German enduro e-bikes in a duel: Rotwild R.EXC Pro versus Liteville 301 CE 20 Years
Adrian Kaether
· 08.09.2024
On paper, the Liteville 301 CE and the new R.EXC Pro from Rotwild are surprisingly close to each other. 170/160 millimetre travel, XT equipment, top suspension, integrated Eightpins seatposts with plenty of adjustment travel and high-quality aluminium wheels in the Mullet set-up can be found on both models. The same goes for Shimano's light but powerful EP801 motor. Despite its lower price, the Liteville scores a few more points for its high-quality Syntace components, while the Rotwild comes with a lightweight full carbon frame and larger battery.
Rotwild vs Liteville: these are the rivals in the German E-Enduro test duel
Fact check: Liteville & Rotwild in comparison
Liteville 301 CE 20 Years
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 725 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: carbon / aluminium
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 7999 Euro
- Weight: 24.25 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Reach altitude¹: 1634 hm at 15.8 km/h
Rotwild R.EXC Pro
- Motor: Shimano EP801, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 820 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170 / 160 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch (Mullet)
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 9999 Euro
- Weight: 22.9 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg (manufacturer's specification)
- Reach altitude¹: 1822 metres at 16 km/h plus 168 metres at reduced power
Shimano EP801 but different battery sizes
Both bikes rely on the new Shimano EP801 motor (detailed test here). The particular strength of the Japanese drive: its power-to-weight ratio! The motor weighs just 2.65 kilograms, but delivers power and torque almost on a par with the class leader Bosch CX. Especially when the rider only pedals a little, the Shimano even outshines all other motors in its class in terms of power. The full motor power can therefore also be called up by less trained riders in any situation. On the other hand, the motor is not quite as lively, as it does not increase in power with higher pedalling input. However, this characteristic can also be adjusted via the app.
The most important difference between the rivals is the battery. Liteville relies on a battery from BMZ with 725 watt hours, which is folded forwards out of the down tube in the classic way. Rotwild, on the other hand, even manages to squeeze 820 watt hours into the compact battery. Thanks to the carbon outer casing, the battery is even lighter than that of the Liteville. The higher capacity gives the Rotwild a clear victory in terms of range. In our practical test, the bike from Dieburg covered almost 200 metres more altitude before the battery switched to throttled emergency mode. Practical: The Rotwild battery can be easily removed at the touch of a button.
Special suspension versus dream handling: how Liteville & Rotwild fare in practice
On the climbs, both bikes shine with plenty of traction. However, with quite short chainstays, both require an active rider who consciously puts pressure on the front wheel on steep terrain. The Rotwild is a little easier to control than the Liteville and therefore narrowly wins the first ranking.
The bike from Dieburg is even more clearly ahead on flatter trails. The Liteville also performs well and shines for a supposedly brute enduro bike with a surprisingly agile ride feel. However, the Rotwild weaves around tight corners better than some all-mountain bikes - despite noticeably more suspension travel and long, aggressive geometry. This is also due to the low weight of the R.EXC: 22.9 kilos with the 820 battery, which can also be removed in no time at all, is a strong value. In the test, the battery also provided a significantly better range than the 725 in the Liteville.
So is the 301 CE at its best on rough high-speed downhills? In fact, the bike from Tacherting conveys a great deal of confidence here and, with the WP suspension, even breathes away nasty root fields at full throttle. We have rarely experienced this before. Even the top Fox 38 GripX2 fork on the Rotwild passes impacts on to the rider more noticeably. However, the superbly plush rear end of the Rotwild and its strong cornering handling are phenomenal. Liteville, on the other hand, has the more dignified touring comfort on its side, also because the seat and riding position are decidedly comfortable due to the high front. Two really strong opponents, even if the 301 CE ultimately loses out to the gulping yet super agile Rotwild. The good equipment, the price and the suspension elements, however, speak in favour of the Liteville.
Test results at a glance: Liteville 301 CE vs Rotwild R.EXC
Conclusion of the test: Liteville 301 CE vs Rotwild R.EXC
The Rotwild R.EXC manages an impressive balancing act. With its plush suspension and aggressive geometry, it is close to the ideal for demanding downhills and is also great fun on flatter trails. The bike is light and still offers plenty of range and a removable battery. The anniversary model of the Liteville 301 CE particularly shines with its strong chassis. The touring quality and riding safety of the 301 CE are also impressive. - Adrian Kaether, editor for BIKE and EMTB
Rotwild vs Liteville: These are the opponents in the German E-Enduro test duel
¹ The 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.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
