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 USD
Norco's Fluid FS A frame earns its place as a best-in-class trail aluminum frameset by offering a durable, low-maintenance design and user-friendly geometry that suits a wide range of trail riders. Compared with the list, it delivers the best price-to-performance ratio—trading fewer boutique features for easy serviceability and predictable handling that make it a sensible financial choice for riders building a capable yet affordable trail bike.
Balanced geometry
Plush suspension
Balanced geometry
Plush suspension
Review Summary
"Users praise the Fluid FS A for its durable alloy build, playful yet confidence-inspiring geometry and strong value for aggressive trail riding; common complaints are the extra weight vs carbon and periodic linkage maintenance."
Pedal-friendly fun
Hydroformed aluminum mainframe designed for trail-focused 140mm rear travel.
Pedal-friendly fun
Hydroformed aluminum mainframe designed for trail-focused 140mm rear travel.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Norco's Fluid FS A frame earns its place as a best-in-class trail aluminum frameset by offering a durable, low-maintenance design and user-friendly geometry that suits a wide range of trail riders. Compared with the list, it delivers the best price-to-performance ratio—trading fewer boutique features for easy serviceability and predictable handling that make it a sensible financial choice for riders building a capable yet affordable trail bike.
Balanced geometry
Plush suspension
Pedal-friendly fun
Hydroformed aluminum mainframe designed for trail-focused 140mm rear travel.
Horst-style multi-link suspension tuned for efficient pedaling and predictable traction.
Balanced geometry
Plush suspension
Pedal-friendly fun
Hydroformed aluminum mainframe designed for trail-focused 140mm rear travel.
Horst-style multi-link suspension tuned for efficient pedaling and predictable traction.
$1,400-1,700 USD
Norco's Range C frame is a long-travel, adjustable-geometry carbon platform tuned for aggressive trail riding; its robust layup and modern linkage deliver confidence on steep, technical descents while preserving efficient pedaling when the trail points up. Compared with the other frames here it delivers an exceptional value-to-performance ratio—often undercutting boutique carbon rivals like Santa Cruz while offering similarly progressive geometry and durability.
Big-hit stability
Slack-on-demand smirk
Big-hit stability
Slack-on-demand smirk
Review Summary
"Riders commonly praise the Range C for confident descending performance, a stiff carbon layup, and genuinely useful adjustable geometry; some note it feels a touch heavy for a trail-focused build and is relatively expensive."
Adjusts like magic
Aluminium chassis built for long-travel trail and enduro use with durable construction.
Adjusts like magic
Aluminium chassis built for long-travel trail and enduro use with durable construction.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Norco's Range C frame is a long-travel, adjustable-geometry carbon platform tuned for aggressive trail riding; its robust layup and modern linkage deliver confidence on steep, technical descents while preserving efficient pedaling when the trail points up. Compared with the other frames here it delivers an exceptional value-to-performance ratio—often undercutting boutique carbon rivals like Santa Cruz while offering similarly progressive geometry and durability.
Big-hit stability
Slack-on-demand smirk
Adjusts like magic
Aluminium chassis built for long-travel trail and enduro use with durable construction.
Integrated adjustable geometry (flip-chip/angleset compatible) to tune head angle and BB height for steep or pedaling-focused setups.
Big-hit stability
Slack-on-demand smirk
Adjusts like magic
Aluminium chassis built for long-travel trail and enduro use with durable construction.
Integrated adjustable geometry (flip-chip/angleset compatible) to tune head angle and BB height for steep or pedaling-focused setups.
$1,800-2,300 USD
The Knolly Fugitive 138 Frame is a performance-focused trail chassis built around Knolly's signature four-bar kinematics and a rearward axle path that work very well with either coil or air shocks. It shines for focused suspension tuning and confident cornering, offering a sweet spot between Forbidden's boutique coil emphasis and Rocky Mountain's adjustable, big-hitting carbon platform while often representing competitive value for riders seeking a geometry-forward frameset.
Climb-efficient
Mid-travel bounce
Climb-efficient
Mid-travel bounce
Review Summary
"The Knolly Fugitive 138 is celebrated for its efficient pedaling platform, balanced handling and refined suspension that makes long rides feel easier; a minority of users miss a bit more mid-stroke support on very big hits and note limited dealer availability."
Poppy trail smile
Short-travel, poppy trail chassis with 138mm rear travel and a responsive suspension kinematic.
Poppy trail smile
Short-travel, poppy trail chassis with 138mm rear travel and a responsive suspension kinematic.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Knolly Fugitive 138 Frame is a performance-focused trail chassis built around Knolly's signature four-bar kinematics and a rearward axle path that work very well with either coil or air shocks. It shines for focused suspension tuning and confident cornering, offering a sweet spot between Forbidden's boutique coil emphasis and Rocky Mountain's adjustable, big-hitting carbon platform while often representing competitive value for riders seeking a geometry-forward frameset.
Climb-efficient
Mid-travel bounce
Poppy trail smile
Short-travel, poppy trail chassis with 138mm rear travel and a responsive suspension kinematic.
Works with coil or air shocks and offers a predictable axle path and tunable progression.
Climb-efficient
Mid-travel bounce
Poppy trail smile
Short-travel, poppy trail chassis with 138mm rear travel and a responsive suspension kinematic.
Works with coil or air shocks and offers a predictable axle path and tunable progression.
$2,000-3,400 USD
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 USD