Continuous test performance: 2,600 kilometres
It can't be said often enough: BIKE editors are privileged. That's why very few of them are in the €2000 bracket when it comes to choosing a long-term test bike. Well, the Rotwild E1 Edition costs 6,999 euros. Privilege or not, even as editor-in-chief you feel guilty. Maybe that's why I've given the bike so little care, I've muddied it through in all kinds of dirty weather and have been as stingy with lubricant as if it were truffle oil. Somehow I wanted to make the bike pay for my own intemperance.
In the face of such unforgiving conditions, the E1 sold formidably. With a manageable mileage but relentless use, the chain had to be changed twice and the hydraulic seatpost had to be bled several times. The Crank Bros stem was a victim of brute force due to the lack of a torque spanner. All tolerable, if it weren't for the bitchy XTR brakes. Because the braking performance dropped rapidly time and again, five sets of pads were due between autumn and spring alone. Background: In mud and sludge, the brake pads clogged up and would no longer release.
Beyond these shortcomings, the E1 is an enduro bike par excellence: light, easy to climb and as fast as an arrow on the downhill. A powerful long-travel bike that is a pleasure to take on tour. Conclusion: the Porsche Cayenne of mountain bikes. The E1 Edition is outrageously confident on any terrain. The 2012 model comes with a six millimetre shorter chainstay - this will make it a little more playful, which is good for it. With aluminium instead of carbon wheels, it will cost 5999 euros.
DEFECTS / MODIFICATIONS:
1st chain guide worn - 600 km: Bionicon chain guide fitted
2. hydraulic seat post is repeatedly stiff - 1300/1500 km: post bled and lubricated
3. freewheel cracks - 1500 km: Freewheel cleaned and greased
4. brake performance repeatedly deteriorates - 1600-2600 km: Brake pads (5 sets) dirty
5. chain torn - 2550 km: chain replaced
Function ******
Shelf life ****
(max. 6 stars)
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
