In issue #029 of our digital magazine you will find a group test of more affordable models. The YT DECOY MX CORE 4 is equipped with the Shimano EP8 motor in combination with the small 540 Wh battery, which was introduced at the beginning of 2019. It not only covers a huge range of application but was also the strongest competitor to the test winner, the YETI 160E T1. the trail performance and quality of the bike. No! There are five options in total in the 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay lineup, three of which feature carbon frames and two that use alloy frames. For the Altitude Powerplay, I actually performed this test twice. Unfortunately it doesnt have a clock a simple but much appreciated feature that we love about the MasterMind TCU display on the new Levo. 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. Testing the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay has been quite the journey of discovery. The fact that the main pivot isnt sky-high no doubt contributes to this predictable weight distribution. There are huge differences not only in motor power, but also in battery capacity for bikes that are aimed at similar applications: models like the Specialized Kenevo SL Light eMTB with a 360 Wh battery and 35 Nm torque output, take a different approach with less battery capacity and sometimes less motor power, while manufacturers like Norco, packing 900 Wh, exhaust all possibilities to integrate as much juice into the down tube as possible. Internal Cable Routing. All bikes in this test: We also clear up half-truths, examine forum discussions, marketing promises and tell you what really matters. 2-Bolt ISCG05 Tabs. 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! These spikes can be many times the rated power. For 2022, numerous manufacturers present bikes with enormous battery capacities of up to 1,034 Wh and celebrate their increased range. How long are your longest rides and how much ascending do you realistically do? 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. Not helping things, theres no audible beep to signal when youve changed mode. We dont just want to test the bikes that interest you the most. The powerful and adaptable Dyname 4.0 motor is ready to go when you are, surging forward with 108 Nm of torque the. This differs to my experience of riding other e-MTBs, where Ill typically only ride in the Eco or Trail modes on technical ascents. 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. At 95 kg, am I already too heavy for my eMTB? Loose terrain is more approachable. Cycleworld - Concord West Enquire Now Enquire Now If you want to know more about what has caused this, you can find all the information here. This is the best way to find out which battery concept suits you. If you think, Cool!, we have to disappoint you. This means the BB bearings are easily replaceable, something that isnt the case with a Shimano, Bosch or Brose motor. But FOCUS, MERIDA and Orbea also offer a considerable margin with 124 kg and 117 kg respectively. It rolls on 29in wheels, and it's equipped with a 170mm travel fork and 160mm of rear travel. If you want to chase over trails at high speed, it wont be. Which of these would perform better for Mostly scetchy jump trail as well as a pump track with a steep fire road climb. Rocky Mountain have opted for a 48V platform for their batteries (most manufacturers run 36V) This is especially important for Australia. During one of my range tests, the Altitude Powerplay had no trouble ticking over 22km/h while going up a 12% gradient. With a smooth ride and easy handling, it is suitable for beginners as well as high-speed junkies. Purpose-built and race-proven, it's the ultimate enduro weapon for demolishing steep trails and making every session faster. Most brands choose motors from either Bosch or Shimano, with Specialized being another exception because of their use of the Brose motor. Are you new here? 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. And again, the all important battery life. E. Rubbee X e-bike conversion kit . As you can see, we have invited many different bikes. It also features a shorter 150mm travel fork, and an extended lower headset cup to balance out the ride height. They have a maximum load of just 94 kg and 95 kg respectively. Usability is poor, because too many buttons have to be operated with only one finger. In general, availability still poses major challenges for the industry in 2022. Indeed cornering is unquestionablyone of this bikes strongest suits, and it manages to achieve that without a 27.5in rear wheel. Only the Specialized Levo is truly quiet downhill. Is Veja's Foray Into Hiking Shoes a Hit or Miss? YT have the highest payload in the test field at 127 kg. The majority of electric mountain bikes are equipped with lithium-ion batteries if maintained properly, these batteries can last between 3-5 years. Even still, the Altitude Powerplay doesnt ride like a chopper, with a fairly moderate 625mm stack height. It certainly soaks up awkward landings well, and I never once encountered a harsh bottom-out. Unfortunately, the range of functions is significantly limited compared to Shimano and Specialized, and the added value is low. On the one hand, it convinces with its chic and customisable paint job, good climbing characteristics on technical uphills and great suspension. Theres nothing but thumbs up for the tyre spec, especially the choice of a 3C MaxxGrip compound up front. The Jumbotron does allow you to personalise the motors assistance levels and Boost character though, which well touch on in a bit. It is the perfect all-rounder that covers the whole spectrum from touring to bike park visits, scores with enormous riding performance and convinces with almost perfect and sensible equipment, even if it comes at a hefty price of 13,790. the best Bosch bike, the best bike with a 750 Wh battery or the best bike with 150 mm travel and 29 wheels. Specialized does about $500 million in annual revenue, Rocky does around $40 million. The motors have an average torque of 81 Nm. 