As you can see, tires are a complex issue. It is also the only bike in the test field that is truly quiet downhill. Long climbs are suddenly much easier. It is the right bike for sporty downhill junkies who dont want to lose any time on the forest tracks on the way to the start of the toughest trails. Purpose-built and race-proven, it's the ultimate enduro weapon for demolishing steep trails and making every session faster. Larger sizes available here. In such a system, an XL bike would have more battery capacity than a size S or M bike. Like every car, every bike has a maximum permissible weight, which is specified by the manufacturer to ensure that the bike and all its components can withstand loads up to this rating. Thanks to the compact motor, the geometry of the Altitude Powerplay closely follows that of the non-motorised version. Being a lighter rider and on flat pedals, I personally found the suspension to be too kicky. Featuring a claimed progression of 44.1%, which is very high, the frame is compatible with both coil shocks and high volume air shocks. Even in the long position, the Altitude Powerplay is still agile for a big rig. The handlebars are a bit cluttered, especially for smaller riders. To get some more concrete numbers though, I subjected the Altitude Powerplay to our standardised shuttle range test. This increase in air volume gave me access to more travel, while providing a deeper and floatier feel to the rear suspension, with less bouncing around during seated pedalling an important aspect for an e-MTB. Compare: 2022 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70 vs Altitude Thats why we invited two bikes from each of these manufacturers to the group test. The best eMTBs are able to combine seemingly contradictory characteristics, like being agile yet composed. If youre an experienced rider looking for more juice, the Powerplay is your play. Will those taller folks wish for longer chainstays? Ive also spent some time self-shuttling at my local downhill zone as part of a standardised range test to see how far I could ride on a single battery charge. A useful method to determine where you can ride your e-bike is to determine which class it belongs to: there are three, each with its own restrictions and designations when it comes to trail access. The suspension consists of a FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 fork and FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock, controlling 170/160 mm travel at the front and rear. It not only covers a huge range of application but was also the strongest competitor to the test winner, the YETI 160E T1. EMTBs are delicate, high-tech devices that need regular maintenance and care. What good are the best gears or the best motor on the trail if the suspension and geometry are no good? VTTRocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alu 50 2019. Please, It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is, Rear Centre: 437mm (Short) 447mm (Long). The Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo is a good all-rounder that, with a change of tires and tune of the suspension setup, can reveal its full potential. 2019 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay A70 E-mtb, Emtb The clunky remote of the new Smart System, flooded with buttons, is ergonomically one of the worst in the entire test it is only marginally improved upon by the Purion, another Bosch option. A 48V system will run cooler than a 36V system (great in Australian summers). Press Fit BB. Were thrilled to see Rocky specing proper Maxxis DoubleDown tyre casings front and rear, and in a decidedly uncommon move, the wheelset has also been fitted with CushCore XC tyre inserts. All in all, it is a good all-rounder with sacrifices to the range and high speed. Among all the specialists, there are also a few true all-rounders that cut a fine figure in almost every situation these are the contenders for the title of Best eMTB of 2022. Press Fit BB89.5. Given its weight, the stocky wheels, dual-ply tyres and sticky-compound Assegai up front, that amount of elevation gain is impressive. . In the same way that Giant has collaborated with Yamaha, and Specialized has partnered with Brose and Mahle, Rocky Mountain has employed the services of fellow Canadian brand Propulsion Powercycle to help engineer the motor for the Instinct and Altitude Powerplay models. With the previous Bosch system, which is still used on the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE, you have no possibility to customise the motor. With the new Smart System, customers have the option of modifying some riding modes. If you want to delve deeper into the super exciting and complex subject of suspension, you will find a complete reference in our sister magazine ENDURO. Thats on the heavy side even for a big travel e-MTB, though theres certainly nothing dainty about this bike. FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay vs. The search for the best eMTB was exciting and a close call. I found it easy to adjust the Ride-4 and dropout flip chips, and pulling the shock out to alter the spring volume showed just how cleanly everything fits together. That bike has a remarkable ability to insulate your feet from whats going on underneath the wheels, leading to a cloud-like ride quality. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. Impossible? Class 1 electric bikes can reach speeds of up to 20mph. Your personal setup and the factory settings of the suspension fork and shock from the bike manufacturer also play a major role. As a result, the prices of eMTBs are subject to short-term changes and fluctuations. The acceleration is quite remarkable, and the motors abilityto pull all the way up to the 25km/h cutoff point becomes rather addictive. *with range extender Of note is that the Altitude Powerplay and Instinct Powerplay frames are virtually identical. Even the biggest battery isnt worth much without clever positioning and balanced weight distribution. The motor is seamless and quiet and the powertrain's position gives it an aggressive feel on descents. The cockpit itself shows great attention to detail. Thanks to a 672-watt-hour battery and a compact, low-mounted motor, it rips uphill for easy self-shuttling. Drailleur AR. Despite its reduced torque, the EP8 RS motor provides enough power at high cadences to easily keep up with the standard Shimano or even the current Bosch motor. For each bike, we have explored the extremes for you and present the real range of use they are suited to. Remember the summer your little brother grew six inches and, for the first time, forced you to yell uncle when wrestling in the basement? It's perfect for hyper-aggressive riders who want to ride the hardest trails without a chairlift or truck shuttle. As part of our annual reader survey, more than 16,520 E-MOUNTAINBIKERS answered around 90 questions, helping us to make this test as relevant as possible! On the other hand, if you want to ride the eMTB, which Trek themselves describe as super-capable, on fast, demanding and technical singletrails, you should stay away from the 13,599 Trek Rail 9.9. In fact, I was able to clean one bastard of a climb on my local test circuit that I have never cleaned before. The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70, Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 70, and Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy are all aluminum frame full suspension mountain e-bikes. **** #pandemic #deliverycosts: The massive bike boom and the consequences of coronavirus have resulted in huge challenges for the whole bike industry. My only complaint is that the 150mm dropper post felt on the short side, limiting how much I could move around the bike when jumping or bombing down much steeper sections of trail. The trail network around Monte Arsenti provides the ideal test conditions, allowing us to work out both the big and small differences that separate the 13 eMTBs on test. Even still, soft pedalling doesnt automatically deliver you full power. Price: $8999.00. Altitude lineup | Rocky Mountain The majority of electric mountain bikes are equipped with lithium-ion batteries if maintained properly, these batteries can last between 3-5 years. For a better overview, we present all 13 bikes and their tops and flops below. Unfortunately, the range of functions is significantly limited compared to Shimano and Specialized, and the added value is low. You share this opinion: 77% of you stated in our reader survey that a 630 Wh battery is completely sufficient. In other words, we go into the test knowing that some bikes will score a ten on the scale for a certain characteristic, whereas others will get zero or just one point for the same characteristic. The test field is a real cross-section of the market offering the best, most interesting, exciting and relevant bikes for trail use. The slackest position is great for full-blown descending, though I found that as I became tired towards the end of a longer ride, I was more likely to wash out the front tyre on flatter turns. - Controller buttons are too light and vague in use Whats the best eMTB and how do I find it? Were much more interested in what really matters. In comparison, theres a little more pulsing from the Dyname 4.0 motor if youre stabbing at the pedals, and it can be slightly jerky when youre hovering around the 25km/h cutoff point. The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50, Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 50, and Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy are all aluminum frame full suspension mountain e-bikes. 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 Review Particularly on the front, better traction outweighs minimally higher rolling resistance. Its not the poppiest bike given its mass and suspension platform, though riders concerned by weight may wish to look towards the slightly shorter travel Instinct Powerplay. Is Veja's Foray Into Hiking Shoes a Hit or Miss? When it comes to trail fun, eMTBs with large batteries quickly fall behind. - On the heavy side. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Average speed 9.0 mp/h. Batteries with a 600700 Wh capacity have become firmly established on sporty eMTBs in recent years and hit the sweet spot for most of you. If you want a navigation aid, you should take a closer look at our navigation device group test. Speaking of climbing, the Dyname 4.0 motor doesnt produce a lot of overrun. This configuration affords greater flexibility when designing the bikes suspension kinematics, and it also allows for a standard press-fit bottom bracket shell. Actually, the rule here is: more is more! They're here to stay and getting better every day. But is more always better? Software also has a huge influence on the riding experience and on the differences between the motors. If you value easier handling and more riding fun, you have to find the right balance less is often more. Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition New Colour Fork RockShox Yari RC 160mm 37mm Offset Shock The great diversity that now exists on the market is also reflected in our test field. Unlock your ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWERPLAY engine today! Indeed, frame sizes cant always be compared between manufacturers. - Masses of torque on tap The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50, Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy, and Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 50 are all aluminum frame full suspension mountain e-bikes. It is fun to ride on flow trails and the suspension and high touring comfort are also a strength. Did you enjoy this article? Rocky Mountain 2022 Altitude Alloy 30 29" MTB Beige/Green. Giving the range as an absolute number would inevitably be incorrect and misleading. Five years ago, we explained that that laboratory range measurements arent representative of the real world and that the bike industry is yet to find a useful and realistic solution to this. Sadly, on the Rocky Mountain, the battery rattles. What does the best eMTB have to be capable of in 2022? Which routes and trails did we ride? 2020 Santa Cruz Heckler Carbon CC X01 RSV E-Bike. Click here to learn more. Thats why we prefer to provide you with some concrete tips here. Its recommended to set up the rear shock with 30-35% sag, and Rockys suggested pressure of 190psi for my 68kg weight proved to be spot-on, putting me at the lower end of that sag range. Tero X kommer med en Turbo Full Power 2.2-motor fra Specialized, og batteri p hele 710 watt-timer (den rimeligste utgaven har 530Wh), og dreiemoment opp mot 90 newtonmeter. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Review Home Reviews Brands Rocky Mountain Reviews . With most motors, using the full-powered Boost/Turbo mode tends to be overwhelming, dominating the ride and making the bike difficult to control. For efficient charging, the best bet is to set a reminder to charge your bike up the night before a ride: set it and forget it until the morning of your adventure. We are looking for the best all-rounder that can take on any trail! The other has the new Smart System 2022, which is also based on the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. In some ways it fulfilled those expectations, but in other ways it totally surprised me. Our tips are again: MAXXIS Doubledown or Schwalbe Super Gravity. Not helping things, theres no audible beep to signal when youve changed mode. 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition Bike. Note, that the ratings can only be compared between bikes in this group test. Made for aggressive, all-day riders, the newly-launched Shuttle is turning heads. As such, its designed for similarly rowdy riding as the Trek Rail, Specialized Kenevo SL, Giant Reign E+ and Norco Sight VLT. 15 Dec 2022 First rides on the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR with Bosch Smart System Those results are listed a bit further down in this review. In this group test, there are considerable differences in terms of grip, steering precision, traction and puncture protection, which also influence the handling, riding experience and feeling of safety. However, good value for money isnt about the sum of the parts in the spec, but how the complete package performs on the trail. Of course as youd expect for a big travel e-MTB, the Altitude is a terrifically competent descender. Do you run out of juice? Some bikes have been previously featured in our group tests due to multi-year development cycles, but how much sense does it make to test a bike like the Cannondale Moterra Neo for the umpteenth time if nothing has changed except for small details in the spec with a successor likely due to replace it soon anyway? With a smooth ride and easy handling, it is suitable for beginners as well as high-speed junkies. A couple of rides in, I removed the single volume spacer out of the Float X2 shock. The perfect suspension offers safety, reserves, comfort, control and enough feedback from the ground to actively manouevre the bike across the trail. Whichever is your favourite, its important that the display and remote are in a protected position and that they are intuitive and ergonomic to use. Maybe weve tested it previously, maybe an exciting successor will be introduced this year, or maybe it will soon be available again and end up in one of our next tests. On flow trails, it also scores points with its poppy suspension and balanced riding position. We also want to test them in the way you ride and use them in the real world otherwise our work wouldnt make any sense. Inside Rocky Mountain's Unique Powerplay E-Bike Motors Were told this was down to a simple availability issue at the factory. Tires are elementary. Until my scheduled shin transplant pans out, its difficult for me to say. It also features a shorter 150mm travel fork, and an extended lower headset cup to balance out the ride height. Specialized