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First Look | The Rotwild R.Q1+ FS 27.5 in detail

11.03.2015
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The time is finally upon us and the waiting can come to an end! After Rotwild initially presented the first prototype of the R.Q1 Hybrid at last year’s Bike Festival on Lake Garda (before launching the final version at Eurobike) the bike has finally made it into the shops. Straight from the production line, we took one of the first bikes down to Italy, putting it through its paces to see how the Brose drive unit handles the tough trails.

Erstmals in freier Wildbahn: Das Rotwild R.Q1+ FS 27,5.
The first time in the wild: the Rotwild R.Q1+ FS 27.5

At first glance, one thing is clear about the new hybrid model from Rotwild: These engineers from Dieburg have succeeded in creating something quite remarkable, setting new standards not just aesthetically but technically too, and the data couldn’t sound more promising.

The Brose motor:

The downtube-integrated, 460-watt battery, fitting seamlessly in the Brose drive unit, dominates the appearance of the R.Q1+. For the first time in the history of e-mountain bikes, this downtube integration has enabled Rotwild to create an e-bike with compact geometry and a significantly shorter chainstay than its competitors. The R.Q1+ has a 250 watt-powered motor and a torque of up to 90Nm. For those who are planning extremely long rides, Rotwild suggest their 250-watt extension pack, which fits into the bottle holder and extends the battery life by almost a third.

Herzstück des neuen Rotwild R.Q1+ ist der Brose-Antrieb und der ins Unterrohr integrierte Akku.
The centrepiece of the new Rotwild R.Q1+ is the Brose drive unit and the downtube-integrated battery.
Alles im Blick: Auf dem Display des Brose-Antrieb kann der Fahrer alle für den Fahrbetrieb nötigen Informationen ablesen. Es sitzt mittig über dem Vorbau und ist dort bereits deutlich weniger exponiert als wenige Zentimeter weiter vorne am Lenker.
All in one glance: the Brose display provides the rider with all the necessary information during the ride. Sitting centrally above the front stem, it’s noticeably less exposed than if it sat a few centimetres further forward on the handlebars.
Die Bedieneinheit fügt ist perfekt erreichbar zwischen Griff und Bremshebel positioniert. Außerdem ist sie bewusst kompakt designed um bei einem Sturz nicht so schnell beschädigt zu werden. Eine, wie wir finden sehr gute Entscheidung!
The control unit is perfectly positioned, easily reached between the grips and the brake levers. What’s more, the design is deliberately compact so as to prevent damage from crashes. A decision that we definitely approve of!
Super chick! Alle Kabel verlaufen durch einen auf dem Unterrohr aufgeschraubten Kabelkanal. Das sorgt für eine edle, aufgeräumte Optik.
Super chic! All the cables run through a channel screwed onto the downtube, giving the bike a tidy look.
Während bei den vollgefederten Modellen aktuell ein 1x10-Antrieb zum Einsatz kommt, ist das Hybrid-Hardtail auch mit einem 2x10-Antrieb erhältlich. Der Brose-Antrieb macht beides möglich und entkoppelt sich außerdem beim erreichen der 25 km/h Grenze, wodurch auch darüber hinaus noch angenehm und ohne Kraftverlust durch ein Getriebe pedaliert werden kann.
While the full suspension model currently has a 1×10 drive train, the hybrid hardtail also comes with a 2×10 if you prefer. The Brose drive unit means both are possible. It disconnects once you reach the 25km/h limit, and you can still pedal comfortably and without any loss of power through the gearing mech.

Spec and price:

The model we’ve presented here, the R.Q1+ FS 27.5 pro, costs € 4,999, making it Rotwild’s introductory bike into their range of full suspension hybrids. However, the optional parts – and ones which came with it in this case – including the King Shock LEV Integra dropper seatpost raise the price by € 250, making a total of € 5,249. In our eyes, this is money well spent; the dropper post not only guarantees more comfort and stability, it also massively enhances the fun you’ll have on the trails. Rotwild have also launched the R.Q1+ with another spec (the EVO model), which costs € 6,999.

Here are the two setups in detail:

Screenshot 2015-03-11 10.43.01
Screenshot 2015-03-11 10.42.53
Wie auch bei den Modellen ohne E-Unterstützung setzt Rotwild beim R.Q1+ auf ein FOX-Fahrwerk.
Just like its non-motorised bikes, Rotwild have chosen FOX forks for the R.Q1+
Der Verstellhebel der Teleskopsattelstütze ist gut erreichbar auf der linken Seite des Lenkers montiert.
The adjustment lever for the dropper seatpost is well positioned on the left side of the handlebars.
Shimano XT-Scheibenbremsen mit Kühlrippen auf den Belägen sollen für eine ausreichende Verzögerung sogern.
Shimano XT disc brakes with cooling fins on the pads should guarantee sufficient braking.
Das Shimano-Schaltwerk mit Shadow+-Technologie soll nicht nur präzise Gangwechsel ermöglichen, sondern auch die Kette an Ort und Stelle halten.
The Shimano Shadow Plus shifters don’t just enable smooth gear changes, but keep the chain in place too.
Bei der Bereifung setzt Rotwild auf den Continental X-King.
When it came to tyres, Rotwild chose Continental X-King.
Ergonomische Komponenten aus dem Hause Ergon runden den insgesamt sehr guten Eindruck der Ausstattung ab.
Ergonomic components from Ergon complete what is essentially a really good setup.

The Geometry:

As already mentioned, the Brose drive unit’s small size has enabled Rotwild to realise a much shorter chainstay. According to Rotwild, this results in a shorter wheelbase and agile handling. In fact: 455 mm chainstays on e-mountain bikes with 27.5” wheels are an absolute first! On paper, the rest of the geometry looks like a winner, here’s an overview:

Screenshot 2015-03-11 11.24.42

Our opinion:

With its new hybrid collection of bikes, Rotwild has brought fresh wind into the still developing e-mountain bike segment. Their bikes don’t only look good, they’re technically well considered too. Alongside the geometry, the spec and quality look spot on at first glance. If they ride anywhere near as well as we believe, then they’re going to be genuine game changes! The answer to this and a more in-depth report on how the R.Q1 FS 27.5 rides can be found in the next issue of the E-Mountainbike Magazine.

For more informations visit: rotwild.de/hybrid

Words & Pictures: Christoph Bayer

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