News

First Look: Rotwild announces three new E-Mountainbikes.

14.07.2016
by

After the ROTWILD R.X+ FS took centre stage last year, this year looks set to be a similar story – but with less travel. ROTWILD have given their versatile full-suspension mountain bike the R.C+ FS and the hardtail R.C+ HT serious overhauls for 2017, and alongside these two official new launches we also got a sneak peek of what’s brewing at ROTWILD.

ROTWILD R.C+ FS 2017

The launch of the R.C+ FS adds a bit more clarity to the ROTWILD collection, eliminating the confusion caused by the fact that its predecessor played in the same travel range as the R.X+ FS. The new R.C+ FS has now taken a firm step away from the R.X+ FS, and its 120 mm front and rear travel render it a lot more performance-based.

ROTWILD R.C+ FS 2017 | Federweg: 120/120 mm (v/h) | Preis: 4.999–7.499 €
ROTWILD R.C+ FS 2017 | 120/120 mm (front/rear) | € 4,999 – € 7,499

As usual, ROTWILD have paired a Brose motor with their own Integrated Power Unit (IPU) with a 518 Wh battery integrated into the carbon downtube. Above 25 km/h, the motor disengages entirely. The levels of pedal assist can be individually tuned, and the subtle mini remote display works as the control unit to switch between these.

Integration is key for ROTWILD and their own battery unit embodies this principle, slotting seamlessly into the silhouette and saving weight.
Integration is key for ROTWILD and their own battery unit embodies this principle, slotting seamlessly into the silhouette and saving weight.
As the motor is so compact, ROTWILD had space for a front mech. Just one of the three series bikes comes kitted with a double chainring.
As the motor is so compact, ROTWILD had space for a front mech. Just one of the three series bikes comes kitted with a double chainring.

The geometry is hugely reminiscent of the non-motorised R.C1 FS 27.5, which has also undergone an overhaul for 2017. However, as the E-MTB is much more powerful, ROTWILD have optimized the kinematics by shifting the virtual pivot towards the front. Consequently, ROTWILD claim to have achieved a more balanced ride with increased traction – and no pedal influence. Moreover, the bearings have been adapted to meet the demands of the increased torque and are reputed to be more durable as a result.

The frame of the R.C+ FS is heavily reminiscent of the long-travel R.X+ FS and features 120 mm travel.
The frame of the R.C+ FS is heavily reminiscent of the long-travel R.X+ FS and features 120 mm travel.
At the front there’s a lightweight FOX 32 with 120 mm travel – although we’d prefer to see the marginally heavier FOX 34.
At the front there’s a lightweight FOX 32 with 120 mm travel – although we’d prefer to see the marginally heavier FOX 34.
New for 2017: the revised geometry sees the rear shortened by 10 mm for better agility.
New for 2017: the revised geometry sees the rear shortened by 10 mm for better agility.
A rarity on E-MTBs, there’s an adjustable head angle set that lets you adjust the head angle by 1.5° either way.
A rarity on E-MTBs, there’s an adjustable head angle set that lets you adjust the head angle by 1.5° either way.
A lot more subtle than a big screen above the stem, the Mini Remote display gives off the sense that the ROTWILD R.C+ FS differs very little to a regular mountain bike.
A lot more subtle than a big screen above the stem, the Mini Remote display gives off the sense that the ROTWILD R.C+ FS differs very little to a regular mountain bike.

The fact that wheels now come virtually as standard with the wider Boost axles is undisputed, even though there’s still a lot of confusion with regards to the new standard. The ROTWILD R.C+ FS is proof that Boost isn’t just a topic of conversation for plus-size bikes and 29ers, and that its advantages – more stable wheels, shorter chainstays and more tire clearance – work for 27.5″ bikes too.

Geometry of the ROTWILD R.C+ FS

Size S M L XL
Seat tube 420 mm 455 mm 495 mm 530 mm
Top tube 575 mm 587 mm 615 mm 640 mm
Head tube 130 mm 130 mm 130 mm 135 mm
Head angle 68.5° 68.5° 68.5° 68.5°
Seat angle 74° 74° 74° 74°
Chainstay 445 mm 445 mm 445 mm 445 mm
BB drop 22.5 mm 22.5 mm 22.5 mm 22.5 mm
Wheelbase 1155 mm 1167 mm 1195 mm 1220 mm
Reach 413 mm 425 mm 453 mm 477 mm
Stack 612 mm 612 mm 612 mm 617 mm

Spec of the ROTWILD R.C+ FS

Available in three build specs, the ROTWILD R.C+ FS begins with its € 4,999 entry-level Comp model with FOX Performance suspension, an SLX spec and DT Swiss M1900 wheels. For € 5,999, the Pro spec offers almost the full package of the XT 2x groupset and a Carbon IPU – bear in mind that the Comp has an aluminium Integrated Power Unit. The top-of-the-range Evo retails at € 7,499 and has a spec that leaves no room for complaint: Shimano electronic XT Di2 groupset, FOX Factory suspension and DT Swiss XM1501 SPLINE ONE wheels. Moreover, the Evo also has the Air Cooler motor cover as standard; an asset that’s available at a cost for the Pro and Comp too.