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. 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. From here the next step was to investigate the dropout flip chip. Youll also need to replace the chainring more frequently than usual, as its made from alloy. How do you ride your eMTB or how do you want to ride it? An eMTB is more than the sum of its parts and the arms race for metrics like battery size, motor power or suspension travel rarely produces better bikes. Thats exactly why you need to know not just what you need to pay attention to, but also what is less important. I came into this test expecting the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay to be a heavy, excessively powerful and glued-to-the-ground e-MTB. We start with the FOCUS JAM2 7.0 for 7,799. In my experience however, Ive found the geometry and handling on this bike to be nothing short of brilliant. This is in contrast to the latest Bosch motor, which continues to deliver power for a little longer if you take a brief pause on the pedals, helping to push you up and over a big root or rock slab. The other has the new Smart System 2022, which is also based on the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. But is more always better? The test field is a real cross-section of the market offering the best, most interesting, exciting and relevant bikes for trail use. In some ways it fulfilled those expectations, but in other ways it totally surprised me. Best for steep and technical terrain, the Shuttle survives on the uphill and thrives on the down. The YETI 160E T1 is the deserved Best in Test and thus the best eMTB of 2022. The insertion depth of the frame doesnt match the seat post, which means that it cannot be completely lowered into the seat tube. 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. Bosch bring up the rear in this respect. We strive to present the character of each bike in a clear and easily understandable way. With availability limited and eMTBs a big investment for many, its especially important to know about the latest technologies and the huge differences between models before buying one. Dual bearings are employed in the chainstay pivot for increased stiffness and durability, while external shields are added to all pivot bearings to ward off contaminants. The Altitude Powerplay is a lot of bike and there's a lot to like about it. The lightweight eMTB with 150/140 mm suspension travel and 29 tyres always remains easy to control and elicits fun in every situation. Allow me to jog your memory. In this group test, were not just looking for the best eMTB of 2022. Smartphone apps that can do this are available from (almost) all motor manufacturers. Note, that the ratings can only be compared between bikes in this group test. Whats the best eMTB of 2021? Charging times will vary by bike model (and whether you're using a portable power bank or plugging directly into the wall), but the average charge time for an electric mountain bike is anywhere between 8-12 hours. Related Articles First impressions - The Ibis Oso Ride Review. 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. Lithium-ion batteries slowly lose capacity over time, so expect this additional cost down the line. Specialized e-MTBs tend to be very good at converting uneven pedalling inputs into a very smooth and linear motor output. 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. It still provides experienced bikers with good reserves, satisfies beginners with its intuitive handling and is also a comfortable touring bike, but ultimately cannot keep up with the stronger competition as an all-rounder. Generally speaking, I remained in the Trail setting during the test period, which netted me anywhere from 50-75km of riding with 2,000-2,400m of elevation gain. Were much more interested in what really matters. For this, eMTBs should have four-piston brakes with discs of at least 200 mm. Read this chapter for the answers as well as a summary of our test philosophy and our opinion on school grades for bike tests. Our reader survey showed that three brands are particularly interesting and important to you: Specialized, Haibike and CUBE. The Instinct Powerplay Alloy 50 is close to greatness but is held back by its controls and components. - Impressive total range, - High pivot design requires longer chain Software also has a huge influence on the riding experience and on the differences between the motors. With eMTB technology and geometry improving rapidly, more and more members of the bike community have realized their value. Even the biggest battery isnt worth much without clever positioning and balanced weight distribution. In terms of ergonomics, Bosch bring up the rear. We gathered the most interesting facts from the test field for you and compared them with last years test. Out of the box the Altitude is quite long and slack up front, but the back end is very short at 437mm. 