Rocky Mountain Powerplay eMTB Review

[@imrekovacs3841]

My spouse and I each had one of these although I ended up trading mine in for a non 'e' MTB because I prefer to pedal and love tossing around a lighter bike. She still has her bike and I did ride a number of bikes before buying the Instinct Powerplays incl. Trek Rail, Specialized Levo and bikes from Giant and Cube. The other bikes were all better looking bikes but the Instinct is a much, much more evolved eMTB. The drivetrain engages in a much more consistently organic way so that the power delivery is easily controlled and yet it has more torque on demand. We also found this system to be much quieter and seemingly more efficient. If you ride in mud or a lot of dust you will occasionally need to remove the cover over the motor and clean the sensors that control how the motor engages. This is literally a 90-second job. You'll know the sensor is dirty if the motor randomly disengages intermittently. You remove the cover (3 bolts) and give the sensor a wipe. It's my opinion that Yamaha, Bosch and Brose have some catching up to do with respect to the way power is delivered and how much power is ultimately delivered in the eMTB application.

[@captnhuffy]

Thanks so much for your opinion and insight! I've been looking for a couple months now, will be buying soon, and the Powerplay is a top contender. Your comment is insightful! Thank you. Just in case Loam Wolf is monitoring comments I'll add the following: I'm older, heavier and HIGHLY experienced mtn bike rider of 35 years. I'm the guy who broke many fully rigid (unsprung) and hardtail bikes (some racing) , as well as several full sus AMP research bikes, and two specialized over my younger years. Rather than breaking them, I wore out (then rebuilt, then thrashed again) my last two Sumpys, full XTR, w the second one a Evo (which I am still thrashing the snot out of.) I'm retired now, and prefer difficult Blues and only the easier Blacks. I usually ride clipped in. I can afford what I want, but can only fit one bike (eMtn bike this time around) in my oversized van, which I tour in for 4 to 7 months continuously. I started out thinking Kenevo SL was the way to go, but considering my use and riding style the Levo Turbo (not SL) is a better fit. Then the positive attributes of Rocky Mountain's power delivery caught my eye.... I've test rode several models and eliminated some, but havent had the good luck of trying the Powerplay yet. I'd rather Christmas came early this year.... I'm ready to pull the trigger and drop some dough! What should I do, and why?

[@Brunzbuschn]

I have a custom 2021 Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay. It's amazing. The motor is something else. Right now it's the best concept money can buy. I've tried a lot but the Dyname 3.0 is unbeatable!

[@rsv4675]

Recently picked up a 2020 Altitude PP A70. Coming off a Merida eOne Sixty, the DynaMe drive system is absolutely light years ahead of the Shimano E8000. Response is instant to engage and there is zero over-run when you stop pedaling. It's near silent and there there's the POWER! I'm going to say the bike wanting to move forward when you rest your foot on the pedal is a feature not a fault. This motor doesn't require cadence to commence moving. Highlights the lag of other systems in my opinion.

[@lforrest14]

The pedal position while stopped was something someone will notice right away, this motor has instint response to give power, unlike the bosche or shimano's which have a partial turn on the crank before the power kicks in. As the PP is instant, when you are resting your foot on the pedal to the front the pressure is making the motor want to go. I learned quick in during my stopped breaks to position my pedals differently. As stated in other comments with the iWoc display, and you mentioned, it is not in the normal position, being up it is easier to see the colors. Honestly the iWoc buttons set up was a big plus for me, as the other bikes with big screens worry me since that becomes more things that can break. With the app you can see the specific percentage your battery is at if that is something you want/need as it connects from your phone via bluetooth, so far it has not been an issue.

[@aknmtbr]

The 2022 Altitude power-play looks awesome!! I think that’s going to be my ebike for next summer!

[@ridingdeep8530]

That terrain looks exactly like what we have here in Cedar City, Utah, nice to hear your thoughts on this bike. "...loose and flat." Just how I like it.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Right on!

[@bombsquadsendersunion2280]

I just turn the assistance off when I rest my foot on the pedal with the weight of my leg, and I have no problems with it trying to move you forward as you had there. It's like being in drive in your car while pressing the gas and holding the brake... just not going to work very well.

