Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70 on test: Powerful playmate for all situations - trail tip!
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 09.09.2023
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No Bosch, no Shimano, no Brose or Yamaha - but a Dyname 4.0! Ever since Rocky Mountain presented its first e-mountainbike, the Canadian company's own motor has made the e-mountainbikes in the Powerplay series something special. And this also applies to the latest version of the Instinct Powerplay. With 150/140 millimetres of suspension travel, modern trail geometry and an elegant full carbon frame, the bike aims to impress as an enduring all-mountain and fun trail bike. We were able to test the C70 for 9900 euros in detail. Let's get one thing out of the way first: The bike is a real character head!
Who will build the best E-MTB in 2023? We have tested it. Including eleven of the best E-MTBs on the market from Specialized to Cube and Santa Cruz to Rotwild. The whole comparison test High End E-MTBs: Now in EMTB 4/2023!
The facts about the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70
- Motor: Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0, 108 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 726 Wh (removable)
- Optional: Range extender with 314 Wh
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150 / 140 mm (f./h.)
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 9900 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight: 23.01 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
High Pivot - not only the engine is special
In addition to the exclusive in-house e-drive, the Powerplay e-MTBs have another unique selling point. The rear suspension system with a high pivot point. This is an absolute hot topic in (non-motorised) enduro and downhill sports, but this design is virtually non-existent on e-mountainbikes. But what is it all about? As the name suggests, the main pivot point of the rear triangle is not located near the bottom bracket as usual, but much higher up.
This increases the distance between the bottom bracket and rear wheel axle during compression, causing the rear wheel to move backwards to avoid the obstacle instead of getting "stuck" on it (more details on the technology in the BIKE test of the flagship enduro bike Deviate Claymore). Practical: Rocky has the pulley for the chain that this design requires on board for the special Dyname drivetrain anyway. And indeed, the rear suspension of the current Powerplay eMTBs was convincing without exception in our tests. For example in our last enduro comparison, where Rocky Mountain roared to victory with the Altitude - not least thanks to the outstanding rear suspension.
The e-bike drive
Since the first Powerplay - as Rocky Mountain calls its E-MTBs - the Canadians have relied on a completely in-house drive. The Dyname motor is not only an in-house production, but also has a completely independent approach. The crank sits on a standard bottom bracket, while the motor drives the chain via an additional cogwheel above the chainring. The facts: With almost 700 watts and 108 Newton metres (factory specification), the Rocky is the powerhouse in the field, but at 3.2 kilos it is also quite heavy.
On the trail, however, the motor actually feels significantly more powerful than Brose, Bosch and Shimano. And this despite the fact that it only releases its full power when the rider input is quite high. The pedalling feel is a little rough, which is particularly noticeable when pedalling evenly and on asphalt surfaces. This is hardly noticeable off-road. Advantage of the system: nothing rattles downhill!
The 720 battery can be pulled downwards out of the closed down tube. This is a little more complicated than with classic fold-out solutions, but works without any problems on the Instinct. The controls are also excellent. The remote sits directly on the handle and is kept simple. The Jumbothrone display is embedded in the top tube and clearly displays the most important information. There is no app - but the support levels can be fine-tuned directly on the display.
Another special feature of the powerful Dyname 4.0: At full throttle, the engine heats up quickly and then reduces its power somewhat. What sounds dramatic is simply logical: the Powerplay engine cannot maintain its excessive power over the long term. The transparent presentation is good of this topic. The display informs the driver with the following text: "Temperature limit reached. We have reduced the motor power until the temperature is below 75°C again. Adjust your assistance level if necessary." The current temperature is displayed to the rider until it is below 75° again. The bike can continue to be ridden as normal and the motor still provides a decent level of assistance that is well above Eco level. If you want to avoid this warning, you need to handle the massive power of the system with care and only occasionally select full throttle mode.
The geometry
Hardly any other e-mountainbike on the market has chainstays as short as the Instinct Powerplay from Rocky Mountain! This is a defining feature of the manoeuvrable Canadian. The reach is sportily long, the front (stack) rather low. This results in a sporty riding position with balanced weight distribution. The steering angle is slack, but not extreme, and this also applies to the moderate wheelbase. Instead of extreme smoothness, the Instinct favours balanced handling with a playful character. Top for experienced trail bikers. However, if you want to climb, you can adjust the chainstay longer using a flip chip. A maximum of 449 millimetres is still short for an E-MTB.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 439 mm
- Wheelbase: 1256 mm
- Reach: 478 mm
- Stack: 630 mm
- Steering angle: 64.1 - 64.6 degrees
- Seat angle: 76.5 - 77 degrees
- Chainstay length: 436 / 439 mm
The features of the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70
Rocky Mountain is a classic high-end brand. If you are looking for a lot of equipment for little money, this is the right address. For 9900 euros, the high-quality carbon frame is not yet equipped with high-end components. The Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes are solid. Noticeable compromises are made in the chassis. The Fox Performance suspension elements are definitely not what experienced bikers want at a price of just under 10,000 euros. Nevertheless, we can report that even with the nominally inexpensive fork, the Instinct is a front runner on the trail. Attachments such as wheels, cockpit and cranks are solid - but you will look in vain for lightweight carbon parts. If you're looking for more bling and an even lighter bike, you'll have to dig deeper into your pockets at Rocky Mountain. If you're only looking at the spec, you'll definitely get more from classic value-for-money brands.
