THE CONCEPT
When we saw the Rotwild with the new, compact Shimano EP8 motor live for the first time, we were blown away. Because it was super chic. And even more so when we picked it up. Because: light. Just over 18 kilos. That's really good for an e-MTB. And that's the idea: Rotwild wanted to give its "Trailsurfer" handling that comes very close to a classic trail bike. We say: it has succeeded. With the R.X 375, the bunny hop suddenly works, where you would otherwise have torn your arms out. Disadvantage: The playfulness comes at the price of a lower battery capacity (375 Wh). The small battery in the Rotwild weighs only two kilos, but has less range.
ON THE TRAIL
The Rotwild with the EP8 motor offers a glimpse into the future - just like the Lapierre with the lightweight Fazua motor. Because the R.X 375 rides like a classic mountain bike. No ploughing, no blocking, no pushing the brakes - even high bunny hops are possible. Although the chainstays are quite long. The R.X 375 steers directly, is lively when cornering and impresses with its handling, which is atypical of an e-bike. We say: This is the direction e-mountain biking should be heading in. Disadvantage: The R.X 375 reaches its limits more quickly on rough terrain. However, Rotwild offers its big enduro brother, the R.E 750, which we will be testing in the next issue.
FOR WHOM?
If you're looking for a bike with a high reach, the Rotwild R.X 375 is the wrong choice. Unless you pack a second battery in your rucksack. The lightweight E-trail bike is aimed at bikers who are happy to sacrifice reach for a lot of playfulness and agile handling. However, the long chainstays make the manual a feat of strength! Good: If you have power in your legs, you can programme the motor so that it really only provides minimal assistance in Eco mode - this increases the reach.
FACTS (in 29 inch / size L)
Frame materialCarbon
EngineShimano EP8
Battery: 375 Wh
Reach: 470 mm
Stack: 636 mm
Chain stay: 452 mm
Steering angle: 66,5°
Seat angle: 75,5°
Bottom bracket height: 335 mm
Wheelbase: 1238 mm
Weight: 18,4 kg
Pricefrom 7000 Euro
Info: rotwild.de
The new Shimano EP8 motor has been criticised for being too loud and rattling. In the R.X 375, however, the EP8 purred as quietly as a Brose motor.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
