Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Thanks to its strong riding performance and intuitive handling, it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trail acrobats. 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. For anything more, you can find all the details on the best tires for eMTBers in our tire group test of over 50 tires. For the Altitude Powerplay, I actually performed this test twice. 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. Blamed for everything from trail conflicts to lazy riders, theyve been disparaged from the days of their genesis in 2014. Tailles dispo. Lithium-ion batteries slowly lose capacity over time, so expect this additional cost down the line. Add to Basket. 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. We start with the FOCUS JAM2 7.0 for 7,799. Were much more interested in what really matters. However, it could no longer defend its title. Compare. 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! The bigger the disc, the better the control, the better the modulation on long descents and the better the resistance to fade. With 170mm of travel, 630-watt hours of power, and Shimanos top-of-the-line EP8 motor, you can blast down the mountain and still stop on a moss-covered dime. In terms of ergonomics, Bosch bring up the rear. the 3C MaxxTerra rubber compound from MAXXIS or ADDIX Soft (orange) from Schwalbe. It inspires a load of confidence on technical descents, with the suspension gobbling up rocks and big hits with ease. Will those taller folks wish for longer chainstays? That is A LOT of power, but Rocky has worked hard to make the motors output as directly proportional to rider input as possible, so its more like a dimmer switch than an on/off button. Yes, you can steepen the angle by flipping the Ride-4 chip, but I dont want to steepen the head angle and lift the BB at the same time. While a bit sluggish on flats, it's rowdy on descents. Today, eMTBs offer multiple levels of assistance that feel smooth and natural and many employ nearly silent motors. 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. Fitting a GRIP2 damper would be an excellent upgrade, and Id be quite curious to try a coil shock too. Its impressively discreet, and vastly quieter than the old bike thanks to the improved motor and chain management. The slightly rearward axle path eats up square edges nicely, and keeps the rear wheel decidedly connected to terra firma. Price: $8999.00. Price: $5,299 List Pros: Smooth and consistent power output, modern geometry, Cons: No digital display, wimpy tires and fork, center of gravity feels high. 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. In terms of connectivity and customisability of the motor system, it sets the tone in the test field together with the Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL. 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. Cycleworld - Concord West Enquire Now Enquire Now Power is nothing without control. In this group test, were not just looking for the best eMTB of 2022. Confirmed weight for our Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 was 24.12kg, weighed without pedals. They're here to stay and getting better every day. Einfach. Loose terrain is more approachable. As such, we try to judge the bikes according to their respective strengths and weaknesses in the right context. However, there is still some mechanical noise and vibration thats caused by the idler and lower chainguide. They have a maximum load of just 94 kg and 95 kg respectively. 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. Whats the best eMTB and how do I find it? 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. Purpose-built and race-proven, it's the ultimate enduro weapon for demolishing steep trails and making every session faster. Who are the people behind the testing and what do they look for in their perfect bike? With one exception (Orbea), the bike manufacturers in this test see it the same way. The Assegai is an insanely good tyre, and for me its bordering on a must-have for a big e-MTB like this. This is indeed a bloody good e-MTB. It tips over effortlessly, dropping quickly into turns with minimal hesitation and, providing you commit and stay off the brakes, a distinct lack of understeer. It makes more sense to have a battery capacity that is linked to the frame size. Preventing the front from lifting on technical climbs requires a lot of physical effort as you have to shift . - Mid-high pivot Smoothlink rear suspension design Even though almost all motors have a rated power of 250 W, huge differences become apparent on the trail. 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. However, it reveals weaknesses in steep terrain and at high speed. It certainly soaks up awkward landings well, and I never once encountered a harsh bottom-out. Of note is that the Altitude Powerplay and Instinct Powerplay frames are virtually identical. - On the heavy side. The Instinct employs a shorter stroke shock, which shrinks rear travel down to 140mm. So, the key questions we asked ourselves in this group test were: what type of rider will love this bike? The rubber compound can be more durable and harder for reduced rolling resistance e.g. Along with the new motor the Altitude Powerplay gets a larger 720Wh battery, and its now easily removable with just a 4mm hex key required to slide it out from the downtube. For example, ROTWILD use an EightPins dropper with a stroke of up to 180 mm. There is no such shuttle mode on the Altitude Powerplay, which requires a more collaborative performance between your legs and the motor. This differs to the Shimano and Bosch systems where you can lightly tick over the pedals in those high-powered settings, and still get maximum output fromthe motor. In the future, we expect to see huge internal battery capacities only on touring and trekking ebikes. Is Veja's Foray Into Hiking Shoes a Hit or Miss? 