In this group test, we looked for the best trail all-rounder that shines on every trail and delivers the best overall package of handling, uphill, downhill and touring performance, design, motor, specs, battery concept and detailed solutions. Drailleur AR. In those circumstances, it actually makes the Altitude Powerplay easier to control. Only knock? They're here to stay and getting better every day. You can find out how to figure it out here. Orbea shows how its done with the battery and motor concept of the Rise. However, good value for money isnt about the sum of the parts in the spec, but how the complete package performs on the trail. There was more than one occasion where I accidentally changed the assistance level, or double-tapped a button. Not helping things, theres no audible beep to signal when youve changed mode. At the start of the new season, we test the highlight bikes of the new season to find the best eMTB of the year. There are five options in total in the 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay lineup, three of which feature carbon frames and two that use alloy frames. Planet3 is een niet-invasief afstemapparaat dat eenvoudig te installeren en te verwijderen is omdat het in het achterwiel van de ebike is genstalleerd. On smoother inclines, the motors sensitivity can also be felt through untidy pedalling technique. With the previous Bosch system, which is still used on the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE, you have no possibility to customise the motor. The Assegai is an insanely good tyre, and for me its bordering on a must-have for a big e-MTB like this. Being a lighter rider and on flat pedals, I personally found the suspension to be too kicky. - CushCore inserts as standard My only other concern is with the rear end length. During one of my range tests, the Altitude Powerplay had no trouble ticking over 22km/h while going up a 12% gradient. Theres nothing outrageous about the geometry, and there are no surprises to the fit as a result. There have been some small rolling changes to the Altitude Powerplay in that time, but the 2022 model sees the platforms biggest overhaul yet with an entirely new chassis, an updated motor, bigger battery and a refined user interface. Was. How do you ride your eMTB or how do you want to ride it? An eMTB is more than the sum of its parts and the arms race for metrics like battery size, motor power or suspension travel rarely produces better bikes. In this group test, were not just looking for the best eMTB of 2022. The 750 Wh battery can be removed to the side in typical Trek fashion. The lower motor output, throttled down to 60 Nm from the Shimano EP8s usual 85 Nm, allows for a small 360 Wh battery without a significant reduction in range compared to a Bosch league eMTB. The fact that the main pivot isnt sky-high no doubt contributes to this predictable weight distribution. There are huge differences not only in motor power, but also in battery capacity for bikes that are aimed at similar applications: models like the Specialized Kenevo SL Light eMTB with a 360 Wh battery and 35 Nm torque output, take a different approach with less battery capacity and sometimes less motor power, while manufacturers like Norco, packing 900 Wh, exhaust all possibilities to integrate as much juice into the down tube as possible. Here you have to be in the right cadence range for the motor, to minimise the noise. But, what the relatively small Rocky Mountain has accomplished by making its own power unit, might actually put them ahead of where the billion-dollar behemoth, Trek, is right now with its e-bike platform. Called the Jumbotron, this screen displays speed, cadence, battery status, and your current assistance mode. What good are the best gears or the best motor on the trail if the suspension and geometry are no good? We planned the test route based on your preferred riding style and terrain as indicated in our reader survey of over 16,000 participants. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. What makes a good eMTB and what should I look for in an eMTB? The two most expensive bikes in the test field, the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo and Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL, cost 15,000 each. Secondly it can produce more grunt at lower Amps. However, it reveals weaknesses in steep terrain and at high speed. The other has the new Smart System 2022, which is also based on the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Although you dont necessarily need the biggest disc rotors as a 70 kg flyweight, you will still benefit from them. Do you want a minimalist display or an unobtrusive Shimano Bluetooth connector (EW-EN100 dongle)? Our tips are again: MAXXIS Doubledown or Schwalbe Super Gravity. Again, swings and roundabouts. The higher the ratings on the scales at the end of each review, the better the bike is in these areas. At the other extreme, the button on top of the controller is somewhat hard to push. Or is the industry moving in the wrong direction? Class 1 e-mountain bikes (and electric bikes overall) are pedal-assist: an integrated motor provides assistance to the rider and is activated by pedaling the bike. Its claimed to be smaller and lighter, while maintaining the whopping 108Nm of torque that its predecessor was known for. Their ever popular