Test: With the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C 70, we tested an unusual and highly innovative E-MTB that does quite a few things differently than the competition. Where the Canadian's bike with its own motor can and can't convince - we'll tell you.
The Canadians from Rocky Mountain have been actively involved in the e-MTB market for some time now. As known from the cult manufacturer from British Columbia, the Powerplay models (as the e-bikes are called) go their own way - with a unique motor, large, integrated batteries and, as of this year, a range extender. The newest member of the Powerplay family is the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay - with 150 or 140 mm of travel and 29 inch wheels, it's a genuine trail all-rounder, just like the Instinct without a motor.
Dyname 3.0 engine with lots of power
Ever since the first E-MTB from Rocky Mountain one relies on the Dyname drive system, which was developed together with the Canadian company Propulsion Powercycle. It differs fundamentally, both visually and technically, from what is otherwise seen on current E-MTBs. The most striking visual difference is the chain deflection - the chain runs from the normal-sized chainring over a small roller and from there to the cassette. The drive can determine the performance of the driver very quickly and precisely on this small wheel and react accordingly dynamically – that is the theory. The motor, which sits very low in the frame, is said to deliver a maximum torque of 108 Nm - which is well above Bosch CX, Shimano EP 8 and Co.
The battery is also quite large at 672 Wh – and sits in a pleasingly slim down tube. A small drop of bitterness here: the energy storage device can only be removed for repair or maintenance, but not for charging. With the Overtimepack, however, Rocky has been offering an optional range extender since this year, which is attached to the frame triangle and provides an additional 330 Wh capacity.
When it comes to operation, things are kept minimalist: the remote does not require any frills, and the support level and charge status can be read from the integrated LEDs. If desired, however, the smartphone can be used as a display replacement via a free app.
Carbon frame with sporty geometry
The C 70 model we tested comes with a carbon main frame and an aluminum rear triangle. Workmanship and optics are impeccable and perfectly appropriate for the price of just under 8.000 euros. We don't see the fact that the rear end is made of aluminum as a problem - that shouldn't make much of a difference in terms of weight and the bike should be able to withstand possible damage in the event of a fall a little better. Cables and lines are laid cleanly internally and do not rattle while driving. Rubberized frame protection is attached to both the chainstay and the down tube to prevent damage and scratches.
The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay gets exciting for two reasons. On the one hand - as with all Canadian fullies - the Ride9 adjustment system is also part of the game. With a two-piece flip chip on the shock mount, not only the geometry but also the characteristics of the rear triangle can be adjusted in a total of nine positions. Experienced drivers in particular should appreciate this fine-tuning option.
The dimensions themselves are also special: They correspond almost 1:1 to the 2020 Instinct without a motor. While this is nothing special in terms of the dimensions of the main frame and also not a great design achievement, this does not apply to the rear end: An E-MTB with 29 inch wheels, plenty of tire clearance and chain stays well under 450 mm can otherwise be found on the market not. Chapeau Rocky Mountain! The geometry promises really agile, sporty handling.
S | M | L | XL | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Stack | 608 | 608 | 617 | 626 |
Reach | 412 | 437 | 460 | 487 |
head tube | 100 | 100 | 110 | 120 |
seat tube | 394 | 432 | 470 | 508 |
chainstays | 442 | 442 | 442 | 442 |
wheelbase | 1161 | 1186 | 1212 | 1244 |
BB drop | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Steering angle | 66.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 |
Seat angle | 75.2 | 75.3 | 75.1 | 75.1 |
Sophisticated equipment without blunders
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay C 70 we tested comes at a price of 7.900 euros with an all-round successful equipment that we have nothing to complain about: The Fox suspension with 36mm at the front and DPS damper at the rear in Performance Elite design stands for the noble Factory variant on the trail is practically in no way inferior and does its job perfectly. The fact that there is no reservoir for the shock should only be noticeable on very long descents.
Gears and brakes come entirely from Shimano's XT series. The drive offers a whopping 510% translation bandwidth and the 4-piston brake calipers at the front and rear are combined with large 203 mm discs. The choice of tires was also successful - with the popular Minion DHF and DHR II combination you are prepared for almost any surface, thanks to the stable Exo+ carcass punctures are prevented.
We didn't find any points of criticism in the B rating either: We have nothing to complain about either the Race Face aluminum rims, the Race Face dropper post or the in-house cockpit.
frame | Smoothwall Carbon/Alloy Rear |
suspension fork | Fox 36 Performance Elite Fit4 |
Power Type | Dynamic 3.0 Class 1 |
Battery | 672 Wh |
Suspension shocks | Fox Float DPS Performance Elite |
Wheels | RaceFace AR 35 |
Tire VR | Maxxis Minion DHF MaxxTerra Exo+ 2,6" |
Tire HR | Maxxis Minion DHR II MaxxTerra Exo+ 2,6" |
derailleur | Shimano XT M8100 |
Gear levers | Shimano XT M8100 |
Crank | Race Face Aeffect 34t |
Front derailleur | ohne |
Brake | Shimano XT M8120 |
Brake discs | Shimano RT 66 203mm |
Seat post | Race Face Turbine R |
Saddle | WTB Volt Race |
Stem | Rocky Mountain 35AM |
Links | Rocky Mountain AM 780mm |
On the trail
To get straight to the point: With the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay, the Canadians have a really unique E-MTB in their range. Like no other, it combines an enormously powerful drive with lively handling and a lot of potential for off-road use.
When it comes to the drive, you have to adjust a bit first: the three support levels differ quite significantly and should also be used accordingly. The Eco mode provides a minimum of support, but in the dynamic Trail mode there is a fast-reacting motor that can really pack a punch if you want it to. But how much power is really in the powerhouse can be felt especially in the strongest setting - off-road, a nervous twitch in the foot is enough to cause the rear tire to spin. A lot of fun on paved ground, but we think trail mode is more suitable for technical uphill passages.
Otherwise, the idiosyncratic background noise is noticeable. The motor itself is surprisingly quiet, even at maximum power, but the chain deflection is always audible with a rattle. The monotonous noise can be suppressed quite well in practice, but sensitive bikers should perhaps test ride or listen.
On the descent and on the trail, the bike behaves exactly as one would expect from the geometry data: fun, playful, versatile. The weight of 23,2 kg is hardly noticeable, the trendy chassis invites you to play and forgives a somewhat unclean choice of lines. Other manufacturers often advertise with the promise: "Feels like an MTB without a motor" - in the case of the Instinct Powerplay this is exactly the case, in a positive sense!
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