Rocky Mountain Announces Limited Edition Instinct Carbon 99

Oct 30, 2019
by Rocky Mountain  

PRESS RELEASE: Rocky Mountain

We're excited to announce the Instinct Carbon 99. Complete with custom paint job, wireless components, and top of the line everything, the Instinct just got that much better. There are only 20 Instinct Carbon 99's in the world, and they'll only be available for purchase in Canada and the United States.

With build highlights like a complete SRAM AXS™ drivetrain, RockShox suspension, RockShox Reverb AXS™ seatpost, Race Face’s Next R31 carbon wheels, and our own RIDE-9 adjustment system, this bike is truly special. No matter where you ride this bike will be the talk of the trail.

Instinct Carbon
KEY DETAILS

Intended use: Trail
Travel: 150mm front / 140mm rear
Wheelsize: 29" (27.5+ compatible)
Frame construction: Smoothwall carbon
Sizes: S - XL
Weight: 12.9 kg (28.4 lb), size medium

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS™
Brakes: SRAM G2 Ultimate w/ 180mm Centerline rotors
Suspension: RockShox Pike Ultimate RC2 150mm fork and Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT 210x55mm shock
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb AXS™
Wheelset: Race Face Next R31 carbon


This bike is all about standing out from the crowd. By only making a limited number of Instinct Carbon 99's, the custom paint job will always be unique and celebrated by Rocky Mountain fans. Over the years, we've reserved the "99" naming scheme for our highest end builds. This bike has an absolute dream build and we're excited to bring this out for 20 lucky riders.

We decided that a unique 99 build was order for the Instinct platform, as it's proven to be the most versatile platform in our lineup. 29" wheels, 150mm of front travel and 140mm of rear travel, the Instinct Carbon 99 was put together to be ready for anything from the dank North Shore to the Utah desert and everything in between.


RIDE-9 adjustment system
The RIDE-9 adjustment system allows riders to quickly fine-tune their geometry and suspension with a pair of Allen keys. Nine configurations are possible thanks to two interlocking chips.

Instinct Carbon
Instinct Carbon

Smoothwall carbon
Smoothwall carbon delivers an industry leading stiffness-to-weight ratio, ride quality, and durability by eliminating excess resin and fibers. This is done by using rigid internal molds instead of traditional air bladders. We then utilize different types of carbon in specific frame areas to maximize stiffness and impact resistance while minimizing overall weight.

Smoothlink suspension
Smoothlink suspension is efficient yet supple when you’re on the pedals and across a wide range of gears. This four-bar suspension design philosophy features a controlled end-stroke and is centred on certain ride characteristics; each bike platform we develop balances variables like anti-squat, axle path, chain growth, rate curve, anti-rise, etc. to achieve the desired ride feel.

Instinct Carbon


SRAM Eagle AXS™
We went with electronic shifting because it’s proven to perform flawlessly in all conditions and temperatures. The new XX1 Eagle AXS™ from SRAM requires very little maintenance, is simple to install, and provides incredible performance as a wireless shifting system.

Instinct Carbon

RockShox Ultimate suspension and Reverb AXS™
It's right there in the name - Ultimate. RockShox Pike and Super Deluxe Ultimate were the suspension of choice for the Instinct Carbon 99. For the dropper post we went with the matching Reverb AXS™ from RockShox to keep the cockpit tidy, uncluttered, and futuristic.

Instinct Carbon

Race Face Next R wheelset and cockpit
Starting under the Rocky Mountain roof back in 1993, Race Face components were birthed out of the necessity for burlier components. That mandate still exist today and that's why the Next R wheelset and components were chosen. With proven performance from the Rocky Mountain Race Face Enduro Team, the components from Race Face are reliable, lightweight, and strong.

Instinct Carbon

Pricing and availability

Instinct Carbon 99: $13,499 CAD | $9,999 USD

There are only 20 Instinct Carbon 99's in the world and they're only available in Canada and the United States. Please contact your local Rocky Mountain dealer to order this special bike.

To find a Rocky Mountain dealer closest to you, visit www.bikes.com/dealers.

