In 2020, Rocky Mountainb's Thunderbolt and Instinct platforms both offered 140 millimeters of travel at the rear, but different wheel sizes and riding characteristics. According to the iconic Canadian brand, it was a natural progression to merge these two platforms in the trail category into one platform designed for efficient riding and all-day adventures.

"Because smaller riders have different needs than larger riders, we are now offering the Instinct in the SM frame size with two different wheel sizes," say the product managers. The frame in size XS is offered with 27.5-inch wheels, while the frame in size SM is available with both 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels. For riders tall enough for the MD, LG or XL frame sizes, the Instinct is only available with 29-inch wheels. For smaller riders, our XS and SM sizes offer a customized frame silhouette that provides a comfortable crotch height. The frame silhouette of sizes XS and SM is visibly different from the frames in sizes MD to XL. Using a 190 x 45 mm shock, the two smallest sizes achieve a suspension travel of 140 millimetres and thus create light kinematics so that small riders can optimally adjust their suspension system and utilize the entire suspension travel. The frame sizes MD to XL use a 210 x 52.5 mm shock to achieve a suspension travel of 140 mm.

With an initially supple, then supportive and finally progressive suspension travel, the engineers have designed the Instinct for hard riding on technically demanding trails. The developers go one step further with the development of custom damper settings for each frame size.

Instinct vs Altitude: What's the difference?

Although the all-new Instinct has many of the same technologies and frame features as the revised Altitude, the two bikes have very different uses and riding characteristics, according to Rocky Mountain. According to the manufacturer, the Instinct is designed for long day trips and efficiently tackling all types of trails, while the Altitude is designed for aggressive riding and enduro racing. The Instinct is designed for riders who are looking for the challenge of a technical climb, mastering flowing single trails with a steady cadence or pushing themselves to the limit on descents.

bikes.com