero6361]

Hi there maybe is gonna be an old question but on which bike were you more comfortable going down, on the Ripmo or Fezzari LA SAL..?

[@mtbyumyum]

Ripmo!!

[@jorgeguerrero6361]

I finaly got my La Sal today...and i see why they said youre to much to the front, iguess is made more for short people..luckily im short and is perfect for the decends it feels like you dont have to lean to mich to the back...thank you for your honest answer..

[@klassyken]

Anyone know the BB height on this bike? I cant find it. I'm tired of BB's being too low.

[@mtbyumyum]

I didn't get any pedal strikes although, I didn't spend any time in the slackest position. I get pedal strikes on my altitude in the lowest position tho...

[@chriswood9693]

I have the bike. The ride 9 is amazing in that you can control BB height with it and encourage the bike to sit higher in the travel if you ride trails with lots of pedal strikes. Rocky has done such a great job of making this bike be able to transform to suit your style and your trails. You can instantly feel the difference with even a single setting switch on the ride 9. Setting one to me (slackest) feels like it would be amazing at a bike park with little pedaling, but setting 5 (middle setting) is a great happy medium of sitting higher for great pedaling but still slack enough to ride steep features with confidence.

[@bryansirois181]

My local Ibis dealer is trying to put me on the Instinct A50 as he has guaranteed delivery and a lot of uncertainty around the Ibis deliveries for next spring. Do I go for the A50 or be patient and wait it out for the Ripley AF? Also considering Ripmo AF.

[@bradyhall8086]

The Ripley or Ripmo AF are way better values than the A50 or A30. The Ripmo AF isn't difficult to find. The Ripley is more of a challenge(Not for me it's in my Garage) :)

[@mtbyumyum]

For whatever reason, the Rocky Mountain Aluminum is incredibly heavy.... not sure why. Frankly, so is Ibis... If I were in the $2,700-$4,000 price range, I'd be looking at a Giant Trance honestly.... best value out there! good luck

[@bryansirois181]

@@mtbyumyum A 2021 Trek Fuel EX 9.7 popped up on local classifieds for a few hundred bucks below retail and looks brand new. Thinking I still want to wait for a Ripley AF. Though I will have a look again at the Trance.

[@jonathanorchard4444]

Have you tried the Trance X

[@CoberBox1]

Whatever happened to the Altitude mullet review? Did I miss it?

[@mtbyumyum]

The footage was not very good..... still trying to get it edited.... and summer has been really busy with the kids... and work..... I'm just really busy right now and KZbin has been falling lower and lower on the priority list... it's a hobby that doesn't pay and takes away from my kids/biking/other hobbies/free time

[@CoberBox1]

@@mtbyumyum, right on. Enjoy the summer and your kids while you can.

[@trevorruffner2538]

How does it compare to a sb130? I have a 2018 instinct right now and trying to figure out my next bike.

[@aerialheights5680]

You already have a hard bike to beat, maybe the Trail 429 Enduro, only 120mm but really is much more capable than it should be for 120mm, acts & feels like 135-140mm

[@mtbyumyum]

The Instinct feels more intuitive and easy to ride. The sb130 is a demanding bike to ride in my experience. That's not a bad thing just something to note. I'd pick the Instinct over the sb130 personally.

[@pjsanab]

I’m also 5’8”. I’m also sick and tired of 150mm dropper posts. You’re being too polite while mentioning this big problematic issue. A 200mm ~ should be the standard because we have shorter legs and need all the available space to move around. Specially when going airborne. I hate having to unnecessarily shift backwards (on big jumps or steep trick sections) just avoid the seat impact, to then get hammered by the rear tire on my private parts.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, you're right.... it's so nice to have at least 175mm dropper

[@danbraden4401]

Demoed the Pivot in Fruita 2 weeks ago. Is the Rocky better then the 429?

[@mtbyumyum]

Just different. The Instinct is more versatile and can handle higher speeds with rougher terrain. T429 climbs better tho

[@danbraden4401]

@@mtbyumyum Thanks ..I need the better climber!!!

[@chespa40]

Can a 5’2 250 lbs use this bike?

[@jg8273]

Ripley, Instinct or SB115…? You can only have one.

[@mtbyumyum]

Geeez..... So hard to pass on the Ripley. I've never tried it with a 140mm fox 36 so that could be a game changer as a one bike to do everything. ok, I would go either Pivot Trail 429 with 140mm Fox 36 or Instinct.

[@corsairpilot2893]

Just out of curiousity how tall are you?

[@mtbyumyum]

5’8”

[@jormol]

How would you compare this one to the 2021 Propain Hugene?

[@mtbyumyum]

Great question. I'd take the Rocky but the Hugene has an incredible rear suspension!

[@jfinn9827]

I'm f5 9 would a medium be a good choice for me?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I would think so. Call Mike at Utah Mountain Biking. 801-367-9750

[@EliteHardrive]

We’re you riding 29inchers in this vid?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes

[@jsw5387]

Was it just me or did it look like Green Screen behind him? 😅

[@mtbyumyum]

haha

[@yoshim100579]

Switched to flats?

[@mtbyumyum]

I've always ridden flats. I ride spd's 90% of the time tho

[@jeffb.8097]

You like your shoes? Shimano I am guessing?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, they're stiff but I like them. here's a link to the one I have: bit.ly/3g65E2e

[@jeffb.8097]

@@mtbyumyum Thank you!

[@dubblearr7622]

🤙🏼

[@axc1556]

I's not a Ripley ... so go ahead and complain about it. LOL

[@cameronholowach8505]

Can't believe you carry all that crap around your waist. Next you'll be dragging a trailer. Crazy