line of E-Bikes, the Rocky Mountain Powerplay, feature spec upgrades on many models along with an expanded Instinct BC line. )! If you mostly ride on gravel, forest and meadow trails, a less heavily treaded tire with a thinner casing is sufficient. Unfortunately, just because an eMTB is expensive doesnt mean it will last longer if you dont take care of it. That said, lots of power isnt necessarily better, as you will read further on. We think giving points according to a rigid scoring system isnt the most helpful approach since it oversimplifies this very complex topic and doesnt do it justice. So, the key questions we asked ourselves in this group test were: what type of rider will love this bike? But which bike is the right one for you? - On the heavy side. On bikes with Shimano or Specialized motors, the support levels of the motor can be adjusted to suit your personal needs via the app. All bikes in this test: Braaaaaap: this time the test field includes a bike that unrelentingly pulls away from any Bosch or Shimano motor uphill, but also engenders its own pitfalls! However, it could no longer defend its title. That bike has a remarkable ability to insulate your feet from whats going on underneath the wheels, leading to a cloud-like ride quality. Whats the best eMTB and how do I find it? Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. Giving the range as an absolute number would inevitably be incorrect and misleading. Actually, the rule here is: more is more! In terms of connectivity and customisability of the motor system, it sets the tone in the test field together with the Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL. That cant be true! EMTBs are delicate, high-tech devices that need regular maintenance and care. However, there is still some mechanical noise and vibration thats caused by the idler and lower chainguide. With four assist modes on offer, the performance band of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay spans a pretty wide gap. When going uphill, the slack seat tube angle (74) positions the rider far over the rear wheel. SPECS ROCKY MOUNTAIN ALTITUDE POWERPLAY CARBON 70 MSRP: $7400, 6000 Motor: Rocky Mountain proprietary Battery: 48V/1,632 Wh Charge time: 4 hours (80% in 2 hours) Top speed: 15.5 mph/25 km/h (with assist) Range: 25-45 miles (40-70 km) Drive: SRAM EX1 Brakes: SRAM Guide RE, 200mm front/rear Controls: Rocky Mountain proprietary, plus Ebikemotion app The majority of electric mountain bikes are equipped with lithium-ion batteries if maintained properly, these batteries can last between 3-5 years. The reach is spot-on, the seat angle is on the relaxed side, and its never felt like Ive had too much weight pushed onto the grips. As with the shock, removing a single volume spacer opened up the travel and improved deep-stroke reactivity. Introducing the new CUBE Stereo Hybrid ONE55 eMTB An ebike outside the box? The Norco Sight VLT C1 and Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 have some catching up to do. Rocky Mountain 2022 Slayer Alloy 30 27.5" MTB Gold/Green. A steeper seat tube angle would no doubt improve the seated climbing position, but it would affect the riding position and likely compromise comfort elsewhere. Motor performance is highly sensitive in all four assistance modes, with the peak power output simply being the difference between them. 5% OFF. It inspires a load of confidence on technical descents, with the suspension gobbling up rocks and big hits with ease. The acceleration is quite remarkable, and the motors abilityto pull all the way up to the 25km/h cutoff point becomes rather addictive. Specialized hevder det skal kunne gi deg inntil seks timer, eller 120 kilometer assistert sykling - dette vil selvflgelig vre avhengig av hvordan du bruker motoren og . Customized for the Rocky Mountain as the Powerplay 3.0, this motor system is an interesting addition in the fray of electric bike motors. These lighter inserts arent necessarily employed for hardcore rim protection, but rather to lock the tyre beads in place to prevent burping. But its not just kinematics, components and suspension travel that are decisive. Top! Compared to the previous model, the new Altitude Powerplay updates to a trendy mid-high pivot suspension design, with the main pivot sitting 100mm north of the BB. However, you dont have a free choice with every manufacturer. In general, there are big differences in the character of the models we tested, so you should be realistic about your own needs in terms of riding style and area of use when buying and be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the respective models. Its not the poppiest bike given its mass and suspension platform, though riders concerned by weight may wish to look towards the slightly shorter travel Instinct Powerplay. The quality and type of pads also play a decisive role when it comes to powerful braking. Class 1 electric bikes can reach speeds of up to 20mph. All in all, its all about the right balance and set-up. Its a little lacking in features compared to Specializeds MasterMind TCU display theres no phone connectivity, and it doesnt display metrics like ride time or altitude. Featuring a claimed progression of 44.1%, which is very high, the frame is compatible with both coil shocks and high volume air shocks. Full Sealed Cartridge Bearings. YETI have