[@cyruslucente]

I’m riding the same exact bike. Loving it so far. I’m 6’2” about 220, not doing big drops or anything crazy. I actually like the Iwoc controller. The less junk mucking up my cockpit the better. If I want to have the stats, I use the app and get a ton of info from that. For a bike as heavy as it is, I just don’t feel it. I am constantly surprised how much air I get when I jump it. I also have a 2017 Carbon Instinct and the ride is very close. Great all around bike, I agree the little kick when you are sitting with your foot on the pedal is quirky. I’ve learned to keep both feet on the ground at stops.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for the feedback and appreciate you writing in. Glad to hear you're enjoying the bike.

[@adrianshearer6746]

What size are you riding? XL?

[@RonnRider]

Great review guys, but if you had the iWoc right side up you'd probably see the light better. I've never had a problem seeing the light...and I'm blind...Lol!!!

[@bombsquadsendersunion2280]

I can see mine clearly

[@stuartlawrence4409]

Great to see a current review of the RM appear as its on my shortlist, and appreciate identifying the quirk 2mins in when the bike jolts back, hadnt heard of that before. I read your write up which identifies the short reach (I'm 6ft, is a L too small?) but besides it not having a quickly removable battery that can make it a no-go for some riders, can I ask what was your feedback on the historic 'coffee grinder' noise when climbing that seemed to be a concern on these bikes a couple of years back. Have read things were updated re the idler pulleys and the torque arm to reduce noise, and that keeping things clean/lubed is a must, but you had great dry dusty testing conditions there, and have had the bike a couple of months- was the noise an irritant, did you notice it, was it a non-issue? On the plus side I've heard it doesnt rattle on the way down!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it and that you are considering this bike. At 5'11 and riding a size large I'd say "too short" is very subjective based on your preference. I've known guys who at 5'9 and would complain about how tiny this bike is and think they need to ride an XL, while we also had a couple guys at 6-6'1 ride this bike and like the snappy playfulness on tighter, twisty terrain. We'd suggest looking at your current bike's reach if it's something you think is comfortable, and base the off that. If you have lots of high speed, open terrain, or steep downhills, you may want the XL. If you ride somewhere like South Mountain Arizona, you may find the Large a better fit. No rattle that we had and it does have a slightly more "grinding" sound, not terrible by any means but there are more contact points and friction so that's to be expected. As a disclaimer though, we have a tendency to not lube nearly as often as we should as a way to offer a worst case scenario, as we do notice many riders don't lube or care for their bikes as well as manufacturers would hope. Still, it wasn't a deal breaker, just a little bit of a different sound. Thanks for watching and hope we helped give some insight.

[@battlebornev401]

@@TheLoamWolf I have a "20 A70 in large and I'm 6'1". The reach on my '19 Levo large seemed perfect. An Instinct in XL seems perfect on pavement, but on the trail I prefer a Large. The motor does seem to burn up the battery faster than my Levo, and It's definitely a chain eater, mine needed replacing after 600 miles. I have 1200 miles and the only problem has been a faulty Iwoc which my dealer replaced with the newly redesigned unit.

[@stuartlawrence4409]

@@TheLoamWolf Thanks for the reply, I'll take as many opinions as I can as its been impossible to demo any of these or many other ebikes. Ironically am in Squamish, BC, so the BC edition should do everything it says on the label for me. Currently on a 2017 YT Capra that only has 443 reach according to specs, with 65 HA, running 27.5 160/170. I enjoy that bike and I reckon I sit in that category that desires snappy playfulness riding mainly blues/blacks with no big drops / jumps, preferring flow, love berms and corners staying planted and fast on the ground, although its getting harder for my 210lb 50 year old frame - just dont want to end up with a bike that is too hard to wrestle for me or takes me along for the ride, and still want it to be capable of laps on 5620 at Revelstoke Bike Park. Its down to this Rocky Mountain BC Edition or the Scott Genuis Eride (180 Ransom may have too much travel?)

