Rotwild R.X 375 Pro in the Light-E-MTB test: Rotwild convinces with full power

The Rotwild R.X 375 Pro plays a special role among light e-bikes. Reason_ The motor. Because the Shimano EP8 delivers full power on demand, while most other lightweight e-mountainbikes rely on more minimalist drives with less oomph. At 19 kilos, it still plays a full part in the light class.

The Rotwild comes with customised support levels to get enough energy out of the small 375 battery for longer rides. Another special feature: the lightweight battery (less than two kilos) can be changed in seconds at the touch of a button. No other e-bike can do this so quickly and easily. However, there is no range extender for this system. So if you want to go on long tours, you will need a second battery.

On the trail: how the Rotwild R.X 375 Pro rides

In the saddle of this light eMTB, the comfortable touring position and the high-quality contact points make a positive impression. A comfortable Ergon saddle, good grips and an ergonomic cockpit: you immediately feel at ease. The steering is neutral and direct, making the bike very easy to control. This is ideal if the rider wants to be more passive and comfortable on the road. This applies both uphill and downhill. You don't need to be an expert rider to control this bike.

The good rear suspension of the Rotwild R.X 375 Pro stands out on the trail. The rear works sensitively, provides comfortable suspension and doesn't get rattled by rough bumps. However, the moderate geometry and the tyres with super-thin carcass slow down the ambitions on rough terrain. With a moderate riding style, the bike provides a lot of confidence and can be manoeuvred directly and confidently through key sections and around corners. The handling is well-balanced, good-natured and uncomplicated, perfect for touring bikers. Together with the high level of riding comfort, this gives the R.X 375 Pro the highest score in our "Easy Riding" rating in our large comparison test of light bikes and the EMTB tip for the Tour category.

Trail specialists and downhill riders can get even more out of more robust tyres - or go straight for enduro or downhill tyres. Gravity model of the 375 series. On flatter trails, the bike tracks precisely and purposefully. However, it is not very playful in the test comparison. With the slightly longer chainstays, it takes more effort to pull the bike onto the rear wheel or into the air.

The Rotwild is one of the most capable uphill climbers. The high performance of the Shimano EP8 makes steep ramps easier, and the balanced geometry keeps the bike on track. On really steep sections, however, the bike has to be ridden actively to keep the front wheel on the ground. Good: The EP8 works efficiently and climbs many metres in altitude even with a small battery. Provided you choose the right level of support. If you use the full power of the motor continuously, you may be disappointed by the short range. Conscious battery management is required here.

The Pro model is the middle of three equipment variants and costs 9499 euros. In this setup, the R.X 375 weighs exactly 19 kilos in size L. This is not a record value among light eMTBs, but it is a strong value considering the powerful motor and the easy-to-change battery. However, if your focus is on demanding terrain, you should add a few hundred grams for more robust tyres. Otherwise, the equipment on the Pro model is absolutely harmonious and highly functional.

Motor and battery in the Rotwild R.X 375 Pro

85 Newton metres and over 500 watts of maximum power: these are the power data of a classic e-mountainbike and a rarity in the light class. No wonder, because Rotwild relies on Shimano's EP8 motor and not a smaller, lighter, but also weaker mini engine. The advantages are clear: the rider has plenty of power and torque available on request, the engine is robust and proven and, on top of that, it impresses with good efficiency.

While the appearance of the larger unit is still a matter of taste, the choice of engine also has factual disadvantages. At around 2.6 kilos, the EP8 is around 600 grams heavier than, for example one Fazua Ride 60. The drivetrain noise is also louder and the gearbox rattles on descents. However, both are not as extreme on the Rotwild R.X 375 as we know them from other EP8 bikes.

The battery of the R.X 375 can be changed in seconds with its quick-release fastener. At just under two kilos, a second battery is relatively easy to transport in a rucksack. However, there is no range extender for the Rotwild that can be attached to the bike.

The efficiency and range of the system is pleasing. In our extensive range test, the Shimano drive got significantly more out of its battery than the bikes with TQ or Forestal motors - with a nominally similarly sized battery. All details and results of our range test can be found here in the link! However, this assumes that the high performance of the EP8 is used sparingly.

Conclusion on the Rotwild R.X 375 Pro:

The Rotwild R.X 375 Pro is a well-balanced tourer with high comfort and great riding characteristics. Powerful motor, fast battery removal. But not ultimately light and not for trail shredders.

Technical data and notes Rotwild R.X 375 Pro

Manufacturer information

• Price: 9499 Euro
• Sizes: S / M / L / XL
• Frame material: Carbon (main frame and rear triangle)

Measured values²

• Reach altitude¹: 1285 (+7)hm / 12.9 km/h average speed (Details of the test can be found here!)
• Weight: 19 kg
• Centre of gravity height: 526 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 182 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 497 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Shimano EP8
• Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
• Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: IPU375, 375 Wh / 1960 g / 750 Euro
• Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 34; 10-51
• Display: Shimano SC-EM800
• Permissible total weight³:: 130 kg
• Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance Elite Fit4 / Float DPS
• Front/rear suspension travel: 150 / 140 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Telescopic post: Eightpins H01, 175 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT 8120 / 203 mm / 180 mm
• Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis Aluminium E-MTB
• Tyres (front / rear): Schwalbe Nobby Nic Superground Soft / Speedgrip, 29 x 2.4''

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.2 points - very good

EMTB tip: Tour

¹ The values were determined during standardised rides on an asphalt climb with an average gradient of 8.4 percent. Rider pedalling power 175 watts, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The assistance level was adjusted for this comparison test so that all bikes travelled at approximately the same speed, see average speed in brackets. The motor output was around 250 watts. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode. All details about our range test can be found here in the link!

² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

³ Manufacturer's specification

⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.