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. For each bike, we have explored the extremes for you and present the real range of use they are suited to. Its possible to reduce the leg effort required to bring on the motors power via the Boost setting. Great deal on 2022 SPECIALIZED Turbo Levo Comp Carbon: Black - New - S3 frame size. 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. After all, before anything else, forces are transmitted through your tires. Do you run out of juice? Despite the ratings, the review itself is crucial, because thats where we explain the bikes character traits in detail and give you a deeper understanding of the sum of the bikes parts. Being the e-MTB version, the Fox 38 comes from the factory with three volume spacers fitted instead of the usual two. Despite its ability to mob through straight-line chunder, it rips turns with surprising nimbleness that had me constantly grinning from ear-to-ear. What makes a good eMTB and what should I look for in an eMTB? 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. EMTB fullys arent just at the spearhead of eMTB development, offering more fun and safety than hardtails, they are also most in demand. 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. All bikes with Shimano EP8 or Bosch Performance Line CX motors have a design-related motor rattle when the chain is loaded (under suspension compression), which usually occurs on the downhill or on flat or rough ground. This is accessed in a tuning menu through the Jumbotron display, and you have five levels on offer, with the default setting from the factory being 0. For 2022, numerous manufacturers present bikes with enormous battery capacities of up to 1,034 Wh and celebrate their increased range. Testing the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay has been quite the journey of discovery. There are four assistance modes you can choose from; Eco, Trail, Trail+ and Ludicrous. If there is one bike that will convert diehard enduro riders into e-bike junkies, the Levo SL is it. 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. The suspension of a full suspension eMTB is only good if it suits your own riding style. 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70, - Superb handling is up for anything To make the differences as clear as possible, we use the whole scale. Its no doubt a much better looking bike, and it presents an appealing package with a different approach to the Specialized Levos, Merida eOne-Sixtys and Trek Rails that typically dominate our local trail centres. Along with its tightly managed chain, thick rubber frame armouring and non-finned brake pads, the Altitude Powerplay is a pleasingly quiet bike on the descents. Welcome! ** without range extender My only other concern is with the rear end length. And while the overall integration is neat and the controls on the Altitude Powerplay are a vast improvement over the previous model, the main buttons on the remote switch are too light and a bit vague. Some modern eMTBs, such as the Norco, Rocky Mountain and Specialized Levo, rely on low seat tubes that make it possible to choose between several sizes, provided that a correspondingly long dropper post fits the bike. In general, availability still poses major challenges for the industry in 2022. An inexpensive bike with cheaper components but a coherent overall concept can perform much better than many expensive bling-bling bikes. Although you dont necessarily need the biggest disc rotors as a 70 kg flyweight, you will still benefit from them. With that in mind, here are seven of our favorite eMTBs today. Here are the tops, flops, winners, losers and further recommendations. We dont just want to test the bikes that interest you the most. Class 1 electric bikes can reach speeds of up to 20mph. If you want to know more about what has caused this, you can find all the information here. Again, swings and roundabouts. RIDE-9 Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate. with an optional additional battery. Theres nothing outrageous about the geometry, and there are no surprises to the fit as a result. How do you ride your eMTB or how do you want to ride it? What good are the best gears or the best motor on the trail if the suspension and geometry are no good? The bikes in the test field not only differ enormously in their intended use and character but also in their battery concepts. 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. 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. 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! Average speed 9.0 mp/h. The difference in torque only becomes noticeable on very steep ramps and when starting and accelerating. Only the Specialized Levo is truly quiet downhill. Complementing the new drive unit are two completely redesigned modelsthe trail-focused, 140mm-travel Instinct Powerplay and the 160mm-travel, e nduro-oriented Altitude Powerplay. The dropper should have as much travel as possible. 