Rotwild & DJI motor: Look at this! Enduro prototype with Avinox motor
With the new R.EX, Rotwild is entering new dimensions in the e-mountainbike segment. The All Mountain is the first model ever to combine the new DJI Avinox M1 motor (reviewed here) with a battery developed in-house, which can also be quickly removed at the touch of a button. Based on the World Cup-proven R.EXC Enduro-Fully According to the manufacturer, the R.EX brings Rotwild's engineering expertise to the trail and should perform explosively uphill and confidently downhill.
Drive and battery: pioneering work with DJI
The centrepiece of the R.EX is the DJI Avinox M1 mid-motor. With a maximum torque of 120 Nm in boost mode and a continuous torque of 105 Nm, it is not only powerful, but also particularly sensitive thanks to a multi-sensor fusion system. Ten sensors continuously measure parameters such as cadence, speed and terrain in order to adjust the support in real time. Weighing less than 2.6 kilos, the motor is also comparatively light.
Rotwild combines the DJI drive with a removable 864 Wh battery developed in-house. This is a further development of the battery that we already know from the R.EX and R.EXC. This fourth generation of the Integrated Power Unit (IPU) utilises the latest cell technology in a carbon housing. Thanks to the compact cell architecture, the frame remains slim despite the high capacity. The developers state the total weight of the IPU Gen4 battery at 3,580 g. That's really light.
Unfortunately, the combination of the DJI motor with its own battery may also have disadvantages. Fast charging is probably not possible with this battery. As a result, the DJI system loses one of its central USPs. DJI's own batteries charge up to around 80 per cent in 90 minutes thanks to the super-fast charger. The Rotwild battery is likely to take at least twice as long.
Frame and chassis: Elevated Box Design meets Mid-High Pivot
The R.EX is based on a reworked carbon frame with the characteristic elevated box design. According to Rotwild, the frame combines high rigidity, plenty of tyre clearance and precise kinematics with optimised anti-squat and anti-rise values. The Mid-High Pivot System is said to provide outstanding traction, while the mullet wheel concept with 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheels offers maximum versatility with 160 mm travel at the front and 150 mm at the rear.
The facts about the Rotwild R.EX DJI
- Motor: DJI Avinox M1
- Battery: Rotwild IPU Gen4, 864 Wh
- Frame material: Poly Dynamic Carbon made from high-modulus carbon fibres
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm (rear triangle)
- Design: Elevated box design with mid-high pivot kinematics
- Wheel concept: Mullet (29" front / 27.5" rear)
- Seatpost: Eightpins NGS 3.0 (fully integrated)
- Sizes: M, L, XL
- Three equipment variants for 8990, 9990 and 12490 euros
- Weight: 21.7 kg (top model Ultra, size L, manufacturer's specification)
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A special feature is the complete integration of the new Eightpins NGS 3.0 seatpost. Greater overlap of the sliding bushings, new wiper technology and skilful support are intended to reduce operating forces and increase durability. There is also a new tool mount on the underside of the top tube for minitools and puncture repair.
Equipment and operation: touchscreen in the top tube
The central control element of the R.EX is a 2" OLED touch display that has been neatly integrated into the top tube. We are already familiar with this display from other DJI bikes like the Amflow PL Carbon (reviewed here). It is complemented by a wireless control unit. In addition to Bluetooth 5.1 and ANT+, the system offers LTE connectivity for updates, system checks and navigation.
To fine-tune the geometry, the head angle can be varied by +/- 0.5° and the reach by +/- 5 mm using a new headset. Rotwild offers the R.EX in three frame sizes (M/L/XL) and three equipment variants (ULTRA / PRO / CORE). It starts at a hefty 8990 euros.
Is the DJI Enduro coming?
The R.EX has already been officially unveiled by Rotwild and the bike is due to hit the shops this autumn. However, we spotted another Avinox Rotwild at the DJI stand. An enduro version with more travel, coil shock and Fox Podium Upsidedown fork. Presumably a DJI version of the Race enduro bike Rotwild R.EXC, which convinced us in the test.