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 Four long years after the Canadian brand introduced its very first electric mountain bike, the 2nd generation Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay has finally arrived. My only other concern is with the rear end length. Battery capacity depends on the weight of the rider and riding conditions: if you're riding uphill into a headwind, expect to drain that battery a lot quicker than bombing hills. Its actually great encouragement, and if you go for it, its possible to ride this bike very fast uphill. Therefore, we cannot make a general statement about the suspension travel. ROCKY MOUNTAIN INSTINCT POWERPLAY CARBON 70 Travel: 140mm Motor: Dyname 3.0 Battery: Fully Integrated Li-Ion, 672Wh MSRP: $7,999 READ THE REVIEW SPECIALIZED TURBO LEVO EXPERT Travel: 150mm Motor: Specialized 2.1 Battery: Turbo M2-700, 700Wh MSRP: $8,250 READ THE REVIEW TREK RAIL 9.9 Travel: 150mm Motor: Bosch Performance CX Dankzij zijn planetaire mechanische tandwieloverbrenging benadert de magneet de reis 3 . 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. On the bikes with Specialized and Dyname 4.0 motors, the display is elegantly integrated into the top tube. If you value easier handling and more riding fun, you have to find the right balance less is often more. If I was being really picky, Id suggest the seat tube angle could be steeper. The price range in the test field is wide but this doesnt mean that the differences in performance are just as great. However, good value for money isnt about the sum of the parts in the spec, but how the complete package performs on the trail. But out in the real world, this can backfire and make many bikes worse for trail use. 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. How long are your longest rides and how much ascending do you realistically do? Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay FIRST RIDE - YouTube 0:00 / 21:30 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay FIRST RIDE 14,469 views Premiered Jan 4, 2021 352 Dislike Share Save Pinned TV 20.5K. There are four assistance modes you can choose from; Eco, Trail, Trail+ and Ludicrous. Mid-drive motors provide power in the same way: the difference is in location mid-drive motors are located in the middle of the bike, in the bottom bracket area. 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. We are looking for the best all-rounder that can take on any trail! There are also differences between the individual motors and bikes when it comes to motor noise under full load. Ride stats from RM Altitude from Strava, Garmin and Ebikemotion app: Moving time 1h 9m, distance 10.4 miles, elevation gain 2,091 ft., estimated average power 155w, energy output 647 kJ. Specialized Levo Carbon E-Bike 2023 SAVE 25 %. The pursuit of maximum battery capacity Is the bike industry moving in the wrong direction? eBay Kleinanzeigen: E Mtb E Bike, Fahrrder & Zubehr - Jetzt in Halblech finden oder inserieren! Will those taller folks wish for longer chainstays? RIDE-9 Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate. After all, a bike is only as good as the interplay of all its components in the real world! However, there is still some mechanical noise and vibration thats caused by the idler and lower chainguide. - On the heavy side. However, we did not like the integration of the new Bosch Smart system and its 750 Wh battery. 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. It looks and feels like a pedal bike and almost creates a new category as the first eMTB with a custom-engineered motor and battery. Einfach. Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind. Whats the best eMTB and how do I find it? No bike manages to combine almost irreconcilable opposites as well as the YETI 160E T1. From Light eMTBs with limited motor support to powerhouses with plenty of grunt, everything was represented. 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. Their ever popular line of E-Bikes, the Rocky Mountain Powerplay, feature spec upgrades on many models along with an expanded Instinct BC line. Here well be diving into our experience of testing the second-from-the-top model; the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70. But if you compare them in a meaningful way, they provide exciting insights into trends and developments. The motor is seamless and quiet and the powertrain's position gives it an aggressive feel on descents. - Brilliant cornering performance Rotwild could tease out much more trail performance with different choices. 