So, you’re ready to buy a trail bike. Congratulations — you’ve officially entered the most exciting, confusing, and occasionally overwhelming chapter of your mountain biking story. Wheel sizes, geometry charts, travel numbers, carbon vs aluminum — it’s like trying to pick your favourite flavour of ice cream while the store keeps inventing new ones.
But don’t stress. At More Bikes, we live and breathe this stuff — and if there’s one bike that nails what a trail bike should be, it’s the Rocky Mountain Instinct. So let’s break down what to look for in a modern trail bike and why the Instinct is the gold standard for 2025.
Step 1: Know What “Trail Bike” Really Means
Trail bikes are the Swiss Army knives of mountain biking — capable climbers, confident descenders, and built for everything in between. They’re the bikes that say, “Sure, let’s see where this trail goes.”
Ideal travel range: 130–160 mm.
Ideal wheel size: 29" (sometimes mullet for fun).
Ideal rider: Someone who wants one bike to do everything.
The Rocky Mountain Instinct hits this sweet spot perfectly — with 150 mm rear and 160 mm front travel on the latest builds, it’s playful enough for singletrack but tough enough for the North Shore’s chunky tech.
Step 2: Choose Geometry That Matches Your Style
Geometry is the secret sauce of a trail bike — it decides whether your ride feels like a pogo stick or a magic carpet.
Look for:
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Head tube angle around 64–65° for confidence downhill
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Seat tube angle around 76–77° for efficient climbing
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Adjustability, because your mood changes — and so should your bike
The Instinct features Rocky’s legendary RIDE-9 system, letting you fine-tune geometry and suspension feel. Slack it out for bike park laps, or steepen it up for big XC missions. It’s like having nine bikes in one frame.
Step 3: Suspension That Feels Like a Superpower
Trail bikes need suspension that balances plushness with pedal efficiency. Too firm and you’re punished on descents; too soft and you’ll bob up the hill like a pogo stick on caffeine.
Rocky Mountain’s Smoothlink suspension is engineered to keep traction under power and remain active under braking. Translation: it climbs like a goat and descends like a lion.
If you want a “set-it-and-forget-it” suspension that feels dialed every ride, the Instinct has your back (and your knees).
Step 4: Frame Material and Build Kits
Choosing between carbon and aluminum comes down to preference and budget. Carbon is lighter and stiffer; aluminum is more budget-friendly and still bombproof.
Rocky offers the Instinct in both — same geometry, same magic, just a choice between featherweight performance or value-packed durability.
Pro tip: If you’re saving for that dream build, go carbon. If you want a long-term shredder that doesn’t flinch at rock strikes, go alloy.
Step 5: Climbing, Descending, and Everything in Between
Let’s be real: not all trail bikes do it all well. Some climb great but descend like nervous cats. Others descend like missiles but make climbs feel like penance.
The Rocky Mountain Instinct is the rare unicorn that crushes both.
Climbs: Efficient, balanced, and stable — no wandering front end, even on tech climbs.
Descends: Composed, agile, and just rowdy enough to make you giggle.
It’s the ultimate “quiver killer” — one bike for every ride, trail, and adventure.
Step 6: Fit and Feel Matter More Than Specs
Specs are sexy, but the right fit is what keeps you smiling after three hours in the saddle.
Always demo before you decide. At More Bikes, we can set up your suspension, tune your cockpit, and make sure your Instinct fits like a custom-tailored suit — one you can get muddy.
The Verdict: Instinct Is Everything a Trail Bike Should Be
The perfect trail bike doesn’t just check boxes — it inspires you to ride more.
It should climb with ease, descend with confidence, and make every corner feel like a celebration.
That’s the Rocky Mountain Instinct. To get your instinct, we have one for sale today:
Born in British Columbia, tested on the gnarliest terrain in the world, and available now at More Bikes.
So go ahead. Find your Instinct today - Get it by clicking here.
Because the perfect trail bike isn’t just chosen — it’s felt.