When the guys from Rotwild talk about bikes in the Cross Country category they are talking about their aluminium hardtail and the 120-millimetre fully - both of which go by the abbreviation R.C1. Despite the enduro hype and carbonisation, these bikes are Rotwild's bestsellers. It was therefore time to bring the C models up to the latest state of the art for 2017. New aluminium tubesets with a hydroformed look are used on both bikes.
Red Deer R.C1 HT
The third generation of 29er hardtails from Rotwild does not question everything that has characterised Rotwild's hardtails in recent years, but the development team around Steffen Weingärtner has only made a few adjustments to the geometry. A short rear triangle with 425 mm chainstays is noticeable, which should make the aluminium hardtail more agile around corners. In addition, Rotwild uses the new R.X2 special headset, with which the steering angle can be steepened or slackened by 1.5 degrees from the neutral 69 degrees. To make this adjustment possible, the C1 hardtail has a special head tube design. The frame weight is said to be 1836 grams. Rotwild has gone for a seat post diameter of 31.6 millimetres, as this allows all standard dropper posts to be used. For more riding comfort, the fork and rear triangle (both Boost) accept tyres up to 2.4 inches. Rotwild offers two equipment variants of its aluminium hardtail: For 2399 euros, you get the new Shimano SLX groupset (22 gears), a Fox Performance fork and DT Swiss M1900 wheels. Above this, there will be a Pro version for 2999 euros. The new C1 hardtails should be available from October/November 2016.
Red Deer R.C1 FS
At the same time, the Hessian company, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has revised its sporty all-mountain bike with 120 millimetres of suspension travel. The new aluminium frame of the C1 FS is said to weigh 2759 grams in size M without shock. All cables are routed inside the frame. Although the geometry has been updated a little, it remains more classic: 69° head angle, 74° seat tube angle and a 595 mm top tube in size M. Only the chainstays on the 29er version have been reduced by 17 millimetres to 432 mm. The two small frame heights S and M will be available with 27.5-inch wheels, M, L and XL with 29-inch wheels. If you don't like the classic geometry, you can flatten the head angle by 1.5 degrees using the adjustable headset. In terms of kinematics, the transmission ratio has been adapted to the new Fox Evol models. The result should be a linear characteristic curve with good end progression. There will be three models of the 120 mm Fully between 3400 and 5500 euros. The Comp version with new Shimano SLX (22 gears), Fox Performance suspension and Kindshock dropper post is the entry-level model. The choice of tyres, a Continental X-King in 2.2 inches, shows that the Rotwild Fully feels most at home on fast tours and in the German low mountain ranges.
His enduro bike, the Rotwild R.E1 FS, is also getting a makeover for next season. The colleagues from FREERIDE Magazine were able to ride the new Rotwild Enduro at the Eurobike Media Days in Kirchberg. A first ride report is therefore available in FREERIDE 3/16.