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. Even still, soft pedalling doesnt automatically deliver you full power. Do you want a minimalist display or an unobtrusive Shimano Bluetooth connector (EW-EN100 dongle)? The motor anchors above and forward of the crankset, with a small drive sprocket that sitsclose to the main pivot. That bike has a remarkable ability to insulate your feet from whats going on underneath the wheels, leading to a cloud-like ride quality. The lower motor output, throttled down to 60 Nm from the Shimano EP8s usual 85 Nm, allows for a small 360 Wh battery without a significant reduction in range compared to a Bosch league eMTB. With this in mind: forget about the numbers! For each bike, we have explored the extremes for you and present the real range of use they are suited to. Add to Basket. With one exception (Orbea), the bike manufacturers in this test see it the same way. In other words: the best overall package of handling, uphill, downhill and touring performance, design, motor, specs, battery concept and detailed solutions. Inevitably, that also includes the battery and motor concept. The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay is the biggest and baddest e-MTB that Rocky has ever built. Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0 . We emptied 17 bottles of Vino Rosso at the joint dinners, namely the, 12 bottles of Vino Bianco were also included, namely. Exceptions are last years test winners and best buys. Thanks to the small internal 360 Wh battery and the additional 252 Wh range extender, which is placed into the bottle cage, weight remains centrally positioned even with a total 612 Wh capacity. Nonetheless, thanks to the brilliant handling of eMTB mode and the easily controllable Turbo mode, we are still huge fans of the Bosch Performance Line CX motor! When going uphill, the slack seat tube angle (74) positions the rider far over the rear wheel. Easy installation. Rocky M 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. And is range really that important to you, or would you rather have good handling on the trail? They also had to prove themselves over longer term testing on our home trails around Stuttgart and in the Allgu Alps. Words: Jonas Mssig, Rudolf Fischer, Julian Schwede Photos: Julian Lemme, Robin Schmitt, Peter Walke. 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 Rally Edition E-Bike. As a result, the same motor can feel quite different in two different bikes: this can be due to the suspension kinematics, the geometry, the spec and the integration into the bike, amongst other things. However, the suspension generates loads of grip, and combined with the robust tyres and well-balanced weight distribution, it absolutely rips through the corners. Click here to learn more. The Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 wins the Design and Innovation Award. )! Despite its small 375 Wh battery, the ROTWILD R.E375 ULTRA has a Shimano motor with plenty of power. Indeed, frame sizes cant always be compared between manufacturers. 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. If you mostly ride on gravel, forest and meadow trails, a less heavily treaded tire with a thinner casing is sufficient. Troy Lee Designs Flowline and Flowline SE MTB Helmet A reasonable successor? 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. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Review Home Reviews Brands Rocky Mountain Reviews . The cheapest bike in the test field, the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910, costs 7,199 and enters the race as the reigning Best Buy from last year. Compare. 2019 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay A70 E-mtb, Emtb - $4,000 craigslist - Map data OpenStreetMap bicycle frame material: aluminum bicycle type: mountain brake type: disc (hydraulic) condition: excellent electric assist: pedal assist frame size: Large make / manufacturer: Rocky Mountain suspension: frame and fork (full suspension) That way, a glance is all it takes to see whether the bike might be what youre looking for. 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. Pretty damn good at just about everything climbing, descending, cornering and going strong all day the new Spectral: ON CF 7 is for those who will ride nearly anything. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 2023 Cycle in Surgery EMTB - Rochedale South Enquire Now Enquire Now AU$9,999 Rocky Mountain Instinct PP A50 Kew Bikes - Kew FREE shipping within Australia * AU$9,999 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 50 (Blue/Grey) 2022 - Now Available! If you're curious about your state's designations, you can check them out in this state-by-state guide. 2023 Thok TK01 R Review | A surprising package from an Italian e-MTB specialist, Trek Rail Review | A plush, powerful & frustratingly near-perfect electric mountain bike, 9 tuning tips to get the most out of your Bosch electric mountain bike | Bosch Smart System Review, 4 upgrades & 7 updates on our Fuel EXe long-term test bike | Trek Fuel EXe Review, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. Introducing the new CUBE Stereo Hybrid ONE55 eMTB An ebike outside the box? In those circumstances, it actually makes the Altitude Powerplay easier to control. As for rebound damping, I set both the adjusters on fork and shock a click or two slower than halfway. 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. Price plays a subordinate role because, understandably, manufacturers debut the most exciting technologies and concepts in their flagship models.