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You first have to familiarise yourself with Rotwild's model policy. There is also the Red Deer R.X 375 and the R.X 750. You have to look closely to tell the bikes apart. In terms of character, the R.X 735 is in fact closest not to the big mountain model R.X 750, which is equipped with similar battery power, but to the light bike R.X 375, from which the R.X 735 has inherited the geometry: silhouette, rear triangle design - the two bikes are hardly distinguishable from each other, except that the light bike R.X 375 is even slimmer thanks to the mini battery. And both bikes are among the lightest in their class. In our test field of eleven All Mountain E-MTBs, the candidates are not very far apart. But the Rotwild clearly sets the benchmark: the bike weighs 22.11 kilos in total. And that with the classic Shimano EP8 and a large battery. This is not least thanks to the very light battery and the light wheels.
The facts about the Rotwild R.X 735 Pro
- Motor: Shimano EP8, 80 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 720 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L (46 cm), XL
- Price: 9499 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 22.11 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
Lightweight super sports car
The R.X 735 does away with a widespread prejudice: Classic e-MTBs are getting bigger and bigger batteries and are inevitably getting heavier and heavier. Despite the 720 battery, the bike from Dieburg weighs just 22.1 kilos. Around 700 grams less than the next lightest candidates in the test. This has been achieved with a lightweight frame, but also lightweight components. The main frame and rear triangle are made of carbon, only the shock yoke is milled from aluminium. The wheels and battery are also among the lightest in the test field, and Rotwild is one of the few candidates to have carbon handlebars on the cockpit.
Only a few bikes on the market manage such a balancing act between battery size, simple removal and great weight. One of them: Bulls' Sonic Evo EN SL 2 Carbon. No wonder, the Bulls bike also comes from the pen of Rotwild developer Lutz Scheffer. With its low weight, balanced riding characteristics and attractive price, it is also a hot tip.
Old acquaintance: the Shimano EP8 drivetrain
The Rotwild also makes up weight when it comes to the motor. At 2.6 kilos, the Shimano EP8 is the lightest unit in the test. However, it is also the weakest. The first Rotwild models are currently rolling off the production line with the EP801. This is a worthwhile update, as the new drivetrain is more powerful and even more smoothly tuned. However, the model change is also accompanied by slightly better equipment and a higher price. The successor costs 10499 euros. In the test comparison, the Shimano cannot keep up with the powerful units from Bosch, Brose, Panasonic and certainly not with the Dyname 4.0 in Rocky Mountain. Although the EP8 delivers a decent amount of torque, it lacks dynamism. As the drive delivers its full power even at low rider input, there is no extra power when you want to pick up the pace on steep ramps or difficult key sections.
The geometry
Modern but moderate, that's how you can summarise the geometry of the Rotwild R.X 735. A reach of 470 millimetres, a 77.5 degree steep seat angle that is easy to climb, medium-length 450 chainstays - there are no noticeable outliers. The head angle also matches the range of use, but at 65.5 degrees it is rather steeper. This makes the bike lively on the trails, but doesn't necessarily predestine it for steep, nasty downhills.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 460 mm
- Wheelbase: 1255 mm
- Reach: 470 mm
- Stack: 645 mm
- Steering angle: 65.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 77.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 450 mm
The equipment of the Rotwild R.X 735 Pro
At 9499 euros, the Rotwild is in the more expensive price group in our test field. Of course: a carbon frame and German engineering - that alone has its price. The Eightpins dropper post, albeit in the more affordable version, and the carbon handlebars also fit the bill. The rest of the equipment, however, is more like home cooking: in terms of gearing, there is an XT/SLX mix from Shimano, the Synthesis aluminium wheels from Crankbrothers are also rather inexpensive. When it comes to tyres, Rotwild focuses on weight: Schwalbe's Magic Mary in the Super Ground version and the Hans Dampf on the rear wheel are not predestined for rough downhills due to their lack of grip. Only mid-range suspension: Performance fork and shock from Fox. The Dieburg-based company only treats its customers to factory suspension in the Ultra model version. We have also been able to test this variant.