Kenevo SL vs. Orbea Wild vs. Mondraker Chaser - YouTube Mal Wieder eine Sonntagstour mit der Bande.Lacher sind wie immer. Motor manufacturers determine these specifications and compatibility. Unfortunately, just because an eMTB is expensive doesnt mean it will last longer if you dont take care of it. The 9Barista Espresso Machine Premium espresso to-go. How long are your longest rides and how much ascending do you realistically do? RIDE-9 Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate. It is somewhat planted, a byproduct of its overall mass and the mid-high suspension design, so while I have found itll take to the air, its not the poppiest bike going. "The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 represents the new benchmark in motor performance, leaving the competition behind. Rocky's new Powerplay models have a secret weapon to use on most other large brands competing in the eMTB sphere; their Dyname 4.0 power plant. The Specialized S-Works Kenevo SL is a special case. The bar has a fantastic profile with a suitable width and rise, the WTB saddle is totally agreeable, the Shimano I-Spec mounts are tidy, and the ODI grips are a really nice touch. A similar inflection point has hit cycling on a much larger scale. While it has a specific use in mind with its unique character, it does what it is aimed at well. There is no such shuttle mode on the Altitude Powerplay, which requires a more collaborative performance between your legs and the motor. Rocky Mountain Mountain Bikes - Shop Online - Northwest Bicycle The advantages are obvious: more drop means easier mounting and dismounting as well as more freedom of movement and safety on the trail. Our Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 test bike has delivered near faultless performance during our time with it, which is hardly a surprise given its such a well specd bike. Given all the updates, I was curious to see how the proprietary motor would perform alongside all the other e-MTBs weve been testing lately. There have been some small rolling changes to the Altitude Powerplay in that time, but the 2022 model sees the platforms biggest overhaul yet with an entirely new chassis, an updated motor, bigger battery and a refined user interface. The only major downside is a very loud motor that calls to mind a coffee grinder. Das Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay gibt es jetzt auch mit Aluminium-Rahmen. Class 3 electric bikes integrate a motor that activates only when the rider is pedaling and top out at 28mph (and feature a speedometer). They have very long 470 mm seat tubes, limiting the choice of sizes. The longstanding outcasts of the two-wheeled world, electric bikes, have become industry darlings almost overnight. Our test field only featured tires from Schwalbe or MAXXIS. Orbea shows how its done with the battery and motor concept of the Rise. In our annual group test, in which we search for the best eMTB of the year, we tested and compared the 13 most exciting and hottest eMTBs of the season. There are also differences between the individual motors and bikes when it comes to motor noise under full load. They may have changed since then. We dont re-invite such bikes every time. The pedalling position on the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 Rally Edition is comfortable, making it ideal for longer outings. A practical side effect is that these bikes can be placed upside down, which is particularly important for models where the battery is removed from the down tube. Personally, Ive not found the reduced overrun to be an issue for the majority of trails Ive ridden, and both motors are easy to adapt to after a few rides. the best Bosch bike, the best bike with a 750 Wh battery or the best bike with 150 mm travel and 29 wheels. 5% OFF. The lightweight eMTB with 150/140 mm suspension travel and 29 tyres always remains easy to control and elicits fun in every situation. If I was being really picky, Id suggest the seat tube angle could be steeper. Is the Instinct Powerplay the best eMTB of 2020? For example, FOX recommends a complete service of the FOX 36 or 38 at annual intervals or after 125 hours of use whichever comes first. RIDE-9 Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate. Riding your bike to the park rather than throwing it on a rack is actually feasible. With this in mind: forget about the numbers! However, due to current production and delivery difficulties, some manufacturers, including Haibike, CUBE and BULLS were unable to provide a bike. The Best E-Mountain Bikes - Gear Patrol The motor is called Dyname 4.0, and like the frame its had a significant update for 2022. If you think, Cool!, we have to disappoint you. I spent a full day out riding in Eco mode alongside a pack of regular mountain bikes, which proved to be a good match for my non-motorised friends, while barely touching the sides of the 720Wh battery. Like every person, every bike has its own character that inevitably embodies both strengths and weaknesses. How do you ride your eMTB or how do you want to ride it? It is also not the right choice for beginners due to its demanding handling. Drive System Dyname 3.0 Class 1 eMTB Drive | 250w | 108Nm | Upgraded High Cadence Boost & Power Extension Firmware Bosch bring up the rear in this respect. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay vs. Specialized Kenevo SL - YouTube The difference here may simply boil down to the progressive suspension rate. But which bike is the right one for you? Rocky Mountain E-Bikes for Sale | BikeExchange.com.au The Dyname 4.0 motor on the Rocky Mountain does not have an app, but here too you can fine-tune the support levels via the display. While this might sound like a vacation, its a lot of hard work too! rocky mountain altitude powerplay vs specialized levo YETI have combined all their geometry and suspension know-how in a great overall package powered by a Shimano EP8 motor and 630 Wh battery, creating a bike that is the new benchmark in trail performance, for everyone from beginners to pros. Compare: 2022 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Carbon 70 vs Altitude Even while out of the saddle, with my chest hanging over the bars to keep the front wheel weighted, the power feels easy to modulate, allowing you to make the most of the high-traction suspension and grippy rubber. Whether on flow trails, technical singletrails, in the bike park or on a tour, the Orbea Rise M-Team is a true all-rounder that inspires in every discipline. It is the best touring bike in the test field and, after some suspension tuning, also a good all-rounder that will appeal to both beginners and advanced riders with its easy going and good-natured handling. If you want to chase over trails at high speed, it wont be. the Dyname from Propulsion Power Cycles. - Brilliant cornering performance It is unbeaten in technical uphill terrain and also feels most comfortable downhill on challenging and fast trails. To help you answer all these questions and more, we present the most important battery concepts in detail in. Rocky Mountain's more aggressive and longer travel version of the Instinct Powerplay is designed for riders who want just more travel for a more aggressive riding style. The discrepancy between motor displays couldnt be greater: The test field has everything on offer, from year-old displays with the sparse functionality and look of a Tamagotchi, to modern displays with numerous features, to minimalist, fully integrated concepts where the display is no longer present at all. Read this chapter for the answers as well as a summary of our test philosophy and our opinion on school grades for bike tests. It doesnt offer the same amount of overrun as a Bosch motor for conquering ledgy moto-style climbs, and I suspect that taller riders may also wish for a steeper seat angle and longer rear end. Further geometry adjustment can be found in the Ride-4 flip chip at the lower shock mount. In search of a quick, simple answer to the question of which bike is the best, prospective ebike buyers often get dazzled by advertising superlatives such as the maximum range or the lowest weight, presented as impressive graphics, diagrams, tables and laboratory values. Altitude Powerplay Alu 50. Yes, in something of a nod to Elon Musk, this bike has Ludicrous mode. Then again, Mick found the novelty of all those features quickly wore off during his long-term test of the Levo. As you can see, just an annual inspection isnt enough. Compare: 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50 vs Instinct A clever modular concept can be a sensible alternative to a standard system with a 630 Wh battery. And Mom wouldnt be able to save you. Are you with us? The Altitude Powerplay is a lot of bike and there's a lot to like about it. Exclusive: first ride review of the new Specialized Tero X 6.0 eSUV 2023 fully-equipped eMTB full suspension bike for everyday and all-terrain use, Fox Union BOA in review Great fit for a solid stance. With that in mind, here are seven of our favorite eMTBs today. And while the big 38 is a great match, providing a solid and secure platform up front, it isnt as supple or as well supported compared to the higher-end versions that feature the more complex GRIP2 damper. Weve been looking for the best all-rounder that wont let you down on any trail, whether uphill or downhill, and offers a carefree package of performance and riding fun for all rider types and skill levels. Therefore, we cannot make a general statement about the suspension travel. The higher the ratings on the scales at the end of each review, the better the bike is in these areas. The most controversial segment was and to some degree still is electric mountain bikes (eMTBs for short). - CushCore inserts as standard In comparison, the Altitude Powerplay offers a little more surface communication and support. A robust 63 miles of range, Sram GX Eagle 1x12 gears and a DownLow Dropper telescopic seat post only add to its appeal. In fact, the 437mm rear centre length is identical between the two bikes, and should be noted as being incredibly short for an e-MTB with 29in wheels and 160mm of rear travel. Theres nothing but thumbs up for the tyre spec, especially the choice of a 3C MaxxGrip compound up front. On Test | The 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay - Flow Mountain Bike How did the individual eMTB in this group test fare? Regional availability may vary. 12 New Electric Mountain Bikes For 2023 Buyers Guide Emtb E Bike Indeed cornering is unquestionablyone of this bikes strongest suits, and it manages to achieve that without a 27.5in rear wheel.