DISTANCE: 3,112 km | 30,420 altitude metres
What do you do when you simply can't or don't want to decide? That's right, you simply reach for a versatile all-mountain bike like the Rotwild R.X2. Whether 27.5 inch, plus tyres or 29 inch, steep, neutral or slack head angle - the Rotwild keeps all options open. The chainstay length can be adjusted by 12.5 millimetres using inserts at the dropout and the head angle can even be adjusted by up to three degrees using special shells. Even an ISCG-05 adapter is included so that any chain guide can be fitted.
The endurance test started on the local trails in winter with the 27.5-inch set-up. In snow and mud, the 2.4 Continental Mountain King tyres on the DT Swiss wheelset impressed with plenty of grip and secure handling. However, when the trails became drier and faster again in spring, I was gripped by a passion for tuning. I wanted to lose a few grams in the right places. For the ideal trail shape, the DT wheels had to make way for a lightweight aluminium set from Newmen. The Crankbrothers cockpit with slightly offset handlebars was swapped for a Syntace combination with 12-degree handlebars. The diet saved a whopping 900 grams and, in conjunction with the 2.3 X-King tyres, gave the Rotwild wings. As a result, the bike cut a fine figure even in marathons, despite its decent suspension travel.
Rotwild relied on proven Shimano quality for the equipment. With a few exceptions (cassette), a complete XT groupset was used. The 2x11 drivetrain didn't cause any problems and provided a decent range, even on long uphill sections. Only the rear XT brakes with two-piston callipers caused some problems at times and had a negative impact due to a spongy pressure point. However, after bleeding the air at just under 2000 kilometres, the issue was resolved. Despite a mileage of a good 3000 kilometres, neither the chain nor the brake pads had to be replaced. The only signs of wear were on the paintwork of the rear triangle.
Test summary of the Rotwild R.X2 Trail Pro 27.5" :
Despite a wealth of adjustment options, the Rotwild showed no weaknesses in the endurance test and impressed with its balanced handling characteristics. Unfortunately, the model is being phased out.
TUNING
DEFECTS | MAINTENANCE
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
THE BIKE:
Rotwild R.X2 Trail Pro 27.5"
Material Carbon/aluminium
Frame size M
Price / weight 4999 Euro / 13.36 kg without pedals
Suspension travel (front / rear) 140 mm / 140 mm
Wheel size 27.5 inch
Fork Fox 34 Float Performance
Damper Fox Float Performance
THE TESTER:
Hans-Peter Ettenberger, BIKE test lab employee
Age / Height / Weight 53 years / 1.67 m / 73 kg
Driver profile The member of the MTB club Ritzelschinder enjoys touring, but also pedals in selected marathons.
Favourite areas Palatinate Forest, Vinschgau and the home trails in Fürstenfeldbruck
You can find this article in BIKE 2/2020. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