[@vladimirstanek4835]

Hey, I’m 183cm tall and 80kg and went for a 2020 Altitude XL. It is not long feeling at all (and I came from a total oldschool 26” bike) :) Regarding noise - yes it is a bit noisier, but not to the level that It would be annoying me. One thing that doesn’t get mentioned much - the noise is really nice mechanical sounding. Which I really like! I demoed bikes with several motors - Bosch, Specialized and Shimano and all had that annoying digital hissing sound that really put me off. Most people don’t even recognize that I’m on an ebike... No rattling on the downhill.

[@Axabraxa]

If you find the chain noise to loud. Try a good wax based chain lube like Squirt lube or Smoove. This will quiet the chain and also keep it clean without any need for detergents. If blowing through travel just keep adding spacers. Not uncommon thing on modern shocks and forks.

[@michaeltoland4498]

Been riding the 2019 Commencal Fox equipped meta power 29 and 27.5 and like the balance of downhill and tight trail performance. Like you, Its been my experience, the longer bikes available (new Commencal, norco sight etc...)are great downhill bikes, but limit you for enduro style riding. Have demoed and spent time on Levo (little twitchy, low bottom bracket, expensive for what you get) Trek rail 9.7( Yari sucks, tires marginal hard to get a good impression of, although seems to handle well), Santa Cruz heckler, Focus-and a few others. After reading and watching reviews would like your input on what you consider best all rounder. Here is my shortlist of bikes from info I’ve gathered; trek rail 9.8, Mondraker carbon crafty rr Orbea wildfire or ? I’m 5’11” 170 and enjoy riding challenging terrain where I live here in Santa Cruz. Also ride a bit of gold lakes/downeyville, Moab etc... would value your opinion and experience. Thanks

[@TheLoamWolf]

Oh boy... You've done some due diligence and we like that! You've got a solid list there and without breaking any blood oaths we've been sworn to secrecy on, you may want to wait just a little bit as some new stuff is dropping, one of which is a list topper!

[@michaeltoland4498]

Ahhh... patience

[@michaeltoland4498]

@@TheLoamWolf the Bullit the one you are thinking of?

[@mathewmccabe7175]

@@TheLoamWolf what bike were you referring to here? Cheers!

[@gregfabun3072]

I have the 2021 A70 and it came with a fox 38 which is great. The srock controller/display is frustrating, especially when trying to manage battery on a long ride. I solved that by pairing with my Wahoo, which is super easy and displays % battery and mode. I understand same can be done with a Garman.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for the input Greg. We definitely think the 38 upgrade is a great one and hope you're enjoying the bike. Glad to hear you sorted out a work-around for the battery life/display.

[@nicholascaptures]

I have a instinct pp on order. Looking forward to a riding a not so slack bike.

[@bombsquadsendersunion2280]

Best motor ever!

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

Nice bike! You should test ride the SCOTT Ransom e ride 910 and the Haibike AllMtn 7 as well. Both pretty capable bikes!!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks! Will do!

[@BMfins]

Damn e-bikes look fun. Getting my wife one next summer so she can keep up.

[@bombsquadsendersunion2280]

its amazing

[@maxbrap]

I had the same thought and bought my wife an Altitude A70, she immediately commenced to running off and leaving me, handing me my ass on every ride. Now we both have one and it's awesome. We can just do little quick cruises in the evenings.

[@9Achaemenid]

Is the new 2021 Bosh Performance gen 4 better than the Rocky Mountain 3.0 engine or which is more fun and reliable?

[@MN-ch7pc]

I do own a 2018 Altitude Powerplay C70 which Rocky upgraded all the years for free (!) with the upgrades for the drivetrain to make it smoother and more quiet - which vendor does this??? Regarding having a break on the pedals: for me this is like a waiting dog who wants to start running 😉 simply press the power level to off and it stops... For the next, connect the smartphone with the iWoc and start tracking a tour with it. So if you press the middle button the smartphone reads you the exact actual values of the bike status. You only have to place it so you hear it.

[@bombsquadsendersunion2280]

Yeah, I just turn the assistance off when I rest my leg on the pedal and have no problems

[@do-ineedtosay723]

Wow. Did you even have the motor on? I couldn't hear it. Is it really that quiet?

