Late last week, Rocky Mountain Bikes announced a firmware update for their Instinct Powerplay SL electric mountain bike that boosts power and torque specs. With the update, the lightweight Instinct Powerplay matches the max power of the full-power Altitude Powerplay and moves closer to being considered a full-power eMTB.
Update increases torque and max power
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL originally shipped with a drive system capable of producing up to 65Nm of torque and 550W of peak power. With the firmware update, riders can access up to 75Nm of torque and 700W of peak power. Though the max torque is still below the 108Nm of torque offered by the longer-travel Altitude Powerplay, the 700W max power ratings are now identical, representing a 27% increase for the Instinct.
Unlike most major mountain bike brands, Rocky Mountain has developed its own power system known as “Dyname.” Dyname motors are produced in three sizes: regular, Lite, and Mini. Rocky Mountain also specs its own eMTB display, known as Jumbotron, and a proprietary removable battery system. The brand touts the natural-feeling assistance offered by Dyname motors, along with reduced noise compared to other motors on the market.
Given that this is a purely software-based update, it’s clear that the Dyname-S4 Lite motor has always been capable of producing higher torque and power outputs. Though Rocky Mountain does not publish battery range estimates for the Instinct or Altitude Powerplay bikes, limiting power and torque is one way to optimize how far riders are able to travel on a single charge.
According to a press release announcing the firmware update, Rocky Mountain writes that “riders who take full advantage of the additional power will have to expect a slight reduction in range.” The brand continues, “those who don’t want to compromise on range can select the appropriate setting on the Jumbotron display and ride without any disadvantages.”
Electric mountain bike power and torque specs have been creeping upward over the past couple of seasons, in part to compete with newer, higher-power systems like the Avinox M1. As a result, the definition of a “full-power” eMTB is becoming less clear. Ultimately, battery capacity may be a better measure since bigger, longer-lasting batteries require larger frames and heavier weights.
The update is only available through Rocky Mountain dealers
Rocky Mountain says the firmware update is now available exclusively via the brand’s dealers. Singletracks has reached out to Rocky Mountain to see if there is a service charge associated with the update, but has not received a response as of press time. A quick check online shows that it’s not uncommon for bike shops to charge $25-60 for an e-bike firmware update, though many will waive the fee if the service is performed in conjunction with another repair or service.
Rocky Mountain Instinct SL bikes are priced between $5,499 and $11,999 USD.
A firmware update for the Rocky Mountain Dyname 4.0 full-power motor is said to be in the works and should be available this December.
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