The Canadian brand Rocky Mountain is taking a special approach with its e-bikes - namely with its very own e-drive. The Dyname has always been one of the absolute powerhouses on the market and is now set to be even more powerful. Rocky has also completely revised the rear suspension concept of the Altitude.
This comes as something of a surprise - because the rear suspension was the point that particularly impressed us in previous tests. The design with a high pivot point has already brought the Altitude a test victory in a comparison of various E-Enduros. The new kinematics go by the name of LC2R.
The facts about the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay 3
- Motor: Dyname S4 Pro, 108 Nm
- Battery720 Wh, removable
- Range extender: 314 Wh
- Spring travel: 170/160 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch, optional Mullet
- Frame material: Carbon and aluminium versions
- Geo adjustment: Reach adjust headset, Ride4 flipchip
- 3 models from 5499 euros
Dyname S4 Pro: More power, more efficiency
At the centre of the bike is the completely new Dyname S4 Pro drive system with increased performance data. As before, the motor has its very own mode of operation. This is because the unit does not drive the crank directly, but transmits the power to the chain via a separate cogwheel.
- Torque and power: 108 Nm torque at 1000 watts peak power (750W version depending on region)
- Battery: 720 Wh removable (optional Overtime Pack, additional 314 Wh)Weight:
- Weight: 3200 g
- New ratchet spider assembly and improved cooling
The revised system not only offers more power, the cooling of the system is also said to have been improved. An aluminium chain cover acts as a heat sink. The Jumbotron display seamlessly integrated into the top tube remains the same. The screen clearly displays all important information and is controlled via a compact handlebar remote with three buttons. The "Personalised Power" function enables individual adjustments to the boost level and support power in four stages.
The new LC2R suspension
LC2R stands for Low Centre Counter Rotating suspension design. The new design is based on a one-piece rear swing arm that is connected to the main frame via two levers. The system is designed to provide maximum traction and comfort even on demanding terrain. Pedalling efficiency is to be improved by minimising pedal kickback. The design is also intended to provide a low centre of gravity and high lateral stiffness.
Prices and equipment
Depending on the model, the Altitude Powerplay 3 is available with a carbon or aluminium frame. In Europe, three variants are available between 5499 and 9499 euros, whereby only the top model comes with a carbon chassis. The bikes are available in either red or black. The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay 3 is expected to be available in stores from 12 May.
Altitude Powerplay A30 - 5499 Euro
- Fork/shock: RockShox Domain Gold RC / Marzocchi Bomber Air
- Gear system: Shimano Deore 12-speed
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M535
- Wheels: Shimano TC500 hubs / Rocky TR30 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 WT EXO Tubeless Ready | R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 WT EXO Tubeless Ready
Altitude Powerplay A50 - 6999 Euro
- Fork/shock: Fox 38 Performance / Fox Float X Performance
- Gear system: Sram Eagle 90/70 Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Maven Stealth
- Wheels: Novatec hubs / WTB STi30 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 WT 3C MaxxGrip DD Tubeless Ready | R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra DD Tubeless Ready
Altitude Powerplay C70 - 9499 Euro
- Fork/shock: Fox 38 GRIP X2 Factory / Fox Float X2 Factory
- Gear system: Sram Eagle 90 Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Maven Silver Stealth
- Wheels: DT Swiss HF1900
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 WT 3C MaxxGrip DD Tubeless Ready | R: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 WT 3C MaxxTerra DD Tubeless Ready
Opinion of the BIKE editorial team
On the trail, Rocky Mountain's bikes have impressed us without exception. We remember the Altitude Powerplay as an extremely powerful and balanced E-Enduro. We're excited to see how the new suspension concept performs in practice - after all, the kinematics were one of the highlights of its predecessor. The motor always had its own character and scored highly with its powerful torque. Here too, the Canadians remain true to their credo.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
