When enduro bikes were still content with suspension travel of around 130 millimetres, Rotwild's "RFC 0.2" already offered 150 millimetres. This set the trend towards ever longer suspension travel. While 150 millimetres of suspension travel is now standard, the new "RFC 0.4" adds another one on top: the rear triangle reaches 170 millimetres in the "RIDE" kit (Rotwild also offers a version with reduced suspension travel, the "Cross" version). However, the biggest innovation on the Rotwild is not the suspension travel, but the change to the rear suspension system. Rotwild developer Peter Böhm switched from a single to a four-bar linkage. "The main aim is to eliminate drivetrain influences. A four-bar linkage can then be better tuned." The "RFC 0.4" should not bob even without a platform damper.
BIKE was present at the last test rides in the bike park in Bischofsmais. Peter Böhm warned cautiously: "Please don't judge the first impressions too highly, we still have a lot of work to do." But he has no reason to worry.
You sit very relaxed on the "RFC 0.4". With the long suspension travel in mind, you almost feel like you're on a freerider. At the same time, the Rotwild climbs surprisingly well. No wonder, the weight remains in the 14-kilo range. The first encounter with the downhill remains unspectacular at first. Thanks to the flat steering angle, the Rotwild runs smoothly in the Geißkopf bike park. The rear suspension works inconspicuously. It only reveals its true qualities when landing hard after drops. Although we tested with a relatively high sag, the shock didn't bottom out.
The Fox "36" is the ideal complement. It can also be used for touring, as it can be lowered via "Talas". Extremely forgiving and stiff, it is also ideally equipped for tough terrain.
CONCLUSIONS: Rotwild interprets the "Enduro" theme in its own way. Despite the generous suspension travel, the Rotwild is great for touring. However, it has enough reserves to cope with tough bike park courses.
