To summarize the changes from the '22 generation to '25, it's gotten less "trail" and more "xc" but not as the expense of riding capable trails. The frame stiffness is up ~10% in the RT and FT, the weight down ~400g, and a bit more supportive across the travel range. The kinematics were designed around the compression ratios and medium compression tunes of the latest Fox Float (not the SL) and Deluxe. One detail that's worth mentioning is we listened to feedback about the seatstay to link pivot durability and uprated the bearing to a dual row version with a much higher load rating.
I debated the storage question for some time but the feedback I received was that the reduced weight was preferred over the ability to store items in the downtube. For functional storage, the downtube would have to grow to the same size as the current Instinct, which also leads to the remainder of the frame to grow proportionally, which adds weight...cascading effect. Small storage volume could work, but then you're very limited as to what you can fit in the downtube and you quickly run into a situation of diminishing returns.
I've had mine for a while now; odd this is the only photo I've taken of it. It's about ~26lbs with pedals IIRC, although heavier with the kid seat. Special touches are the wheelset that uses 28mm wide RMB rims with front and rear specific layup, laced to 240 hubs (1400g), and a hard to find XTR 10-45T drivetrain.
While nothing is certain, I wouldn't worry about future warranty. Talking to the Sales and CS team, current warranties are still in process, although it might be taking longer due to navigating payments to the frame maker or shipping companies. The brand is much too strong to simply fade into the sunset.
March 4, 2025, 9:58 a.m. - Kenneth Perras
To summarize the changes from the '22 generation to '25, it's gotten less "trail" and more "xc" but not as the expense of riding capable trails. The frame stiffness is up ~10% in the RT and FT, the weight down ~400g, and a bit more supportive across the travel range. The kinematics were designed around the compression ratios and medium compression tunes of the latest Fox Float (not the SL) and Deluxe. One detail that's worth mentioning is we listened to feedback about the seatstay to link pivot durability and uprated the bearing to a dual row version with a much higher load rating. I debated the storage question for some time but the feedback I received was that the reduced weight was preferred over the ability to store items in the downtube. For functional storage, the downtube would have to grow to the same size as the current Instinct, which also leads to the remainder of the frame to grow proportionally, which adds weight...cascading effect. Small storage volume could work, but then you're very limited as to what you can fit in the downtube and you quickly run into a situation of diminishing returns. I've had mine for a while now; odd this is the only photo I've taken of it. It's about ~26lbs with pedals IIRC, although heavier with the kid seat. Special touches are the wheelset that uses 28mm wide RMB rims with front and rear specific layup, laced to 240 hubs (1400g), and a hard to find XTR 10-45T drivetrain. While nothing is certain, I wouldn't worry about future warranty. Talking to the Sales and CS team, current warranties are still in process, although it might be taking longer due to navigating payments to the frame maker or shipping companies. The brand is much too strong to simply fade into the sunset. 