Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay eMTB debuts
Rocky Mountain worked closely with Wade Simmons to ensure the Powerplay ripped.
Last month, Rocky Mountain unveiled an all new Altitude. It shared the same basic layout as its predecessor, but received key adjustments to improve geometry, suspension, and serviceability. As they were developing the project, Rocky was also working on a new electric version.
To learn more about the human powered Altitude, check our coverage here.
The all new Altitude Powerplay is Rocky’s first foray into the ebike market. Now before you go grab your pitchforks, these bikes will not be available in North America. For now, they’re a Euro only product. The reason? Rocky was concerned about the impact of ebikes on trail access on this side of the pond. Despite demand for this product, they felt it was better to hold off.
Underneath the cover.
With that message out of the way, let’s delve into the bike. The Altitude Powerplay offers all the same technologies and ride handling characteristics of its human powered sibling. Everything from their adjustable geometry to size specific tuning is here, except now there’s a motor tucked slightly forward of the bottom bracket.
Covered by a protective shroud, this entire drivetrain was designed in house by the North Vancouver based engineering team. By going this route, they were able to avoid the pitfalls of bolt on systems, which include clunky design and long chainstays. Rocky also claims their Powerplay system offers best in class torque, massive battery capacity, and ultra-quiet operation.
To keep the focus on the ride, the system doesn’t use a screen. Instead, a simple handlebar mounted lever allows you to keep track of battery levels and power modes via a series of blinking LEDS.
The base level 50 model ships with a carbon front triangle, alloy rear, and 500 watt/hr battery.
At launch, Rocky is offering three different models. The 50 series is the most “affordable” unit and retails for 5,700 Euro. It ships with a slightly smaller 500 watt/hr battery. The higher level 70 and 90 series models ship with a larger capacity 632 watt/hr battery. However, only the 90 will come with a full carbon frame. The 50 and 70 models share a carbon front, aluminum rear.
For more info, visit Rocky Mountain www.bikes.com.
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