The Review | The Rotwild R.E1+ FS 27.5 takes on the Alps

Seeing as the coolest, fastest and least leisurely products tend to come in black, it was no surprise to see the new Rotwild R.E1+ turn up in this same sleek colour. And seeing as everything seemed to click so well on paper, it was time we took the R.E1+ out for some extensive testing in the mountains.

Das Rotwild R.E1+ FS 27,5 musste sich im alpinen Gelände rund um Garmisch Partenkirchen beweisen. — The ROTWILD R.E1+ FS 27.5 was put through the wringer on the mountain trails around Garmisch Partenkirchen.

ROTWILD’s current collection of E-MTBs is home to three models, with each model based on an unmotorised counterpart. The R.E1+ is no exception, sharing more than just its looks with the R.E1 minus the +. When it comes to its spec and geometry, its family genetics are evident.

Rotwild bietet das R.E1+ FS 27,5 in nur zwei Rahmengrößen und einer Ausstattungsvariante zum Preis von 6.999 € an. — Coming in just two frame sizes, ROTWILD’s R.E1+ FS 27.5 has just one spec and retails at 6,999 €.

The frame

The design of this hybrid model strongly resembles the R.E1, whose presence has long been noted. It also boasts an upright shock that’s mounted on the four-pivot Horst Link rear. The R.E1+ can be brought in two frame sizes (medium and large), which does pose a problem for smaller riders, particularly those who don’t top 170cm – you’ll have to make do with the R.Q1+. With a tapered head tube, a 142x12mm thru-axle and a 180mm brake post mount, the frame is home to all the current standards.

Während der Hauptrahmen aus Aluminium gefertigt ist, wurde die Integrated Power Unit (IPU) in ein Carbon-Bauteil integriert.

While the frame is aluminium, the Integrated Power Unit (IPU) has been integrated into a carbon part. [/caption]

The spec

A skim through the spec is more than enough to testify to just how hard this Dieburg-based company have worked. Combine the wide bars, short stem and dropper post with the first-rate DT Swiss wheels and the SRAM 1×11 drivetrain, and anyone will go home happy. FOX 36 Float Factory forks and the FOX Float X shock – both in their top end versions – form a superb suspension setup. The bike takes its anchorage from Shimano XT brakes, which haul back on the Continental Trail King tyres.

Die Fox 36 Float Factory-Federgabel begeistert mit hervorragender Funktion und hoher Steifigkeit. — The FOX 36 Float Factory forks proved their worth in terms of performance and rigidity.

Die Shimano XT-Bremsen konnten auf langen Abfahrten nicht überzeugen. Zu frühes Fading und fehlenden Biss notierten die Tester auf dem Protokoll. — Our tester came away disappointed with the Shimano XT brakes, noting that on certain long descents they prone to fade and lacked bite.

Ebenfalls nicht ganz zufrieden waren sie auch mit der Performance der Continental Trail King-Reifen. Ein noch stärker profilierter Reifen mit größeren Pannenschutz wäre wünschenswert. — The Continental Trail King tyres left our tester equally dissatisfied, leaving him begging for more aggressive tyres with increased puncture resistance.

Die restliche Ausstattung bot jedoch keinen Grund zur Beanstandung und begeistert mit hervorragender Funktion. — The rest of the spec, including the SRAM X01 drivetrain, fortunately didn’t give rise to any complaints and left our rider more than content.

The motor

As is ROTWILD’s common approach, the R.E1+ takes a Brose 250w motor with up to 90Nm torque. The battery has a 461Wh capacity, which held its own on our test that took it over 2,000 metres of climbing – pretty phenomenal achievement! Even with our 85kg rider making constant use of the highest pedal-assist setting in temperatures of 28°C, the battery still had one quarter remaining after doing 1,000 metres of climbing. However, it has to be mentioned that after 25 minutes (or rather, 700 metres of climbing with full load), the motor automatically reduced its power output for three minutes to prevent the electronics from overheating. According to Rotwild, a soon to be made available software update will resolve this ‘problem.’

Ein Hauptvorteil des Brose-Antrieb: seine kompakte Bauform. — A huge advantage to the Brose motor is its compact size.

How it rides

Let’s get the facts out of the way first: at 180cm tall, our test rider Christoph chose a large frame for the R.E1+. Thanks to the long top tube length of 615mm, the result gave him a gently stretched-out riding position. On steep climbs, the steep seat angle and balanced centre-of-gravity ensured consistent pressure on the front wheel. The motor plugs away efficiently on climbs, but lacked a certain punch when it came to acceleration on the flat when compared to its peers. The pedal-assist settings are well considered, particularly the Cruise mode, which more than convinced experienced e-bikers who had initially perceived it to be on the weak side. The bike is ideally suited to riders who might head out for rides with non e-bikers, or just for those who enjoy a gentle uphill pedal to take in the landscape.

Auf ausgesetzten Trails ist kein Platz für Fahrfehler! — No room for mistakes on trails like these!

What struck us as most impressive for an E-MTB was the extremely short 445mm chainstay, which makes the bike incredibly agile despite the long frame and slack 66° head angle. At the same time, the 170mm travel keeps the bike planted on the ground, ironing out bumps with ease. At high speeds, the bike is extremely stable, instilling confidence in the rider. If you’re a more active and aggressive rider, you might wish for more ground feedback and support in the mid-travel range. The solution here takes the form of spacers that can alter the size of the air chambers for the both the rear and the forks. This is a rapid process that doesn’t require any in-depth knowledge.

Fahrspaß garantiert – das Rotwild E1+ FS 27.5 lässt sich für ein E-Mountainbike verhältnismäßig leicht aufs Hinterrad ziehen. — Fun guaranteed! For an E-MTB, the Rotwild E1+ FS 27.5 is surprisingly nimble!

Whatever the trails threw at us, the ROTWILD E1+ didn’t hold back. If anything, the Continental Trail King tyres and the Shimano XT brakes didn’t match the bike’s performance and let it down on descents due to fading, flats and a lack of grip. Upgrades to a four-piston brake and more aggressive are a must for anyone who wants to go full gas.

Rotwild E1 Hybrid Testbericht (7 von 20)

Rapid changes in direction are taken in its stride, and the R.E+1 verges on playful. Tight or wide corners, the bike is balanced, allowing it to take turns with precision and ease – more than likely down to the wide bars and short stem.

Das Rotwild R.E1+ ist eines der potentesten E-Bikes auf dem Markt! — The ROTWILD R.E1+ is one of the most potent E-bikes on the market!

Fazit:

Admittedly, if we were to name the price of 6,999€ as cheap, then we’d be lying. But we can attest to the seriously good value for money factor when it comes the ROTWILD R.E1+. With a spec that just works, incredible handling and great manufacturing, this Rotwild model certainly ranks as one of the best E-MTBs on the market. It remains to be seen just how long it will stay at the top of its game – after all, there are a few exciting new bikes lurking on the horizon.

If you want to know more about the ROTWILD E1+ FS 27.5 visit: rotwild.de

Text & Bilder: Christoph Bayer

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