E-MTB / Test: The Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay is the new Canadian e-hardtail that aims to bridge the gap between fun off-road companion and everyday hero. It has the current Dyname 4.0 drive including a large 720 Wh battery on board. The aluminum frame is modern and has some interesting details.
E-MTB hardtails are one thing: they have the same advantages that make the partially unsprung mountain bikes so popular. In addition to a lower price, this includes lower weight, less maintenance and a very unique driving experience. Perhaps its greatest advantage, namely the lower loss of power when pedaling compared to full-suspension bikes, only plays a minor role with an E-MTB. Here the motor on the E-Fully comes in handy and easily makes up for the few watts of power lost. Nevertheless, E-MTB hardtails undoubtedly have their right to exist and can bring a lot of joy - this is also shown by the Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay, among other things.
Versatile character and beautiful frame
Even if the cult manufacturer from British Columbia cannot keep up with the big names on the market in terms of unit numbers, they are at least on a technical level: Rocky Mountain's e-MTBs have been convincing for several years; through their own character, a basic sporty orientation and, last but not least, through the in-house drive system Dyname 4.0. The newest addition to the “Powerplay family” should now bring all of this with them. The name of the e-hardtail that the Growler Powerplay inherits in the portfolio is called Fusion; While this was clearly designed as a trail hardtail with its extra-wide plus tires and 130 mm of suspension travel, with the Fusion Powerplay the focus is now much more on everyday use - of course with a good dose of off-road capability.
The basis of the Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay is a completely new, pleasingly slim aluminum frame. The current Dyname 4.0 drive is powered by a removable 720 Wh battery in the down tube. The fact that Canadians are definitely seeing the new e-hardtail in everyday use is shown by mounting points for mudguards or luggage racks, which can be retrofitted very easily and elegantly.
Great drive system
The drive system offers a lot of power with its maximum torque of 108 Nm, but at the same time impresses with its sensitivity and natural response. Added to that is its very quiet operation, even at high power – fantastic! The display is built into the top tube, is monochrome, and thanks to its design, is very easy to read even in direct sunlight. This also allows you to adjust the support levels and make the very sporty basic setup a bit more comfortable. Incidentally, if the 720 Wh battery capacity isn't enough for you, you can even opt for a range extender, which increases the total capacity to over 314 Wh. 1.000 Wh lifts.
More information about Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0
[blog specific=“182507″]To ensure that off-road excursions are just as fun as rides on solid ground, the geometry is designed for a suspension fork with 120 mm travel. Otherwise, the dimensions are modern and definitely such that the bike could be described as a “light” trail hardtail. The five frame sizes should be positively highlighted - especially in XS, this offers one of the few options on the market for small riders.
| XS | S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 345 | 380 | 420 | 445 | 480 |
| Reach (mm) | 395 | 425 | 450 | 475 | 500 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 592 | 631 | 641 | 650 | 650 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 65.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Real seat angle (in °) | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74.5 | 74.5 |
| Bottom bracket drop (in mm) | 50 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| chainstays (in mm) | 440 | 445 | 450 | 455 | 460 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 1123 | 1165 | 1199 | 1233 | 1263 |
| Wheel size (in inches) | 27,5 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
Solid equipment – high price
The Fusion Powerplay is available in this country in two equipment variants. In the test we had the slightly higher quality of the two, which, with an RRP of 4.700 euros, is priced in regions where you can already get full-suspension e-MTBs. However, the bike is currently available everywhere (as of January 2024) for just under 4.000 euros. In addition to the aforementioned strong drive system including a large battery, you get a solid equipment package: The RockShox 35 Gold at the front can be easily adjusted to the rider's weight using air pressure, the Shimano 12-speed gears offer a wide range and there is even an in-house dropper post board.
| Frame | Shape Alloy |
| Fork | RockShox Recon Gold RL29 |
| Drive | Rocky Mountain Dynamics 4.0 |
| Battery | 720 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | - |
| Wheels | WTB ST i30 |
| Tire VR | Maxxis Rekon Exo |
| Tire HR | Maxxis Rekon Exo |
| Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100 |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Crank | Race Face Ride Cinch |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Shimano MT4100 |
| Brake discs | Shimano RT30 203/180mm |
| Seatpost | Rocky Mountain Toonie Drop 150mm (L) |
| Saddle | WTB Volt 142 |
| Stem | Rocky Mountain 31.8 |
| Handlebar | Rocky Mountain XC 760mm |
The brakes, the Shimano MT4100, only have a two-piston system installed, which also has to make do with quite small brakes. We would have liked a little more power here; Likewise, the Maxxis Rekon tires roll quickly and quietly, but they quickly reach their limits, especially on damp, unpaved ground.
The Rocky Mountain Fusion Powerplay 30 in practice
In practice, the Canadians' new e-hardtail makes a very calm, solid impression. The driving behavior is balanced, although the pendulum swings more towards touring and everyday suitability. Smaller off-road excursions including simple trails are certainly possible - also thanks to the really great geometry - but the built-in components, especially brakes and tires, quickly reach their limits. What's nice, however, is that a dropper post is installed, which can also demonstrate its strengths in everyday use.
Once again, the drive system is absolutely convincing and does not have to hide behind the “big players” on the market. Above all, the great balance between a lot of power, a natural driving feel and fine controllability is unparalleled; The low operating noise is also extremely pleasant. The slightly less elegant look is quickly dismissed.
