The Altitude Powerplay heralded at its launch last year introduced a new category of e-mountainbikes. With super-short chainstays and a geometry that was modelled exactly on the non-motorised Altitude, it brought with it a level of agility previously unimagined on e-MTBs. The elegant carbon bike has undergone minor updates for 2019.
New remote lever
One point of criticism of Rocky's first work was the remote lever, which is used to regulate the motor's support levels. Although the plastic shifter could be positioned close to the grip and was always easy to reach, it hardly gave any feedback when the button was pressed. In addition, the round plastic construction was not robust and was quickly damaged in the event of a fall or when standing on the handlebars. In terms of value, the shifter couldn't keep up with the rest of the bike either. There is a new remote for 2019, which is designed to be more protected and even more compact on the handlebars. It uses a vibration function to provide clear feedback on which mode you are in at the touch of a button. There is also an integrated colour display for the modes and battery status.
Quiet drive: New deflection rollers
Another peculiarity of the Powerplay was the special background noise. While the engine itself was unprecedentedly quiet, the chain deflection led to a rattling noise. This should also improve in 2019. Rocky Mountain has redesigned the idler pulleys. The material has become softer and should therefore generate less noise.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
