Tech Check | 2022 Rocky Mountain Powerplay Line / Altitude Powerplay

[@tsalesto]

I'm very much looking forward to your long term review. This is one of the most interesting eMTBs out there now.

[@DKLVE]

The look of that bike is so nice and the motor placement also looks great

[@bbarker5766]

I've always been ah....... infatuated with the RM PP lineup since they came out which then became a total nut after riding the Altitude and Altitude PP at a mtb festival years ago and following RM and what they're doing with their whole line up just has me chomping at the bars to figure out a way to get one! I'm a disabled vet on a limited budget but by God I'll get one somehow!!! Legally of course. 😉😉

[@jefferyharmon5290]

Thank you for your service. Good luck getting your Rocky. I love mine!

[@thim8009]

That thing looks pretty sweet. Truthfully we are all on the lookout for something compriable

[@walterreyes7664]

I just got the 2022 Altitude Alloy 30....now I want a electric Altitude...good review ...👍👍

[@paucostapairo4277]

For all those who are considering buying a RM maybe can find helpful my experience. I own a RM Powerplay 2019. A couple of months ago the bike didn't switch on, so I did a couple of checks and remote controler was working and batery look fine. So I went to my LBS and did a couple of more testing and he didn't spot the issue so he contacted the Spainsh dealer. After 7 weeks my LBS contacted me that the issue is not spoted but a new motor will work, the bike was sent to France because customer service in spain doesn't exist and the dealer does nothing to take care of the owners. So, motor replacement need despite they didn't spot the problem in the motor, more than 1k€ and at least 2 month without bike. I can not belive a suposed "premium" bike brand offering that customer service. Other than the money what is pissing me off is that nobody knows what happened with my motor, no clue what was wrong and how to about to avoid tohappen again... The motor had 4200km and max power was set at 80%. Maybe the customer service in other countries is better but at least here in EU(Spain and France) is horrible.

[@pasiluoma4061]

Your dealer has done bad job. I have opposite experiences here in Finland. All services has been done in time and correct.

[@Yan7001978]

Absolutely "ridable" 108 nm, in fact, this bike just want to go forward and grip any incline. Rocky tuned it and made a goat on 29" with 160/170. Absolutely love mine!

[@seans4018]

When will we see the shootout videos start to come out? I'm very hyped for this bike!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Shootout won’t be taking place until April. So you’ll have to wait a bit. Sorry but lots of cool bikes coming out soon we want to include.

[@robertennis5220]

I nearly bought the previous model but reviews were negative on the motor/drivetrain robustnes (maybe the correct term). Would like to know if this suits certain climates more than others - dry and dusty vs full on mud and wet (like Ireland). Concerned all that mud getting trapped around the motor setup. Looking forward to long term review.

[@sparksfly369]

Does it still want to lurch when you have your foot resting on the pedal like the old one?

[@igypop.]

in the gentle words of all knowing genius Jeremy Clarkson: "MORE POWER!!"..

[@lforrest14]

As an owner of a PP question I really want to know, is the chain noise better than on the previous bikes. Currently when I lube up the chain well, the bike runs pretty quiet, but as it gets worn in or washed off by any water on the trails it really starts making a racket. It has been described as a pack of beavers chasing my buddy riding up front.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It is definitely quieter and smoother feeling from a chain noise/vibration perspective b

[@lforrest14]

@@TheLoamWolf Next question, as the Altitude is a 29r, with the ride 4 and the rear lenght adjustment, can this bike be set up as a mullet?

[@RonnRider]

@@lforrest14 The carbon version can be with the new MX link but being as the wheel is smaller it reduces the top speed by a half mile or so.

[@tjeers3098]

What are all the issues?

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Definitely the most interesting bike on the market. A great review. Here in England I’d be interested to know about the mud clearance, a definite issue with my 2020 Turbo Levo Comp size large.

[@ATVScene]

Another outstanding review. Well done! Did you notice any drag while pedaling over the 20mph limit?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Not much. It's definitely better than most bikes we've tried!

[@ATVScene]

@@TheLoamWolf No hub interference, seems great. I'm racing GNCC and that was one of my problems. Hey. Did they give an idea of how to get one of these ASAP. The first race is in two months. Any help is so appreciated!

[@chrisb222]

got one coming on tuesday

[@TheLoamWolf]

Congrats! You're gonna love it.

[@chrisb222]

@@TheLoamWolf I got a 22 A30 coil - now i am basically a beginner but come from a trials motorcycle background - at my crappy level is the coil anything i need to look into changing in the future - I got the bike for 4599 USD brand new - such a deal - you guys and the welsh fella are the reason i got it - your reviews are outstanding

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad we were able to help you with your decision. As long as you get the proper spring rate for your body weight, dial in the suspension and "fit", there wont be any need to replace the coil shock. However, after sometime on the bike it might be worth experimenting with an air shock to see which you like more. What are the trails like that you'll be riding most?

[@johndough6741]

I really like the new Powerplay line up, but the standover height on these Rocky Mountain bikes is way too high. You'd have to have a 35 inch inseam to give yourself any type of decent clearance on these bikes.

[@themtbproject1422]

Hi I’ve just purchased a C 90 altitude the one with coil I do 80% of my riding at rocky peak in Simi Valley, and the rest it’s steep and fast trails. I believe you tested the bike in Simi could you tell me what was the best geometry set up you preferred? So that I can have a good set up starting point ? Thanks 🙏

[@LastAphelion]

Most people settle on position 3 with chainstays in short, team riders add a 1 degree headset angle (slacker)

[@dad_bod_racing]

How much motor drag is there when pedalling unassisted above the speed cut out?

[@ShrEdwardMTB]

You mention decreasing travel with flip chip. Do you know if it’s possible to increase travel or mullet the bike?