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. However, the poor reliability of the battery system, as well as the poor integration have room for improvement. The conditions were just as varied, ranging from wet and slick to dry and grippy. Planet3 is een niet-invasief afstemapparaat dat eenvoudig te installeren en te verwijderen is omdat het in het achterwiel van de ebike is genstalleerd. The new 2022 Instinct Powerplay The Instinct Powerplay is Rocky's Trail/All Mountain platform with 140mm of rear travel, paired with a 150mm fork. From here the next step was to investigate the dropout flip chip. We also clear up half-truths, examine forum discussions, marketing promises and tell you what really matters. Rotwild could tease out much more trail performance with different choices. Larger sizes available here. It was also much more planted on the climbs, allowing me to make better use of the massive motor power. As you can see, we have invited many different bikes. With a tough carbon frame, a 625 watt-hour battery and more than six inches of front-fork travel, this bike can climb and descend with the best of them. Rocky Mountain 2022 Altitude Alloy 30 29" MTB Beige/Green. All in all, its all about the right balance and set-up. 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. Whats the best eMTB of 2021? Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition New Colour There are also differences between the individual motors and bikes when it comes to motor noise under full load. To manage that sensitivity, the new motor features a revamped torque curve that gradually applies power up to a maximum output of 770W. 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. Unfortunately, far too many people are still blinded by individual components that look good on the shop floor. Class 1 e-mountain bikes (and electric bikes overall) are pedal-assist: an integrated motor provides assistance to the rider and is activated by pedaling the bike. Specialized does about $500 million in annual revenue, Rocky does around $40 million. Given its weight, the stocky wheels, dual-ply tyres and sticky-compound Assegai up front, that amount of elevation gain is impressive. Do you want a minimalist display or an unobtrusive Shimano Bluetooth connector (EW-EN100 dongle)? It impresses with the best system integration, high stability on fast descents while maintaining manoeuvrability and agility, as well as its modular battery concept. 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. The acceleration is quite remarkable, and the motors abilityto pull all the way up to the 25km/h cutoff point becomes rather addictive. And Mom wouldnt be able to save you. And the flip side of the Dyname 4.0 motor is that it rarely pushes you unintentionally, say on a tight switchback climb. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Regardless of price or material, all models are equipped with the same Dyname 4.0 motor and 720Wh battery, and feature the same 8-way adjustable geometry. 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. To help you answer all these questions and more, we present the most important battery concepts in detail in this article. Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind. There are even models that can compete with downhill-focussed bikes and with which you can hunt Strava KOMs. With a smooth ride and easy handling, it is suitable for beginners as well as high-speed junkies. The perceived noise depends strongly on the resonance of the frame and varies from bike to bike. The higher the ratings on the scales at the end of each review, the better the bike is in these areas. Being a lighter rider and on flat pedals, I personally found the suspension to be too kicky. SPECS ROCKY MOUNTAIN ALTITUDE POWERPLAY CARBON 70 MSRP: $7400, 6000 Motor: Rocky Mountain proprietary Battery: 48V/1,632 Wh Charge time: 4 hours (80% in 2 hours) Top speed: 15.5 mph/25 km/h (with assist) Range: 25-45 miles (40-70 km) Drive: SRAM EX1 Brakes: SRAM Guide RE, 200mm front/rear Controls: Rocky Mountain proprietary, plus Ebikemotion app Das Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay gibt es jetzt auch mit Aluminium-Rahmen. Digital & free: by Jonas Mssig, Rudolf Fischer, Julian Schwede. The chainstay length can be adjusted however, with a dual position flip chip and a reversible brake mount that allows riders to easily extend the rear centre by 10mm. This configuration affords greater flexibility when designing the bikes suspension kinematics, and it also allows for a standard press-fit bottom bracket shell. Instead of blindly buying the bike with the highest battery capacity, you should ask yourself a few questions: Our group test clearly shows that when it comes to battery capacity, a crucial rule of thumb applies: as little as possible and as much as necessary! 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! If your favourite brand isnt included, thats no reason to throw in the towel. FOCUS Jam 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | OrbeaRise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | Rotwild R.E375 ULTRA (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti160E (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX Core 4 (Click for review). MSRP: $6,500; MODEL YEAR: 2023; Read Review. TCS velocorner.ch offers 15'000+ bikes from 300+ bike stores and individuals.. Partway through a ride I flipped the dropout chip into the long setting, which took all of about five minutes. Watch our video review of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay here: Despite its ability to mob through straight-line chunder, it rips turns with surprising nimbleness that had me constantly grinning from ear-to-ear. 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. The 750 Wh battery can be removed to the side in typical Trek fashion. 