Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 (2019). If you're looking for a versatile trail bike that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, this might just be the one. We'll break down everything from its frame and suspension to its components and overall performance, so you can decide if it's the right fit for your riding style. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50

The 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is designed as a do-it-all trail bike, balancing climbing efficiency with descending prowess. Rocky Mountain has built a solid reputation for creating bikes that can tackle technical trails while still being fun and playful, and the Instinct C50 is no exception. It's aimed at riders who want a bike that can handle everything from weekend trail rides to more aggressive backcountry adventures. The Instinct C50 features a modern trail bike geometry, with a focus on stability at speed and nimble handling in tight corners. The suspension kinematics are designed to provide a supportive pedaling platform while remaining active and plush on rough terrain. It’s a bike that encourages you to explore new trails and push your limits, offering a confidence-inspiring ride that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re grinding up steep climbs or bombing down rocky descents, the Instinct C50 is built to perform. The bike's versatility makes it a great choice for riders who want a single bike that can handle a wide range of conditions and riding styles. Plus, with its durable frame and reliable components, you can be sure that the Instinct C50 will be a faithful companion on all your two-wheeled adventures. So, if you're after a bike that blends efficiency, capability, and fun, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is definitely worth a closer look.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's get into the nitty-gritty! The Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 (2019) boasts some seriously impressive features and specs that make it a standout in the trail bike category. First off, the frame is constructed from FORM alloy, which provides a great balance of stiffness, durability, and weight. This means you get a bike that's responsive and efficient without being overly harsh or fragile. The suspension system is based on Rocky Mountain's Smoothlink design, delivering 140mm of travel both front and rear. This system is known for its excellent small-bump sensitivity and progressive feel, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride in all conditions. Up front, you'll find a RockShox Revelation RC fork, which offers plenty of adjustability to fine-tune the ride to your preferences. Out back, a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock handles the rear suspension duties, providing reliable performance and consistent damping. The drivetrain is a mix of SRAM NX Eagle and SX Eagle components, offering a wide gear range and smooth shifting performance. Brakes are handled by Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes, providing ample stopping power and modulation. The wheels are WTB ST i29 tubeless-ready rims laced to Shimano hubs, offering a durable and reliable wheelset that's ready for tubeless conversion. Finally, the bike is finished off with quality components from Rocky Mountain, including the stem, handlebar, and seatpost, ensuring a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. All these features combine to make the Instinct C50 a versatile and capable trail bike that's ready to tackle any adventure.

Frame and Geometry

The frame and geometry of the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 are where this bike really shines. Rocky Mountain uses their FORM alloy to construct the frame, focusing on creating a balance between stiffness, weight, and durability. The frame is designed to handle the rigors of aggressive trail riding while remaining efficient for climbing. The geometry is modern trail bike, featuring a slacker head angle, longer reach, and steeper seat angle. This combination results in a bike that's stable at high speeds, confident on steep descents, and efficient on climbs. The slacker head angle (around 66 degrees) provides increased stability and control on technical terrain, while the longer reach gives you more room to move around on the bike. The steeper seat angle (around 75 degrees) puts you in a more efficient pedaling position, making climbing easier and more comfortable. Rocky Mountain's Ride-9 adjustment system allows you to fine-tune the geometry and suspension characteristics to your liking. This system consists of two interlocking chips at the shock mount, which can be rotated to change the head angle, seat angle, and bottom bracket height. This allows you to customize the bike's handling to suit your riding style and the terrain you're riding on. Internal cable routing keeps the frame looking clean and tidy while also protecting the cables from the elements. The frame also features boost spacing (148mm rear, 110mm front), which increases wheel stiffness and tire clearance. Overall, the frame and geometry of the Instinct C50 are well-thought-out and designed to provide a balanced and versatile riding experience. Whether you're climbing steep trails or bombing down technical descents, this bike is built to perform.

Suspension Performance

The suspension performance of the Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 (2019) is a key factor in its ability to handle a wide range of trails. The bike features 140mm of travel both front and rear, providing ample cushioning for rough terrain while remaining efficient for climbing. The Smoothlink suspension design is known for its excellent small-bump sensitivity, mid-stroke support, and progressive end-stroke. This means the suspension is active and responsive, soaking up small bumps and chatter while providing a stable platform for pedaling and absorbing bigger hits. Up front, the RockShox Revelation RC fork offers plenty of adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to your preferences. The fork features adjustable compression and rebound damping, so you can dial in the perfect feel for different trails and riding styles. Out back, the RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock provides reliable performance and consistent damping. The shock features adjustable rebound damping, allowing you to control the speed at which the suspension returns after compression. The Smoothlink suspension design is also designed to minimize pedal bob, which is the unwanted movement of the suspension caused by pedaling forces. This helps to maintain efficiency on climbs and smooth terrain. The suspension is also designed to be progressive, meaning it becomes firmer as it compresses further into its travel. This helps to prevent bottoming out on big hits and provides a more controlled feel on steep descents. Overall, the suspension performance of the Instinct C50 is well-balanced and versatile, providing a smooth, controlled, and efficient ride in a wide range of conditions. Whether you're tackling technical trails or cruising on smooth singletrack, the suspension will keep you comfortable and in control.