Light-footed and in love with touring: the Rotwild R.X 735 in a practical test
Big battery, low weight - with the R.X 735, Rotwild shows that this combination is possible. Despite the 720 mm battery, the bike from Dieburg weighs just 22.1 kilos. Around 700 grams less than the next lightest candidates in the test. This is also immediately noticeable when sitting on the bike. In combination with the moderate geometry, the Rotwild is very light-footed and relaxed to manoeuvre. Anyone looking for an e-mountainbike with full thrust and a large battery that is as close as possible to the handling of a classic mountain bike will be pleasantly surprised.
The front is flat, the riding position is sporty but very balanced. This makes long tours a pleasure. Another strength: On flat trails, the full carbon bike is very light-footed and lively and is easy to control. The lightweight wheels contribute to this. The Rotwild cuts a very fine figure, especially in moderate use and in the low mountain ranges, and with its sporty but very comfortable riding position is aimed at experienced bikers who are perhaps just switching to an e-MTB.
Handy but little enduro potential - Rotwild's R.X 735 in difficult terrain
However, when the trail surface gets nasty and the gradient steep, the Rotwild is less in its element. Then there is a lot of pressure on the low front end, plus the rather steep steering angle and the thin-walled tyres, which require too much air pressure. This reduces riding safety. For enduro descents, there are more successful candidates in the test field. The Sonic Evo EN SL 2, which is almost identical in construction, was more to our liking in a test last year. Unfortunately, both candidates, Bulls and Rotwild, have one thing in common: annoying rattling from the motor and frame downhill.
On the climbs, the R.X 735 is an uncomplicated climber. The rear works well and provides plenty of traction. Only when it gets very steep does the front of the Rotwild need to be actively loaded. In direct comparison with Bosch, Brose, Panasonic or Rocky Mountain, the Shimano EP8 lacks a bit of traction. It struggles up steep climbs without demanding too much from the rider. However, dynamic acceleration before key sections or steep uphill ramps is hardly possible.
However, if you want more, you can simply wait for the 2024 model of Rotwild's R.X 735. This is already in the starting blocks and comes with Shimano's new EP801, which demonstrably delivers more power than its predecessor without any disadvantages in terms of weight or range. The bike we tested with EP8 is therefore available for just under the RRP, but the new bike will unfortunately be significantly more expensive.
The EMTB conclusion
Lively and light-footed speedster for sporty tours and easy trails. Lightest bike in the test! The balanced geometry is great, but the Rotwild lacks confidence on rough descents.
Advantages
- Effervescent handling
- Very light, despite good range
- Quick battery removal
- Comfortable and uncomplicated on tour
Disadvantages
- Rattles downhill
- Moderate driving safety
- Puncture-prone front tyre
- Shimano EP8 quite weak by today's standards
Technical data and notes Rotwild R.X 735 Pro
Manufacturer information
- Price: 9499 Euro >> available here
- Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 46 cm), XL / Carbon
Measured values²
- Weight²: 22.11 kg
- Reach altitude¹: 1768 (+37)hm
- Average speed: 14.3 km/h
- Front/rear suspension travel: 150/150 m
- Centre of gravity height: 532 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 180 mm
- Ground clearance⁴: 499 mm
Equipment
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Max. Torque³: 80 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price Replacement battery: Rotwild IPU735 Carb / 720 Wh / 3586 g / 1249,90 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano XT/SLX
- Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
- Display: Shimano EC-EM800
- Permissible total weight³: 130 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Float Performance E / Fox Flot X Performance
- Telescopic post: Eightpins H01, 180 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro E29
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary SuperGround; Hans Dampf SuperTrail 29 x 2.4
EMTB test rating⁵: 8.5 points - very good
¹The 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 including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.
²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
Manufacturer information
⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel
⁵The EMTB 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.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