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. The Dyname 4.0 motor is one of, if not the most distinctive element of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay, so lets start there. Firstly, this motor is incredibly responsive. The Jumbotron does allow you to personalise the motors assistance levels and Boost character though, which well touch on in a bit. Bikes come shipped from the factory in position three (also known as neutral), and these are the key numbers it delivers; Adjusting the Ride-4 geometry chip is even quicker than the dropouts, with only a single 5mm hex key required. Most eMTB hardtails simply arent made for the trails! The Orbea Rise shows how its done! 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. - CushCore inserts as standard Did you enjoy this article? Pricing starts at $8,999 AUD for the Altitude Powerplay A30, and goes up to $15,999 AUD for the Altitude Powerplay C90. However, Ive listed the results for the second experiment here, as I feel thats a closer indication of how it compares to the other e-MTBs Ive done this test with, which all had their motor settings maxed out. And thats a good reflection of the market! Rocky Mountain have opted for a 48V platform for their batteries (most manufacturers run 36V) This is especially important for Australia. Who are the people lucky enough to test the hottest eMTBs of 2022? Become an E-MOUNTAINBIKE supporter and lets shape the bike scene together and make E-MOUNTAINBIKE(n) even better! 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. We gathered the most interesting facts from the test field for you and compared them with last years test. Youll also need to replace the chainring more frequently than usual, as its made from alloy. 15 Dec 2022 First rides on the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR with Bosch Smart System They incorporate new technologies, new motors and in some cases huge batteries that will make the 2022 bike season more exciting than ever. The pursuit of maximum battery capacity Is the bike industry moving in the wrong direction? Wir haben das Powerplay Alloy 70 ausprobiert. the best eMTB of 2021, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K, went into this test almost unchanged and demonstrated that it is still a strong all-rounder. Press Fit BB. One of the bikes uses the old Bosch 2021 system. The perfect suspension offers safety, reserves, comfort, control and enough feedback from the ground to actively manouevre the bike across the trail. Theres nothing but thumbs up for the tyre spec, especially the choice of a 3C MaxxGrip compound up front. I came into this test expecting the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay to be a heavy, excessively powerful and glued-to-the-ground e-MTB. 150mm Travel. If youre an experienced rider looking for more juice, the Powerplay is your play. Bosch bring up the rear in this respect. Ive not suffered a single puncture throughout testing, and while there a number of small dents in the rear rim, the tough tyres and CushCore inserts have shielded them from the worst abuse. HI GUYS In this video I'm testing the new 2019 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70.I made a Bikeporn, Bikecheck and a Test, with a lot of footage.Hop. Our aim is to work out the individual character of each bike and tell you for whom and to what it is best suited and what its not intended for! 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. In some ways it fulfilled those expectations, but in other ways it totally surprised me. 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. 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. Nope, I want my cake and I want to eat it too. While this might sound like a vacation, its a lot of hard work too! Tuscany, staying in the bike hotel Massa Vecchia. Specialized Levo Carbon E-Bike 2023 SAVE 25 %. However, in technical terrain and at high speeds it is severely limited by its spec. The future of eMTBs doesnt just look promising, it also looks versatile. Then you should pay close attention now! In reality, the freedom of movement is limited, just like on the SCOR, despite the apparently short seat tube. 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. Altitude Powerplay Alu 50. Out of the box the Altitude is quite long and slack up front, but the back end is very short at 437mm. As you can see, we didnt make the win quite as easy to determine as it would be in a world championship. 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. - Masses of torque on tap While we cant comment on long-term durability, so far weve not encountered any issues with the Dyname 4.0 motor on our test bike. However, to integrate the long battery in the down tube, a cutout over half a metre longer is necessary. Their ever popular line of E-Bikes, the Rocky Mountain Powerplay, feature spec upgrades on many models along with an expanded Instinct BC line. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Find out everything you need to know in our motor group test. As you can see, just an annual inspection isnt enough. 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. As a pedal-assisted e-mountain bike, the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 70 is powered by a Dyname 4.0 Mountain Bike Drive, 250W nominal power, 880W peak power, 108Nm max torque motor and a Li-Ion, integrated, removable; compatible with second Overtimepack battery (314 Wh), 720 Wh battery. Nonetheless, it resoundingly leaves the Specialized SL 1.1 behind on climbs. The longstanding outcasts of the two-wheeled world, electric bikes, have become industry darlings almost overnight.