Rocky Mountain Instinct Carbon 70 Frameset
The Instinct Carbon 70 frameset is Rocky Mountain’s adjustable-geometry trail carbon full-suspension option, notable for pairing durable construction and practical adjustability with a friendlier price point. It competes as the value leader here by delivering many premium features (including adjustable geometry and broad wheel compatibility) at a lower entry cost than the highest-end CC and T-series frames, making it a go-to for riders prioritizing toughness and tuning flexibility over minimal weight.
Climb-focused pop — summit-smile
Geo-tuned stability — confidence-boost
Climb-focused pop — summit-smile
Geo-tuned stability — confidence-boost
Review Summary
"The Instinct Carbon 70 is lauded for stable, confident descending and efficient climbing for a trail-focused platform; reviewers cite strong capability and value despite a somewhat heavier frame compared with race-oriented models."
Lightweight stomp — nimble laughs
Carbon frame layups balanced to deliver trail-capable stiffness without excessive weight
Lightweight stomp — nimble laughs
Carbon frame layups balanced to deliver trail-capable stiffness without excessive weight
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Instinct Carbon 70 frameset is Rocky Mountain’s adjustable-geometry trail carbon full-suspension option, notable for pairing durable construction and practical adjustability with a friendlier price point. It competes as the value leader here by delivering many premium features (including adjustable geometry and broad wheel compatibility) at a lower entry cost than the highest-end CC and T-series frames, making it a go-to for riders prioritizing toughness and tuning flexibility over minimal weight.
Climb-focused pop — summit-smile
Geo-tuned stability — confidence-boost
Lightweight stomp — nimble laughs
Carbon frame layups balanced to deliver trail-capable stiffness without excessive weight
Around 140mm rear travel with modern trail geometry and options to tweak fit and handling
Climb-focused pop — summit-smile
Geo-tuned stability — confidence-boost
Lightweight stomp — nimble laughs
Carbon frame layups balanced to deliver trail-capable stiffness without excessive weight
Around 140mm rear travel with modern trail geometry and options to tweak fit and handling
$2,600-3,400 CAD
Knolly's Fugitive 138 frame is the boutique pick, known for a carefully engineered linkage that prioritizes active, efficient suspension behavior and precise handling on technical trails. While it is typically more costly and produced in smaller volumes than the other frames listed, its distinct kinematic character and race-oriented tuning give riders seeking high-performance trail specificity a technical edge over more mainstream aluminum frames.
138mm pop
Agile chassis
138mm pop
Agile chassis
Review Summary
"Users consistently applaud the Knolly Fugitive 138 for its efficient, confidence-inspiring four-bar suspension and excellent descending stability; common criticisms are higher weight, cost, and limited size/parts availability."
Rider-focused whoop
Alloy frame built around a 138mm rear travel design focused on lively, responsive trail handling.
Rider-focused whoop
Alloy frame built around a 138mm rear travel design focused on lively, responsive trail handling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Knolly's Fugitive 138 frame is the boutique pick, known for a carefully engineered linkage that prioritizes active, efficient suspension behavior and precise handling on technical trails. While it is typically more costly and produced in smaller volumes than the other frames listed, its distinct kinematic character and race-oriented tuning give riders seeking high-performance trail specificity a technical edge over more mainstream aluminum frames.
138mm pop
Agile chassis
Rider-focused whoop
Alloy frame built around a 138mm rear travel design focused on lively, responsive trail handling.
Suspension kinematics tuned for traction and composure with a supportive leverage curve.
138mm pop
Agile chassis
Rider-focused whoop
Alloy frame built around a 138mm rear travel design focused on lively, responsive trail handling.
Suspension kinematics tuned for traction and composure with a supportive leverage curve.
$1,900-2,600 CAD
Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon Frame
Rocky Mountain's Altitude Carbon frame is a technically versatile trail platform with multi-position geometry adjustments and a carbon layup engineered for a balance of pedaling efficiency and descending traction. It stands out for in-house suspension and frame tuning that aim to retain climbability while opening up aggressive descending potential, positioning it as a refined alternative between Norco's rowdier focus and Devinci's more downhill-biased feel.
