Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

For the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70, moderation is a foreign concept: with a whopping 108 Nm torque, its Dyname 4.0 motor is the most powerful in the entire test field. But is Rocky Mountain’s boisterous eMTB just an option for experienced shredders or can it also impress as a versatile all-rounder?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

**Rocky Mountain** Altitude Powerplay C70 | Dyname 4.0/720 Wh | 170/160 mm (f/r)
24.50 kg in size L | € 8,800 | Manufacturer’s website

The Altitude Powerplay C70 lacks neither motor power nor character! Rocky Mountain’s powerhouse retails at € 8,800, rolls on 29” wheels and generates 170/160 mm travel at the front and rear, respectively. The elegant carbon frame is combined with an alloy swingarm. Weight is 24.50 kg in size L. Subtract this from the 120 kg maximum permissible weight, and a fully geared-up rider weighing more than 95 kg is already too heavy for the Altitude. Particularly striking is the Dyname 4.0 motor developed in-house by Rocky Mountain, which churns out a whopping 108 Nm torque and is the most powerful motor in the entire test field. The motor is integrated into the frame triangle just above the bottom bracket and transfers its power directly to the chain via a small jockey wheel. This allows Rocky Mountain to use a high pivot suspension design. The big monochrome display integrated into the top tube can be used to fine-tune the motor characteristics. However, the motor system can’t be connected to a smartphone. The long 720 Wh battery is integrated into the slim down tube right in front of the motor and slides out from the bottom of the down tube. Although a mini thru-axle holds the battery in place, it rattles loudly inside the frame.

Power is nothing without control – only experienced riders will be able to fully exploit the 108 Nm torque.

Ready, shreddy, go! The performance-oriented spec of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70

Rocky Mountain rely on robust components for uncompromised trail performance. The burly FOX 38 Performance fork and X2 shock ensure a plush ride but the basic GRIP damper offers significantly fewer adjustment options than the superior GRIP2 version. The MAXXIS ASSEGAI and Minion DHR II tires come in the robust Doubledown casing and with a CushCore tire insert as standard. This setup allows you to run very low air pressures for more traction. However, the WTB aluminium wheelset doesn’t do justice to the rowdy character of the Altitude, requiring us to tighten the spokes several times. The boisterous nature of the Rocky Mountain is also too much for the 200 mm brake rotors of the Shimano XT four-piston brakes.

**Meshing cogs**
The lower pulley wheel serves as a torque sensor and sends the data directly to the Dyname 4.0 motor, which transfers the power directly to the chain via a small jockey wheel. To prevent the Altitude from shooting forward too abruptly, you can adjust the responsiveness of the motor.

**Advanced geometry masterclass**
The flip-chip in the shock mount lets you adjust the geometry of the bike in four different positions. This changes the steering and seat tube angle by approximately 1° and the progression of the rear suspension.

**Foam inside**
Only the trained eye will recognise the green CushCore valve. The tire insert holds the tires in place while ensuring excellent puncture protection at low air pressures. Together with the stable MAXXIS Doubledown tires, this provides a high level of traction.

**What the hell was that?**
Yes, Rocky Mountain are quoting Spaceballs to give you an idea of the “ludicrous speed” the Altitude is capable of: the Dyname 4.0 motor generates enough thrust to knock you off the saddle if you don’t hold on tightly enough.

Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70

€ 8,800

Specifications

Motor Dyname 4.0 108 Nm
Battery Powerplay Akku 720 Wh
Display Jumbotron
Fork FOX 38 Performance 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX X2 Performance 160 mm
Seatpost Race Face Aeffect R 175 mm
Brakes Shimano XT M8120 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 1x12
Stem Rocky Mountain 35 AM 40 mm
Handlebar Rocky Mountain AM 780 mm
Wheelset WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI / Minion DHR II DD 2.5"/2.4"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 24.50 kg
Perm. total weight 120 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 95 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

CushCore Tire inserts
extensive geometry options

**Skid plate and battery cover in one**
The 720 Wh battery is concealed behind the down tube protector. To remove the battery, you’ll have to undo the bolt that secures the plastic cover and the mini thru-axle that keeps the battery in place.

**Open or closed, and not much in between!**
The plush FOX suspension keeps the Altitude glued to the ground. Unfortunately, the basic GRIP damper of the FOX 38 fork offers significantly fewer adjustment options than the top-end GRIP2 cartridge. The latter would suit the Altitude’s excellent riding performance a lot better.

**Hot plate**
Heavy and fast riders should upgrade to a 220 mm front rotor for more consistent braking performance.

**Split personality**
Using the flip-chip in the dropouts, you can change chainstay length by 10 mm. The short chainstay setting ensures a livelier character. Given its excellent composure, the Altitude doesn’t need the added stability of the longer chainstay setting. That being said, this is a great option for riders who spend lots of time climbing steep trails.

The geometry of the Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 in detail

The geometry of the Altitude can be adapted via a flip-chip in the dropouts and shock mount. We loved the livelier short chainstay configuration combined with the slack and progressive RIDE-4 setting. The slack seat tube angle ensures a comfortable riding position and, together with the plush suspension and powerful motor, makes the Altitude suitable for longer rides. On steep fire roads, the Rocky Mountain pulls past the entire test field – and even the chair lift! However, the highly responsive Dyname 4.0 motor requires a high cadence (over 80 rpm) to stay in its optimal efficiency range and continue to provide support. On top of that, the chain makes a loud rattling noise, which takes the fun out of long days in the saddle. For long rides, you can increase the battery capacity with the optional 314 Wh range extender.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	587 mm	612 mm	639 mm	673 mm
Seat tube	380 mm	420 mm	445 mm	480 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	110 mm	125 mm
Head angle	63.5°	63.5°	63.5°	63.5°
Seat angle	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°
Chainstays	439 mm	439 mm	439 mm	439 mm
BB Drop	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm	34 mm
Wheelbase	1,210 mm	1,237 mm	1,264 mm	1,301 mm
Reach	425 mm	450 mm	475 mm	508 mm
Stack	629 mm	628 mm	638 mm	652 mm

**Helmet** FOX Dropframe | **Jersey** Mons Royale | **Shoes** Five Ten Hellcat Pro

More than just a shuttle replacement? The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 uphill

The Altitude flexes its muscles on steep ramps and moderate climbs. “Drop the seat and lean forward!” is its mantra. This prevents the front wheel from lifting and allows you to generate good traction on both wheels. Moreover, the motor has virtually no lag: when approaching a corner, you can just take your foot off the pedal and cruise through the turn in a wide circle. Coming out of the corner, the Rocky Mountain shoots forward with the slightest pressure on the pedal and encourages you to drift or wheelie out of the turn. On technical climbs, the motor characteristics require you to time your pedal strokes carefully to avoid smashing the long 170 mm cranks into obstacles. On long climbs, you’ll have to maintain a high cadence to prevent the motor from overheating.

With Rocky Mountain’s motor, you feel like you’re pedalling an analogue bike, only with the thighs of a pro.

**Prancing horse!**
When setting off from a standstill, the Altitude accelerates faster than any other bike in this test and likes to get up on its rear wheel. This can be lots of fun, as long as it’s intentional.

Full throttle down into the valley – The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay Carbon 70 downhill

Downhill, the plush suspension and grippy tires generate plenty of traction, making it easy to control the Altitude and inspiring huge amounts of confidence. The Rocky Mountain is extremely composed and holds its line with clinical precision, even on slippery terrain and nasty rock gardens. On moderate trails, the plush suspension swallows up the rider’s input, making it hard to pop off ledges and change direction spontaneously. As a result, the Altitude isn’t much fun to ride on flowing trails. Like the Norco Sight, it comes to life on fast trails, where it impresses with outstanding stability and excellent composure, swallowing up brake bumps and ruts and enabling super-fast speeds on rough terrain. Here only the Yeti 160E can keep up with the Altitude, getting you to the bottom of the valley just as fast but with a much bigger grin on your face.

Tuning tip: 220-mm-Bremsscheiben

**Speed addict**
The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay loves it fast. The taller the berm, the more fun you’ll have!

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Application

Forest road

Flow trail uphill

Flow trail downhill

Technical single trail uphill

Technical single trail downhill

Downhill tracks

Conclusion

The Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 is without a doubt the perfect fix for downhill junkies with a penchant for fast and rough trails! The powerful motor should be used primarily to make your way to the trailhead on fire roads. On challenging technical climbs, it requires an experienced rider. With its narrow and clearly-defined range of applications, the Altitude can’t hold its own against the many versatile all-rounders in our eMTB group test.

Tops

excellent tire setup with CushCore inserts
faster than a lift uphill
feels at home on rough trails

Flops

motor requires high cadence
fragile wheelset

You can find out more about at bikes.com

The test field