Practical test: How the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70 rides
On tour
Sit up and feel good is the motto of the Instinct Powerplay. The riding position is balanced and in no way extreme. Long tours with flat sections, steep climbs, bumpy root sections - it all feels comfortable and pleasant. If it weren't for one detail: when pedalling comfortably on tarmac, the rough pedalling sensation created by the derailleur takes some getting used to. In direct comparison to classic Bosch or Shimano e-drives, this is unpleasantly noticeable. However, you get used to it over time. And the more demanding the terrain and the more changeable the surface, the more this fades into the background. The range of the drivetrain is very decent - provided you don't constantly call on the brute power of the Dyname 4.0. However, the Instinct Powerplay is not a bike that is content with forest tracks. It can only really blossom on trails and is therefore clearly aimed at experienced mountain bikers. This sporty bike from Canada is not made for beginners and off-road beginners.
Uphill
Above all, the powerful Dyname 4.0 motor leaves its mark on the Canadian speedster. When the rider pedals hard, the drive leaves the competition standing. It's great fun on demanding uphill sections! Difficult climbs are easy thanks to the enormous motor power alone. This is because you can simply generate more momentum in the decisive moments than with a Bosch Performance CX, for example. However, the geometry is not really designed for extreme climbs. When things get really steep, you have to actively put weight on the front wheel to keep the bike on track. This can make the Instinct feel like an impetuous wild horse that is somewhat difficult to keep in check. In addition, the low bottom bracket can cause the cranks to bounce when things get tight and technical. All in all, the uphill impression is still positive, as the enormous drive of the power motor is not only fun, but also helps you over key sections. However, even more would be possible if the Dyname drive unit offered a bit more trail, as is common with the competition. Then it would be even easier to climb over some stone steps.
Downhill
It also goes really smoothly downhill. The excellent trail handling is unique in the test field. Good bikers who like to actively let their bike fly through the terrain will love the Instinct. Manoeuvrable, light-footed, defined and direct - it leaves nothing to be desired. The sporty geometry with short chainstays (436-439 mm, record value in the test!) and long reach requires an active riding style, but then ensures a big grin on the trail. Surfing the straight in the manual, pulling the bike over roots into the bunny hop - no competitor can hold a candle to the Rocky in these disciplines. The same applies to its cornering ability. The Powerplay corners like it's on rails and conveys a great deal of confidence.
The rear suspension works very defined and confidently. However, you shouldn't expect plush comfort and infinite absorption capacity, as the nominally slightly shorter stroke of 140 millimetres (150 - 160 are standard in this category) is definitely noticeable. The Instinct has a noticeably different character than its big enduro brother, the Altitude Powerplay. On bumpy downhills, you have to work a little harder behind the cockpit of the Instinct. The rider feels a lot more of the ground. However, this is reflected less in unpleasant bumps and more in defined feedback. Good downhill riders will therefore also leave the brakes on with the Rocky and benefit from the defined handling and agility. Despite its firmer character, the bike has plenty of reserves. Instead of bulldozing over obstacles, experienced riders jib from one bump to the next. Top: the quietest bike in our comparison test downhill. No engine rattles and the chassis makes no other noise.
The EMTB conclusion
No other e-bike fits the term trail bike as well as the Rocky Mountain Instinct. Fun, fast and lively: experienced trail bikers will love this e-mountainbike. Especially as it also runs very quietly. Very powerful motor, high-quality frame - but rather mediocre equipment at a high price. However, the speedster has fully earned the EMTB tip in the Trail category even with this equipment. Without exception, all testers were delighted with the bike's handling.
Pro
- Outstandingly manoeuvrable trail handling
- Precise and direct
- Strong, defined rear suspension
- Very powerful, lively engine
- Quiet on the trail
Contra
- Rough pedalling feel on asphalt due to chain deflection in the drivetrain
- No engine overrun for technical uphills
- Early throttling of the motor power if maximum power is called up continuously
- Rather less suitable for beginners
Technical data and notes Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70
Manufacturer information
- Price: 9900 Euro
- Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 44 cm), XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 23.01 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1648 (+107)hm
- Average speed: 13.9 km/h
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/140 mm
- Centre of gravity height: 522 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 170 mm / 188 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 491 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Rocky Dyname 4.0 MTB Drive
- Max. Torque³: 109 Nm
- Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Rocky Mountain / 720 Wh / 3585 g / 1400 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano XT
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
- Display: Rocky Mountain Jumbotron
- Permissible total weight³: 150 kg
- Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Float Performance E / Fox Float X Performance
- Telescopic post: Race Face Turbine R, 175 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Race Face AR 30
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo+ 29 x 2.5; Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 x 2.4
EMTB test rating⁵: 8.8 points - very good
¹The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
Manufacturer information
⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
