The Rocky Mountain Powerplay Drive System | EMBN First Look
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Two bikes, one drive system. The Rocky Mountain Powerplay motor brings smooth, polished power to trail and aggressive trail platforms. The Instinct and Altitude, respectively.
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Each bike features up to date mountain bike geometry that is unaffected by the inclusion of the Dyname 3.0 drive system, a collaborative effort between Rocky Mountain and Propulsion Power Cycle. The stunning looks are paired with high performance figures, resulting in two bikes with different temperaments that each provide a pure riding experience worthy of Rocky Mountain's big mountain heritage.
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Designing their own motor from the ground up to maintain their desired geometry is pretty cool. What do you think of Rocky Mountain's E-Bike line-up? ⚡️
It is cool, but it would be cooler if their "desired geometry" wasn't so behind the rest of the industry. They went out of their way to give these bikes inadequate anti-squat as is their way.
Also, 632 Wh at 2.6 Kg is highly unlikely as that is 243 Wh/Kg. No battery system today delivers that. Even the highest energy density cells barely achieve it, and you have to add integration, protection, and BMS weights to that. A hand built pack with no physical protection, no BMS, and only shrink wrap to hold it together wouldn't even achieve it once you mount it to the frame. No way.
Nevertheless, the single-chain, external motor design is better than we're seeing anywhere else, including all the DIY stuff. Could be the best thing going right now, but could be better.
1st thing that popped into my melon was fast charges are definitely detrimental to the longevity of the battery... for the motor I think ATK motorcycles came out with a similar system for there dirt bikes back in the 80s they also had a disc brake on the Countershaft (front chain ring obviously it wouldn't work with this application) I wonder how the torque would affect suspension squat chain slap etc and having to buy 2 chains would be expensive and annoying nonetheless it's unconventional but also innovative and works for the interim see how long they last eh
@@Thumpermad "I wonder how the torque would affect suspension squat..." Well, torque causes squat so any squat would be amplified.
Since RM designs with inadequate anti-squat this becomes more of a problem, but wait, it's worse. RM states that they retain the geometry of the non-electric models yet the chain is elevated above the chainring so anti-squat is even worse. The fact is, this drive design still needs adjustment to the suspension pivot points, it's a great idea but RM fails to do finish the job.
@@craigsj yeah I was thinking that and that's why I mentioned ATK because their design didn't really go anywhere it's only if the drive is in the pivot that it doesn't affect the squat on the rear like the BMW 600 X wondering if they'll dream something up who knows eh 🖒 cheers
@@Thumpermad The ATK design reduced squat using a high pivot point. Some bicycles over history have also done this. The problem with high pivots is the need to use an idler pulley on the high tension side of the chain, just like ATK did. On bikes, this reduces drivetrain efficiency and causes problems with chain retention. There are modern bikes that do this though, and RM should do this considering that their design USES a high tension chain idler pulley (but pushes the chain in the WRONG direction) yet fails to gain the benefits of a higher pivot point.
Hi Steve. Can you make a comparison between the altitude power play and the Turbo Levo 2019 please ? Thanks
I got the RM instinct for me and a giant stance for the daughter. Both bikes are great, but the RM is awesome climbs like a beast. Love them. But ebike has made my daughter who hated riding before, and me with a artificial knee riding single track mountain trails again is fantastic. Only have so much time with her before the friends ect move her away so the money is worth it. Get out and away from the phones and tv.
I've had mine a year this April, the Altitude and the instant torque is so good when climbing technical sections for avoiding a Pedal strike, a slight dab on the Pedal is all you need at the right time to pop you over.You don't need to be plush to own one , just don't drink or smoke or go on holiday. :)))
I own one since last year. They did really a good job developing their own drive units. The bike is easy to work on and definitely ride like a real mtb.
I agree
Where do you see how much battery is left?
Thought you guys weren't going to bike reviews? Although I'm not sure I'd class this as a review? More of an advert. Cool video anyway. Bike looks great
Nice! I would take an aluminum version and put the savings into the new 330w Overtime Pack for 1000 watts! of all day riding.
It’s about time you found this bike. Absolutely the best e bike on the market...Comparison with new flyon??
i would take this over a specialized levo any day.
Why ,? I was looking to buy the Specilzed xl e bike , Is this has better ? The Xl is 5 k the RM is £6299 !!!!!
Well done Steve a really nice test and what a lovely looking and well made bike ,ok it does seem expensive but you have to pay for quality .
we were at the Marin trail last weekend and met the guy that does your drone flying,he was saying how good it was to see so many of us on ebikes (10 of us),seemed like a top guy,keep up the good work boys
probably my favorite looking ebikes so far!
Nice bike, nice advert. How about real numbers on the motor?
after all these years i still don’t understand the difference between trail and all-mtn enduro. Or maybe just know what type of rider i am myself. Both of these models seem so close in spec travel and geo that it is hard to see a big difference.
