Another special feature of the Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 Powerplay: the high pivot point of the rear triangle construction. In downhill and enduro racing, this high pivot is all the rage, but on E-MTBs it has so far been the absolute exception. The fact is: the suspension is first-class. The rear suspension combines sensitive response, plush absorption and poppy support better than any other candidate in the test. And that's despite the relatively inexpensive shock. The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Altitude also hits the sweet spot. Massive smoothness, extreme cornering pleasure, playful character - the A50 Powerplay is in a league of its own on demanding trails. The pilot is deeply integrated behind the high cockpit, which provides a lot of safety. And best of all, you don't have to be a brilliant enduro racer to have fun on this bike. The rather hefty 25 kilos of the Altitude are surprisingly unnoticeable.
You can find an overview of all 7 E-Enduro bikes tested here. In it, we discuss in detail, among other things, the Motorswhich Reach heights and the question of whether a Light E-MTB or a classic E-Enduro is the better choice.
Are there any weaknesses? The bike needs to be ridden actively on extreme climbs. With the very short chainstays, the front wheel loses its grip early on, which is supported by the brisk motor thrust. If you ride the chainstays in the long setting, you will have fewer problems here. The motor is the most powerful in the test field, but only unleashes its full power when the rider puts their foot down. The pedalling feel is a little rough and clearly different from the usual drives. Test ride! Very quiet downhill. Strong performance despite favourable components!
Conclusion by Florentin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief of EMTB:
"Balanced E-Enduro with outstanding downhill characteristics. Fast, fun and safe at the same time. Well-deserved test victory! Powerful motor with its own riding feel. Not a lightweight."
Technical data and notes Rocky Mountain Altitude A50 Powerplay
General information
- Price: 6900 Euro
- Sizes / frame material S / M / L (tested size) / XL / aluminium
- More info/Rocky Mountain website
Measured values²
- Weight²: 25.1 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1753 (+92) hm
- Average speed: 13.8 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 532 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 170 mm / 192 mm
- Ground clearance⁵: 495 mm
Drive
- Engine: Dyname 4.0
- Max. Torque³: 108 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price Replacement battery. RM, 720 Wh / 3581 g / 1400 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano SLX / XT (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
- Display / Size: RM Jumbotron / 28 x 32 mm
PLUS: Extremely powerful; very direct response; no rattling
MINUS: Somewhat rough pedalling feel due to chain deflection; somewhat impetuous at full throttle
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 150 kg
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox ZEB Select / Fox Float X Performance
- Suspension travel (f. / h.): 170 mm / 160 mm
- Telescopic post: RM Toonie, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano BR-M6120 / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Shimano SLX hubs; WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims
- Tyres (f. / h.): Maxxis Assegai DD, MaxxGrip / Minion DHR II DD, 29 x 2.5 / 2.4"
EMTB test rating: 8.7 points - very good
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