Photography by Matthias Fredriksson

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Trail Bikes Rocky Mountain Rocky Mountain Instinct


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127 Comments

  • 127 0
 Not expensive enough, pass.
  • 24 1
 RM your cost is to low for this dentist. Offering a "special edition" bike that only cost $10,000. You must be a rabid anti dentite. (Seinfeld)
  • 3 0
 agreed
  • 4 0
 A dentist dentists.
  • 8 1
 But everybody needs a run around bike to leave at you holiday house for the odd ride down to the shop's for bread and milk....
  • 8 0
 Why not 99 of them?
  • 3 0
 I think they forgot to put the 10k in the “key details” box. Oops
  • 1 0
 Specialized agrees. Their off-the-shelf Enduro is the same price as the special edition Rocky, just imagine what a special edition from the big S might cost.
  • 1 0
 @Ttimer: They make a special edition Pemberton stumpy and it's actually not more $ than s works
  • 57 5
 This limited edition thing is getting out of hand
  • 105 0
 I've made some mods to my own bike so, in a way, it's a Limited Edition too!
  • 2 0
 @sospeedy: Samesies and it only cost a fraction of the cost of this bike!
  • 26 3
 I will release an actual ltd edition hardcore hardtail next year. 3 frames only. Healthy Bicycle Company. No preorders.

Head Angle 61
Seat Angle 79
Reach 499
Chainstay: 469

compatible with all axle standards from 135 to 157, 275 and 29 via drop out. 180 fork.

Beat that RM, Commencal and YT
  • 19 0
 @WAKIdesigns:
I am only interested if it is extremely limited like 2 frames only. You can take your 3 frame "limited" edition somewhere else. (:
  • 66 1
 @vjunior21: If you pay for 2 frames I can stuff one with dynamite and make a video of one exploding for you. I will use AXS shifter to activate the explosion. No other company offers such service
  • 25 0
 @WAKIdesigns:
I am listening...
  • 6 0
 @vjunior21: WAKI delivering the goods!
  • 12 1
 Doesn't seem very limited edition with sram everything. Would have been cool to see Push 11-6, MRP or Cane Creek forks, etc. And spokey-dokes.
  • 5 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I literally burst out laughing. My coworkers would have been bothered by it but I'm unemployed.
  • 6 0
 @WAKIdesigns: whys the reach so short, you clearing out last years frames?
  • 3 0
 @bishopsmike: you can’t expect that level of kit for $13500! That’s the $16K version...
  • 3 1
 @WAKIdesigns:

You sir, win the Internet today. I literally and involuntarily laughed out loud.

Please turn the lights out when you leave. Comment board is closed for the day. Everyone can go home now.
; )
  • 1 0
 @eric32-20: thank you. But what makes me giggle is that I am actually planning to build that bike... I will probably call it “Dropped mic”
  • 5 0
 @WAKIdesigns: You mean the one filled with dynamite?
  • 7 0
 @lRaphl: Yes. If someone will be insane enough to buy one, they must be aware that there will be dynamite hidden inside the seat tube. This is how we will deal with warranty claims...
  • 1 0
 @vjunior21: www.instagram.com/p/B4R73WhJQag/?igshid=a759p2vpw2pp

Kona made a limited edition bike with only 2 made. Time to step up to the plate.
  • 3 0
 @makripper: don’t insult me. That’s just a limited edition of a mass produced frame. #notarealtd
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns:
You could name it Dynamite
  • 3 0
 @makripper:
Come on. I wouldn't buy one of those......which is why I bought both.
  • 1 0
 @vjunior21: blow!
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Pffft. My limited bike will have a frame made out of dyna-fiber. The core of the tubes will be made out of pure organic, free strolling, hand kneaded dynamite. Covered with a blend of hand knitted yak hair and hemp fibres. The polymer resin is made out of a new propetary mix of C4 and epoxy.
  • 32 1
 I'm waiting for RM's Smoothpricing.
  • 16 0
 My instinct, if I had unlimited cash flow, would probably still be something else.

Puns aside, is there really a market for “special editions” like this? In the automotive realm of super and hyper cars it makes sense at that top tier to market a vehicle that way. Often those vehicles appreciate in value or become an asset in a collection.

Mountain bikes aren’t the same. People will buy this because it’s a top tier product with top tier performance, not because it’s such a “special edition.” In three or four years this bike will sell used for a fraction of the cost...
  • 4 0
 Yeah, but on the other hand, Rocky Mountain got sweet product placement on PB, which makes it worth it if they sold these for $49.99.
  • 22 2
 Do the chainstays still crack at this price?
  • 9 0
 Only when riding off curbs on your roommates bike (what happened to me).
  • 14 1
 I just bought a 2020 instinct BC a70 edition and was about to be mad until I saw the build. I'm good with my AL frame, fox factory suspension and full XT for half the price
  • 4 0
 Aluminium for the win!
  • 7 10
 @stumphumper92: except in actual races
  • 4 0
 @thesharkman: bruni is trying to say something
  • 4 0
 @thesharkman: Who's that Pierron guy anyway
  • 2 0
 @thesharkman: Just pedal harder
  • 2 0
 @thesharkman: So if Martin Maes rode a carbon Force would he win more?
  • 15 2
 I was honestly expecting it to cost more. If it was a limited edition road bike with less parts it would be 15K.
  • 6 2
 Can't deny how good this setup looks. Top end components no doubt. Ultimate, sure looks like it. Will definitely handle the BC single-track. Pricey, sure is, but not to the middle age crew that do not need a Corvette or Summer Cottage and want to ride through life without compromise. No battery packs on my 2019 Instinct C70, so that will have to do for now. #lovetheride as they say.
  • 15 10
 Nice bike! Crackhead prices!!! This spec will be $5k brand new in 5 years. But hey...if you are a rich crackhead then treat yourself...I'm sure its an awesome bike!
  • 48 12
 it will never cease to make me laugh when people complain about pricing on top of the line, no holds barred, limited edition bikes. like, just don't buy it? this isn't your utility bill.
  • 41 6
 @arrowheadrush: BuT tHaT iS WaY ToO mUcH fOr SoMeThInG tHaT dOeSn'T eVeN hAvE aN eNgInE
  • 14 2
 @arrowheadrush: except the fork, brakes and wheelset aren't no holds barred...
  • 1 0
 @stumphumper92: E bike version coming soon I bet
  • 20 11
 @arrowheadrush: SRAM is not "top of the line",my friend.
  • 10 0
 @Mac1987: Exactly. 20 bikes only - I would have expected at least Trickstuff Direttissima brakes.
  • 1 0
 @arrowheadrush: I agree, you are basically buying something that the pros are riding. Try doing that in Moto or some other sports, cost you even more. They wont have a problem selling these 20 bikes.
  • 2 0
 @nozes: If world champions are on it, I think its good enough.
  • 1 0
 @nozes: oh, that must be why no pros are riding and winning with their components...oh wait
  • 1 0
 @rockyflowtbay: Do you really think you're buying the same product that top level racers use?
  • 2 0
 @nozes: if the top racers are not using sram axs, What are they using?.
  • 3 0
 Clearly, RMs concept of 'lucky' is actually wealthy in disguise. Fortunately, since bicycle resale values typically fall like a shot duck, I suspect that people other than the original purchasers will be the ones that get lucky a few years down the trail of these bikes.
  • 3 1
 The AXS is cool... same with the G2 ultimates .. carbon rims ...paint looks pretty cool but purely from a performance standpoint I cannot see the value... None of this stuff is going to help when pointing the bike at the ugliest section of mountain.. Then again, it is a trail bike ..
  • 2 0
 I take my 150/140 "trail bike" on some pretty gnarly stuff. Don't let the "trail" moniker fool you, 150/140 is plenty of travel for rough terrain.
  • 1 0
 @seraph: Totally agree with this. With the right frame and suspension tune it is amazing what you can do on a modern trail bike. Years ago we thought only long travel/freeride bikes could handle gnarly terrain. Todays bikes allow you to pedal up and throw down. Though I'll do it on a bike costing less than $10K USD. Smile
  • 6 0
 BOOORING! Where is my Pipedream, Rocky Mountain???
  • 2 0
 That's the new Slayer.
  • 3 0
 Not a fan of the Slayer, I want old school aluminum and cnc machined braces.
  • 1 0
 They need to just make that Pipedream a reality. They are sitting on a goldmine
  • 5 0
 holding out for wireless brakes
  • 3 0
 Wireless & Anti Lock.
  • 2 0
 Lifetime pads.
  • 1 0
 I bet some day they'll even have electric bikes just like those Tesla cars.
  • 3 0
 Too bad it's not available in europe. I would have bought it ????. Now I will just buy 3 bikes instead and save a bit for a nice trip to Whistler.
  • 2 0
 This rocky mountain screams douchebag. 14k price tag, paint job for a seawall rider, electric component for nerds who dont ride real trails. Almost as bad as my experience at the commencal store in squamish. Fucking vommit
  • 4 0
 Will it come with a rocky mountain named after me?
  • 5 2
 If y'all are complaining about the price you're in the same realm as "if you have to ask, you can't afford it".
  • 2 1
 For that price and for a bike that comes with wireless as standard, they should have molded over the cable routing ports instead of using a bolt on cover. Then it really would be limited edition.
  • 1 0
 Ya its pricey, but there are some people on this planet that literally have so much money they don't know what to do with it. For those people there are 13k bikes. It is what it is.
  • 4 3
 Who cares that there is only 20 in the world. Does not matter to me at all. There are only 3 bikes in the world owned by me and I paid less for all of them then this.
  • 4 1
 140mm of travel? What is this new trend between Down country and Enduro?
  • 2 0
 80%-Mountain
  • 3 0
 Semi-mountain
  • 3 0
 Pygmy-enduro
  • 5 2
 $13500 for a rockshox/ sram build no way
  • 3 0
 You don't even get yellow lettered MAXXIS tire for that price??
  • 2 0
 Still waiting on the pipedream... now thats a limited edition people would fight for
  • 1 0
 That was actually a sweet rig, would have been a real limited edition, something special.
  • 2 0
 Ordered one already - got a rider lined up and super stoked to get it in and build it up!
  • 3 0
 SM Pro Model.
  • 5 3
 13500$ ? at this price point i just not gonna buy a rocky mountain
  • 1 0
 I was just between this and ohlins/push/storia druid/unno/exotic drull machine for the money...rolf
  • 3 1
 Uh...