[@LastAphelion]

If you hadn't found it by now some carbon frames have a mullet link you can get, sadly not for alloy

[@Chasemakes3]

Would really love to hear a follow up 'longer' term review of riding now a few months, ideally before they start stocking LBS for sale (whenever that will actually be)

[@TheLoamWolf]

We'll likely get the long-term review done during the eMTB shootout in April. To be honest, we haven't spent much time on it over the last couple months due to a possible failed motor sensor after only 70 miles. But we did install the replacement motor a couple weeks ago and are back to racking up.

[@Chasemakes3]

@@TheLoamWolf Also can't wait for the annual shootout!!.......who doesn't like a good ol' fashion (keep it real) gun fight :)

[@emtbtrailrider539]

The drag and coffee grinding noise was awful, and it never felt like it was as good on the straightaways either. I hope they fixed and improve this with the Dyname 4

[@abelramos8652]

Using the right wax noise was minimal.

[@TheLoamWolf]

They did

[@dancaulfield7136]

I pick up my '22 C70 in green today- can't wait for the snow to melt here in Idaho so i can hit the trails

[@TheLoamWolf]

Congrats! Just saw another one of our Wolf Pack members at Sea Otter walking his green C70 around and he told us how much he loved it too. Enjoy the new rig and pray for dirt!

[@chawkins45ify]

How maneuverable is it compared to the rail or yeti e160? I have a lot of flowy trails where I need the bike to maneuver well vs ability to straight line plow

[@abelramos8652]

The previous gen was one the best in those trails, this is longer and slacker i guess is still good but not excellent. Pick a smaller size and short the fork travel it will be fine

[@chawkins45ify]

@@abelramos8652 I like the idea of having two air springs and shock setups, run it as an instinct primarily then for more challenging terrain swap it back to altitude

[@abelramos8652]

@@chawkins45ify you can do it sacrifice 10mm of fork is not a big deal with the ride4

[@TheLoamWolf]

Compared to the new Rail, slightly more maneuverable. We’ll need to do some more riding on the Yeti to compare, but that bike also comes alive with speed more. Still early in the testing but it is a fun bike. Just needs shorter cranks.

[@cliftonwarren6995]

Just on your first impression... Trek Rail or Rocky Mountain Altitude?

[@TheLoamWolf]

That is really tough Clifton...I don't like the really long reach of the new Trek sizing, but love everything else. We love the Rocky's power, all around behavior, and look. But the motor just stopped working and we're having to install a new one after 100miles. And it has 175mm cranks, which are way too long...Jury is out but they're both bikes that have really awesome attributes.

[@snigs5T5]

@@TheLoamWolf Motor failure? Can you expand on what happened and the resolution? This bike (well the Al Coil 30 to be exact) is at the top of my list and it would be very helpful to get some info, since I want to order it now so that it MIGHT be available next summer. :D

[@TheLoamWolf]

Unfortunately not at the moment, we think it has something to do with a Torque sensor issue but won't know for certain until we get the motor back to Rocky and they dig into to figure it out.

[@snigs5T5]

@@TheLoamWolf any updates on the Dyname motor sitch? THX!

[@flow2tech]

@@snigs5T5 Think It's off my list for now due to that..Think I'm going Levo or Santa Cruz heckler ..

[@deeplato5647]

Estimate of how long Rocky Mountain supply chain/production bottlenecks will continue? Giant 2022 Reign E+ and Trance E+ are available now to order and deliver.

[@eatnpooter1634]

Do you have a link to order the Reign ?

[@TheLoamWolf]

All brands are feeling issues, just not always at the same time... There should be another shipment arriving soon. We'd suggest bugging your local Rocky dealer. We've not ridden a Giant eeb in 2 years or so, but based on what we rode in 2020, we'd say it's worth waiting for a Rocky.

[@mtbtrailbuilding6813]

I have one ordered and arriving in March. Call around, they are out there.

[@thecount1001]

@@TheLoamWolf i get that perspective, but hell, you guys have to ride the new Reign E0 or 1. surely it's on your playlist.

[@snigs5T5]

I just slapped a deposit down on an A30 coil. Predicted to arrive in May. Hoping for sooner. Stoked and can't wait! Check in with your local dealer...

[@Tyyppi_vika]

Didint know Teddy McDonald aka Reed Thompson made KZbin videos

[@JACKSONLEWISOFCANADA]

Sigh…. Should have pre ordered green….

[@tengkuhakim5268]

Not only me dreaming to have that bike for free😂😂

[@malanalan1]

What you should have done with the motor is to have a flat torque profile and 10 levels of assistance and let the rider control how much support they need. Easy breeze. No need for fancy shmancy torque profiles predicting what the rider wants, And, you make us pedal 85 rmp up hill to get the most out of the motor? That's ludicrous.

[@cljb1074]

I'm 6.4 and need XL. Lol

[@thim8009]

to a levo at 1/2 the cost.

[@TeamCykelhold]

I think more nm is just a waste of time. Sure it's fun, but when is it actually useful? Not very often, in reality. I'd much rather have a lower powered bike with lower weight tbh.

[@samuelrazo5636]

With that amount of torque you are going to destroy trails ,literally

[@TheLoamWolf]

Definitely not. We’ve literally watched dudes on analog bikes out of saddle pedaling and the amount of dirt that gets chewed up is double that of an ebike that is spinning and delivering even torque 360-degrees. Pedaling squares vs circles.

[@thecount1001]

hilarious. hikers will do more damage.

[@TapioBlue]

Actually the opposite, I spin-out on lower power level climbs. With high power one can apply smooth consistent power, while on lower setting there is more human induced pulsing causing you to break traction.