Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70 review: A powerful companion for all occasions – Trail tip!
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 09.09.2023
No Bosch, no Shimano, no Brose or Yamaha – but a Dyname 4.0! Ever since Rocky Mountain unveiled its first e-mountain bike, the Canadian brand’s in-house motor has made the e-mountain bikes in the Powerplay series something special. And that also applies to the latest version of the Instinct Powerplay. With 150/140 millimetres of suspension travel, modern trail geometry and a sleek full-carbon frame, the bike aims to impress as a durable all-mountain and fun trail bike. We were able to put the C70 model, priced at 9,900 euros, through its paces. To get one thing out of the way: this bike really has a mind of its own!
Who makes the best e-MTB in 2023? We’ve put them to the test. The line-up includes eleven of the best e-MTBs on the market, from Specialized and Cube to Santa Cruz and Rotwild. Read the full comparison test of high-end e-MTBs: Now in EMTB 4/2023!
Facts about the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70
- Motor: Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0, 108 Nm maximum torque
- Battery: 726 Wh (removable)
- Optional: Range extender with 314 Wh
- Frame material: carbon
- Suspension travel: 150 / 140 mm (front/rear)
- Wheel size: 29 inches
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 9,900 euros
- Weight: 23.01 kg (test bike, size L, EMTB measurement)
High Pivot – it’s not just the engine that’s special
As well as their exclusive in-house electric drive, Powerplay e-MTBs have another unique selling point. The high-pivot rear suspension system. Whilst this is a major trend in (non-motorised) enduro and downhill cycling, this design is virtually non-existent on e-mountain bikes. But what’s the story behind it? As the name suggests, the main pivot point of the rear triangle is not located near the bottom bracket, as is usually the case, but significantly higher up.
As a result, when the suspension compresses, the distance between the bottom bracket and the rear axle increases, allowing the rear wheel to swing round the obstacle rather than getting ‘stuck’ on it (more details on the technology in BIKE’s test of the flagship enduro bike, the Deviate Claymore). Handy: Rocky already has the chain guide pulley required by this design fitted as standard for the special Dyname drive. And indeed, the rear suspension on the latest Powerplay e-MTBs performed impressively in all our tests without exception. For example, In our latest enduro comparison, where Rocky Mountain’s Altitude stormed to victory – not least thanks to its outstanding rear suspension.
The e-bike drive
Ever since the first Powerplay – as Rocky Mountain calls its e-MTBs – the Canadians have relied on a drive system developed entirely in-house. The Dyname motor is not only manufactured in-house, but also features a completely unique design. The crankset is mounted on a standard bottom bracket, whilst the motor drives the chain via an additional sprocket positioned above the chainring. The facts: With almost 700 watts and 108 Newton-metres (manufacturer’s figures), the Rocky is the powerhouse of the field, though at 3.2 kilos it is also quite heavy.
On the trail, however, the motor actually feels significantly more powerful than those from Brose, Bosch and Shimano. And that’s despite the fact that it only unleashes its full power when the rider applies quite a lot of effort. The pedalling feel is a bit rough, which is particularly noticeable when pedalling at a steady pace on tarmac. Off-road, you hardly notice it at all. The advantage of the system: nothing rattles on the descents!
The 720 battery can be pulled out of the closed down tube from below. This is a little more fiddly than with traditional flip-out solutions, but works perfectly on the Instinct. The controls are also excellent. The remote is positioned directly on the handle and has a simple design. The Jumbothron display is recessed into the top tube and clearly shows the most important information. There’s no app – but you can fine-tune the assistance levels directly on the display.
Another special feature of the incredibly powerful Dyname 4.0: At full throttle, the engine heats up quickly and then reduces its power slightly. What sounds dramatic is simply logical: the powerplay motor cannot sustain its excessive power indefinitely. The clear presentation is good this issue. The display informs the rider with the following message: “Temperature limit reached. We have reduced motor power until the temperature drops below 75°C. Adjust your assistance level if necessary.” The current temperature is shown to the rider until it drops below 75°. You can continue riding the bike as normal, and the motor still provides decent assistance, well above the ‘Eco’ level. If you want to avoid this warning, you’ll need to use the system’s massive power sparingly and only select full-throttle mode occasionally.