Components and Value

When it comes to components and value, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 offers a solid package for the price. The bike features a mix of SRAM NX Eagle and SX Eagle components for the drivetrain, providing a wide gear range and smooth shifting performance. While the SX Eagle components may not be as durable or refined as higher-end options, they offer reliable performance and help to keep the cost down. The Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes provide ample stopping power and modulation, ensuring confident control in all conditions. The WTB ST i29 tubeless-ready rims laced to Shimano hubs offer a durable and reliable wheelset that's ready for tubeless conversion. Going tubeless can improve ride quality, reduce the risk of flats, and lower rolling resistance. The bike is finished off with quality components from Rocky Mountain, including the stem, handlebar, and seatpost. These components are well-designed and contribute to the overall comfort and performance of the bike. Considering the price point, the Instinct C50 offers excellent value for money. While there may be some areas where compromises have been made to keep the cost down, the overall package is well-rounded and provides a solid foundation for upgrading in the future. The frame and suspension are high-quality and offer excellent performance, while the components are reliable and functional. Overall, the Instinct C50 offers a great balance of performance, durability, and value, making it a great choice for riders who are looking for a versatile trail bike without breaking the bank.

Riding Experience

The riding experience on the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is where it all comes together. From the moment you swing a leg over this bike, you'll notice its balanced and confident feel. The modern trail bike geometry puts you in a comfortable and efficient position for climbing, while the slack head angle and long reach provide stability and control on descents. The Smoothlink suspension soaks up bumps and chatter with ease, providing a smooth and controlled ride in all conditions. Whether you're tackling technical trails or cruising on smooth singletrack, the suspension keeps you comfortable and in control. The bike's efficient pedaling platform makes climbing a breeze, and the wide gear range provided by the SRAM Eagle drivetrain ensures you'll always have the right gear for the job. On descents, the Instinct C50 is stable and predictable, inspiring confidence on steep and technical terrain. The Shimano MT500 brakes provide ample stopping power, allowing you to control your speed with precision. The bike's playful handling makes it fun to ride on a variety of trails, and the durable components ensure it can handle the rigors of aggressive riding. Whether you're a seasoned trail rider or just starting out, the Instinct C50 offers a rewarding and enjoyable riding experience. Its versatility and balanced performance make it a great choice for a wide range of riders and terrain. Overall, the riding experience on the Instinct C50 is one of confidence, control, and fun, making it a bike you'll want to ride again and again.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 so you can get a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• Versatile Performance: The Instinct C50 excels as a do-it-all trail bike, handling climbs and descents with equal aplomb.
• Modern Geometry: The slack head angle, long reach, and steep seat angle provide a stable and confident ride on a variety of terrain.
• Smoothlink Suspension: The 140mm of travel front and rear offers excellent small-bump sensitivity and a progressive feel, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
• Durable Frame: The FORM alloy frame is strong and reliable, built to withstand the rigors of aggressive trail riding.
• Good Value: The Instinct C50 offers a solid component package for the price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious riders.

Cons:

• Entry-Level Components: Some of the components, such as the SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, are entry-level and may not be as durable or refined as higher-end options.
• Weight: The Instinct C50 is not the lightest bike in its class, which may be a factor for riders who prioritize climbing performance.
• Stock Wheelset: While the WTB ST i29 rims are durable, they may not be the most exciting or high-performance option for some riders.

Overall, the pros of the Instinct C50 outweigh the cons, making it a great choice for riders who are looking for a versatile and capable trail bike without breaking the bank. While there may be some areas where compromises have been made to keep the cost down, the overall package is well-rounded and provides a solid foundation for upgrading in the future.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50? Well, guys, it's a fantastic all-around trail bike that offers a great blend of performance, versatility, and value. It's perfect for riders who want a single bike that can handle everything from weekend trail rides to more adventurous backcountry excursions. The modern geometry and Smoothlink suspension provide a confident and comfortable ride, while the durable frame and reliable components ensure it can handle the rigors of aggressive riding. While there may be some areas where compromises have been made to keep the cost down, the overall package is well-rounded and provides a solid foundation for upgrading in the future. If you're looking for a trail bike that can do it all without breaking the bank, the Instinct C50 is definitely worth considering. It's a bike that will inspire confidence, encourage you to push your limits, and keep you coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned trail rider or just starting out, the Instinct C50 is a great choice that will provide years of enjoyment on the trails. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the thrill of riding a truly versatile and capable trail bike!