![]() Between the cranks and drive sprocket is an idler wheel with the system’s torque sensor that measures rider inputs directly from the chain. The cranks are standard-issue mountain bike versions with a regular bottom bracket. The motor layout is unique in that it utilizes a small drive sprocket mounted high on the motor. Shimano, Bosch and Specialized all use a 36-volt system. The other great benefit of this 48-volt system is that we have extremely short charging times versus the competition. ![]() Obviously, we designed around this voltage to sidestep the potential issues around efficiency, heat management, custom chargers, etcetera. “We can push more energy into the motor for the same given amperage, yielding a more powerful output. How is it more powerful? “The biggest reason is the fact we work at 48 volts.” says Rocky Mountain’s Chief Product Officer, Alex Cogger. For reference, Specialized claims 90 N/m of torque for its Brose motor while Shimano’s EP8 and Bosch’s Performance Line CX claim 85Nm. It is also one of the most powerful motors out there, delivering 108 N/m of torque and 700 watts of peak power output. The original version was known for its high power output, and the new one retains that characteristic but comes in a smaller and lighter packager-18.5 percent lighter according to Rocky. A full-size water bottle fits inside the front triangle, and the chainstays feature low-durometer guards for silent running. Chainstay length is adjustable by 10mm, also via a flip chip, running between 437mm and 447mm long. The RIDE-4 flip chip is located in the shock linkage and allows for four different geometry settings via a single Allen key. ![]() Those numbers are in the RIDE-4 adjustable geometry’s standard neutral setting (Position 3). The bike features a 64-degree head angle, 76-degree seat angle and 480mm reach on the size-large test bike. ![]() Geometry on this enduro-focused bike is on par with the category. The bike’s chainstays, seatstays and linkage are all made of aluminum. The 29-inch-wheeled Altitude Powerplay Carbon has a carbon front triangle, but that’s where the composite ends. The wrecking crew got its hands on the longer-travel version to see if it has the same great characteristics as the non-assist version. Complementing the new drive unit are two completely redesigned models-the trail-focused, 140mm-travel Instinct Powerplay and the 160mm-travel, enduro-oriented Altitude Powerplay. Rocky Mountain completely redesigned the system for 2020 with version 4.0, and it powers the electric-assist Powerplay line. Not wanting to get boxed in by the restraints of second-party designs, the Canadian brand developed its own motor and battery system called Dyname 3.0 four years ago. Rocky Mountain is unique in the sense that it is still the only bike brand to design and manufacture its own eMTB drive systems. ![]()
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