Hey hello. Great video 💪
Do u know comes the addon batterypack?
Super nice ⚡️🔋👍🏻🍺
U rock Steve, ridding like a king😁I still wish you would compare that to a turbo levo and a haibike👍👍👍👍 pretty please with sugar on top
Just want to say that you really make wonderful and informative vids here. The quality is just a class for it self really, filming and the views outstanding!! Keep your work you are really the best 👍❤️
Really appreciate this Frank! Thanks 👍
Nice video. Thanks. I see that you run flat pedals. I was wondering how you like them, and why not use clipless. Is it just personal feeling?
Best motor, best assist, best geometry, beautiful, fast charge. Only 3 cons. Too many pulleys, price and integrated battery.
@@Theworldisforent can you please tell me why they Fu ked up with the integrated battery? I'm new to this and trying to do my research
7:00 The low seat height on climbing kills me. So inefficient and bad for your knees.
I know you are a good rider Steve, but this is the best i have seen you ride on the show, you really looked smooth and the bike just seemed to be made for you and the frame perhaps a tad shorter than you usually ride making it lots of fun. .
ludicrous mode eh. Does the bike turn plaid when that setting is applied?
yeh, where'd they get that word "ludicrous" from? uhhhh, Luna Cycle, LOL
Does it have some kind of WALK MODE?
Nice presentation and I want more AND MORE ..., thank you Steve! ❤️
Thanks Iztok 🤟
Between RM Altitude, Specialized Levo andNorco sight vlt which would you choose?
My question as well
I own the Altitude C70 since October 2017 and the bike is great - I love it! It gave me the power back after lots of work and trouble in the office to ride up Tyrolean Mountains, hunt down trails and kick bike parks in Sölden and Serfaus.
I already changed the original controller to the 2019 one (iWoc trio) which was a great decision.
The only other thing I will change now is the drive train and swap to Sram NX Eagle cassette, GX derailleur and GX-E trigger because there is a big jump between 3-4-5 at EX system which is not nice a pedaling for me...
I have got the Altitude Powerplay C90 from Oct 2017, today with more than 5.500 km and always very happy to own this fantastic bike. I switched also last month to the iWoc Trio and thinking about to swap to the new AXS Sram transmission in the near future. But passing from the Race Face to the BlackSpire Snaggeltooth chain ring was a nice decision because it decreases a lot the noise made by the transmission. Have fun with it!
i have a a rocky mountain thunderbolt and love it, cant wait to test ride the ebike . looks stunning.....
I went in looking for a thunderbolt, walked out with an altitude... (thunderbolts were sold out, to be fair)
Very smart looking bike with great features would luv to demo one
ua-cam.com/video/GsSC1EboR9w/v-deo.html Here is mine and my Blue Heeler Obi's first ride impressions of this bike! Gotta say Steve does a way more banging job at illustrating the awesomeness of this bike than I have. Props to Steve love the channel guys! I was so stoked seeing that you guys did a review of this amazing E Bike, most fun on two wheels Ive ever ridden! Both me and Obi approve of this bike and this video review! Cheers EMBN!
Great video Steve, you have a great job.
It definitely looks like a great bike to ride, but at £6000 I won't be getting that pleasure, you say it's hard to tell by looking at it, that its electric, that is true if you ignore that big block on the bottom of the frame. lol
I agree it looks more electric than almost all others in this price range.
..Steve,you make me home sick...Lovely bikes btw...thanks Man!...awesome!
Looks DEFINITELY count!!!!😎👍👍👍😎
It does look good!
U are the 👑 🚴
Is there no battery charge indicator?
Brilliant bike when it's all functioning! i have been plagued by punctures & chain problems which you don't expect when you spend nearly 6k on the thing! The design is questionable with the chain becoming entangled in ways i never would have suspected. Not impressed!!!!,
Rocky Mountains says the Instinct is ready for the same components as the Altitude.
I own a Instinct and have a 160mm Travel Fox 36 and a float x2 build in.
Only downside is you give up 3 "modes" of your Ride 9 System.
Question on sizing of these bikes. What's everyone run for size comparative to your height. I'm 5'9 and I hopped on a medium but it feels really tiny compared to other brands. Anyone else notice that?
i almost got this ebike, it was either Levo or Altitude ...what got me was the fact about the non-removable battery on it , so Levo was my final choice, sorry Rocky you almost got me with your price tag,eh?!
