I still wish the Jumbotron had a clock so I could leave my phone tucked away entirely, but otherwise its totally functional, while being unobtrusive enough that it doesnt distract you while riding. Based on this information, we let you decide whether the bike suits you and your requirements. Some modern eMTBs, such as the Norco, Rocky Mountain and Specialized Levo, rely on low seat tubes that make it possible to choose between several sizes, provided that a correspondingly long dropper post fits the bike. Drailleur AR. 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! Their ever popular line of E-Bikes, the Rocky Mountain Powerplay, feature spec upgrades on many models along with an expanded Instinct BC line. In reality, the freedom of movement is limited, just like on the SCOR, despite the apparently short seat tube. Spread over 270 pages of high-quality print, we offer you a comprehensive buyers guide, reviews and details of 27 bikes. With the range extender, even really long tours are no problem. Ive been testing a Medium size in the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 to suit my 175cm height. We have a clear goal: to help you find the right bike for you and your needs. 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. Torque also has a big influence. Afterwards, youll not just be well equipped for buying an ebike or have even found your dream match, youll also have gathered numerous insights and expert knowledge indispensable for trail talk, the pub and forum discussions! It's perfect for hyper-aggressive riders who want to ride the hardest trails without a chairlift or truck shuttle. Thanks to its strong riding performance and intuitive handling, it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trail acrobats. 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. 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. But its clear that the Altitude Powerplay looks a little slack and a little short compared to a bike like the Norco Sight VLT, which has a 78 seat angle and a 455mm rear centre length in the XL size. . 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. The bar has a fantastic profile with a suitable width and rise, the WTB saddle is totally agreeable, the Shimano I-Spec mounts are tidy, and the ODI grips are a really nice touch. This is in contrast to the latest Bosch motor, which continues to deliver power for a little longer if you take a brief pause on the pedals, helping to push you up and over a big root or rock slab. Its impressively discreet, and vastly quieter than the old bike thanks to the improved motor and chain management. And the changes are significant enough to make it a feature worth having something thats not always the case with flip chips found on other full suspension bikes. I came into this test expecting the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay to be a heavy, excessively powerful and glued-to-the-ground e-MTB. Price plays a subordinate role because, understandably, manufacturers debut the most exciting technologies and concepts in their flagship models. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. However, the poor reliability of the battery system, as well as the poor integration have room for improvement. If you think, Cool!, we have to disappoint you. Then you should pay close attention now! 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. The Altitude Powerplay and Instinct Powerplay will be available this winter from Rocky Mountain dealers. The result is a surprisingly intuitive and controllable feel, which is especially noticeable when soft pedalling around tight uphill hairpins. The suspension consists of a FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 fork and FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock, controlling 170/160 mm travel at the front and rear. : Maxxis Minion DHF WT EXO 27.5 x 2.5 / R = Maxxis Aggressor WT EXO 27.5 x 2.5. It inspires a load of confidence on technical descents, with the suspension gobbling up rocks and big hits with ease. Shimano provide the most options here. However, if you adhere to the maximum payload of some bikes, we are almost all too heavy to ride them! So, grab a beer or a cappuccino and enjoy the next pages filled with information, background knowledge, (tech) know-how, tops & flops and the most important tips for newcomers and experts alike. After tweaking the air volume in the fork and shock to improve traction and high-speed control, I decided to try out a variety of the Ride-4 geometry settings. One other important note on noise the Dyname 4.0 motor suffers none of the annoying rattle found in the current Shimano and Bosch motors. the 3C MaxxTerra rubber compound from MAXXIS or ADDIX Soft (orange) from Schwalbe. Its also a second generation system thats replacing a motor thats been on the market for four years, so it aint exactly Rocky Mountains first rodeo. Given its weight, the stocky wheels, dual-ply tyres and sticky-compound Assegai up front, that amount of elevation gain is impressive. Even still, the Altitude Powerplay doesnt ride like a chopper, with a fairly moderate 625mm stack height. Or is the industry moving in the wrong direction? 