- Seat angle could be steeper On smoother inclines, the motors sensitivity can also be felt through untidy pedalling technique. With our years of experience and our comprehensive market overview, our personal buying advice will help you with your purchasing decisions and provide each of you with important information and recommendations. For increased sensitivity, the lower shock pivot rolls on dual bearings rather than a conventional bushing. Power is nothing without control. 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. The Best E-Mountain Bikes - Gear Patrol 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. If there is one bike that will convert diehard enduro riders into e-bike junkies, the Levo SL is it. The good news is that trained bikers ears will be able to tell whether the motor is in its comfort zone or is about to fade out, like when youre about to stall your car. A similar inflection point has hit cycling on a much larger scale. NEW: Before we get into the review, we would like to tell you about our latest print edition. And is range really that important to you, or would you rather have good handling on the trail? A couple of rides in, I removed the single volume spacer out of the Float X2 shock. It also features a shorter 150mm travel fork, and an extended lower headset cup to balance out the ride height. The problem: if you exceed the maximum permissible weight, this can have consequences for warranty and guarantee claims. But is more always better? Cycleworld - Concord West Enquire Now Enquire Now Shimano provide the most options here. We rode on doubletrack and woodland paths with obstacles of all kinds going both up- and downhill. Our reader survey showed that three brands are particularly interesting and important to you: Specialized, Haibike and CUBE. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Altitude Powerplay Alu 50. While the ride height was good, and the suspension felt pretty plush, I did find there to be a lack of sensitivity deeper into the travel. But beware: on some bikes, the display can also be in the way. With most motors, using the full-powered Boost/Turbo mode tends to be overwhelming, dominating the ride and making the bike difficult to control. The great diversity that now exists on the market is also reflected in our test field. The Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50 has a better fork and more travel, while the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy has 29 / 27.5 aluminum wheels and better components. Tops & flops, winners and losers of the group test, Find out everything you need to know in our motor group test, a complete reference in our sister magazine ENDURO, click here for an explanation of the term, Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind. Compare. The rubber fork bumper is simple, but does exactly what its meant to without need for a funky steering limiter headset. In general, it is important to choose a tire that suits the area of use and your personal needs, so that it fits you and your bike. I still wish the Jumbotron had a clock so I could leave my phone tucked away entirely, but otherwise its totally functional, while being unobtrusive enough that it doesnt distract you while riding. With this group test, we provide answers to the most important questions when buying and help you invest your hard-earned money in the right place and prevent you from making the wrong purchase. With one exception (Orbea), the bike manufacturers in this test see it the same way. But thats not the case on the Altitude Powerplay. Our aim is not to slam the brands involved, but rather to make it easier for you to find the right bike. Find out everything you need to know in our motor group test. Confirmed weight for our Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 was 24.12kg, weighed without pedals. You share this opinion: 77% of you stated in our reader survey that a 630 Wh battery is completely sufficient. Thanks to its strong riding performance and intuitive handling, it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trail acrobats. According to Rocky Mountain, the new kinematic offers increased anti-squat in the early portion of the travel, and a more supportive leverage rate throughout. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Most brands choose motors from either Bosch or Shimano, with Specialized being another exception because of their use of the Brose motor. Mullet-who? However, all this wont do you much good if you dont have the right tyre pressure. Rocky Mountain carbon 70 vs specialized enduro comp. To help you answer all these questions and more, we present the most important battery concepts in detail in this article. For the 2022 season, the bike industry has come up with numerous technical developments as well as exciting new approaches and battery concepts that influence performance and that you have to consider before buying. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 70 - Mountain Bike Database No? Testing the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay has been quite the journey of discovery. Top 10: Die besten Fully E-MTBs 2019? - Velomotion Despite its ability to mob through straight-line chunder, it rips turns with surprising nimbleness that had me constantly grinning from ear-to-ear. There was more than one occasion where I accidentally changed the assistance level, or double-tapped a button. We think giving points according to a rigid scoring system isnt the most helpful approach since it oversimplifies this very complex topic and doesnt do it justice. The advantages are obvious: more drop means easier mounting and dismounting as well as more freedom of movement and safety on the trail. There is no such shuttle mode on the Altitude Powerplay, which requires a more collaborative performance between your legs and the motor. Some now even use large 220 mm discs. Its a heavy bike after all, and the deceleration is noticeable when the motor isnt engaged. Remaining: 76%. However, due to current production and delivery difficulties, some manufacturers, including Haibike, CUBE and BULLS were unable to provide a bike. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Review Home Reviews Brands Rocky Mountain Reviews . As such, it's designed for similarly rowdy riding as the Trek Rail, Specialized Kenevo SL, Giant Reign E+ and Norco Sight VLT. In a world of growing battery sizes, it is not an outdated oddity but manages to bridge the gap between all-round and Light eMTBs. SCOTT sent in the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910, which is almost unchanged for 2022. Riding your bike to the park rather than throwing it on a rack is actually feasible. To answer this question, we pitted 13 exciting models against each other. Where you can usually win with the fastest time or the most goals, there are many factors that contribute to deciding which bike to buy, and everyone weighs them differently. In fact, I was able to clean one bastard of a climb on my local test circuit that I have never cleaned before. Even in the long position, the Altitude Powerplay is still agile for a big rig. Who are the people lucky enough to test the hottest eMTBs of 2022? In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves which handling compromises they want to accept in favour of more battery capacity. Welcome! After tweaking the air volume in the fork and shock to improve traction and high-speed control, I decided to try out a variety of the Ride-4 geometry settings. However, in technical terrain and at high speeds it is severely limited by its spec. The dropper should have as much travel as possible. Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition New Colour The Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 Rally Edition has a better fork and more travel, while the Turbo Levo Expert has 29 / 27.5 aluminum wheels and better components. Range, suspension travel or motor power considered in isolation will never tell you whether the bike fits your individual demands and riding style, or whether the overall bike concept works and delivers what it promises. On the note of the drivetrain, the Altitude Powerplay requires a longer chain than usual due to its idler and chainguide, so you may need to buy two chains when it comes time for a drivetrain service. Last years Best Buy and the cheapest bike (7,199) in the test field, it was unable to defend the title. Front wheel lift was a problem on steep pinch climbs, and it also felt somewhat skittish on rowdier descents. Yeti 160E C1 E-Bike 2023 Compare. Specialized realized many riders dont need massive batteries and would rather save weight. This means the BB bearings are easily replaceable, something that isnt the case with a Shimano, Bosch or Brose motor. Suspension-wise I didnt find the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay to be as gooey-plush as the Specialized Kenevo SL, which is my personal benchmark out of all the big travel e-MTBs weve tested. Congratulations! Note, that the ratings can only be compared between bikes in this group test. The excellent tyre spec and mid-high suspension design generates masses of grip, allowing the Altitude Powerplay to claw up rough and loose technical climbs with stability and quickness. With the exception of the Dyname and Brose motor in the Levo, all motors in the test field rattle, some more, some less, loudly. Rocky Mountain have opted for a 48V platform for their batteries (most manufacturers run 36V) This is especially important for Australia. Rotwild could tease out much more trail performance with different choices. From Light eMTBs with limited motor support to powerhouses with plenty of grunt, everything was represented. With its sophisticated modular battery concept with a 360 Wh battery and 252 Wh range extender and throttled, 60 Nm Shimano motor, combined with an individual look, almost perfect spec and outstanding riding performance, the Spanish trail rocket convinces across the board. In reality, the freedom of movement is limited, just like on the SCOR, despite the apparently short seat tube. But, what the relatively small Rocky Mountain has accomplished by making its own power unit, might actually put them ahead of where the billion-dollar behemoth, Trek, is right now with its e-bike platform. Read the new issue of E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine now. Being a lighter rider and on flat pedals, I personally found the suspension to be too kicky. 