combined all their geometry and suspension know-how in a great overall package powered by a Shimano EP8 motor and 630 Wh battery, creating a bike that is the new benchmark in trail performance, for everyone from beginners to pros. Out of the box the Altitude is quite long and slack up front, but the back end is very short at 437mm. With this in mind: forget about the numbers! If you want a navigation aid, you should take a closer look at our navigation device group test. Click here to learn more. While many manufacturers rely on standard systems from Bosch and Shimano, our test also includes models that want to convince as Light e-MTBs with lower motor power and a modular battery concept i.e. We rode on doubletrack and woodland paths with obstacles of all kinds going both up- and downhill. For specs, prices and all the details on the new Altitude and Instinct models coming into Australia, check out our first look story for more. During the first few rides, the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay didnt quite feel as stable as I was expecting for a big travel e-MTB. The Altitude Powerplay Alloy 30 Coil has a better fork and more travel, while the Turbo Levo Alloy has 29 / 27.5 aluminum wheels and better components. Today, eMTBs offer multiple levels of assistance that feel smooth and natural and many employ nearly silent motors. The geometry is confidence-inspiring on the descents and still agile enough when singletrack is narrow. Nothing is more annoying than the wrong purchase or a bike that bucks, protests or simply doesnt want to fit your requirements. I found it easy to adjust the Ride-4 and dropout flip chips, and pulling the shock out to alter the spring volume showed just how cleanly everything fits together. - Masses of torque on tap These stop providing assistance after the bike reaches 20mph or more. Partway through a ride I flipped the dropout chip into the long setting, which took all of about five minutes. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. Indeed cornering is unquestionablyone of this bikes strongest suits, and it manages to achieve that without a 27.5in rear wheel. I had the pleasure of riding the original model at the European launch way back in 2017, but weve admittedly not had a heap of experience with Rocky Mountain bikes since then. Weighing in at 49 pounds, it's designed with a more playful geometry thats nimble enough to handle all but the most technical terrain. We dont just want to test the bikes that interest you the most. You can certainly climb with ease, you just wont access all of the Dyname 4.0s gut-churning torque unless you put in a bit of effort. Compare. As such, I was able to run pressures as low as 22psi in the front and 24psi in the rear. Spread over 270 pages of high-quality print, we offer you a comprehensive buyers guide, reviews and details of 27 bikes. Personally, Ive not found the reduced overrun to be an issue for the majority of trails Ive ridden, and both motors are easy to adapt to after a few rides. For a better overview, we present all 13 bikes and their tops and flops below. Troy Lee Designs Flowline and Flowline SE MTB Helmet A reasonable successor? But whats surprised me most about this bike is just how adaptable and enthusiastic it is for all-roundriding. Most expensive bike in the 2021 group test: Specialized S-Works Levo/Levo SL for, Most expensive bike in the 2022 group test: Specialized S-Works Levo/Kenevo SL for, Cheapest bike 2021: FOCUS JAM 6.9 NINE for, Cheapest bike 2022: SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 for, The Norco Sight VLT C1 has the largest internal battery capacity at, The fact that only 2 Bosch-equipped bike are represented in the test field is due to the limited availability of Bosch bikes with the new Smart System at the time of the test and the fact. Indeed, frame sizes cant always be compared between manufacturers. Fitting a GRIP2 damper would be an excellent upgrade, and Id be quite curious to try a coil shock too. Rocky Mountain 2022 Instinct Alloy 30 29" MTB Gold/Red. The lightweight eMTB with 150/140 mm suspension travel and 29 tyres always remains easy to control and elicits fun in every situation. This change was obviously made to accommodate the motor, and it doesn't give the Altitude Powerplay a vastly different ride than RMB's other trail/enduro bikes. This involves pedalling up a road climb with the motor set to the most powerful assistance level, before bombing back down along a variety of downhill runs to see how many laps I can get in until the battery runs flat. 150mm Travel. In this guide, we break down what restrictions still apply to e-MTBs, what to look for and who should buy one. After all, its rarely the average rated power that is decisive for real riding but the maximum power and torque in the respective support levels that the motors can release during peak loads. With the new Smart System, customers have the option of modifying some riding modes. The best electric mountain bikes best overall specialized turbo levo comp alloy $7,500 at specialized best value off road aventon aventure $1,999 at aventon bikes best mixed wheel marin bikes. Compare. Many other brands could do well to take note. Sadly, on the Rocky Mountain, the battery rattles. And the flip side of the Dyname 4.0 motor is that it rarely pushes you unintentionally, say on a tight