ROTWILD R.C+ FS Evo

Fork: Fox 32 Float 120 Factory Kashima
Dämpfer: Fox Float DPS Evol Factory Kashima
Motor: Brose 2.0
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano XT 8000 ICE
Drivetrain: Shimano Di2 XT Shift Switch
Tires: Continental X-King 27.5 x 2.40
Wheels: DT Swiss XM1501 Spline One 25
Price: 7.499 €

ROTWILD R.C+ FS Pro

Fork: Fox 32 Float 120 Grip Performance
Dämpfer: Fox Float DPS Evol Performance
Motor: Brose 2.0
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano XT 8000 ICE
Drivetrain: Shimano XT 2×11
Tires: Continental X-King 27.5 x 2.40
Wheels: DT Swiss M1900 Spline 22.5
Price: 5.999 €

ROTWILD R.C+ FS Comp

Fork: Fox 32 Float 120 Grip Performance
Dämpfer: Fox Float DPS Evol Performance
Motor: Brose 2.0
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano SLX 7000 ICE
Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 1×11
Tires: Continental X-King 27.5 x 2.40
Wheels: DT Swiss M1900 Spline 22.5
Price: 4.999 €

ROTWILD R.C+ HT 2017

Not content just overhauling the R.C+ FS, ROTWILD also turned their deft hand to the hardtail R.C+ HT, seeing it now take 27.5+ wheels with tires up to 3.0″ alongside its 29er. Its features and build spec are essentially the same as on its full suspension sibling, and the Pro model comes in a 29er version with a double chainring as well as another model with 2.8″ plus-size tires and a 1x drivetrain.

For 2017 the R.C+ HT can roll on 27.5+ wheels, which should make it an even more fun rig to ride.
For 2017 the R.C+ HT can roll on 27.5+ wheels, which should make it an even more fun rig to ride.

Geometry of the ROTWILD R.C+ HT

Size S M L XL
Sattelrohr 440 mm 470 mm 500 mm 540 mm
Top tube 576 mm 591 mm 616 mm 641 mm
Chainstayn 460 mm 460 mm 460 mm 460 mm
Head angle 69 ° 69 ° 69 ° 69 °
Seat angle 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5°
BB Height 305 mm 305 mm 305 mm 305 mm
Reach 403 mm 418 mm 443 mm 467 mm
Stack 628 mm 628 mm 628 mm 633 mm

Spec of the R.C+ HT 29

ROTWILD R.C+ HT 29 Evo

Fork: Fox 32 Float 100 Factory Kashima
Motor: Brose 2.0
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano XT 8000 ICE
Drivetrain: Shimano Di2 XT Shift Switch
Tires: Continental X-King 27.5 x 2.40
Wheels: DT Swiss XM1501 Spline One 25
Price: € 6,499

ROTWILD R.C+ HT 29 Pro

Fork: Fox 32 Float 100 Factory Kashima
Motor: Brose 2.0
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano XT 8000 ICE
Drivetrain: Shimano XT Shift Switch
Tires: Continental X-King 27.5 x 2.40
Wheels: DT Swiss XM1501 Spline One 25
Price: € 4,999

ROTWILD R.E+ FS 2017

Alongside the cross-country models, the enduro R.E+ FS will also be brought firmly up-to-date for the coming season, although ROTWILD are yet to confirm the details. But this is what we know so far: the travel has been reduced from 170 mm to 160 mm, and the R.E+ FS also has the Boost axle standard. Serious plus-size tires in 2.8″ or 3.0″ won’t fit – but ROTWILD have assured us that the new 2.6″ width will fit. There will be two versions for € 5,699 and € 6,999 respectively.

The ROTWILD R.E+ FS has also been revised for 2017. As yet there are no fixed details for the price and spec.
The ROTWILD R.E+ FS has also been revised for 2017.

Spec of the R.E+ FS

ROTWILD R.E+ FS 27.5 Evo

Fork: Fox 34 Float 160 Factory Kashima
Motor: Brose 2.0
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano XT 8000 ICE
Drivetrain: Shimano XT
Tires: Continental Baron Projekt 27.5 x 2.40
Wheels: DT Swiss EX1501 Spline One 30
Price: € 6,999

ROTWILD R.E+ FS 27.5 Pro

Fork: Fox 34 Float 160 Performance
Motor: Brose 2.0
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano SLX 7000 ICE
Drivetrain: Shimano SLX
Tires: Continental Baron Projekt 27.5 x 2.40
Wheels: DT E1900 Spline 26
Price: € 5,699

Geometry of the ROTWILD R.E+ FS

Size S M L XL
Seat tube 435 mm 435 mm 475 mm 525 mm
Top tube 560 mm 595 mm 623 mm 650 mm
Head tube 110 mm 110 mm 120 mm 130 mm
Head angle 66° 66° 66° 66°
Seat angle 74° 74° 74° 74°
Chainstay 442.5 mm 442.5 mm 442.5 mm 442.5 mm
BB drop 7.5 mm 7.5 mm 7.5 mm 7.5 mm
Reach 415 mm 430 mm 455 mm 480 mm
Stack 596 mm 594 mm 603 mm 613 mm

More information are able to find soon on rotwild.com.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer

You may also like