Plain and simple ...... I want one !
i ride a cube stereo hybrid 140 with a bosch performance cx from 2017, usually on hills and in forests. i really like the bike, but i tested a rocky mountain altitude powerplay yesterday and its really amazing. however, for the moment i wont change my main bike bc 1. the rocky is quite expensive 2. second hand-akkus and second hand bikes to combine it with my Power Pack akku system are easily available and pretty cheap and 3. i really like the power of the bosch when i get tired out on an uphill drive, its ideal for a beginner imo since you dont need personal reserves to get all the power of it. i mean sure, the bosch is so damn strong on turbo that it completely takes over all of the work, but sometimes, its really usefull. the rocky is however a dream to drive and just feels more like bonding or teamwork with the motor, if that makes sense. my next bike will def. be a rocky mountain.
Genesis23OPB is this Dynamo 3.0 feel more powerfull than the others although it has a smooth delivery ... let me say that way, it’s a Brose on steroids?
@@abelramos8652 exactly. its a way stronger brose without the unexplainable weakness and overheating issues.
1st thing that popped into my melon was fast charges are definitely detrimental to the longevity of the battery... I think ATK motorcycles came out with a similar system for there dirt bikes back in the 80s they also had a disc brake on the Countershaft (front chain ring obviously it wouldn't work with this application) I wonder how the torque would affect suspension squat chain slap etc and having to buy 2 chains would be expensive and annoying nonetheless it's innovative and works for the interim
Bloody lovely looking bikes!
Mahalo my Dudes 🤙
OG only
Super bike for the price
Great review, i got one
108Nm that's impressive. If I'm correct U haven't mentioned weight of bikes. They look good - but I prefer zesty
The Bike looks great but the Motor seems to be very loud and I don’t like the fact that the battery is not easy to replace.
Does this bike have walk-assist?
Warren Bartholomew yes but
It’s really slow
Grant Baldwin thanks!
I was thinking about this today, is it slow to engage or just slow so you have to shift up a bunch?
The best of the best ;-)
That bike drivetrain / motor sounds quite load... matches the exp some ppl gave me.
Fairly quick for an old man 😁 Remember: There are bold cyclists and there are old cyclists, but there are no old bold cyclists. Stay safe and keep it up, thanks man, loving your vids!
What happens when the battery fails? Do you throw the bike out
About to be using the single suspension growler for commuting in about a week.....
How does the altitude compare to the SC heckler?
Do they have an app to adjust the settings like Specialized does?
Larry, check out ebikemotion.com. According to the owners manual, input is either through iWoc remote or ebikemotion app.
I want one so bad :D
@@flatslide3250 Yes. And I believe when connected to app the iWoc shows basic battery life with four color modes. Not sure if that is also the norm without the app, but the colors provide enough info to know what you have left.
@David Ross The iWoc displays colours to show battery percentage in 25% increments. The app is pretty handy as it shows voltage, exact battery percentage, battery and motor temperature, current draw in real time and has a number of other features including maps by country etc. The bike is awesome and in 4 weeks I've ridden over 300 miles on mine.
Nice bikes
they look great and the power is definitely there BUT - I had one of these for 3 weeks, It broke way too many times - Absolute shitbox. Plastic motor cover was brittle and broken from the from the shop, rear shock was leaking air, iwoc button fell off and the motor was cutting out which was the sensor. Such a joke for almost 10 grand. Also, the motor is too hard to pedal when the bikes power is off and the noise is horrible. The shop owner was a prick too. My Norco sight VLT is wayyyy better
I broke the motorcover on a Levo from a loose rock strike. That Levo also had the motor burnt and replaced 2 times as on many other bikes. However I've never heard of any RM motor issues. If motor cuts out our doesn't drive as expected, you probably just have to recalibrate.. Wich takes two button pushes on the trail. If noise is an issue just swap to the upgraded chain guide.
It seems to me that center drive is too big,so ugly.Pls review Spectral on and Neuron on of Canyon next time.Thanks in advance.
Form follows function
Vs Haibike QT motor?
The ridiculous noise of the engine (actually, of the pulleys of the engine) is never mentioned it....
Nois is no issiue with the upgrade chain guide. About the same level as on Levo / Kenevo, but more mechanical so less annoying imoh. It's changes quit a bit with how well lubed your chain is, Wich I see as a good reminder/indicator to remember to lube your chain also mid to ride if you do long full day climbs
The biggest drawback to me is the integrated battery but they look sooo awesome too!! I love almost everything about them.
What model is this ? Altitude 70 Carbon ?
DIY build beats all!
Any doubts I had that this channel exists to shill for paid promoters (Speccy, canyon, cough) at the expense of journalism have been dispelled. I know you have to pay your bills, and kudos for labelling sponsored content, but try to find some room for reporting that helps us figure out which MTB to buy.
Thanks, our scripts are never looked over by the brands we work with so this is all Steve's opinion. This piece is on the Powerplay motor and how it has allowed Rocky Mountain to build a bike around their desired geometry rather than the actual component specs on bikes being used. We're providing as much info as we can about the product without reviewing it. Hopefully the info provided can help inform consumers choices.
@@embn why do they always send the most expensive bike to review? Why didn't they send you their entry level bike?
That bike you are riding comes up as over $11k Canadian!!! Is it that their entry level bikes not worth reviewing?
Had one for 9 months. The best of the best. Even the cheaper versions have the same awesome motor, and you wont be sending it back every 5 mins. made to last , and they do !
Tim Gregory why did you get rid of it?
I find it admirable that Elon Musk has allowed Rocky Mountain to use the term "Ludicrous Mode". And at 180nm of torque, it's appropriate.
I actually find it admirable that Luna Cycle in L.A. has allowed Elon Musk to use the term "Ludicrous Mode". Since they've been using it the past 3+ years.
@@hoptard
Hmmmm. Point taken.
What's the resistance like over the 15.5 limit?
No Resistance at all.
I've never ridden an EMTB. Are they all that loud under pedalling?
Generally no, the good ones are very quiet or nearly silent in most cases.
|I bought the Powerplay C70 Altitude 7 months ago at Dodge City cycle here in Cumberland B.C. Canada . So glad I did!! I am 56 years old, intermediate skill level. I ride 3 times more often than I used to and on any given ride get 2.5 times the descent time on our world class trail system because of this bike. And when I ride with my 16 year old I don't hold him up on the climbs. It's a little heavier yes, but so stable at high speeds through the rough stuff. It does require more cash for maintenance, stretched chains etc, but for the fun factor I don't mind.
Neil. I'm 55 and I think your response pretty much sums up why we love these bikes. I have a well equipped Haibike which I ride about 5 days a week (hence your post), but will strongly consider Rocky Mountain as my next bike.
IF I had money it's that or a Fantic.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks Andrew 🤟
Looks too small for the rider.
Barge and pole spring to mind.
you sure know how to rip these E-bikes on the trail! My concern with a bike brand building their own motor system (stepping away from the norm - Bosch etc) is when the bikes get older, are they going to support the parts for these E-bikes?
All parts in the motor fit retrospectively 👍 main reason I purchased it. Saw an older model on a demo day with all new parts fitted on it including the new iwoc from previous one
WEIGHT?
My shit box was 23kg. They aren't robust enough for trails though
Steve is about 13 stone ;)
What's that ratteling sound? Sounds like an old rusty chain...
I have heard that the chain guide is quite noisy- did you experience that at all?
it is and it varies depending on strain on drivetrain. Keeping it lubed it is basically not noticeable when on flats, hear it on climbs, of course who pays attention on descents....I don't hear it on descents. First was put off, but by second ride hardly notice, nor does my riding partner. RM has 2019 $20 replacement part that they say substantially lowers that as well. Different material on the cog or something. If the bike is ideal in most other ways, I would say the comprise is worth it. Bike overall is great. On my first ride I was thinking no way. After six rides (still testing bike) I find I could care less. But that's me.
With the upgraded slider chain guide noise is down to level with Specialized and Merida. But imoh more mechanical and pleasant compared to the wineing kind of noise from just about all other motors
Do a review on an ENTRY LEVEL bike, not their most expensive bike...or is there a reason for that?
What happens 3 or 4 years from now, when the Dyname 3.0 motor breaks, and you're not able to replace it because that particular motor isn't being made anymore? Don't you have a CAD $9000+ paper-weight on your hands?
Rocky Mountain as a stellar reputation for long term care of its customers.
No swapping batteries... Not for me.
Yep, even though I hardly ever use it, carrying the spare battery stops me worrying about it.
632 watt hours enough juice for all day riding
@@emtbtrailrider539 that all depends on how far you want to go. I like 40-60 mile epics.
Yeah the no swapping batteries thing is a problem in emtbs. Eg. You would have dificulty taking your own bike places. Like Blue Derby in Tassy .... theres a new ebike shop there and they hire batteries ..... not rea l good if you are stuck with an internal battery ..... when you cant get on a plane with it!
@@BarryJTaylor yep. Also, I charge my battery and keep it in the house, where it doesn't get too cold. I keep my bike in the garage.
I like Rocky Mountain, but that looks a bit clumsy, like a DIY job, just with a plastic cover to hide the mess.
Does the motor decouple over 25 km? Do you have the same wall feeling on all other motors?
its the worst I've ever felt over 25kms, because you're pedaling the pulleys and the motor windings
Stay away from this bike, I have been riding it and no matter what you do that drive gear will catch your pants tied or not pull them into the gears and throw you into traffic, it would take a simple modification to the side cover to prevent from happening, but rocky mountain wont do it, and even will blame you for their mis-deisgn nearly killing you.
ehhhh, saw this bike in person the other day, not impressed with 250 watts, LOL....and 6 grand for an aluminum bike???
will stick with my "ludicrous" X1 Luna order....
Crazy how you could buy a new r6 for these ridiculous prices.
Can't ride singletrack in your R6 though.