The geometry
Hardly any other e-mountain bike on the market has chainstays as short as those on Rocky Mountain’s Instinct Powerplay! This is a defining feature of this agile Canadian bike. The reach is sportily long, whilst the stack is rather low. This results in a sporty riding position with balanced weight distribution. The head angle is slack, but not extreme, and the same applies to the moderate wheelbase. Rather than prioritising extreme smoothness, the Instinct focuses on balanced handling with a playful character. Ideal for experienced trail riders. However, if you wish, you can adjust the chainstay to be longer for climbing using a flip chip. Even at its maximum of 449 millimetres, it’s still on the short side for an e-MTB.
EMTB specifications 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’re looking for plenty of kit for a reasonable price, you’ve come to the right place. For 9,900 euros, the high-quality carbon frame isn’t yet fitted with high-end components. The Shimano XT groupset is a solid choice for the gears and brakes. There are noticeable compromises when it comes to the suspension. The Fox Performance suspension components are definitely not what experienced cyclists would expect for a price of just under 10,000 euros. That said, we can report that even with its nominally budget fork, the Instinct still holds its own at the front of the pack on the trail. Components such as the wheels, handlebars and crankset are solid – though you’ll search in vain for lightweight carbon parts. Anyone looking for more bling and an even lighter bike will have to dig even deeper into their pockets with Rocky Mountain. If you’re only looking at the spec, you’ll definitely get more for your money with classic value-for-money brands.
Real-world test: Here’s what it’s like to ride the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70
On tour
‘Hop on and feel at ease’ is the motto of the Instinct Powerplay. The riding position is balanced and by no means extreme. Long rides with flat sections, steep climbs and bumpy root-strewn sections – it all feels comfortable and pleasant. If it weren’t for one detail: when pedalling leisurely on tarmac, the rough pedalling sensation caused by the chain guide takes a bit of getting used to. In direct comparison with classic e-drives such as those from Bosch or Shimano, this is noticeably unpleasant. Over time, however, you do get used to it. And the more challenging the terrain and the more varied the surface, the more this fades into the background. The drive’s range is very respectable – provided you’re not constantly drawing on the brute power of the Dyname 4.0. The Instinct Powerplay, however, is not a bike that’s content with just forest track rides. It really comes into its own on trails and is therefore clearly aimed at experienced mountain bikers. This sporty bike from Canada isn’t really designed for beginners or those new to off-road riding.
Uphill
First and foremost, the incredibly powerful Dyname 4.0 motor really makes its mark on this Canadian speedster. When the rider pedals hard, the motor easily leaves the competition in its wake on uphill sections. That makes challenging climbs a real joy! Tough climbs are therefore made easy simply thanks to the enormous motor power. This is because, at crucial moments, you can simply generate more momentum than you could, for example, with a Bosch Performance CX. The geometry, however, isn’t really designed for extreme climbs. When it gets really steep, you have to actively put weight on the front wheel to keep the bike on track. As a result, the Instinct can sometimes feel like a spirited wild horse that’s a bit hard to rein in. What’s more, the low bottom bracket causes the cranks to catch on the ground on occasion when the going gets tight and technical. All in all, though, the uphill experience remains positive, as the Power motor’s immense momentum isn’t just fun but also helps you get over key sections. However, it could be even better if the Dyname drive offered a little more follow-through, as is common with the competition. Then you’d be able to climb over some rock steps even more effortlessly.