10k?

Nof*ckingwayhombre.
  • 1 0
 Price aside the build itself does not look very limmited or special, components on par to the top of the line for any brand;
  • 2 0
 Norco sight has completely blown this one out the way
  • 1 1
 Rocky should have made it really Limited by closing the frame ports for the internal cable routing. At least on one side of the frame.
  • 1 0
 Yea but that leaves no option for cable routing or resale value...that would make it harder to mod out.
  • 1 0
 @AutumnMedia: I know. I have a limited edition element from 1999, one of 20 destined for Europe. Apart from the paint, it's not limited in any way. I always found that a bit disappointing. A custom tubeset, or geometry, or... would have made this bike more special than just the paint, and it would be more collectible. Now it's worth about as much as a similar condition regular element from that time. Granted, it was not more expensive at the time of purchase though.
  • 1 0
 @zonoskar: Oil slickkkkkk
  • 1 0
 Someone with more time, what's the cost to build if you buy a frame and the components listed here? I bet it's not 13k.,..
  • 2 0
 $13,500, but still comes with EXO tires
  • 1 0
 The paint is exactly the same as on Giant Reign 1 2020 alu. Maybe Giant had some spare paint just for 20 bikes.
  • 2 0
 oh lawd
  • 1 0
 Does it make you go faster?
  • 8 0
 Yes. Your wallet is lighter, so faster on the climbs.
  • 2 0
 Of course it does. It's oil slick!
  • 2 0
 Oil Slick- check
  • 1 0
 I want wireless brakes as well for that price.
  • 3 2
 10 g's and am OEM tire. Rad.
  • 1 0
 Not willing to actually come out and call it “oil-slick” though...?
  • 3 3
 Lol, it's limited in that Rocky is one of the only companies still trying to sell ancient geometry
  • 2 0
 10k USD! Fuuuuuuuck off
  • 1 0
 That is a thing of beauty
  • 1 0
 time to jump off a chairlift then.
  • 1 0
 I don't know why they wouldn't be wanted. Dam good riding bikes.
  • 1 0
 Theyre extremely wanted - people saying otherwise are Trek and Specialized dorks from the company without a doubt - too bad these all sold in one day - kool aids for panziessssss
  • 1 0
 Probably not the reception RM was hoping for.
  • 1 0
 People that point out the obvious is getting out of hand
  • 2 1
 RIP Rocky
  • 1 0
 Sick looking bike
  • 1 0
 26 inch or bust!
  • 1 0
 So fresh and so clean.
  • 1 0
 Such a nice paint job
  • 6 8
 Doesn't limited edition mean the regular editions are actually wanted by people?
  • 1 0
 Yea except they sold out today - looks like youre rolling with the Koolaid crowd is my guess
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