Rocky Mountain Instinct A10 Alloy (2023)

Rocky Mountain Instinct Alloy 10 (2023)

The Rocky Mountain Instinct Alloy 10 is a jack-of-all-trades Trail bike.

Most riders will be stoked with how the Instinct performs. But there's a certain type of rider that it may not be suitable for.

This preview explains the Instinct and the specifics of the Instinct Alloy 10.

And if you're considering the Giant Stance or Giant Trance X, the Instinct must be in the mix too.

 

What is the Rocky Mountain Instinct?

The Instinct is a versatile Trail bike.

Yes, we know the bike industry over markets concepts like this. It dilutes and weakens the power of the message.

But in this case it's true.

Because we have been selling the Instinct since 2017, the most common feedback we get from our customers is how capable the bike is.

 

 

The Instinct is designed with 140mm of rear wheel travel and it's paired to a 150mm travel fork.

It's a good middle-ground for suspension.

 

 

Meaning: 

The Instinct remains stable on high-speed technical trails. And it's responsive to pedaling input, so it doesn't lag on the climbs.

 

Who should consider the Instinct?

The answer lies in 2 parts; the bike's intent and the rider.

First, about the bike.

You should consider the Instinct if you're unsure or confused about where you're going to ride.

And you want your bike to be adaptable to any terrain; short of steep and aggressive Downhill tracks or Enduro trails.

 

 

Side note:

If you are riding steep, technical, high-speed, raw, janky trails frequently then you'd be better considering the Rocky Mountain Altitude.

So, essentially you want to be open to where you ride and not limited by the bike.

Second, the rider.

The short, sharp version:

• This is your first dual-suspension mountain bike.
• Your old bike is a hardtail and you're out-riding it.
• You want to ride places like Lysterfield Park, Plenty Gorge, the You Yangs and parts of Red Hill.
• You prefer a balanced bike; confident and stable on the descents balanced with excellent pedalling efficiency and responsive at low speed.

 

The Instinct is Adaptable.

Rocky Mountain has been doing adjustable frame geometry for years.

At the bottom of the rear shock (in the image below) there's a square.

The bolt has 9 positions within this square. This is called Ride-9.

Each position does something to the Instinct Alloy 10. 

 

 

For example:

When the bolt is in the middle position (position 5), the Instinct's handling is neutral.

Moving the bolt in the bottom left corner, accesses position 1. This is the slackest position. This will lower the Instinct and make it longer in the wheelbase, adding lots of stability for high-speed, technical trails.

Position 9 (top right corner) does the opposite. It's the steepest position; perfect for riders who value pedalling efficiency and sharper low-speed handling.

This is a great position for riders coming off a hardtail or short-travel XC mountain bike.

Next, is the chainstay adjustment.

Riders can move the rear wheel back by 10mm or forward (closer to the frame) by 10mm.

Moving the wheel back adds stability for high-speed trails and delivers a grounded effect. And it's a better position for very tall riders.

Forward makes the Instinct more playful and easier to jump. So if you like to move the bike around on the trail, the short position is a winner.

 

 

The Instinct Alloy 10.

The Instinct Alloy 10 has been designed for riders who are investing in their first dual-suspension mountain bike.

A lot of the components that make up the Alloy 10 build we'd label as affordable performance-level.

 

 

Starting with suspension:

Rocky has used RockShox suspension instead of cheaper brands like SR Suntour or X-Fusion.

 

 

Both suspension products use an air-spring to tune the amount of firmness (or sag).

Simply, heavier riders need more air pressure and lighter riders need less.

The front fork also features a compression dial.

Rider can gradually firm the suspension until it's completely locked out.

To be honest though, it's not something we'd recommend doing out on the trails. 

Because you want the suspension to remain active and deliver traction and control.

 

 

The 2023 Instinct Alloy 10 also uses RockShox's latest Deluxe rear shock.

The big deal?

It's the smoothest Deluxe shock ever. That's due to the extra bushing overlap; something that stops twisting of the shock too.

Plus it's built with the top-of-the-range Maxima Plush Dynamic Suspension Lube to eliminate any friction during suspension movement; this delivers a lot more traction.

 

 

Gears are Shimano's Deore 11-speed.

A single front chainring is paired to 11 gears on the back. No front derailleur, shifter or cable minimises maintenance.

 

 

Deore is the workhorse of the Shimano family. It's robust, cheap to replace and uses similar tech to the higher-end components.

 

 

The massive range on the rear sprocket means you'll find a comfortable gear for climbing up or riding down most gradients.

The Instinct Alloy 10 build uses Tektro 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes.

For smaller riders, the lever reach is adjustable; allowing the levers to sit closer to the handlebars.