€9,499 | Manufacturer’s website
The new Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay 3 is an evolution of the platform introduced in 2022. The Canadian manufacturer stuck with the core concept of a carbon frame paired with an alloy rear triangle, while upgrading their in-house drive system. The new Dyname S4 Pro still delivers a massive 108 Nm of torque, while peak power rise from 700 to as much as 1,000 watts, although this varies depending on regional market regulations. A new ratchet spider inside the system is designed to improve mechanical efficiency. Rocky Mountain also claim improved cooling, using the aluminium chain cover as a heat sink.
For the battery, Rocky Mountain continue to rely on 720 Wh capacity. Important for many riders: the battery is bolted into the downtube to minimise rattling noises, but is still fully removable for external charging or servicing. For long days in the saddle, the system is also compatible with the 314 Wh range extender called Overtimepack. That brings the theoretical total capacity up to an impressive 1,034 Wh. Charging the main battery from 0 to 100% takes 3 hours and 55 minutes with the 4 A charger, or 7 hours and 35 minutes with the 2 A charger. The motor system is controlled via the integrated Jumbotron display in the top tube combined with a new, more compact remote on the handlebars.
Rocky Mountain carry over the LC2R suspension system and RIDE-4 adjustment from the previous model, a pairing that already delivered considerable versatility. The RIDE-4 system uses a rotating chip at the rear shock mount to offer four different geometry settings. Depending on the position, the head angle ranges from a slack 63.5° in the lowest setting to a steeper 64.3° in the steepest configuration. The headline addition to the frame is the Reach Adjust headset, which moves the reach by ±5 mm in either direction.
This is not a radical reboot, but a targeted technical update. Rocky Mountain are making sure the Altitude Powerplay 3 keeps pace in an increasingly competitive motor landscape. Whether the Dyname S4 Pro can hold its own against the latest systems on the market, and how the new Altitude Powerplay performs on the trail, will only become clear in a full review. Stay tuned.
For more info, visit Bikes.com
Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Rocky Mountain
About the Author
Robin Ulbrich
Robin Ulbrich is a specialist in urban mobility and technical product management at 41 Publishing. As a master craftsman in vehicle interior equipment, he brings a profound understanding of material science to the editorial team, with saddles and ergonomic interfaces being his particular speciality. For DOWNTOWN and E-MOUNTAINBIKE magazine, the passionate cyclist analyses current city and off-road riding trends. In addition to his editorial activities, he utilises his manual skills for in-depth material analysis and practical product testing.
