Insiders have been rumouring for a long time, but now Rocky Mountain is letting the cat out of the bag: with the Altitude Powerplay, the Canadians are presenting their first e-mountainbike. Using the same geometry as the "normal" Rocky Mountain Altitude the developers built their own motor. This should be able to keep up with the best electric drives on the market.
The key data sounds promising: 160 mm long suspension forks dampen the impacts with the 150 mm rear triangle, while 27.5 inch wheels with tyres in 2.5 wide trail width maintain contact with the ground. These tyres are designed to combine the grip and comfort of plus-size tyres with the directness of normal MTB tyres. The main frame is made of carbon on all models, the rear triangle is only made of carbon fibre on the top model. A 500 Wh battery is hidden in the down tube of the cheapest model. The other two models of the new Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay have a generous 632 Wh battery.
A brushless three-phase motor drives the e-bike for high torque and low noise levels. The torque sensor mounted on one arm registers the higher chain tension and increases the motor output. Rocky Mountain relies on a 48-volt network for short charging times. This means that 80 per cent of the 632 battery can be charged in just two hours. There is also a conventional bottom bracket in the frame. This makes servicing easier and you can ride "normal" Race Face cranks, as the crank freewheel is flanged to the crank using the cinch standard.
The control element of the Rocky drive is minimalist: in addition to the classic on/off and more/less support functions, LEDs indicate the battery charge status and the selected mode. The three modes support 40, 60 and 100 per cent of the maximum motor power as standard. These parameters can be changed via the app. The app also determines a range radius and has many other options.
Rocky Mountain offers the new E-MTB in four sizes: S, M, L and XL. Depending on the frame size, the suspension setup also changes to ensure the best possible performance. The geometry can also be adjusted using the Ride 9 chip. The key data is identical to that of the recently presented Altitude: the slack head angle (65 to 66.1 degrees) and the long reach (452 to 464 millimetres in L) promise a smooth ride, while the very short 425 mm chainstays should ensure agile handling.
The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay models
All models of the new e-MTB are equipped with Sram Guide RE brakes with code callipers and 200 mm discs. The Sram EX1 drivetrain with eight gears and a huge range is also specific to e-bikes. Also included: a Vario seat post. Grippy Maxxis DHF tyres keep all versions in contact with the ground.
The top model Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 comes with sophisticated Fox Factory suspension with Kashima coating. All add-on parts come from Race Face and are made of carbon fibre. It weighs in at 21.6 kilos and is available from dealers for a hefty 9700 euros.
The Powerplay Carbon 70 already has the large 632 Wh battery for 7000 euros and features Fox Performance suspension. This model is said to weigh 22.3 kilograms.
The entry-level model is the Altitude Powerplay Carbon 50 for 6000 euros. Here, a Rock Shox chassis consisting of a Yari fork and Deluxe shock absorbs the shocks. The cheapest model only has a 500 Wh battery. According to the manufacturer, the weight is also 22.3 kilos.
Ride report on the new E-MTB from Rocky Mountain
The geometry is not only convincing on paper, but also on the trail: get on and feel good. The reach is modern and long, but thanks to the steep seat angle, the bike doesn't mutate into a stretching bench. On the way to the trail, we can hear the buzzing of the tyres - the motor, on the other hand, works almost silently. Unfortunately, the chain rattles quietly through the chain guide, depending on the selected gear and lean angle. Those with sensitive feet will feel minimal vibrations when pedalling under full load. Depending on the pedal/shoe combination, this is not noticeable.
As we turn into the trail, the sensitive suspension surprises us. All bumps are ironed out, you literally float over the trail. Uphill, the rear end generates a lot of traction and despite the short chainstays, the front doesn't climb. This is partly due to the sensitive motor, which is easy to control even in turbo mode. The support comes on and off very smoothly. Also helpful: the wide range of the EX1 cassette and the grippy Maxxis DHF tyres.
When the trail heads downhill, the Altitude Powerplay comes into its own. The suspension works confidently and like a hoover, but could offer aggressive riders a little more compression. The handling is convincing with its balance and invites you to play - only a few other e-mountainbikes on the market are so agile. Even at high speeds, the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay feels planted on the trail.
Test summary
Is the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay really still an e-mountainbike? Sure, because it has a motor. But all in all, it comes very close to a "classic" mountain bike, although the weight disadvantage remains noticeable. Nevertheless, no other e-MTB currently comes closer to "normal" bikes in terms of looks and handling than the Rocky. It impresses with outstanding downhill potential and good climbing characteristics - combined with a large battery.
Exclusive interview with product manager Alex Cogger
EMTB Magazine: E-mountainbikes have a bad image in North America. Aren't you scaring away any customers with the introduction of the Altitude Powerplay?
Alex Cogger: There will undoubtedly be controversial discussions on the internet about power play. There are already conflicts when it comes to trail use with e-mountainbikes. We understand the problem. The situation in the USA is critical, so we won't flood the local market unless demand is huge.
Rocky Mountain is the first bike manufacturer to build its own motor. How will you manage to keep up with Bosch, Shimano and the like?
Sure, that's a big challenge. But we have competent support. One of our sister companies has been building urban e-bikes for five years. The Powerplay is a collaboration between their electrical engineers and our mechanical engineers.
The Altitude Powerplay has a pure mountain bike geometry. Don't E-MTBs need special dimensions?
What's good for the goose is also good for the gander. We wanted to build a genuine mountain bike and just extend the rider's legs with the motor. The geometry is a very individual thing. A lot depends on how you use a bike. Whether with or without a motor.
The Altitude will be available with and without a motor. Will you also be applying this philosophy to other models?
Yes and no. We will not electrify all platforms. It simply doesn't make sense for some classic categories. We currently see three E-MTB target groups: 1) Fun bikers - they simply want to ride more trails. That's the target group for the Altitude Powerplay. 2) Adventurers - people who want to discover new places without ending up in the sticks. 3) All-rounders - who use the e-bike for commuting to work, in everyday life and on holiday.
How many new people have you hired for the project?
We have hired three new people: Tom Ferenc as head of the development department. He has already worked for McLaren and Bugatti. Philippe Champagne has joined the company as a mechanical engineer. He takes care of the electromechanical cutting speeds. As an industrial designer, James Mallion takes care of the perfect look. Our sister company has also contributed the electrical engineer Benoit Cloutier.
Range is a very important issue in Europe. How far can you get with your battery?
We bought six exciting bikes from the competition and tested them against our bike. In the end, we can say that we can keep up with or outperform the competition. One bike had a greater range than ours, but the rest of the concept was inconsistent. Now it's gathering dust in our cellar.
Everyone is clamouring for more range and more battery capacity. What is Rocky planning for the future?
All I can say is that we are not dependent on the production cycles of an engine manufacturer. In this respect, we can react much faster to new trends. If there are solutions for more range, we will utilise them.
Wade Simmonds, the "Godfather of Freeriding", markets the Altitude Powerplay. Is he doing this voluntarily?
Wade rode an e-MTB in Europe years ago and has been a big fan ever since. We filmed his first reaction to the Altitude Powerplay. He said: 'I've had more fun in the last two seconds than I have in the last five years!
Where will the e-journey take us in the next five years?
That's the €10 million question! I think the journey is only just beginning. Bad bikes will be weeded out according to Darwinism. A lot of time and money will flow into development. In the racing sector, the development is still unclear. In my opinion, there is not yet an optimal format. Previous events have mainly served the manufacturers to market their products.
You'll find a detailed individual test of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay in EMTB 2/17 - on newsstands from 26 May!
