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Revolution, part 2Rocky Instinct Powerplay

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 17.12.2018

Revolution, part 2: Rocky Instinct PowerplayPhoto: Markus Greber
Revolution, part 2: Rocky Instinct Powerplay
With the Instinct Powerplay, Rocky Mountain presents its second E-MTB. 29er wheels, 140 millimetres of travel and an aluminium frame, which should also make the bike accessible to lower price ranges.

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay set new standards when it was launched last year. new standards in terms of driving dynamics. The Canadians were the first manufacturer to transfer the geometry of a non-motorised mountain bike one-to-one to an e-MTB. Namely that of the popular Altitude. The result was an agile and playful trail bike, the prototype of a new E-MTB category. However, the carbon bullet was anything but cheap. 6000 euros was the price of entry into the Powerplay world. Rocky Mountain is presenting the aluminium version of the Altitude for 2019, but that's not all. With the Instinct Powerplay, a completely new e-bike with 29er wheels and an aluminium frame is rolling onto the trails. The bikes are available from 5000 (Instinct A50) and 5300 euros (Altitude A50).

140 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels, Powerplay motor: the Instinct wants to make touring bikers happy with proven geometry and Powerplay technology.Photo: Markus Greber 140 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels, Powerplay motor: the Instinct wants to make touring bikers happy with proven geometry and Powerplay technology. The welded seams reveal the aluminium frame, which is intended to make the Rocky bike affordable.Photo: Markus Greber The welded seams reveal the aluminium frame, which is intended to make the Rocky bike affordable. Simple and functional: the new iWoc switch uses coloured LEDs and vibration to indicate the support mode and battery charge status.Photo: Markus Greber Simple and functional: the new iWoc switch uses coloured LEDs and vibration to indicate the support mode and battery charge status. The Powerplay motor developed in-house by Rocky Mountain is already familiar from the Altitude Powerplay. The deflection points have been revised for 2019, which should ensure even quieter chain running.Photo: Markus Greber The Powerplay motor developed in-house by Rocky Mountain is already familiar from the Altitude Powerplay. The deflection points have been revised for 2019, which should ensure even quieter chain running.

The new Instinct also comes with the company's own Powerplay motor, which scores points for its strong power delivery and direct response. Like the Altitude, the Instinct also adopts the geometry of its non-motorised brother, with one exception: the chainstays are seven millimetres longer. This should make the riding characteristics more balanced and push the climbing skills in particular. As a 29er with 140 millimetres of travel, the Instinct aims to score points as a balanced touring bike with reserves. One point of contention with the Powerplay is the permanently integrated battery. It cannot be removed from the down tube, so there is no option for a second battery. This does not change on the Instinct either. Whether this is a problem depends very much on personal touring preferences and habits. Powerplay advantage: The battery charges quickly. Within two hours, the battery has reached 80 per cent of its capacity.

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The speed sensor is hidden on the inside of the dropouts and the magnet is attached to the brake disc to prevent it from twisting.Photo: Markus Greber The speed sensor is hidden on the inside of the dropouts and the magnet is attached to the brake disc to prevent it from twisting. The Ride9 adjustment on the damper linkage enables fine-tuning of the geometry and suspension kinematics. The steering angle can be adjusted in three stages by 1.1 degrees.Photo: Markus Greber The Ride9 adjustment on the damper linkage enables fine-tuning of the geometry and suspension kinematics. The steering angle can be adjusted in three stages by 1.1 degrees.
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The Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70 relies on the wide range of Sram's 12-speed Eagle. A top climbing gear is guaranteed.Photo: Markus Greber The Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70 relies on the wide range of Sram's 12-speed Eagle. A top climbing gear is guaranteed.

The facts about the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay

  • Powerplay motor (Dyname 3.0, 250 W / 48 V)
  • Integrated 632 Wh battery (500 Wh for 50 series model)
  • 140 mm suspension travel
  • 29er wheels, compatible with 27.5+
  • Aluminium frame
  • Ride9 geometry and suspension travel adjustment
  • 29 x 2.6 tyres
  • Equipped for double bottle cage as standard
  • 170 mm cranks
  • Weight: 23.7 kg (size L, measured in the EMTB lab incl. bottle cage)
The measure of all things: Rocky relies on Maxxis tyres in 29 x 2.6 inch format. However, the tread and puncture protection of the tame Rekon somewhat curb the trail addiction of the powerful e-bike.Photo: Markus Greber The measure of all things: Rocky relies on Maxxis tyres in 29 x 2.6 inch format. However, the tread and puncture protection of the tame Rekon somewhat curb the trail addiction of the powerful e-bike.
The battery is located in the down tube and cannot be removed. The battery gets the necessary juice via the charging socket in the bottom bracket area.Photo: Markus Greber The battery is located in the down tube and cannot be removed. The battery gets the necessary juice via the charging socket in the bottom bracket area. Top for long tours: the Instinct comes with preparation for two bottle cages as standard.Photo: Markus Greber Top for long tours: the Instinct comes with preparation for two bottle cages as standard.

The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay

The geometry of the Instinct Powerplay in the three different settings. Legend: HTA - head angle, STA - seat angle, STL - seat tube length, TTH - top tube length, HTL - head tube length, RC - chainstay length, BBD - bottom bracket drop, SH - standover height, WB - wheelbase, R - reach, S - stackPhoto: Hersteller The geometry of the Instinct Powerplay in the three different settings. Legend: HTA - head angle, STA - seat angle, STL - seat tube length, TTH - top tube length, HTL - head tube length, RC - chainstay length, BBD - bottom bracket drop, SH - standover height, WB - wheelbase, R - reach, S - stack

The equipment variants of the Instinct Powerplay

The two Instinct Powerplay models cost 5000 and 6000 euros respectively, and both come with an aluminium frame.


Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70

  • Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance E-Bike 140mm
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance Elite
  • Brakes: Sram Guide RE, 200/200 mm brake discs
  • Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 1x12
  • Seatpost: Fox Transfer Performance Elite, 30.9 mm
  • Tyres: Maxxis Rekon EXO TR 29 x 2.6 inch tyres
  • Engine: Powerplay Dyname 3.0
  • Battery: Li-Ion 632 watt hours, permanently integrated
The top version of the Instinct Powerplay costs 6000 euros and comes with Fox suspension.Photo: Hersteller The top version of the Instinct Powerplay costs 6000 euros and comes with Fox suspension.


Instinct Powerplay Alloy 50

  • Fork: RockShox Reba RL 140mm
  • Shock: RockShox Deluxe Debonair RT
  • Brakes: Sram Guide T, 200/200 mm brake discs
  • Gear system: Sram GX/NX, 1x11
  • Seatpost: Race Face Aeffect Dropper, 30.9 mm
  • Tyres: Maxxis Rekon EXO TR 29 x 2.6 inch tyres
  • Engine: Powerplay Dyname 3.0
  • Battery: Li-Ion 500 watt hours, permanently integrated

The Instinct Powerplay on the trail

We have already been able to test the new Instinct Powerplay on the trails around Finale Ligure. The handling is impressive, the suspension is fluffy and with the powerful 29er tyres, the bike offers reserves for demanding terrain. Read how the bike compares to the competition in the 2019 EMTB magazine.Photo: Markus Greber We have already been able to test the new Instinct Powerplay on the trails around Finale Ligure. The handling is impressive, the suspension is fluffy and with the powerful 29er tyres, the bike offers reserves for demanding terrain. Read how the bike compares to the competition in the 2019 EMTB magazine.

The new Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay wants to be a solid touring all-rounder instead of a full-throttle trail bike. However, when you get on the bike, it becomes clear that even the supposed little brother of the Altitude can take on demanding terrain. In addition to the sensitive suspension, the large 29er wheels contribute to the secure handling. The geometry is balanced as usual, the character of the bike is agile. If the terrain gets rough, the tyres are the first thing to limit the downhill urge. Both in terms of grip and puncture protection: Maxxis Rekon tyres feel at home in more moderate terrain. Fortunately, trail enthusiasts can easily upgrade to a more robust tyre. Or they can go straight for the big brother, the Altitude Powerplay.

Altitude Powerplay Alloy

The tried-and-tested Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay also has new features. In 2019, in addition to the well-known carbon bikes two aluminium versions. The Altitude is the downhill-orientated version of the Powerplay. Compared to the Instinct, the Altitude offers more suspension travel, a flatter geometry and 27.5 mm wheels. It starts with the A50 for 5300 euros, the A70 costs 6000 euros.


Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50

  • Fork: RockShox Yari RC 160mm
  • Shock: RockShox Deluxe RT
  • Brakes: Sram Guide T, 200/200 mm brake discs
  • Gear system: Sram GX, 1x11
  • Seatpost: Race Face Aeffect Dropper, 30.9 mm
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF WT/Aggressor WT EXO TR 27.5 x 2.5 inch tyres
  • Engine: Powerplay Dyname 3.0
  • Battery: Li-Ion 500 watt hours, permanently integrated
The Altitude Alloy 70 costs 6000 euros and comes with Fox suspension.Photo: Hersteller The Altitude Alloy 70 costs 6000 euros and comes with Fox suspension.


Instinct Powerplay Alloy 70

  • Fork: Fox 36 E-MTB Float EVOL Grip Performance 160mm
  • Shock: Fox Float DPS EVOL Performance
  • Brakes: Sram Guide RE, 200/200 mm brake discs
  • Gear system: Sram GX Eagle, 1x12
  • Seatpost: Race Face Turbine R (by Fox) Dropper, 30.9mm
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF WT 3C/Aggressor WT EXO TR 27.5 x 2.5 inch tyres
  • Engine: Powerplay Dyname 3.0
  • Battery: Li-Ion 632 watt hours, permanently integrated
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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