2024 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 Shimano

If you want a trail bike that feels responsive, the 2024 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 Shimano is worth a close look. It blends thoughtful frame design with a solid set of components, all built to help you ride better, day after day.

The Instinct C50 Shimano stands as a serious all-rounder, designed to carry you over technical terrain and smooth singletrack with equal skill. It doesn't brag or overpromise. It just delivers a trail-ready package that's durable, adjustable, and downright fun to ride.

Frame and Bearings

The heart of this bike is the SMOOTHWALL Carbon Frame. Imagine a frame that's light but tough, thanks to a carbon lay-up that trims excess resin and material. The result is a stiff and lively chassis that translates your pedaling into forward motion with minimal energy lost. You'll feel that stiffness in tight corners and on punchy climbs alike. Rocky Mountain also fitted sealed cartridge bearings at every pivot point to keep things smooth and quiet while locking out dirt and grime. This means the suspension stays fresh and responsive, ride after ride.

Bottom Bracket and Cabling

They didn't stop there. The Shimano SM-BBMT500 Press Fit bottom bracket stiffens the frame's core, making your pedal strokes feel solid and connected. Cabling threads internally through the frame, so the bike stays clean-looking and the shifting remains crisp without the hassle of exposed cables snagging on branches or mud. The 2-bolt ISCG05 tabs let you easily add a chain guide or bash guard if your trails call for it.

Geometry Adjustments

The RIDE-4 geometry system lets you tweak the bike's angles. If you want a snappier front end for technical maneuvering or a steadier ride on the descents, you can flip a switch and fine-tune your handling to match the trail or your style.

Brakes and Drivetrain

When it comes to stopping power, Shimano's MT6120 four-piston brakes bring plenty of bite. Metal pads make these brakes stick on the steep and keep their edge over time. Gearing is covered by a Shimano XT derailleur and shifter paired with an SLX cassette that spreads from 10 to 51 teeth. You get a wide range for steep climbs and fast flats without missing a beat.

Suspension

On the suspension side, RockShox Lyrik Select RC forks front 150mm of smooth travel, while the Fox Float X Performance rear shock offers 140mm. This combo handles rough terrain with confidence, soaking up bumps and keeping you hooked to the trail.

Cockpit

The cockpit pairs a Rocky Mountain AM handlebar at 780mm wide, giving you control and comfort whether you're barreling downhill or pumping over roots. The FSA Orbit NO.85 headset includes a reach adjust, so your fit can be dialed in just right.

Wheels and Tires

The bike rolls on WTB ST Light i30 TCS 2.0 rims with Maxxis Dissector 2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra EXO tires. This setup balances low weight, grip, and durability across different trail conditions. Since it's tubeless-ready, you get fewer flats and a smoother ride. To top it off, an X Fusion Manic dropper post lets you change saddle height easily when the trail demands quick transitions between climbs and descents.