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. TCS velocorner.ch offers 15'000+ bikes from 300+ bike stores and individuals.. 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. FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING. The test field is a real cross-section of the market offering the best, most interesting, exciting and relevant bikes for trail use. The Orbea Rise shows how its done! Its claimed to be smaller and lighter, while maintaining the whopping 108Nm of torque that its predecessor was known for. 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. Rocky Mountain Mountain Bikes - Shop Online - Northwest Bicycle But dont look now because things are starting to change. When choosing a bike, its important to choose a concept that fits your personal requirements. 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. The most powerful motors delivers 108 Nm of torque, the weakest just 35 Nm. Belying its 24kg weight, the Altitude Powerplay is remarkably adept at flip-flopping through repeat chicanes and high-speed berms, with a lovely mix of agility and unflappable predictability. There are opposing schools of thought when it comes to which is preferable, but in the end it all comes down to weight distribution and what's more comfortable for the rider. The generous frame protection is brilliant, and on some of our more savagely rocky test trails, I was mighty glad to have short 165mm alloy crank arms under my feet. Though it's a bit heavier than some others at 52 pounds, the Moterra Neo Carbon 2 is more than capable of tackling all manner of terrain. Heres how the Altitude Powerplay faired; Ill admit I was surprised that the Altitude Powerplay managed to clock up over 2,100m of climbing in one hit. They incorporate new technologies, new motors and in some cases huge batteries that will make the 2022 bike season more exciting than ever. Das Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay gibt es jetzt auch mit Aluminium-Rahmen. On the bikes with Specialized and Dyname 4.0 motors, the display is elegantly integrated into the top tube. No! Words: Jonas Mssig, Rudolf Fischer, Julian Schwede Photos: Julian Lemme, Robin Schmitt, Peter Walke. A Light eMTB downhill with the climbing characteristics of an all-round eMTB uphill? Firstly, this motor is incredibly responsive. 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70, - Superb handling is up for anything In this guide, we break down what restrictions still apply to e-MTBs, what to look for and who should buy one. It didnt quite have what it takes to win the test, but thanks to its great price-performance ratio, the Orbea Rise M-Team deservedly wins the Best Buy! We dont just want to test the bikes that interest you the most. 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. Nope, I want my cake and I want to eat it too. Personally, Im not sure Id want to give up the travel though, especially when the Altitude Powerplay handles as well as it does. Its been consistent and rattle-free, with no surprises in its power delivery or weird system errors out on the trail. Braaaaaap: this time the test field includes a bike that unrelentingly pulls away from any Bosch or Shimano motor uphill, but also engenders its own pitfalls! Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay vs. Specialized Kenevo SL - YouTube Sadly, on the Rocky Mountain, the battery rattles. While Ive found the long chainstay setting to work beautifully for my height and riding style, I do wonder how taller riders on the Large and XL frame sizes will find the rear centre length. 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. Fork RockShox Yari RC 160mm 37mm Offset Shock They are your only contact with the ground and influence traction, braking distances and the handling of your bike, as well as contributing to its suspension. Partway through a ride I flipped the dropout chip into the long setting, which took all of about five minutes. With four assist modes on offer, the performance band of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay spans a pretty wide gap. In general, availability still poses major challenges for the industry in 2022. Average speed 9.0 mp/h. 5% OFF. 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. Press Fit BB89.5. eMTB Roundup - Looking for the best ebike on the market? Click here Only the Specialized Levo is truly quiet downhill. And arm pump after a long run is also reduced (click here for an explanation of the term Then you should pay close attention now! As with recent high pivot bikes weve tested like the Cannondale Jekyll and GT Force, I found this was exacerbated in dusty conditions, so its a good idea to keep the chain clean and well lubricated. Usability is poor, because too many buttons have to be operated with only one finger. Add to Basket. It's perfect for hyper-aggressive riders who want to ride the hardest trails without a chairlift or truck shuttle. All bikes in this test: 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. Being the e-MTB version, the Fox 38 comes from the factory with three volume spacers fitted instead of the usual two. Its also a second generation system thats replacing a motor thats been on the market for four years, so it aint exactly Rocky Mountains first rodeo. To put it through its paces, Ive taken the Altitude on chunky off-piste singletrack, swoopy flow trails and big alpine point-to-point rides. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay FIRST RIDE - YouTube Other bikes are capable of covering an equally wide range of applications while also outperforming the MERIDA in individual specialisations. Firstly, big kudos to Rocky Mountain for providing a masterfully detailed online manual for the Altitude and Instinct Powerplay models, which contains lots of useful information on setup, including baseline shock pressures and damper settings. But is different any better? For some of our testers it was just 160 mm! 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. Imagine the kinds of rooty, rocky, horror fests reserved for bravest or craziest and thats where youll likely find the Bullit. - Masses of torque on tap The longstanding outcasts of the two-wheeled world, electric bikes, have become industry darlings almost overnight. The lightweight eMTB with 150/140 mm suspension travel and 29 tyres always remains easy to control and elicits fun in every situation. With this in mind: forget about the numbers! 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. The Altitude Powerplay Alloy 70 has a better fork and more travel, while the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy has 29 / 27.5 aluminum wheels and better components. Loose terrain is more approachable. This differs to my experience of riding other e-MTBs, where Ill typically only ride in the Eco or Trail modes on technical ascents. During the first few rides, the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay didnt quite feel as stable as I was expecting for a big travel e-MTB. As you can see, just an annual inspection isnt enough. I had the pleasure of riding the original model at the European launch way back in 2017, but weve admittedly not had a heap of experience with Rocky Mountain bikes since then. We dont re-invite such bikes every time. Until my scheduled shin transplant pans out, its difficult for me to say. Cable management is nice and tight, though the external wiring at the handlebar and along the non-driveside chainstay isnt as tidy as some other bikes on the market. However, the suspension generates loads of grip, and combined with the robust tyres and well-balanced weight distribution, it absolutely rips through the corners. As a result, the prices of eMTBs are subject to short-term changes and fluctuations. Remember, there is no simple answer to the question of, How far will I be able to ride on a single charge? We delve deeper into the topic of range and battery capacity in the next chapter. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 Bike 2023 Compare. Rocky M In addition, the small remotes have a cleaner look than the Bosch solution and are also less exposed on the bike. 15 Dec 2022 First rides on the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR with Bosch Smart System Each bike review aims to answer these core questions, giving you a clear recommendation or even advising you to look elsewhere. And what type of rider wont? However, to integrate the long battery in the down tube, a cutout over half a metre longer is necessary. First ride review of the new FOCUS Jam 6.9 and SAM 6.9 2023 with Bosch Smart System motor a love that lasts? Altitude Powerplay lineup | Rocky Mountain DESIGNED FOR Enduro WHEEL SIZE 29" FRONT TRAVEL 170 mm REAR TRAVEL 160 mm Designed alongside our Dyname 4.0 drive system, the Altitude Powerplay has everything you need for aggressive enduro e-biking. Speaking of climbing, the Dyname 4.0 motor doesnt produce a lot of overrun. 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. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50 Bike 2023 (1) Award Winner . One thing to note is that our test bike features the extended lower headset cup, which should only come on the Instinct frames. Who are the people behind the testing and what do they look for in their perfect bike? 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition Bike. How did the individual eMTB in this group test fare? Fitting a GRIP2 damper would be an excellent upgrade, and Id be quite curious to try a coil shock too. But that doesnt mean that all bikes have to be expensive. It is fun to ride on flow trails and the suspension and high touring comfort are also a strength. The DoubleDown casings are most certainly a must-have, and while you could improve the overall range by fitting lighter and faster-rolling rubber, it would be a total waste of this bikes capabilities. Youll also need to replace the chainring more frequently than usual, as its made from alloy. The Altitudes kinematic is indeed very progressive, which provides a heap of big-hit support that will no doubt suit the freeriding Vanderhams and Simmons out there. Do you want a minimalist display or an unobtrusive Shimano Bluetooth connector (EW-EN100 dongle)? Rocky Mountain. This is because the guts of the Dyname 4.0 are spinning at a lower RPM, producing a lower pitch and generally less volume overall. The insertion depth of the frame doesnt match the seat post, which means that it cannot be completely lowered into the seat tube. Wir haben das Powerplay Alloy 70 ausprobiert. Purpose-built and race-proven, it's the ultimate enduro weapon for demolishing steep trails and making every session faster. Did you enjoy this article? Of course as youd expect for a big travel e-MTB, the Altitude is a terrifically competent descender. Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind. Compare: 2022 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70 vs Altitude We are convinced that more than 700 Wh in the tank isnt necessary for a trail all-rounder like the one we are looking for in this test. On the one hand, it convinces with its chic and customisable paint job, good climbing characteristics on technical uphills and great suspension. 2020 Santa Cruz Heckler Carbon CC X01 RSV E-Bike. To manage that sensitivity, the new motor features a revamped torque curve that gradually applies power up to a maximum output of 770W. The Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 wins the Design and Innovation Award. Class 2 e-bikes are throttle-assisted and are equipped with a motor that can move the bike forward without pedaling. In general, you should follow manufacturer recommendations as theyll have the most experience. After all, a bike is only as good as the interplay of all its components in the real world! eBay Kleinanzeigen: E Mtb E Bike, Fahrrder & Zubehr - Jetzt in Halblech finden oder inserieren! After some experimentation, I settled back on the neutral position. In other words: the best overall package of handling, uphill, downhill and touring performance, design, motor, specs, battery concept and detailed solutions. Larger sizes available here. This is the best way to find out which battery concept suits you. The search for the best eMTB was exciting and a close call. The Norco Sight VLT C1 offers an enormous range with its 900 Wh battery and Shimano EP8 motor. - Brilliantly grippy & durable tyre spec In my experience however, Ive found the geometry and handling on this bike to be nothing short of brilliant. In our search for the all-rounder with the best overall package of handling, motor performance, battery capacity, weight and trail performance, we have also considered the questions you should ask yourself before buying. For each bike, we have explored the extremes for you and present the real range of use they are suited to. 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. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70. But out in the real world, this can backfire and make many bikes worse for trail use. To get some more concrete numbers though, I subjected the Altitude Powerplay to our standardised shuttle range test. Unfortunately it doesnt have a clock a simple but much appreciated feature that we love about the MasterMind TCU display on the new Levo. Hub-drive motors are located in the front or rear wheel of the bike and apply force directly to the drivetrain via the pedaling inputs of the bike. But FOCUS, MERIDA and Orbea also offer a considerable margin with 124 kg and 117 kg respectively. Rocky Mountain - Reviews, Comparisons, Specs - Vital MTB For example, ROTWILD use an EightPins dropper with a stroke of up to 180 mm. Inevitably, that also includes the battery and motor concept. Yet today, bikes with batteries are the fastest growing category in the sport. Shifting is taken care of by a 12-speed Shimano XT drivetrain while SRAM CODE RSC four-piston brakes with 220/200 mm rotors do stopping duties. As you pedal, the chain tightens and pushes up against a jockey wheel, which is the main torque sensor for the system. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 | Dyname 4.0/720 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r) 24.5 kg in size L | 8,800 | Click for review ROTWILD R.E375 PRO | Shimano EP8/375 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r) 19,68 kg in size L | 8.999 | Click for review SCOR 4060 Z ST XT | Shimano EP8/720 Wh | 150/140 mm (f/r) 22,74 kg in size L | 8.299 | Click for review Become a supporter now! We gathered the most interesting facts from the test field for you and compared them with last years test. The E-MOUNTAINBIKE Print Edition 2022 is our fifth annual edition and the ultimate guide in your search for the perfect eMTB. The rubber compound can be more durable and harder for reduced rolling resistance e.g. ** without range extender So, grab a beer or a cappuccino and enjoy the next pages filled with information, background knowledge, (tech) know-how, tops & flops and the most important tips for newcomers and experts alike.