switchback climb. The handlebars are a bit cluttered, especially for smaller riders. If you think, Cool!, we have to disappoint you. A useful method to determine where you can ride your e-bike is to determine which class it belongs to: there are three, each with its own restrictions and designations when it comes to trail access. With availability limited and eMTBs a big investment for many, its especially important to know about the latest technologies and the huge differences between models before buying one. They also had to prove themselves over longer term testing on our home trails around Stuttgart and in the Allgu Alps. The Altitude Powerplay is a lot of bike and there's a lot to like about it. Whether on flow trails, technical singletrails, in the bike park or on a tour, the Orbea Rise M-Team is a true all-rounder that inspires in every discipline. There are four assistance modes you can choose from; Eco, Trail, Trail+ and Ludicrous. Lithium-ion batteries slowly lose capacity over time, so expect this additional cost down the line. It didnt quite have what it takes to win the test, but thanks to its great price-performance ratio, the Orbea Rise M-Team deservedly wins the Best Buy! However, we did not like the integration of the new Bosch Smart system and its 750 Wh battery. Regional availability may vary. In this group test, there are considerable differences in terms of grip, steering precision, traction and puncture protection, which also influence the handling, riding experience and feeling of safety. for 2023. In search of a quick, simple answer to the question of which bike is the best, prospective ebike buyers often get dazzled by advertising superlatives such as the maximum range or the lowest weight, presented as impressive graphics, diagrams, tables and laboratory values. One of the most. PAGE 1 of 2. The new 2022 Instinct Powerplay The Instinct Powerplay is Rocky's Trail/All Mountain platform with 140mm of rear travel, paired with a 150mm fork. Even the biggest battery isnt worth much without clever positioning and balanced weight distribution. Copyright 2023 E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine. In this group test, our aim is not to find the best bike with a certain technical feature or component i.e. Youll also need to replace the chainring more frequently than usual, as its made from alloy. Become an E-MOUNTAINBIKE supporter and lets shape the bike scene together and make E-MOUNTAINBIKE(n) even better! Blamed for everything from trail conflicts to lazy riders, theyve been disparaged from the days of their genesis in 2014. If you want to know more about what has caused this, you can find all the information here. The prices shown here are as they were at the time of our testing. Will those taller folks wish for longer chainstays? Unfortunately, far too many people are still blinded by individual components that look good on the shop floor. In fact, I was able to clean one bastard of a climb on my local test circuit that I have never cleaned before. Is Veja's Foray Into Hiking Shoes a Hit or Miss? Those results are listed a bit further down in this review. eBay Kleinanzeigen - Kostenlos. Impossible? Welcome! The suspension of a full suspension eMTB is only good if it suits your own riding style. Shimano provide the most options here. A Light eMTB downhill with the climbing characteristics of an all-round eMTB uphill? Though it's a bit heavier than some others at 52 pounds, the Moterra Neo Carbon 2 is more than capable of tackling all manner of terrain. Whats the best eMTB of 2021? In comparison, the Altitude Powerplay offers a little more surface communication and support. Price: $8999.00. As you can see, just an annual inspection isnt enough. EMTB fullys arent just at the spearhead of eMTB development, offering more fun and safety than hardtails, they are also most in demand. The Altitude Powerplay Alloy 70 has a better fork and more travel, while the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy has 29 / 27.5 aluminum wheels and better components. - Controller buttons are too light and vague in use
It certainly soaks up awkward landings well, and I never once encountered a harsh bottom-out. The rubber compound can be more durable and harder for reduced rolling resistance e.g. No bike manages to combine almost irreconcilable opposites as well as the YETI 160E T1. Then again, Mick found the novelty of all those features quickly wore off during his long-term test of the Levo. A couple of rides in, I removed the single volume spacer out of the Float X2 shock. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay vs. You want a bike that delivers more motor power than a Bosch system? On the note of the motor, some folks may be bothered by the fact that the Altitude Powerplay doesnt use a Shimano or Bosch system. With 170mm of travel, 630-watt hours of power, and Shimanos top-of-the-line EP8 motor, you can blast down the mountain and still stop on a moss-covered dime. The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay is the biggest and baddest e-MTB that Rocky has ever built. Tops & flops, winners and losers of the group test, Find out everything you need to know in our motor group test, a complete reference in our sister magazine ENDURO, click here for an explanation of the term, Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind.