2022 Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay E-Bike Review

The Rocky Mountain Altitude and Instinct Powerplays are all new e-mountain bikes for 2022. We've been riding the Altitude Powerplay eMTB for the past few months.
The Dyname e-bike motor has been revised with this new generation, giving it a variable power curve for smoother power delivery. It's 18.5% lighter than previously, and quieter.
Geometry is progressive and similar to that of the Rocky Mountain Altitude. There are also parallels like a flip-chip in the chainstay, and a modular shock mount.
Check out the video review or the written review on Singletracks.com for the full details.
www.singletrac...
Pros:
-Subtle motor noise and smooth power delivery
-Fun to descend (not all e-bikes are)
-4 power modes which can be tailored to personal preference
-Good traction and suspension performance
Cons:
-Expensive
-Heavy
-Could use a touch more braking power
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[@jasonhrvatin1]

I've come off a 2021 turbo kenevo expert, to the 2022 pp altitude c90. Rocky Mountain win by a mile 👌

[@andrewlloyd7279]

what size kenevo to c90 did from and to?

[@jasonhrvatin1]

@@andrewlloyd7279 S5 kenevo to a large c90. I'm 6'1.

[@stevenschiff808]

Cushcore from the factory! Impressive thinking.

[@emtbtrailrider539]

That was a great Review, I’m impressed, Keep up the good work and keep supporting #eMTBs

[@singletracks]

Thanks!

[@hudsonisbetter]

Has this bike gotten better or worse after these 2 years. And is this bike low rpm because I hear it is a high rpm, like does it feel good pedaling slower?

[@malanalan1]

Something does not add up. Short chain-stay makes a bike unstable on steep inclines and the optimal 85rpm seems way too high. You will not get 108 NM unless you pedal 85rpm uphill !!

[@chrisrae1254]

For me if I buy an ebike I don’t care about weight or travel. I’ve got a motor!

[@singletracks]

Makes sense about the weight. But travel? For most that's closely tied to their riding style and the type of terrain they want to ride.

[@NewCreation23DR]

My is the Instinct MIA from reviews? Not a single one has been done on any platform.

[@cristoffeemons1553]

Because it’s basically the same bike … just for bitches that can’t handle the travel

[@CodyYankey]

I've got a low spec A30 on order and a bunch of newer parts (Saint brakes, Onyx hubs, Carbon hoops, PNW cockpit) to throw on it but, won't be here until end of April. How has your interaction been with people on the trials out here in CO? I think stuff like Floyd hill and Maryland Mountain would probably be seen as perfect for them but, even on my electric commuter, I get the odd comment here and there.

[@singletracks]

I'll be honest, the first time I rode this at Apex, someone made a snide comment. It definitely got under my skin, but oh well. Aside from that, I felt eyeballs, but most of my other reactions afterward were fine. People moved so I could pass on a climb. I think it takes an extra bit of tact on finesse on the e-biker's part, but hopefully it will continue to normalize and not be as contentious in the future. -Matt

[@CodyYankey]

@@singletracks APEX is an area I assumed in a few shots in the video. We shuttle Enchanted Forest sometimes and people make comments about that. I have taken my commuter on Green Mountain a few times and you're right about the tact on my part. I just wait it out until I have an area to pass on the uphill. I also keep a bell on my bikes for this reason. Hopefully we can change the culture around them. I envy the European videos where everyone is accepting or indifferent about them. I always feel like I need to defend my decision to have fun.

[@snigs5T5]

Same here, but my A30 won't arrive until May. Going to throw a Fox 38E Factory on it and swap the shifter to the 11 speed XT (has the two at a time upshift like the 12 speed, which I really like), as well as better tires and inserts. I too commuted by ebike, a Class 3 Haibike, and some roadies called me a cheater. There's a high level of ignorance from people that drive their cars to a road ride, IMO. 😆

[@CodyYankey]

@@snigs5T5 Ha, I too have an A30 on order. Bought some Shimano Saint brakes and doing a carbon/Onyx hub build up right now. I was going to address the shifter when I wear out the cassette and chain and look for a deal on a group set. Always been a Sram guy but would love to try something from Shimano if they offer wireless at some point. Just embrace all the things battery. May put the ZEB cartridge into the Domain and see how it does. Love the Fox 36/X2 setup on my Enduro but figured I'd give some mid tier suspension a season or two.

[@stefanomedici2942]

Congratulations, great review! Can you tell me how tall you are and what size did you try on? Thank you!

[@singletracks]

I'm 5'8" and rode a size medium. - Matt

[@stefanomedici2942]

@@singletracks Thank you so much! I am tall like you and I have ordered a size M

[@nickjohnston3882]

Great review, thx

[@oldmanmtb1443]

I just order mines, should be here by April.

[@solferinomichelotti2985]

Is the noise that the chain makes comparable to the noise of the bosch shimano engine? Do you feel vibrations when pedaling with rocky?

[@LevoRider]

Funny you mentioned the Rise, that is what I am torn over. A lighter bike or a full fat like the RM or the Scott, really like the Altitude, going on a test ride this weekend.

[@davisjl1979]

I currently have a Rise and I'm looking at this one for the longer travel and more powerful motor. Love the Rise and not going to get rid of it, just looking for something that is more suited for Enduro/DH type trails. How'd you like the Altitude?

[@LevoRider]

@@davisjl1979 It is a well balanced bike, granted it was just a 30 minute ride.

[@thorcat7769]

Weird that every e-bike company it seems are all going with 29 inch tires. Easiest way to make a heavy bike more lively and manoeuvrable is smaller 27.5 tires. I jump my 27.5 Kona remote off every tiny feature there is and often at quite slow speeds. Now Kona is also going with wagon wheels for 2022. Anyway, great review of the bike.

[@singletracks]

For sure. Seems like many eMTBs are being designed for stability over playfulness.

[@snigs5T5]

There's no need for 650b on this bike. Run the short chainstay position if you want more "playfulness." I put this in quotes, since my experience is better riding equals getting what you want out of the bike. My A30 coil handles great and pops off everything in its path, and I run the long position for better climbing.

[@thorcat7769]

@@snigs5T5 Good to know. Thanks for the info. My local bike shop sells this e-bike and gives the best service I have ever gotten, so I think that is my next bike.

[@iMatt75]

I really want to know how long this battery will last. Like time wise. hours per day. Great review btw!

[@singletracks]

Unfortunately that's not possible to answer given the number of factors involved like which level(s) of assistance you use during the ride, how much climbing/descending is involved, how much the rider weighs, etc. If battery life is a concern, your best bet is to compare battery Watt-Hour ratings between bikes.

[@chris-topher]

What range/ride time are you getting with that 720Wh battery in Trail/Trail +?

[@mjmiller613]

Hard to say exactly because it depends on so much. But I'd say 2-3 big rides at least before I needed a charge again.

[@sergiolandz6056]

there should be a way of getting a ball park number. Like add a weight + steepness + power level to give a example. Would help.

[@texasRoofDoctor]

I am leaning toward this rig. Does anyone have a compelling case for a different bike in the same range ? I weigh about 220 so, is that size rotor going to be adequate stopping power ? Not really a kamikaze downhill rider any more.

[@snigs5T5]

I run a 220 on the front with an old Hope tech M4. Recommend. My A30 coil is a sled and you'll be happy to have the extra stopping power. Really for me it was more about modulation than at the limit braking. A larger rotor gives more headroom before needing all of the 220. That being said, even the "low end" Shimano MT420s are really good. I still have the stock one on the rear and am procrastinating on changing it because it works very well.

[@texasRoofDoctor]

@@snigs5T5 I appreciate the input and agree about modulation. I bought my first mountain bike in 1986 so, even the worst disc brake is like Kerry Gold Butter vs margarine compared to the various brakes that were used and developed for mountain bikes over the years.

[@elliotdumaine9948]

Hi I’m in the middle of size large and size xl, I am 6 feet 2 188cm. What size would you recommend ?

[@multikeissi]

Go with XL if you want to ride aggressive and fast. You with L If you want comfortable riding position for cruising around.

[@cristoffeemons1553]

I’m same height and I ride XL

[@elliotdumaine9948]

@@cristoffeemons1553 amazing thanks I ordered an x large! Can’t wait to receive it

[@audio-canada]

His history of the bike is incorrect. It was first available in Canada and then Europe.

[@singletracks]

Thanks for the correction!

[@oldmanmtb1443]

Which charger does it come with?

[@singletracks]

I believe 2A - the 4A may be an upgrade. Check out the specs on bikes.com.

[@Roaming50]

Go fat or go home I say. If you're going to get an e-bike that you want the full powered version, not an SL.

[@boringuserhandle]

I think an SL might make sense if it's your only bike.

[@fatiredflyer]

54 lbs!?!?

[@singletracks]

Correct. Obviously motors and batteries add weight, as do component choices as well.

[@boringuserhandle]

Pretty standard for full fat e bikes.