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 higher the ratings on the scales at the end of each review, the better the bike is in these areas. It is also the only bike in the test field that is truly quiet downhill. Whats the best eMTB of 2022? It is the best touring bike in the test field and, after some suspension tuning, also a good all-rounder that will appeal to both beginners and advanced riders with its easy going and good-natured handling. For increased sensitivity, the lower shock pivot rolls on dual bearings rather than a conventional bushing. But whats surprised me most about this bike is just how adaptable and enthusiastic it is for all-roundriding. Attention, spoilers ahead: the size or capacity of the battery increasingly determines handling on the trail. A fast trail ride with maximum support, a long tour, commuting, an excursion with a child or dog trailer, low support to optimise the range people use their eMTBs in different, sometimes contradictory ways, and it makes sense to be able to adjust the motor individually beyond just the available support modes. Thats exactly why you need to know not just what you need to pay attention to, but also what is less important. We gathered the most interesting facts from the test field for you and compared them with last years test. That way, a glance is all it takes to see whether the bike might be what youre looking for. Class 3 electric bikes integrate a motor that activates only when the rider is pedaling and top out at 28mph (and feature a speedometer). TESTED: Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 Rocky Mountain's Powerplay platform is now in its fourth iteration and sees some major changes to geometry, kinematics, and overall user experience. If you are between two frame sizes, you usually have the choice between more stability on the larger bike or more agility on the smaller one. The Altitudes kinematic is indeed very progressive, which provides a heap of big-hit support that will no doubt suit the freeriding Vanderhams and Simmons out there. for 2023. Most brands choose motors from either Bosch or Shimano, with Specialized being another exception because of their use of the Brose motor. Blamed for everything from trail conflicts to lazy riders, theyve been disparaged from the days of their genesis in 2014. To help you answer all these questions and more, we present the most important battery concepts in detail in this article. Top! Tuscany, staying in the bike hotel Massa Vecchia. And is range really that important to you, or would you rather have good handling on the trail? So, the key questions we asked ourselves in this group test were: what type of rider will love this bike? With a smooth ride and easy handling, it is suitable for beginners as well as high-speed junkies. First of all: you cant have whichever remote you want. The cockpit itself shows great attention to detail. But that doesnt mean that all bikes have to be expensive. It impresses with the best system integration, high stability on fast descents while maintaining manoeuvrability and agility, as well as its modular battery concept. But dont look now because things are starting to change. 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. However, Ive listed the results for the second experiment here, as I feel thats a closer indication of how it compares to the other e-MTBs Ive done this test with, which all had their motor settings maxed out. Front wheel lift was a problem on steep pinch climbs, and it also felt somewhat skittish on rowdier descents. NEW: Before we get into the review, we would like to tell you about our latest print edition. At higher speeds and on flatter terrain however, the short back end felt unwieldy for such a heavy and powerful e-MTB. 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. However, it could no longer defend its title. 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. The test field is a real cross-section of the market offering the best, most interesting, exciting and relevant bikes for trail use. If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. Were told this was down to a simple availability issue at the factory. However, there are some compromises when it comes to stability through fast trail sections and traction. Are you new here? 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. Of note is that the Altitude Powerplay and Instinct Powerplay frames are virtually identical. The cheapest bike in the test field, the SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910, costs 7,199 and enters the race as the reigning Best Buy from last year. Long climbs are suddenly much easier. We dont just want to test the bikes that interest you the most. YT have the highest payload in the test field at 127 kg. Together with the high level of comfort, it is a great bike for touring riders. Which of these would perform better for Mostly scetchy jump trail as well as a pump track with a steep fire road climb. Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50 Bike 2023 (1) Award Winner . The most powerful motors delivers 108 Nm of torque, the weakest just 35 Nm. 