It has long been an open secret that Rotwild is working on a new e-bike. The Dieburg-based company repeatedly showed the prototype with the eye-catching swing arm on social media. The R.EXC has now been officially unveiled. The idea behind the bike developed explicitly for the World Cup and the Rotwild Schwalbe Gravity Team: it should be light and versatile and as fast as possible on the race tracks of the E-Enduro World Cup.
To achieve this, the engineers have opted for a rear triangle with a raised pivot point (mid-high pivot). As with a high pivot, the rear wheel should be able to swerve slightly backwards in the event of rough impacts. However, the Rotwild still comes without the additional pulley of classic high-pivot bikes such as Norco, Kavenz or Deviate. The suspension travel is 160 millimetres and can be reduced to 150 or 145 millimetres. The length of the rather short chainstay can also be adjusted using a flipchip. Typical Rotwild: The battery can be easily removed at the touch of a button, and the 820 battery with carbon outer casing is exceptionally light. The total weight of 22.9 kilos is also impressive. However, Rotwild also pays for the technology accordingly, the Pro model in the test is already the cheapest equipment variant at 9999 euros.
The facts about the 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)
Shimano EP801 with race software
Shimano's new EP801 e-bike motor provides propulsion in the Rotwild. The Japanese motor shines above all with its combination of plenty of motor power on a par with Bosch's CX and its compact dimensions. For a long time we criticised in tests However, the only mediocre dynamics of the drive. The Shimano always pushes very evenly and hardly allows any real acceleration before key uphill sections.
The Rotwild is now the first e-bike, with Shimano's new race software rolled into our editorial office. And indeed, the update brings a more lively characteristic that we liked much better on uphill trails than the standard setup. A small amount of trail also helps over uphill steps. Soon, all of this will also be adjustable in Shimano's app.
The large battery in the Rotwild is extremely light at 3.65 kilos thanks to the carbon outer casing and can be removed easily. It is simply unlocked at the touch of a button and folded out of the side of the down tube. This is the best solution on the market. Shimano's EM800 colour display and the matching, unobtrusive remote complete the e-bike.
The geometry of the Rotwild R.EXC Pro: short chainstays, slack head angle
The Rotwild has modern enduro dimensions. The steering angle is very slack and the bottom bracket is low. This favours the riding characteristics on fast downhills. The chainstays are short, but can be extended by five millimetres using a flip-chip for smoother running and less front wheel climb. However: even then, the Rotwild is not the predestined climbing ace. The race enduro bike seems to be aiming for the best downhill handling.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 468 mm
- Wheelbase: 1275 mm
- Reach: 478 mm
- Stack: 640 mm
- Steering angle: 78 degrees
- Seat angle: 63.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 442 - 447 mm
The equipment of the Rotwild E-Enduro
The entry-level price for the E-Enduro from Rotwild is high. This is also because the Dieburg-based company has opted for top components even in the cheapest version. The highlight is the Fox 38 Grip X2 fork, as it comes without the functionally irrelevant Kashima coating, but - much more importantly - with the top damping cartridge of the Factory models. Shifting and braking is done with Shimano XT, the bike rolls on aluminium wheels from Crankbrothers with Schwalbes Tacky Chan race tyres. There's even an Ultrasoft version at the front for maximum cornering grip, but the Supertrail carcass might be too thin-walled for real enduro riders at the rear.
- Fork / Shock: Fox 38 Grip X2 / Fox Float X2 Perf.
- Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
- Brakes: Shimano XT 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro 35
- Tyres: Schwalbe Tacky Chan Ultrasoft Supertrail, 29 x 2.4'' / Tacky Chan Soft Supertrail, 27.5 x 2.4''
- Special features: Battery easily removable, suspension travel adjustable to 150 and 145 millimetres
On the trail: how the Rotwild R.EXC Pro rides
One thing is clear: Rotwild's declared enduro racer R.EXC is not designed as a relaxed tourer. The seat angle is steep, the low stack leads to a low front end and a lot of pressure on the wrists. But even those who expect a smooth-running and uphill-strong longtail truck will be surprised by the Rotwild R.EXC. Short chainstays allow the front wheel to rise quite early on the climbs, which is not ideal for nasty World Cup uphills.
However, even in the standard setting, the well-tuned rear suspension provides strong traction on demanding climbs, and with the low front end, the Rotwild can be controlled very well when riding actively uphill. The additional holes in the rocker can be used to reduce the suspension travel from 160 to 150 and 145 millimetres in favour of uphill performance. This is also possible on the trail, using a multitool. However, we would advise against the shorter chainstay setting if you often have to tackle steep climbs. The conversion is a little more complex, and with a short rear end the front wheel climb should be even more pronounced. We liked the slightly more dynamic motor set-up on the Rotwild R.EXC Pro, which tends more towards Bosch's E-MTB mode with its trail and more progressive support. Classic Shimano settings are of course also available from Rotwild.
After the uphill duty, the Rotwild clearly switches to freestyle on the downhill. Even on flowing trails, the R.EXC is a lot of fun and rides more lively than many trail bikes. In addition to the low weight, the short chainstays and low front end play a decisive role in this. Especially when cornering, the Rotwild has a lot of traction and fires out of tight corners onto the next straight. When the terrain becomes steeper and rougher, Rotwild's Enduro can utilise its qualities even more. The slack steering angle craves high speed, the rear suspension with its raised pivot point effectively smoothes out even demanding root passages and rock gardens and can at least stand up to the powerful Fox 38 GripX2 at the front. The Rotwild wants to be ridden actively, but rewards you with great handling qualities and plenty of speed in all situations. For downhill fans, this is one of the best e-bikes on the market, only the rattling of the chain and of course the Shimano motor don't really fit into the picture.
EMTB evaluation of the Rotwild R.EXC Pro
Strengths
- Outstanding riding characteristics on trails and downhill
- Low overall weight, lightweight battery
- Practical battery removal, good range
Weaknesses
- High entry price
- Rattling downhill
The EMTB conclusion
The Rotwild R.EXC encourages you to go hard downhill and can really take a beating, but also remains more playful and lively than some trail bikes on flatter trails. And all this with top weight and massive range. A big hit. Chapeau!
Adrian Kaether
Editor
