Why do we need the Rotwild R.X735 when the R.X750 is already available? Both bikes seem to appeal to the same clientele in terms of suspension travel, and the few watt-hours of difference don't make any difference. At least that's what you might think if you take a quick look at the Rotwild tableau. But the model abbreviation leads the observer on the wrong track. Because with the R.X735, Rotwild is targeting a different type of rider. While the Hessians are positioning the R.X750 as a big mountain bike for alpine terrain, they want to appeal to a more trail-orientated target group with the new 735. Accordingly, it was not the bigger brother that served as the role model, but the R.X375 light bike.
The red deer R.X735 Ultra shines as a lightweight with 21.4 kilos
Weight also played a central role in the Rotwild R.X735, but not the decisive one: at 21.39 kilos, the bike is extremely light in this suspension travel class and with this battery capacity, but is only just under 500 grams less than its bigger brother. The main differences lie in the geometry and motorisation. While the big mountain bike is powered by the beefy Brose unit, the 735 is equipped with the more delicate Shimano EP8. This not only results in a weight saving of 400 grams, it also gives product managers the option of switching to the EP801 with all its new, exciting features (e.g. XT Di2 with Auto and Freeshift) for future models.
Sporting genes make the red deer temperamental
The sporty orientation of the Rotwild R.X735 is confirmed the first time you sit on it. The front is quite low, the front frame long. This means you sit comfortably stretched out rather than upright, even though two thick spacers are clamped under the stem. On climbs, the rather low cockpit helps to prevent the bike from rearing up too early. The sensitive rear suspension generates a lot of traction, but doesn't offer as much counter-pressure as we know from the best climbing specialists in the all-mountain class. In addition, the seat angle of 77 degrees, which is steep in itself, is somewhat flattened by the 35-millimetre offset of the post head. This means that you have to balance your centre of gravity well so that the e-bike climbs high steps and the front wheel retains its guidance even in steep corners. However, good riders can master almost any uphill challenge. When the ground becomes a little looser or in muddy conditions, you would want a little more tread depth on the rear tyre when climbing. Schwalbe's Hans Dampf is then not the first choice.
The R.X735 really shows its temperament in trail and downhill use: The E-MTB is lively and agile on trails, steers precisely through corners with a lot of pressure on the front wheel and craves speed. The Rotwild is not particularly playful: pulling the bike onto the rear wheel, bunnyhopping over obstacles or actively pulling off on bumps - this requires more physical effort than the more playful candidates shown. The sporty all-mountain bike scores plenty of points on fast downhills: Although the fairly low front end requires a little courage in very steep sections, the suspension offers excellent traction and control. Both the rear suspension and the 36 mm Fox Factory respond very sensitively, but also offer enough progression for heavier hits and landings after jumps. The rear end feels like it has more travel than the factory specification (144 mm) suggests.
The carbon version R.X735 Ultra justifies the high price
You shouldn't really have to say much about the features in this price range. But times have changed. 12,499 euros would have been an affront a few years ago. Today, at least in the high-end segment of premium manufacturers, we have almost become accustomed to such sums. The R.X735 Ultra-Rotwild dispenses with electronic components and comes with a full carbon frame, XTR complete equipment, Fox Factory suspension, Crank Brothers carbon wheels and an Eightpins dropper post. Nowadays, this is appropriate for the price, but not a lavish luxury. The entry-level R.X735 Core model starts at 7999 euros.
Conclusion from Josh Welz, EMTB editor-in-chief:
"At 21.4 kilos, the R.X735 sets the benchmark in the all-mountain class. As a long-range lightweight with sporty genes, it covers a wide range of applications and also represents a high-torque alternative to the emerging light category. Unfortunately, the trail fun is accompanied by an annoying background noise."
Technical data and notes on the Rotwild R.X375 Ultra
General information
- Price: 12,499 euros
- More information about red deer
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight: 21.39 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1678 (+36) hm
- Average speed: 14.6 km/h
- Centre of gravity height: 528 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor 165 mm / 182 mm
- Ground clearance⁵: 487 mm
Drive
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight² / price replacement battery: BMZ/Rotwild / 3624 g / 1249 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano XTR
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
- Display / Size: SC-EM800 / 21 x 38 mm
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 130 kg
- Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Factory Fit4 / Fox Float X Factory
- Suspension travel (f. / h.): 150 mm / 144 mm
- Telescopic post: Eightpins NGS2 / 210 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XTR / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels:: Crankbrothers Synthesis E-Bike 29
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary SG Soft 29 x 2.4" / Hans Dampf SG Soft 29 x 2.35''
EMTB EVALUATION⁴ (max. 10 points)
Uphill (x 3,5): 8,5
Trail (x 2): 9,5
Downhill (x 2): 8,5
Tour (x 5,5): 9
Drive (x 2,5): 8,5
quality (x 1): 9
EMTB test rating: 8.7 points - very good
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer's specification
⁴ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.
⁵ Measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel (step).
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