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Review Summary
"The Altitude Carbon earns high marks for balanced handling, efficient pedaling, and well-executed adjustable geometry that suits mixed climbing and descending; complaints are mostly around price and occasional component builds rather than the frame itself."
Laser-descend focus
High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.
Laser-descend focus
High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Rocky Mountain's Altitude Carbon frame is a technically versatile trail platform with multi-position geometry adjustments and a carbon layup engineered for a balance of pedaling efficiency and descending traction. It stands out for in-house suspension and frame tuning that aim to retain climbability while opening up aggressive descending potential, positioning it as a refined alternative between Norco's rowdier focus and Devinci's more downhill-biased feel.
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Laser-descend focus
High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.
Adjustable geometry via flip-chip and headset/shock options to fine-tune handling between slack and efficient modes.
Chameleon geometry
Climb-smart pop
Laser-descend focus
High-quality carbon layup tuned for an optimal strength-to-weight balance and controlled ride feel.
Adjustable geometry via flip-chip and headset/shock options to fine-tune handling between slack and efficient modes.
$3,200-4,200 CAD
The Norco Optic C Frame is a value-focused carbon trail frameset engineered to accept either coil or metric air shocks, delivering balanced geometry and broad parts compatibility for riders building a versatile trail bike. It earns its spot for offering strong price-to-performance and widespread dealer support compared with boutique options on this list, while still holding its own in agility against stiffer, premium designs like the Rocky Mountain Altitude.
Balanced travel
Snappy acceleration
Balanced travel
Snappy acceleration
Review Summary
"Owners praise the Norco Optic C for its stable, confidence-inspiring geometry, efficient pedaling and predictable suspension across technical trails, though a few long-term users note it can feel a bit heavy and requires careful shock tuning to avoid small-bump harshness."
Cornering with sass
Carbon-frame option with modern trail geometry and roughly 150mm rear travel.
Cornering with sass
Carbon-frame option with modern trail geometry and roughly 150mm rear travel.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Norco Optic C Frame is a value-focused carbon trail frameset engineered to accept either coil or metric air shocks, delivering balanced geometry and broad parts compatibility for riders building a versatile trail bike. It earns its spot for offering strong price-to-performance and widespread dealer support compared with boutique options on this list, while still holding its own in agility against stiffer, premium designs like the Rocky Mountain Altitude.
Balanced travel
Snappy acceleration
Cornering with sass
Carbon-frame option with modern trail geometry and roughly 150mm rear travel.
Accepts both coil and air shocks with compatible mounts (trunnion and standard with hardware).
Balanced travel
Snappy acceleration
Cornering with sass
Carbon-frame option with modern trail geometry and roughly 150mm rear travel.
Accepts both coil and air shocks with compatible mounts (trunnion and standard with hardware).
$1,800-2,600 CAD
Devinci Django Carbon Frame
The Django Carbon delivers a balanced, value-oriented trail frameset with modern geometry and a suspension tune that emphasizes pedaling efficiency and traction—attributes that translate well to loaded bikepacking days. It competes by offering many of the technical advantages of pricier brands (comfortable compliance, frame-friendly mounts) at a more budget-conscious cost, making it a smart pick for riders who want performance without the top-tier sticker shock.
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Review Summary
"Owners appreciate the Django's efficient climbing manners and comfortable ride for long distances, making it well-suited to bikepacking, though some report the rear end can feel a bit stiff and value varies by spec."
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Django Carbon delivers a balanced, value-oriented trail frameset with modern geometry and a suspension tune that emphasizes pedaling efficiency and traction—attributes that translate well to loaded bikepacking days. It competes by offering many of the technical advantages of pricier brands (comfortable compliance, frame-friendly mounts) at a more budget-conscious cost, making it a smart pick for riders who want performance without the top-tier sticker shock.
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Carbon layup that soaks up trail roughness to reduce rider fatigue on long tours.
Tour-ready comfort
All-day smoothness
Gear-hauler wink
Balanced trail geometry that performs well on singletrack and multi-day bikepacking routes.
Carbon layup that soaks up trail roughness to reduce rider fatigue on long tours.
$2,500-3,500 CAD