Exclusive | First Ride: Rotwild R.E1+ FS 27.5

After Rotwild’s first successful foray into the world of E-MTB fullys with the R.Q1+ FS27.5, they’ve now launched its big brother – the R.E1+ FS 27.5. During the Rotwild Performance Days we had the exclusive opportunity to take it out for a little spin before it properly hits the market.

Das brandneue Rotwild R.E1+ FS 27.5 nach unserem ersten Test. — The brand new *Rotwild R.E1+ FS 27.5* after our first test ride.

Die erste Testfahrt führte auch durch gröberes Geläuf. — The first test ride took in some pretty rough terrain.

First impressions

Just like the R.Q1+ FS 27.5 that we tested in the current issue #004, the R.E1+ FS 27.5 boasts a super coherent overall impression. The geometry is painstakingly well-considered and the components are all first rate – so we’re expecting it to deliver the optimal performance on the trails. As the name betrays somewhat, this new E-MTB has been based on the Design & Innovation Award 2015-crowned Enduro R.E1 FS 27.5.

But, what’s the difference then? Well, the plus sign in the name represents the Brose mid-drive motor, which hardly appears to be there at first glance. So successfully integrated into the large downtube, the battery’s home looks remarkably pleasing.

Das direkt über dem Vorbau positionierte Display ist bei Stürzen weniger exponiert als Bosch- oder Yamaha-Displays. — Less exposed than its Bosch or Yahama counterparts, the display is located directly above the stem.

The motor

Just like the R.Q1+ FS 27.5, the Brose mid-drive motor delivers a 250-Watt performance and 90 Nm torque, controlled by the compact lever near one of the grips. Able to be entirely decoupled, the motor still enables the rider to pedal effectively above the motorized-limit of 25km/h. To lengthen the duration of your pedal-assisted ride, you can boost the battery life by mounting an addition battery pack to the bike.

Der Hebel zur Steuerung des Motors befindet sich neben dem Schalthebel. An dem Testbike war er noch provisorisch verlegt (siehe Kabel am Lenker). In der Serie wird das Erscheinungsbild deutlich cleaner. — The lever to control the motor can be found next to your gear shifters. It was only provisionally located during our test-ride (see the cable on the bars), and the series version will have a much cleaner look.

Im voluminösen Unterrohr ist der Akku unauffällig integriert. — The battery is subtly integrated into the voluminous downtube.

Nur das Beste: Für maximalen Fahrspaß und eine optimale Performance vertraut Rotwild auf im Enduro-Renneinsatz erprobte Komponenten wie den FOX FLOAT X CTD-Dämpfer und die FOX 36 FLOAT RC2 FIT Kashima Factory-Gabel. — Only the best will do: To guarantee maximum fun and performance, *Rotwild* have relied on race-proven enduro components such as the *FOX FLOAT X CTD* shock and the *FOX 36 FLOAT RC2 FIT* Kashima factory forks.-Gabel.

Shimano XT IceTech-Bremsen sorgen für zuverlässige wie gut dosierbare Bremspower (siehe großer Bremsenvergleichstest E-MOUNTAINBIKE Ausgabe #004). — *Shimano XT IceTech* brakes provide reliable braking prowess with great dosability. (There’s proof in issue #004 of E-MOUNTAINBIKE in our huge group test of brakes).

Specs

Rotwild is only offering one version of the R.E1+ FS 27.5, tallying up at 6,999 €. The price includes not only a state-of-the-art Brose motor, but the entire setup is exclusively first-rate, like the FOX suspension, the SRAM X.0 1×11 drivetrain with E.13 TRS+ cranks. Having a 36-toothed chain and a 10×42 SRAM 11X cassette makes for a super sporty gear ratio. The essentials are all ticked off too: the adjustable dropper post in the form of the Kindshock LEV Integra with 150mm hub; Continental Trail King Performance tyres on the ever-reliable DT Swiss Spline E1700 wheels; and the cockpit by CrankBrothers.

Nicht zuletzt dank der nur 455 mm langen Kettenstreben ist das Handling des Rotwild äußerst agil und spritzig. — This is one agile and playful *Rotwild* – and that’s mainly (but not entirely) due to the 455mm chainstay!

Geometry

Modern and aggressive, the geometry of the R.E1+ more than aids its capabilities. The combination of the slack 66° head angle, the steep 74° seat angle and well-balanced toptube length, should ensure optimal interplay between efficient climbing and confidence-inspiring descending. At just 455mm it’s a pretty short chainstay for a 27.5” E-MTB but it works to ensure a playful and more active handling.

Our first impression

With the R.E1+ FS 27.5, Rotwild have picked up from where they left off with the R.Q1+ FS 27.5. The R.E1+ is essentially the latest and most attractive E-MTB fully that’s hitting the market. The 165mm travel and the aggressive geometry team with the nicely chosen spec to set any ambitious mountain biker’s heart racing. On techy sections, jumps or pure adventure riding – the R.E1+ is definitely prepared. Thanks to the tidily integrated Brose mid-drive motor and the central pedaling position, you might even start seeking out those dreaded climbs! Our first impression: we’re fans. For the price of 6,999 € it isn’t cheap, but given the seamless construction and attention to detail, the price seems deserving.

For detailed test results and a more substantial test report, we’re waiting excited for our test bike so that we can really put it through the wringer.

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