Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50, a bike that has been making waves in the trail riding scene. Whether you're a seasoned mountain biker or just starting out, understanding the ins and outs of this particular model can significantly impact your riding experience. So, let's get started and explore what makes the 2019 Instinct C50 tick.

Overview of the Rocky Mountain Instinct C50

The Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is a full-suspension trail bike designed to conquer a wide variety of terrains. It's built for riders who want a versatile machine that can handle everything from technical climbs to fast, flowy descents. The Instinct lineup, in general, is known for its balanced geometry and playful handling, making it a popular choice among trail enthusiasts. The 2019 C50 model specifically comes with a set of components that aim to offer great performance without breaking the bank. The frame is typically constructed from aluminum, providing a good blend of durability and weight savings. This allows riders to efficiently transfer power while maintaining confidence on rough trails. Additionally, the suspension system is designed to absorb bumps and maintain traction, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. Rocky Mountain has also incorporated its Ride-9 adjustment system, which allows riders to fine-tune the bike's geometry to suit their personal preferences and the specific trails they're riding. Overall, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is a well-rounded trail bike that offers a fun and capable riding experience for a wide range of riders.

Key Features and Specs

Delving into the key features and specifications of the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 will give you a clearer picture of what this bike brings to the table. Let's start with the frame. It's constructed from FORM alloy, which provides a robust yet lightweight platform. The frame geometry is designed to offer a balanced feel, making it suitable for both climbing and descending. Suspension-wise, the C50 typically features a RockShox Revelation RC fork with 140mm of travel, providing excellent bump absorption and control up front. At the rear, you'll usually find a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock, also with 140mm of travel, ensuring a plush and responsive ride. The drivetrain components often include a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed groupset, offering a wide range of gears for tackling various terrains. Brakes are typically Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes, providing reliable stopping power in all conditions. The wheels are usually Alex MD25 rims laced to Shimano hubs, offering a durable and dependable wheelset. Other notable features include a dropper post, which allows you to quickly adjust your saddle height on the fly, and Rocky Mountain's Ride-9 adjustment system, which lets you fine-tune the bike's geometry to suit your riding style and the trails you're riding. Overall, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is equipped with a solid set of components that deliver great performance and value.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 truly shines as a versatile trail bike. The bike's geometry strikes a sweet spot, offering a balance between stability at high speeds and agility in tight, technical sections. Climbing on the Instinct C50 is efficient, thanks to the relatively lightweight frame and the capable suspension system that minimizes pedal bob. The 12-speed SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain provides a wide range of gears, making it easier to conquer steep inclines. On descents, the bike feels planted and confident, with the 140mm of travel soaking up bumps and maintaining traction. The Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable stopping power, allowing you to control your speed effectively. The Ride-9 adjustment system is a standout feature, allowing you to fine-tune the bike's geometry to match your riding style and the terrain. Whether you prefer a more upright position for climbing or a slacker angle for descending, the Ride-9 system allows you to dial in the perfect setup. Overall, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 offers a balanced and predictable ride, making it a great choice for riders who enjoy a mix of climbing and descending on various trails. Its responsive handling and capable suspension make it a fun and confidence-inspiring bike to ride.

Ride-9 Adjustment System Explained

The Ride-9 adjustment system is a key feature of the Rocky Mountain Instinct C50, and understanding how it works can significantly enhance your riding experience. This system allows you to fine-tune the bike's geometry and suspension characteristics to suit your personal preferences and the specific trails you're riding. The Ride-9 system consists of two interlocking chips located in the suspension linkage. By rotating these chips, you can change the head tube angle, seat tube angle, and suspension leverage rate. This provides nine different geometry configurations, hence the name Ride-9. Adjusting the head tube angle can affect the bike's handling and stability. A steeper head tube angle will make the bike more responsive and easier to maneuver in tight corners, while a slacker head tube angle will provide more stability at high speeds. The seat tube angle affects your pedaling position and climbing efficiency. A steeper seat tube angle will put you in a more forward position, making it easier to transfer power to the pedals. The suspension leverage rate affects how the suspension responds to bumps. A more progressive leverage rate will make the suspension feel firmer and more supportive, while a less progressive leverage rate will make the suspension feel plusher and more forgiving. To adjust the Ride-9 system, you'll need a set of Allen wrenches and a few minutes of time. Simply loosen the bolts that hold the chips in place, rotate the chips to your desired position, and then tighten the bolts back up. It's a good idea to experiment with different Ride-9 settings to find the one that works best for you. Overall, the Ride-9 adjustment system is a valuable tool that allows you to customize the Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 to your specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons

Like any bike, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros:

• Versatile Performance: The Instinct C50 excels as an all-around trail bike, handling both climbs and descents with ease.
• Balanced Geometry: The bike's geometry strikes a sweet spot, offering stability at high speeds and agility in tight corners.
• Capable Suspension: The 140mm of travel front and rear provides excellent bump absorption and traction.
• Reliable Components: The SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and Shimano MT500 brakes offer reliable performance and value.
• Ride-9 Adjustment System: This innovative system allows you to fine-tune the bike's geometry to suit your riding style and the terrain.

Cons:

• Aluminum Frame: While durable, the aluminum frame is not as lightweight or compliant as carbon fiber options.
• Entry-Level Components: The SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and Shimano MT500 brakes are solid, but not as refined as higher-end components.
• Wheelset: The Alex MD25 rims and Shimano hubs are durable, but not as lightweight or high-performance as aftermarket options.

Overall, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is a well-rounded trail bike that offers a lot of value for the money. While it may not have the flashiest components or the lightest frame, it delivers a balanced and capable riding experience that is sure to please a wide range of riders.

Who is This Bike For?

Figuring out who the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is really for can help you decide if it's the right bike for you. This bike is ideally suited for trail riders who want a versatile and capable machine that can handle a variety of terrains. If you enjoy climbing, descending, and exploring new trails, the Instinct C50 is a great option. It's also a good choice for riders who are looking for a bike that offers a balance of performance and value. While it may not have the highest-end components, it delivers a solid and reliable riding experience without breaking the bank. The Ride-9 adjustment system makes it a great option for riders who like to fine-tune their bike's geometry to suit their riding style and the trails they're riding. However, if you're primarily focused on racing or riding extremely technical terrain, you may want to consider a more specialized bike. The Instinct C50 is designed to be a versatile trail bike, rather than a dedicated race machine or a hardcore enduro bike. Overall, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is a great choice for riders who want a fun, capable, and versatile trail bike that can handle a wide range of riding conditions.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50? This bike is a solid all-around trail bike that offers a great balance of performance, value, and versatility. It's not the flashiest or the lightest bike on the market, but it delivers a fun and capable riding experience that is sure to please a wide range of riders. The balanced geometry, capable suspension, and reliable components make it a great choice for tackling various terrains. The Ride-9 adjustment system is a standout feature that allows you to fine-tune the bike's geometry to suit your riding style and the trails you're riding. While the aluminum frame and entry-level components may not appeal to everyone, they help keep the price down without sacrificing performance. Overall, the 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct C50 is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and capable trail bike that can handle a variety of riding conditions. If you're looking for a bike that can climb efficiently, descend confidently, and explore new trails with ease, the Instinct C50 is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded machine that offers a lot of value for the money, making it a great choice for both experienced riders and those just starting out in the world of mountain biking.