[@miketurner8730]

2 months in on my RM Instinct Powerplay BC XL. Finally bit the bullet and upgraded from a 2009 26" Kona. Obviously a world of difference. For my riding here in Vegas the bike has been outstanding. Struggled initially with pedal strikes but adapted and made some suspension adjustments. At 6'3 235 lbs I was blowing through travel on black trails with medium sized drops. Loam Wolf is spot on with plushness but I swapped out volume reducer in the shock and it was immediately improved. Running the fork PSI higher than I normally would but its is sufficient. I can see an upgrade there in the future. Bike definitely stays planted but it is also playful. Again I am big enough to throw it around. It's definitely heavy. Motor itself is very quiet compared to other motors I've heard. The grinding noise is there but as others have stated not overwhelming. I mean there are plenty of hubs that are louder. Climbs great but you get out of it what you put into it. Want a workout stay in eco. Want to climb ridiculous terrain switch to ludicrous mode. Climbing some of the features here have put a smile on my face more than once. Personally I spend most of my time in eco and trail mode. Torque is instant and the motor seems to provide a very natural feel similar to a non e-bike. Very happy with the bike so far. Wrecked a derailleur hanger second week though. Highly recommended that you have a spare especially if like me the closest Rocky dealer is over 2 hours away.

[@NickRas625]

What kind of elevation gain are you getting out of your bike?

[@curtisbull1583]

How does this bike compare to a giant stance or possibly the trance e-bike?

[@captnhuffy]

Excellent review and impressions. I **really** look to the Loam Wolf for info and opinions. So, thanks so much for doing what you do so well! I really liked your SL vs Rise shootout. It clicked for me, as I have been test riding eMtn bikes getting ready to pull the trigger. Questions: 1) Will you be reviewing the 2022 Powerplay? It looks like they addressed your issues in a very nice manner. Question 2) I have a HUGE preference for active suspension (dislike "brake-jack" as can be felt on SC and several other manufacturers' bikes) How active is the suspension on Rocky Mountain Powerplay? (This should be a key topic for many (most?) people imo.) Background (in hopes that Loam Wolf is monitoring comments) I'm older, heavier and HIGHLY experienced mtn bike rider of 35 years. I'm the guy who broke many fully rigid (unsprung) and hardtail bikes (some racing) , as well as several full sus AMP Research bikes, and two Specialized in my younger years. Rather than breaking them, I wore out (then rebuilt, then thrashed again) my last two Stumpys: full XTR, w the second one an Evo (which I am still thrashing the snot out of.) I'm retired now, and prefer difficult Blues and only the easier Blacks. I usually ride clipped in throughout Calif, Oregon (yes, including Bend area), as well as Washington and sometimes Canada. I can afford what I want, but can only fit one bike (eMtn bike this time around) in my oversized van, which I tour in for 4 to 7 months continuously. I started out thinking Kenevo SL was the way to go, but considering my use and riding style the Levo Turbo (not SL) is a better fit. Then the positive attributes of Rocky Mountain's power delivery caught my eye.... I've test rode several models and eliminated some, but sadly havent had the good luck of trying the Powerplay... yet. I'd rather Christmas came early this year.... I'm ready to pull the trigger and drop some dough! What should buy? Why?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Oh boy...First off, thank you for the kind words and vote of confidence! Having the trust of our fans and viewers is of the utmost importance to us. That being said, our time on the Rocky isn't as much as we'd like before giving a final verdict. We do have a detailed first ride/first look video dropping in a few days, and you'll like it. The suspension is pretty active yes, it's capable and the power is insane!! Like A LOT! It's a smooth, planted machine and you would enjoy those elements. On the other hand, the Levo is definitely one of our favorite bikes hands down! BUT, we've held off on releasing that review as we're trying to put major miles down as reliability/durability issues have been a problem in the past for Specialized and we want to see how it does before we tell people they should drop 13-15K on a bike! That's a lot. SO, stand by and hopefully we'll answer more questions soon... Thanks for your support

[@captnhuffy]