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. Just because you have the range doesnt mean youll have fun riding! Motor manufacturers determine these specifications and compatibility. For a better overview, we present all 13 bikes and their tops and flops below. Range, suspension travel or motor power considered in isolation will never tell you whether the bike fits your individual demands and riding style, or whether the overall bike concept works and delivers what it promises. As for rebound damping, I set both the adjusters on fork and shock a click or two slower than halfway. 2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 90 Rally Edition E-Bike. Our reader survey showed that three brands are particularly interesting and important to you: Specialized, Haibike and CUBE. Average speed 9.0 mp/h. The trail network around Monte Arsenti provides the ideal test conditions, allowing us to work out both the big and small differences that separate the 13 eMTBs on test. Inevitably, that also includes the battery and motor concept. It is fun to ride on flow trails and the suspension and high touring comfort are also a strength. We planned the test route based on your preferred riding style and terrain as indicated in our reader survey of over 16,000 participants. Do you run out of juice? 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. In the future, we expect to see huge internal battery capacities only on touring and trekking ebikes. It makes more sense to have a battery capacity that is linked to the frame size. Along with a lighter weight build kit, the Instinct Powerplay is targeted at longer distance riding on less extreme terrain. Rocky Mountain 2022 Instinct Alloy 30 29" MTB Gold/Red. It is unbeaten in technical uphill terrain and also feels most comfortable downhill on challenging and fast trails. With the new Smart System, customers have the option of modifying some riding modes. 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. Rocky Mountain 2022 Slayer Alloy 30 27.5" MTB Gold/Green. In terms of ergonomics, Bosch bring up the rear. - Masses of torque on tap Yes, you can steepen the angle by flipping the Ride-4 chip, but I dont want to steepen the head angle and lift the BB at the same time. Einfach. 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. If you mostly ride on gravel, forest and meadow trails, a less heavily treaded tire with a thinner casing is sufficient. Noise is also comparable to Bosch, and is significantly less whiney than a Shimano EP8 motor. Altitude Carbon 90 Rally Edition New Colour Its no doubt a much better looking bike, and it presents an appealing package with a different approach to the Specialized Levos, Merida eOne-Sixtys and Trek Rails that typically dominate our local trail centres. with an optional additional battery. After some experimentation, I settled back on the neutral position. If you only ride it at moderate speeds or on easy trails, you wont feel much of this. 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. Shifting is taken care of by a 12-speed Shimano XT drivetrain while SRAM CODE RSC four-piston brakes with 220/200 mm rotors do stopping duties. In addition to the options that you expressed an interest for, our know-how and expertise also played a role in the selection, with many exciting new models on the market that contribute to making this test so interesting. 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. The dropper should have as much travel as possible. We are looking for the best all-rounder that can take on any trail! Once with the factory tune, and a second time with the Boost level turned up to +2. For example, ROTWILD use an EightPins dropper with a stroke of up to 180 mm. The chainstay length can be adjusted however, with a dual position flip chip and a reversible brake mount that allows riders to easily extend the rear centre by 10mm. Of course, price plays a role for most of you. We emptied 17 bottles of Vino Rosso at the joint dinners, namely the, 12 bottles of Vino Bianco were also included, namely. Rocky Mountain Altitude PowerPlay (2018 - 2020, all models) Rocky Mountain Instinct PowerPlay (2019 - 2020, all models) Focus SAM2 (2018-2019, Shimano drive, Novatec & DT Swiss hubs only) Focus JAM2 (2018-2019, Shimano drive, Novatec & DT Swiss hubs only) Giant Trance E+ Pro (2019 - 2020, all models) What counts is a good combination of modulation, stability, braking power, adjustability, heat resistance and control. The most important factors to consider when investing in an electric mountain bike are battery power, charging times, and hub drives versus mid-drives. Click here for more information or order it directly in our shop! Our test crew munched on 300+ pieces of pizza. This isnt possible with the MERIDA, SCOTT and ROTWILD. The Jumbotron display is fantastic, providing the rider with just enough useful information in a clear and easy to understand manner. Please, It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is, Rear Centre: 437mm (Short) 447mm (Long). With the exception of the Dyname and Brose motor in the Levo, all motors in the test field rattle, some more, some less, loudly. It is the right bike for sporty downhill junkies who dont want to lose any time on the forest tracks on the way to the start of the toughest trails. The motor never punches too hard, even if youve left it in Ludicrous mode. The fact that the main pivot isnt sky-high no doubt contributes to this predictable weight distribution. You can find detailed information in our brake group test at our sister magazine ENDURO. Secondly it can produce more grunt at lower Amps. They incorporate new technologies, new motors and in some cases huge batteries that will make the 2022 bike season more exciting than ever. What good are the best gears or the best motor on the trail if the suspension and geometry are no good? 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. Rocky Mountain, Shimano and Specialized use a minimalist handlebar remote to ensure that you always hit the right button in the heat of battle. Click here to learn more. But if you compare them in a meaningful way, they provide exciting insights into trends and developments. At the start of the new season, we test the highlight bikes of the new season to find the best eMTB of the year. The super varied route included steep climbs and descents, winding, straight, technical and easy sections. Introducing the new CUBE Stereo Hybrid ONE55 eMTB An ebike outside the box? This configuration affords greater flexibility when designing the bikes suspension kinematics, and it also allows for a standard press-fit bottom bracket shell. The carbon frame is also nicely crafted. For the 2022 season, the bike industry has come up with numerous technical developments as well as exciting new approaches and battery concepts that influence performance and that you have to consider before buying. 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. Dankzij zijn planetaire mechanische tandwieloverbrenging benadert de magneet de reis 3 . Price: $10229.00. A clever modular concept can be a sensible alternative to a standard system with a 630 Wh battery. Read this chapter for the answers as well as a summary of our test philosophy and our opinion on school grades for bike tests. Only the Specialized Levo is truly quiet downhill. Our aim is not to slam the brands involved, but rather to make it easier for you to find the right bike. There are also differences between the individual motors and bikes when it comes to motor noise under full load. 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. 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. - CushCore inserts as standard The other has the new Smart System 2022, which is also based on the Bosch Performance Line CX motor. The lightweight eMTB with 150/140 mm suspension travel and 29 tyres always remains easy to control and elicits fun in every situation. What makes a good eMTB and what should I look for in an eMTB? Weve summarised what this can cost per year and what you need to bear in mind. Thats a hefty amount of riding, and more often that not Id run out of steam well before the battery ran out. Otherwise you cant expect longevity or lasting performance, nor can you expect lasting riding pleasure! Nothing is more annoying than the wrong purchase or a bike that bucks, protests or simply doesnt want to fit your requirements. Trek attempts to prevent the battery from rattling with foam padding in the down tube. Even still, soft pedalling doesnt automatically deliver you full power. 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. A robust 63 miles of range, Sram GX Eagle 1x12 gears and a DownLow Dropper telescopic seat post only add to its appeal. With the Shimano EP8 motor, you can even save two different profiles so that you can quickly switch between your configurations. To make the differences as clear as possible, we use the whole scale. In comparison, the Altitude Powerplay offers a little more surface communication and support. Read the new issue of E-MOUNTAINBIKE Magazine now. It speeds up acceleration and allows you to access more power with less input, at the expense of draining the battery a bit faster. The Assegai is an insanely good tyre, and for me its bordering on a must-have for a big e-MTB like this. Which routes and trails did we ride? There are even models that can compete with downhill-focussed bikes and with which you can hunt Strava KOMs. Perhaps the noisy idler also convinced me that the Altitude Powerplay wouldnt be as efficient as its competitors. The Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50 has a better fork and more travel, while the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy has 29 / 27.5 aluminum wheels and better components. 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. We believe that every rider has different needs and preferences, and its up to you to find out what these are and then choose a bike based on that. There have been changes to the geometry too, along with an increase in suspension travel and wheelsize. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. A 48V system will run cooler than a 36V system (great in Australian summers). Press Fit BB89.5. Despite its reduced torque, the EP8 RS motor provides enough power at high cadences to easily keep up with the standard Shimano or even the current Bosch motor. On the one hand, it convinces with its chic and customisable paint job, good climbing characteristics on technical uphills and great suspension. In a world of growing battery sizes, it is not an outdated oddity but manages to bridge the gap between all-round and Light eMTBs. 150mm Travel. Every bike from size L upwards should have space for at least 170 mm. Each bike review aims to answer these core questions, giving you a clear recommendation or even advising you to look elsewhere. 15 Dec 2022 First rides on the Trek Rail 9.9 XTR with Bosch Smart System On the front wheel we recommend a robust casing for puncture protection in combination with the softest rubber compound for more grip. Even the biggest battery isnt worth much without clever positioning and balanced weight distribution. On flow trails, it also scores points with its poppy suspension and balanced riding position. There are some clear recommendations for a trail all-rounder, which needs to work well for every rider and on every trail. 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 . This differs to my experience of riding other e-MTBs, where Ill typically only ride in the Eco or Trail modes on technical ascents. And the flip side of the Dyname 4.0 motor is that it rarely pushes you unintentionally, say on a tight switchback climb. 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. The best eMTBs are able to combine seemingly contradictory characteristics, like being agile yet composed. The motor is called Dyname 4.0, and like the frame its had a significant update for 2022. 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. Despite its ability to mob through straight-line chunder, it rips turns with surprising nimbleness that had me constantly grinning from ear-to-ear. As a result, the prices of eMTBs are subject to short-term changes and fluctuations. What does the best eMTB have to be capable of in 2022? Das Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay gibt es jetzt auch mit Aluminium-Rahmen. 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. Find out everything you need to know in our motor group test. - Impressive total range, - High pivot design requires longer chain Charging times will vary by bike model (and whether you're using a portable power bank or plugging directly into the wall), but the average charge time for an electric mountain bike is anywhere between 8-12 hours. First of all, a big thank you! The difference here may simply boil down to the progressive suspension rate. Its claimed to be smaller and lighter, while maintaining the whopping 108Nm of torque that its predecessor was known for. Four long years after the Canadian brand introduced its very first electric mountain bike, the 2nd generation Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay has finally arrived. But is more always better? Rock gardens, roots, jumps, berms, open corners and high-speed berms we had everything we needed to test the bikes capabilities in different situations. If youre an experienced rider looking for more juice, the Powerplay is your play. As such, its designed for similarly rowdy riding as the Trek Rail, Specialized Kenevo SL, Giant Reign E+ and Norco Sight VLT. Due to the 470 mm long seat tube of the ROTWILD R.E375, not many riders will be able to make use of all that travel. Class 1 electric bikes can reach speeds of up to 20mph. Out of the box, one of the more obvious differences between the Dyname 4.0 motor and its big-name competitors is the fact that it requires more input from the rider. With eMTB technology and geometry improving rapidly, more and more members of the bike community have realized their value. As you can see, just an annual inspection isnt enough. 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. Who are the people behind the testing and what do they look for in their perfect bike? 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. Welcome! From here the next step was to investigate the dropout flip chip. - Brilliant cornering performance Wir haben uns einen berblick ber die Fully E-MTBs 2019 verschaft und stellen euch die Rder vor die es in unsere Top 10 geschafft haben. They're here to stay and getting better every day. Rocky Mountain completely redesigned the system for 2020 with version 4.0, and it powers the electric-assist Powerplay line. Fitting a GRIP2 damper would be an excellent upgrade, and Id be quite curious to try a coil shock too. Preventing the front from lifting on technical climbs requires a lot of physical effort as you have to shift . Particularly on the front, better traction outweighs minimally higher rolling resistance. There are four assistance modes you can choose from; Eco, Trail, Trail+ and Ludicrous. That is A LOT of power, but Rocky has worked hard to make the motors output as directly proportional to rider input as possible, so its more like a dimmer switch than an on/off button. - Controller buttons are too light and vague in use The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Alloy 50, Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay Alloy 50, and Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy are all aluminum frame full suspension mountain e-bikes. Allow me to jog your memory. Its actually great encouragement, and if you go for it, its possible to ride this bike very fast uphill. 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.
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