rocky mountain altitude powerplay vs specialized levo

The higher the ratings on the scales at the end of each review, the better the bike is in these areas. Do you run out of juice? Thanks to a 672-watt-hour battery and a compact, low-mounted motor, it rips uphill for easy self-shuttling. With this in mind: forget about the numbers! Many other brands could do well to take note. Instead of always riding with a large battery capacity and the associated weight, its very practical to be able to increase capacity with an additional external battery, whenever you need greater range. With this group test, we provide answers to the most important questions when buying and help you invest your hard-earned money in the right place and prevent you from making the wrong purchase. But is more always better? Rocky's new Powerplay models have a secret weapon to use on most other large brands competing in the eMTB sphere; their Dyname 4.0 power plant. Those results are listed a bit further down in this review. Today, eMTBs offer multiple levels of assistance that feel smooth and natural and many employ nearly silent motors. In this group test, were not just looking for the best eMTB of 2022. - Proprietary motor may be a turnoff for some )! A steel chainring surely makes more sense for an e-MTB. A 630 watt-hour battery, Shimano motor and quality components round out this jack of all trails. Internal Cable Routing. We emptied 17 bottles of Vino Rosso at the joint dinners, namely the, 12 bottles of Vino Bianco were also included, namely. The other has the new Smart System 2022, which is also based on the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. But if you compare them in a meaningful way, they provide exciting insights into trends and developments. All bikes with Shimano EP8 or Bosch Performance Line CX motors have a design-related motor rattle when the chain is loaded (under suspension compression), which usually occurs on the downhill or on flat or rough ground. Thanks to the small internal 360 Wh battery and the additional 252 Wh range extender, which is placed into the bottle cage, weight remains centrally positioned even with a total 612 Wh capacity. And no matter where you take it, its an incredibly fun ride. 2023 Thok TK01 R Review | A surprising package from an Italian e-MTB specialist, Trek Rail Review | A plush, powerful & frustratingly near-perfect electric mountain bike, 9 tuning tips to get the most out of your Bosch electric mountain bike | Bosch Smart System Review, 4 upgrades & 7 updates on our Fuel EXe long-term test bike | Trek Fuel EXe Review, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. That said, lots of power isnt necessarily better, as you will read further on. We also provide a lot of specialist knowledge, behind the scenes information and a report on the hottest trends all of this is wrapped in a high quality print format. Being the e-MTB version, the Fox 38 comes from the factory with three volume spacers fitted instead of the usual two. This means the BB bearings are easily replaceable, something that isnt the case with a Shimano, Bosch or Brose motor. The E-MOUNTAINBIKE Print Edition 2022 is our fifth annual edition and the ultimate guide in your search for the perfect eMTB. It rolls on 29in wheels, and it's equipped with a 170mm travel fork and 160mm of rear travel. But out in the real world, this can backfire and make many bikes worse for trail use. Our aim is to work out the individual character of each bike and tell you for whom and to what it is best suited and what its not intended for! Despite the ratings, the review itself is crucial, because thats where we explain the bikes character traits in detail and give you a deeper understanding of the sum of the bikes parts. Youll get the most out of the Dyname 4.0 drive unit when spinning at a cadence of 85-120 RPM, and theres actually a dedicated page on the Jumbotron display that shows a big tick when youre in that zone. The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 30 Coil, Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 30, and Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy are all aluminum frame full suspension mountain e-bikes. What does the best eMTB have to be capable of in 2022? Puncture protection is even more important on the rear wheel than on the front, so a puncture-proof casing is a must. Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind. Ride stats from RM Altitude from Strava, Garmin and Ebikemotion app: Moving time 1h 9m, distance 10.4 miles, elevation gain 2,091 ft., estimated average power 155w, energy output 647 kJ. **** #pandemic #deliverycosts: The massive bike boom and the consequences of coronavirus have resulted in huge challenges for the whole bike industry. The longstanding outcasts of the two-wheeled world, electric bikes, have become industry darlings almost overnight. They are your only contact with the ground and influence traction, braking distances and the handling of your bike, as well as contributing to its suspension. Rocky is offering the frame in sizes SM-XL. Even though many eMTBers love to discuss the latest trends and isolated parameters such as wheel size or torque, individual factors are only of limited help in the search for the best eMTB and should be treated with caution. The difference here may simply boil down to the progressive suspension rate. The handlebars are a bit cluttered, especially for smaller riders. Shimano provide the most options here. Thats why we prefer to provide you with some concrete tips here. Partway through a ride I flipped the dropout chip into the long setting, which took all of about five minutes. However, in technical terrain and at high speeds it is severely limited by its spec. If I was being really picky, Id suggest the seat tube angle could be steeper. Is Veja's Foray Into Hiking Shoes a Hit or Miss? With that in mind, here are seven of our favorite eMTBs today. In my experience however, Ive found the geometry and handling on this bike to be nothing short of brilliant. Therefore, we cannot make a general statement about the suspension travel. Its recommended to set up the rear shock with 30-35% sag, and Rockys suggested pressure of 190psi for my 68kg weight proved to be spot-on, putting me at the lower end of that sag range. Bosch bring up the rear in this respect. TCS velocorner.ch offers 15'000+ bikes from 300+ bike stores and individuals.. If youre an experienced rider looking for more juice, the Powerplay is your play. All in all, it is a good all-rounder with sacrifices to the range and high speed. This differs to the Shimano and Bosch systems where you can lightly tick over the pedals in those high-powered settings, and still get maximum output fromthe motor. We are convinced that more than 700 Wh in the tank isnt necessary for a trail all-rounder like the one we are looking for in this test. Whichever is your favourite, its important that the display and remote are in a protected position and that they are intuitive and ergonomic to use. Tailles dispo. Unfortunately, just because an eMTB is expensive doesnt mean it will last longer if you dont take care of it. And while the overall integration is neat and the controls on the Altitude Powerplay are a vast improvement over the previous model, the main buttons on the remote switch are too light and a bit vague. Most eMTB hardtails simply arent made for the trails! Generally speaking, I remained in the Trail setting during the test period, which netted me anywhere from 50-75km of riding with 2,000-2,400m of elevation gain. Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition New Colour With the new Smart System, customers have the option of modifying some riding modes. In those circumstances, it actually makes the Altitude Powerplay easier to control. FOCUS Jam 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | OrbeaRise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | Rotwild R.E375 ULTRA (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti160E (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX Core 4 (Click for review). This allows riders to tweak the BB height by up to 10mm, and adjust the angles by 0.8. Front wheel lift was a problem on steep pinch climbs, and it also felt somewhat skittish on rowdier descents. Best for steep and technical terrain, the Shuttle survives on the uphill and thrives on the down. The group test in figures: Background to the test field, the most exciting facts and interesting trends. Were told this was down to a simple availability issue at the factory. 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 Nope, I want my cake and I want to eat it too. However, there are some compromises when it comes to stability through fast trail sections and traction. Or is the industry moving in the wrong direction? The carbon frame is also nicely crafted. Click here for more information or order it directly in our shop! Shifting has also been crisp and ever-so reliable even under high pedalling loads. Last years Best Buy and the cheapest bike (7,199) in the test field, it was unable to defend the title. 2021 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 Rally Edition E-Bike. Wir haben das Powerplay Alloy 70 ausprobiert. The good news for all price-conscious buyers: in our next issue, we will have a group test of cheaper models. To answer this question, we pitted 13 exciting models against each other. For increased sensitivity, the lower shock pivot rolls on dual bearings rather than a conventional bushing. Its possible to reduce the leg effort required to bring on the motors power via the Boost setting. I ended up doing the same thing with the fork too. Ive also spent some time self-shuttling at my local downhill zone as part of a standardised range test to see how far I could ride on a single battery charge. With the Shimano EP8 motor, you can even save two different profiles so that you can quickly switch between your configurations. The Jumbotron does allow you to personalise the motors assistance levels and Boost character though, which well touch on in a bit. 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. More battery capacity automatically means more weight and, due to the larger dimensions, usually a position that worsens the weight distribution, leading to compromises in handling. Out of stock. Like every car, every bike has a maximum permissible weight, which is specified by the manufacturer to ensure that the bike and all its components can withstand loads up to this rating. MD; Backorder. The conditions were just as varied, ranging from wet and slick to dry and grippy. At the start of the new season, we test the highlight bikes of the new season to find the best eMTB of the year. No! In fact, the 437mm rear centre length is identical between the two bikes, and should be noted as being incredibly short for an e-MTB with 29in wheels and 160mm of rear travel. The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay is the biggest and baddest e-MTB that Rocky has ever built. Based on this information, we let you decide whether the bike suits you and your requirements. Exclusive: first ride review of the new Specialized Tero X 6.0 eSUV 2023 fully-equipped eMTB full suspension bike for everyday and all-terrain use, Fox Union BOA in review Great fit for a solid stance. 2019. the 3C MaxxTerra rubber compound from MAXXIS or ADDIX Soft (orange) from Schwalbe. Allow me to jog your memory. However, if you adhere to the maximum payload of some bikes, we are almost all too heavy to ride them! In issue #029 of our digital magazine you will find a group test of more affordable models. Thanks to a 672-watt-hour battery and a compact, low-mounted motor, it rips uphill for easy self-shuttling. Tero X kommer med en Turbo Full Power 2.2-motor fra Specialized, og batteri p hele 710 watt-timer (den rimeligste utgaven har 530Wh), og dreiemoment opp mot 90 newtonmeter. It always depends on the overall system. Even still, soft pedalling doesnt automatically deliver you full power. The highly responsive torque sensor means that while power comes on with minimal lag, it drops off just as quickly when you stop pedalling, which can occasionally be a problem on awkward technical climbs. They have very long 470 mm seat tubes, limiting the choice of sizes. What counts is a good combination of modulation, stability, braking power, adjustability, heat resistance and control. Price: $10229.00. To put it through its paces, Ive taken the Altitude on chunky off-piste singletrack, swoopy flow trails and big alpine point-to-point rides. There are four assistance modes you can choose from; Eco, Trail, Trail+ and Ludicrous. With most motors, using the full-powered Boost/Turbo mode tends to be overwhelming, dominating the ride and making the bike difficult to control. Thats why we invited two bikes from each of these manufacturers to the group test. Also neat is that the frame will accept a SRAM UDH when the dropout is set in the longest position a useful feature for folks who like to travel with their bike. The Altitude Powerplay and Instinct Powerplay will be available this winter from Rocky Mountain dealers. Great dampers and high-performance components make it a fully capable whip thats functional on a wide variety of trails. Rock gardens, roots, jumps, berms, open corners and high-speed berms we had everything we needed to test the bikes capabilities in different situations. We dont re-invite such bikes every time. They may have changed since then. Yeti 160E C1 E-Bike 2023 Compare. In other words, we go into the test knowing that some bikes will score a ten on the scale for a certain characteristic, whereas others will get zero or just one point for the same characteristic. As you can see, we didnt make the win quite as easy to determine as it would be in a world championship. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Review Home Reviews Brands Rocky Mountain Reviews . Whats the best eMTB of 2022? Along with a lighter weight build kit, the Instinct Powerplay is targeted at longer distance riding on less extreme terrain. On the front wheel we recommend a robust casing for puncture protection in combination with the softest rubber compound for more grip. There is of course huge torque on tap, which becomes apparent the harder you pedal. That is very quick, resulting in a higher average climbing speed overall. The discrepancy between motor displays couldnt be greater: The test field has everything on offer, from year-old displays with the sparse functionality and look of a Tamagotchi, to modern displays with numerous features, to minimalist, fully integrated concepts where the display is no longer present at all. The pedalling position on the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 Rally Edition is comfortable, making it ideal for longer outings. Particularly on the front, better traction outweighs minimally higher rolling resistance. As such, we try to judge the bikes according to their respective strengths and weaknesses in the right context. As a Light eMTB with the lowest motor output (35 Nm) in the group test, the Kenevo SL is an exotic bike and has no chance of winning the test as an all-rounder, but it still has its advantages. 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. The Instinct Powerplay Alloy 50 is close to greatness but is held back by its controls and components. Great deal on 2022 SPECIALIZED Turbo Levo Comp Carbon: Black - New - S3 frame size. In comparison, the Altitude Powerplay offers a little more surface communication and support. That bike has a remarkable ability to insulate your feet from whats going on underneath the wheels, leading to a cloud-like ride quality. Firstly, big kudos to Rocky Mountain for providing a masterfully detailed online manual for the Altitude and Instinct Powerplay models, which contains lots of useful information on setup, including baseline shock pressures and damper settings. Ive been testing a Medium size in the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 to suit my 175cm height. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. That cant be true! 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. And importantly, downhill riding feels surprisingly similar to your old mountain bike. Heres how the Altitude Powerplay faired; Ill admit I was surprised that the Altitude Powerplay managed to clock up over 2,100m of climbing in one hit. Planet3 is een niet-invasief afstemapparaat dat eenvoudig te installeren en te verwijderen is omdat het in het achterwiel van de ebike is genstalleerd. Only knock? The Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 Rally Edition has a better fork and more travel, while the Turbo Levo Expert has 29 / 27.5 aluminum wheels and better components. Not surprisingly, the factory tune achieved more mileage due to the lower Boost setting. Four long years after the Canadian brand introduced its very first electric mountain bike, the 2nd generation Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay has finally arrived. Then again, Mick found the novelty of all those features quickly wore off during his long-term test of the Levo. Secondly it can produce more grunt at lower Amps. With so many different tire manufacturers and special models on the market, its hard for even well-versed tech nerds to keep track of everything. Unlock your ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWERPLAY engine today! Some bikes have been previously featured in our group tests due to multi-year development cycles, but how much sense does it make to test a bike like the Cannondale Moterra Neo for the umpteenth time if nothing has changed except for small details in the spec with a successor likely due to replace it soon anyway? Specialized Levo Carbon E-Bike 2023 SAVE 25 %. 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. Just because you have the range doesnt mean youll have fun riding! Unfortunately, the range of functions is significantly limited compared to Shimano and Specialized, and the added value is low. Last years test winner i.e. Maybe weve tested it previously, maybe an exciting successor will be introduced this year, or maybe it will soon be available again and end up in one of our next tests. The motor is called Dyname 4.0, and like the frame its had a significant update for 2022. 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition Bike. 10 people spent 9 days in Tuscany, including sun, sea, awesome trails, arm pump and dolce vita. There are opposing schools of thought when it comes to which is preferable, but in the end it all comes down to weight distribution and what's more comfortable for the rider. With a tough carbon frame, a 625 watt-hour battery and more than six inches of front-fork travel, this bike can climb and descend with the best of them. 15 Dec 2022 First rides on the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR with Bosch Smart System "The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 represents the new benchmark in motor performance, leaving the competition behind. But that doesnt mean that all bikes have to be expensive. 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. The rubber fork bumper is simple, but does exactly what its meant to without need for a funky steering limiter headset. Jan 26, 2022. 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. We gathered the most interesting facts from the test field for you and compared them with last years test. Batteries with a 600700 Wh capacity have become firmly established on sporty eMTBs in recent years and hit the sweet spot for most of you. As with recent high pivot bikes weve tested like the Cannondale Jekyll and GT Force, I found this was exacerbated in dusty conditions, so its a good idea to keep the chain clean and well lubricated. 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. Inevitably, that also includes the battery and motor concept. Dry, boring, complicated: numbers have a bad reputation. Our Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 test bike has delivered near faultless performance during our time with it, which is hardly a surprise given its such a well specd bike. RIDE-9 Adjustable Geometry + Suspension Rate. Rocky M It doesnt offer the same amount of overrun as a Bosch motor for conquering ledgy moto-style climbs, and I suspect that taller riders may also wish for a steeper seat angle and longer rear end. The price range in the test field is wide but this doesnt mean that the differences in performance are just as great. Our aim is not to slam the brands involved, but rather to make it easier for you to find the right bike. The dropper should have as much travel as possible. the Dyname from Propulsion Power Cycles. These New Bikes Prove Electric Need Not Be Ugly, There's Nothing Else Like this $2,000 Gravel Bike, The Best Bike Pumps for Every Type of Rider, This Throwback MTB Punches Well Above Its Weight, The Tiny Earbuds Are the Future of Wireless Hi-Fi, The Last-Chance Presidents' Day Furniture Sales, You've Never Heard of 2022's Most-Awarded Whiskey. With the exception of the Dyname and Brose motor in the Levo, all motors in the test field rattle, some more, some less, loudly. All bikes in this test: The Instinct employs a shorter stroke shock, which shrinks rear travel down to 140mm. EMTBs are delicate, high-tech devices that need regular maintenance and care. You can find out how to figure it out here. Weve been looking for the best all-rounder that wont let you down on any trail, whether uphill or downhill, and offers a carefree package of performance and riding fun for all rider types and skill levels. We have a clear goal: to help you find the right bike for you and your needs. There isn't one simple answer to this question: e-mountain bike restrictions are set by the owners of the land you plan to ride that could be the state, the feds or more rarely, private landowners. The only major downside is a very loud motor that calls to mind a coffee grinder. While a bit sluggish on flats, it's rowdy on descents. Regional availability may vary. While we cant comment on long-term durability, so far weve not encountered any issues with the Dyname 4.0 motor on our test bike. Internal Cable Routing. Thats why you should also consider the maintenance costs for service parts and consumables. The Dyname 4.0 motor on the Rocky Mountain does not have an app, but here too you can fine-tune the support levels via the display. 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. Personally, Im not sure Id want to give up the travel though, especially when the Altitude Powerplay handles as well as it does. The all new Altitude is now rolling on 29" wheels and is sure to be one of the best Enduro bikes on the market. Lokal. Congratulations! The bikes in the test field not only differ enormously in their intended use and character but also in their battery concepts. To make the differences as clear as possible, we use the whole scale. My only complaint is that the 150mm dropper post felt on the short side, limiting how much I could move around the bike when jumping or bombing down much steeper sections of trail. Orbea shows how its done with the battery and motor concept of the Rise. With one exception (Orbea), the bike manufacturers in this test see it the same way. For efficient charging, the best bet is to set a reminder to charge your bike up the night before a ride: set it and forget it until the morning of your adventure. Pricing starts at $8,999 AUD for the Altitude Powerplay A30, and goes up to $15,999 AUD for the Altitude Powerplay C90. Giving the range as an absolute number would inevitably be incorrect and misleading. 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! Do you run out of juice? We start with the FOCUS JAM2 7.0 for 7,799. Theres nothing but thumbs up for the tyre spec, especially the choice of a 3C MaxxGrip compound up front. Unfortunately it doesnt have a clock a simple but much appreciated feature that we love about the MasterMind TCU display on the new Levo. First of all: you cant have whichever remote you want. Confirmed weight for our Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 was 24.12kg, weighed without pedals. However, to integrate the long battery in the down tube, a cutout over half a metre longer is necessary. For the front we recommend a tire up to 2.6 wide with puncture-proof MAXXIS Doubledown or Schwalbe Super Gravity casing and 3C MaxxGrip or ADDIX Ultra Soft (purple) respectively. Rocky Mountain 2022 Slayer Alloy 30 27.5" MTB Gold/Green. Not helping things, theres no audible beep to signal when youve changed mode. It is the perfect all-rounder that covers the whole spectrum from touring to bike park visits, scores with enormous riding performance and convinces with almost perfect and sensible equipment, even if it comes at a hefty price of 13,790. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Remember the summer your little brother grew six inches and, for the first time, forced you to yell uncle when wrestling in the basement? 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.