@@TheLoamWolf Excellent feedback. Thank You!! I'll be picking up some merch, count on it: I dig your Slayed Tee, prolly the checkered jersey too, & full finger gloves. I didnt see a full face helmet, but maybe I missed it. Re New bike: I'll wait as long as I can for your videos (& availability: only 2021 SL & Altitude on the showroom floors :( .. But comparing on paper: **Power delivery* is key, & torque too of course, they are the fundamental things. Moto world has power delivery dialed in to the nines, not so with the mtb world. And there the Rocky seems to shine, .. but I cant really tell wo test ride & ideally evaluation, or more ideally an actual **shoot-out** from Loam Wolf. Thank goodness the mtbike world has Sus and geometry dialed. So.. on paper: I'm comparing the Instinct 90 to the Swerks Levo: Wheel base and chainstays look so close. No mullet on Rocky, the reach is less playful, as is the stand-over (cough cough- ouch) I like the XTR and the price advantage !! I like the Levo more, but any rider can and will usually compensate for the differences I am seeing ... but I can't compensate for the better motor and it's delivery.... but perhaps the smooth and instant, and flat torque-curve delivery isnt really a thing? Thanks again for your research, evals, test rides, and opinions. No other reviewers / channels come close to Loam Wolf .... and us readers / viewers know it!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

@@captnhuffy Wow thank you so much! Hugely appreciate your support and hope you enjoy the gear and we're stoked to have you reppin' the Wolf Pack on the trails. You've definitely been crunching the numbers... Stay tuned and more will be coming out as we can, and embargo dates hit... To note, we've been getting some major motor feedback on the Rocky, Error code 121, so we're trying to work with Rocky right now to see what that's about and why. Which is a bummer cuz we were really liking that bike otherwise. Stay tuned!

[@captnhuffy]

@@TheLoamWolf Right on! I'm hoping to see your SWEET gear on my porch today or next. Oh yeah! The local trails will Rep the Loam Wolf. My Border Collie always comes riding with me, drawing lots of attention, but now I'll be really styling. Re comparing bike numbers: Yes, handing traits are vital as I hit such a wide variety of trails. Just as important is quality of suspension, namely the **active suspension* topic. Bigger guys like me need active suspension even more than the littler guys. Progressive suspension is also more of an issue with the bigger guys. All these points are intuitive, but us big guys actually "live it" and deal with it. When it stops being fun people stop riding. Re motor error codes: THANKS! first I heard of it, but then there are zero Rockys on my local trails. Mostly Levos and Rails around here. Anyway, BUMMER. I'll keep watching hoping for clarity on motor issues all brands. I bet this slows the release of video(s.) hmmm. Re "Embargo dates" What's this in reference to?? I wanted to order your tee that says **eMtn biking isnt a Crime** but couldn't -- Are you saying supply chain slow-down is causing you problems with wearables? Or problems getting bikes? Or what? Thanks for clarifying, when you can.

[@machmed3441]

Specialized Levo sl or orbea rise?

[@TheLoamWolf]

That's a tough call as we've only ridden the Orbea 1 time in our recent video from the media launch day. We hope to have one coming to us very soon to compare it head to head on some better trails. As of right now though, the Orbea's range and power are putting it in a strong position. Just need to see how the suspension platform handles rough terrain and square-edge hits on our local terrain.

[@sjaan7370]

Looks like you rode it pretty hard. What sort of range were you getting out of the 672 Wh battery?

[@IronX77]

I've got an altitude powerplay, 2018. When it overheats during a long climb, and stops 65C, the only way to get it going again is to plug it into the charger. Is this still a problem? Thanks!

[@TheLoamWolf]

We did not ever have that problem on our test bike, sorry we can't give you any insight there.

[@emtbtrailrider539]

really i wud love to know more on that

[@naharris212]

Did you try unplugging the main power source and plugging back in? I.e. take off the left plastic cover and unplug / plug back in the red cable. Should turn back on

[@IronX77]

@@naharris212 That might work, thanks for the tip!

[@guslefort7042]

Hi there, I have the 2019 that I bought last summer. Absolutely love it and no more overheating issues, I’m biking in Hinton and Banff and have put about 2000Kms on it. Only issue I had was the Iwoc controller had to be switched out in the first month....

[@jasonemmett1837]

Maybe I missed it, but did anyone have a chance to ride the Altitude? If so, was the Altitude or the Instinct the preference?

[@OSUHARDING1ATECHNICEXPERIENCE]

Curious the miles and total feet of climbing you can get on this bike

[@tonesdef]

There info on the web site said 1800-2k meters for a 102kg rider

[@SubmarinersDive]

Yes, more power! 😈

[@TheLoamWolf]

All Boost all the time!

[@dksantos14]

Well-made for the price!

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

What do u think of new rocky just released end of Oct

[@TheLoamWolf]

Stay tuned for a video dropping soon! Big improvement over this, we'll leave it at that.

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

@@TheLoamWolf ty🙌👍🏻🚵‍♂️🚵‍♂️ excited to hear what u think maybe it's the hot bike out 😁been on 2020 levo expert 5 th motor 4 batteries unbelievable thank God specialized has great warranty

[@kaywoodparsons7967]

looks really short which scares me. I prefer the slacker bikes

[@landonogden2334]

Does anyone have any input on their height for what size they riding. I've noticed that Rocky seems to run on the smaller size. I'm usually a medium on everything but when I say on the rocky the cockpit felt tiny?

[@cecilegambin3196]

I have a small PP. I debated between a small and a medium. Both fit well but in the end went for the small as it was the only one available. LOL! I did have an opportunity to ride a medium and to be honest I would have been ok on it. I find that the frames/cockpit do fit a bit smaller. Having said this, I do not regret my decision buying a small. I don't feel cramped in it. Likewise, the medium didn't feel too big for me but again, it wasn't available. For reference I'm 5'4". My husbands rides a medium and he is 5'9".

[@나훈아사랑윤훈아]

This bike chain noise is not a joke

[@heathlockhurst3106]

There is barely any noise from this bike while riding. When I ride with my crew of various ebikes, I can literally hear all of the motors whining, whether, shimano, Bosch, etc. This bike is silent and absolutely kicks ass. I’m 2 seasons in @ 5000km riding expert trails in Nelson, BC. As far as foot on the pedal quirk, not an issue. When you stop, don’t rest your foot on the pedal. 2022 ordered. Hopefully it shows.

[@bbarker5766]

I like the 29ers on this one but think the PP Altitude would be better for me. Now I just need to win the lottery!!! 🤣🤣

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Hows it compare to my amazing levo

[@heathlockhurst3106]

Better

[@Brunzbuschn]

Much better!

[@nabatron21]

Having no display is kind of a shocker

[@coreyjohnson9548]

Where is that trail

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's in central Oregon.

[@ryuo6484]

Need bike to start

[@ryuo6484]

Give away??

[@AlexT.A.]

🤙🤙🤙

[@emtbtrailrider539]

The straight aways or paths that are level are the problem when u ride the dyname system, Spesh is so much Better

[@nicholascaptures]

What do you mean? In what way is the spesh better?

[@emtbtrailrider539]

@@nicholascaptures LIKE the rocky mountain power distribution don't feel as good on the straightaways, the Brose system gives amount of power anywhere that feels so much better especially on the straightaways , that's why I got 3 Spesh

[@toddpharmer2460]

Reset tq sensor on rm bike my rm will smoke my 20 levo

[@Axabraxa]

Only time the Brose motor is any better the Dyname is to clear rock gardens without good technique since it keeps on driving further when not pedaling. But for any rider that like to improve clearing difficulty technicals steep climbes this is a big drawback since it makes it really hard to keep optimal weight distribution without being unintentional wheelies.

[@heathlockhurst3106]

I don’t think you know what you’re talking about Larry

[@claychase9080]

early

[@TeamCykelhold]

looks heavy and cumbersome

[@MN-ch7pc]

I got the Altitude Powerplay C70 (2018) and can say: not at all 👍

[@Axabraxa]

Doesn't feel heavier then Kenevo. A bit less DH stability in high speed then dual crown Kenevo. But I preferred its more nimble and direct in the drive in technical terrain. So much traction and torque when going slow. Keeps on impressing me non other ebike have been close to so far..

[@bombsquadsendersunion2280]

I have a 2019 c70 and it's totally not how you describe. Easy to handle and super fun!

[@cecilegambin3196]

I'm 600km in on my mine and yes it's heavier than my acoustic bike (like any ebike) but it wears its weight well - balanced and low. I do need to put a bit more muscle into it when throwing it around but that's expected for my size/weight. As mentioned the bike is very well balanced and allows me to do quite a bit without fatigue.

[@heathlockhurst3106]

😂