Downhill
It really comes into its own on the descents too. Its excellent trail handling is unique amongst the bikes in the test. Skilled riders who like to actively let their bike fly over the terrain will love the Instinct. Agile, nimble, precise and responsive – it leaves little to be desired. The sporty geometry, with short chainstays (436–439 mm – a record in the test!) and a long reach, requires an active riding style, but it’s sure to put a big grin on your face out on the trail. Surfing along a straight section in a manual, pulling the bike over roots into a bunny hop – in these disciplines, no competitor can hold a candle to the Rocky. The same applies to its cornering prowess. The Powerplay takes corners as if on rails, whilst instilling a great sense of confidence.
The rear suspension operates in a very precise and confident manner. However, you shouldn’t expect plush comfort and endless shock absorption, as the nominally slightly shorter travel of 140 millimetres (150–160 is standard in this category) is definitely noticeable. The Instinct displays a noticeably different character here compared to its bigger enduro brother, the Altitude Powerplay. On bumpy downhills, you have to work a bit harder behind the Instinct’s cockpit. The rider feels significantly more of the terrain. However, this manifests itself less as unpleasant jolts and more as precise feedback. Skilled downhill riders will therefore be able to ease off the brakes even on the Rocky and benefit from its precise handling and agility. For despite its stiffer character, the bike has plenty of reserves to draw on. Instead of bulldozing their way over obstacles, experienced riders jib from one root ridge to the next. A real highlight: it’s the quietest bike in our comparison test when riding downhill. There’s no rattling from the motor, and the frame makes no noise whatsoever.
The EMTB Verdict
The term ‘trail bike’ fits no other e-bike quite as well as it does the Rocky Mountain Instinct. Fun, fast and lively: experienced trail riders will love this e-mountain bike. Especially as it’s very quiet to ride, too. A very powerful motor and a high-quality frame – but rather modest spec for the high price. Yet even with this spec, this speedster has fully earned the EMTB Top Pick in the Trail category. Without exception, all testers were delighted with the bike’s handling.
Pro
- Outstanding manoeuvrability on the trail
- Precise and direct
- Sturdy, well-defined rear suspension
- A very powerful, lively engine
- Quiet on the trail
Cons
- On tarmac, a rough pedalling sensation caused by the chain deflection in the drivetrain
- No engine overrun for technical uphill sections
- If maximum power is drawn continuously, the engine output is throttled early
- Not really suitable for beginners
Technical Specifications and Ratings: Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C70
Manufacturer's specifications
- Price: 9,900 euros
- Sizes (seat tube) / Frame material: S, M, L (size tested: 44 cm), XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 23.01 kg
- Elevation gain¹: 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
- Crankset length / Q-factor: 170 mm / 188 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 491 mm
Facilities
- Motor: Rocky Dyname 4.0 MTB Drive
- Max. torque³: 109 Nm
- Battery³ / Weight² / Price of replacement battery: Rocky Mountain / 720 Wh / 3585 g / 1400 euros
- Gear system: Shimano XT
- Translation (by / ed.): 34; 10–51
- Display: Rocky Mountain Jumbotron
- Maximum permissible gross weight³: 150 kg
- Front fork / Shock absorber: Fox 36 Float Performance E / Fox Float X Performance
- Telescopic seatpost: Race Face Turbine R, 175 mm
- Brakes / Disc diameter (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 range was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt incline with a gradient of 12.2 per cent. Highest assistance level, rider pedalling power of 150 watts, rider weight including kit: 89 kg. The figures in brackets show the elevation gain in significantly restricted emergency mode. The average speed refers to the ride with full assistance.
²Measured on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory; weight excludes pedals. Battery weight may include the bolted-on cover.
³Manufacturer’s specification
⁴Step test, measured with the rear wheel raised by 36 centimetres
⁵The EMTB rating reflects the testers’ subjective impressions and the results of the range measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB rating is independent of price. EMTB ratings: excellent (9.0 and above), very good (8.0 and above), good (7.0 and above), satisfactory (6.0 and above), with weaknesses (5.0 and above), and below that: unsatisfactory.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD