Rocky Mountain Dyname eMTBs
Dyname is Rocky Mountain’s own Powerplay drive system, built around a motor that drives the chain via an idler above the bottom bracket.
- Builds
- 8
- Brands
- 1
- Torque (as quoted)
- 75 Nm · 110 Nm
- Battery
- 480–720 Wh
- Price
- ≈€4,999 – €12,500
Brands: Rocky Mountain · filter in catalog →
About the Rocky Mountain Dyname
Dyname is Rocky Mountain's in-house drive system for its Powerplay e-MTBs. Unlike most mid-drives, the motor drives the chain through an idler wheel above the bottom bracket instead of turning the chainring, which lets Rocky Mountain design suspension freely and use standard cranksets.
The S4 Pro, launched in May 2026 on the Altitude Powerplay 3, delivers 108 Nm and up to 1,000 W and weighs 3.2 kg. It adds a smaller remote, a new charge port and a rebuildable ratchet clutch. It pairs with a removable 720 Wh battery and the 314 Wh Overtimepack 2.0 range extender, for up to 1,034 Wh.
The S4 Lite powers the Instinct Powerplay SL. A dealer-installed update from 12 September 2025 raised it from 65 Nm/550 W to 75 Nm/700 W at a weight of 2.26 kg, using a 480 Wh battery.
All settings are adjusted via the Jumbotron top-tube display and a three-button remote. Dyname suits riders who want Rocky Mountain's suspension designs and either full power (S4 Pro) or a lighter, mid-power bike (S4 Lite).
Rocky Mountain Dyname: specs
| Version | Torque | Peak power | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyname S4 Pro | 108 Nm | 1,000 W | 3.2 kg | Drives the chain via an idler above the bottom bracket; rebuildable ratchet clutch. |
| Dyname S4 Lite | 75 Nm (65 Nm before Sept 2025 update) | 700 W (550 W before update) | 2.26 kg | Update installed by Rocky Mountain dealers from 12 Sept 2025. |
- Launched
- S4 Lite: 2024 (Instinct Powerplay SL), updated September 2025; S4 Pro: May 2026 (Altitude Powerplay 3)
- System
- Removable batteries (480 Wh on Instinct Powerplay SL, 720 Wh on Altitude Powerplay), Overtimepack 2.0 314 Wh range extender, Jumbotron top-tube display, 3-button remote, 2A or 4A chargers.
- Batteries
- 480 Wh (S4 Lite bikes), 720 Wh (S4 Pro bikes); Overtimepack 2.0 314 Wh extender (up to 1,034 Wh total)
- Assist modes
- Four assist modes including Ludicrous; settings adjustable on the Jumbotron display
- App & tuning
- Settings adjusted directly on the Jumbotron display and remote, no phone needed; updates via dealers.
Strengths and drawbacks
Strengths
- + S4 Pro: 108 Nm and 1,000 W
- + Idler-driven design gives frame-design freedom and allows standard cranks
- + Low motor rpm reduces high-frequency whine
- + Range extender takes total capacity to 1,034 Wh
Drawbacks
- – Proprietary system only on Rocky Mountain bikes; smaller service network
- – S4 Pro is heavy at 3.2 kg
- – Tests describe the S4 Lite as relatively loud on climbs
All Rocky Mountain Dyname bikes, by price
| Bike | Motor | Battery | Travel F / R | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rocky MountainInstinct Powerplay SL Alloy 30 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Lite | 480 Wh | 160 / 150 mm | — | €4,999 |
 Rocky MountainAltitude Powerplay Alloy 30 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Pro | 720 Wh | 170 / 160 mm | — | €5,499 |
 Rocky MountainInstinct Powerplay SL Alloy 50 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Lite | 480 Wh | 160 / 150 mm | — | €5,999 |
 Rocky MountainAltitude Powerplay Alloy 50 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Pro | 720 Wh | 170 / 160 mm | — | €6,999 |
 Rocky MountainInstinct Powerplay SL Carbon 50 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Lite | 480 Wh | 160 / 150 mm | — | €7,499 |
 Rocky MountainInstinct Powerplay SL Carbon 70 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Lite | 480 Wh | 160 / 150 mm | — | €8,999 |
 Rocky MountainAltitude Powerplay Carbon 70 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Pro | 720 Wh | 170 / 160 mm | — | €9,499 |
 Rocky MountainInstinct Powerplay SL Carbon 90 | Rocky Mountain Dyname S4 Lite | 480 Wh | 150 / 145 mm | — | €12,500 |
Prices are manufacturer RRPs in the brand’s currency; ≈€ figures use approximate exchange rates.
Rocky Mountain Dyname: FAQ
How does the Dyname drive differ from other motors?
It drives the chain through an idler above the bottom bracket rather than the chainring, allowing standard cranks and more freedom in frame design.
What are the S4 Pro specs?
108 Nm torque, up to 1,000 W peak power and a 3.2 kg motor, used on the Altitude Powerplay 3.
Can an existing S4 Lite get more power?
Yes. From 12 September 2025, Rocky Mountain dealers can update S4 Lite units to 75 Nm and 700 W.
Which eMTBs use the Rocky Mountain Dyname?
8 builds in our catalog from 1 brand: Rocky Mountain.
What is the cheapest eMTB with the Rocky Mountain Dyname?
The Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL Alloy 30 at €4,999.
What battery sizes come with the Rocky Mountain Dyname?
From 480 Wh to 720 Wh, depending on the bike and build.
Sources
- bikes.com/pages/powerplay-overview
- pinkbike.com/news/first-look-rocky-mountain-altitude-powerplay-3.html
- singletrackworld.com/2026/05/latest-rocky-mountain-altitude-powerplay-packs-1000w-and-108nm/
- bikerumor.com/rocky-mountain-updates-instinct-powerplay-sl/
- emtb-test.com/en/all-mountain-ebike-en/review-dyname-s4-lite-motor/