E-Mountainbike Review | ROTWILD R.X+ FS 27.5 EVO

The idea of taking it easy, sitting back, and basking in the success of the two full suspension E-MTBs that the Dieburg-based company launched last year is not one that strikes a chord with the bike developers at ROTWILD. Building on last year’s accomplishments, they’re now presenting the next evolution – the R.X+ FS 27.5.

Update November 2016: This article is from 2015, in the meantime we’ve reviewed the ROTWILD R.X+ FS 27.5 2017

ROTWILD R.X+ FS 27.5" EVO 2016 — ROTWILD R.X+ FS 27.5″ EVO 2016

During the R&D of the brand new R.X+ , ROTWILD aimed to design a bike with as much flexibility as possible – they wanted to avoid dictating the ‘best’ wheel size to the customer, instead letting them reach their own decision about riding 27.5 or 27.5+ tyres. The ROTWILD’s adjustable rear end enables this flexibility, as the flip-chip alters the chainstay lengths and therefore the tyre clearance. For the purposes of our testing, ROTWILD sent us a bike with 2.8″ Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres on 40 mm rims, but the production series R.X+ bike will roll on 2.4″ Continental Mountain King tyres on 30 mm rims, which are also compatible with plus-size tyres. For the motor, ROTWILD once more opted for Brose’s compact motor, integrating it with a 518 Wh battery in the downtube’s Integrated Power Unit (IPU).

ROTWILD wanted to avoid dictating the ‘best’ wheel size to the customer.

ROTWILD have visibly excelled when it comes to the question of system integration, solving a handful of aesthetic and technological issues that leave many other brands scratching their heads. Our test model proudly bears their new mini display, whose more elegant and minimalist format still manages to effectively show all the necessary information. Getting to grips with the display takes very little time; it’s all highly intuitive. The ROTWILD also rides as smoothly as it looks, a feat that’s evident from the first pedal stroke. The modern geometry, consisting of a long frame and compact chainstays, has resulted in a super-balanced, predictable, and yet agile-handling package. The ROTWILD corners precisely and attacks technical, rooty sections without any undue stress. This is where the 2.8″-wide Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres show their strength, delivering a mass of traction and stability. With 140/145 mm travel, the suspension keeps you well in touch with what’s happening below you, yet shows no inclination to bottom out, and generally contributes to a great overall impression.

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Details

Effective: The R.X+’s rear end resists unwanted bobbing, yet it also willingly soaks up successive hits and keeps you in the loop with ground feedback – we like! — **Effective:** The R.X+’s rear end resists unwanted bobbing, yet it also willingly soaks up successive hits and keeps you in the loop with ground feedback – we like!

Worth improving: The mini display on our test bike didn’t yet have the final casing, and failed to switch on after the bike was hand-washed. The production series bike should have resolved this problem. — **Worth improving:** The mini display on our test bike didn’t yet have the final casing, and failed to switch on after the bike was hand-washed. The production series bike should have resolved this problem.

Philosophy: The Brose motor is less generous with its output than its competitors, which results in a sensation and ride that’s much closer to a regular bike. Whether this is a good or a bad characteristic is down to personal taste. — **Philosophy:** The Brose motor is less generous with its output than its competitors, which results in a sensation and ride that’s much closer to a regular bike. Whether this is a good or a bad characteristic is down to personal taste.

Supplied: Many of the R.X+ models come with a FOX 34 Boost fork, leaving the customer to decide which tyre size to ride – the fork gives room for up to 3.0" tyres. — **Supplied:** Many of the R.X+ models come with a FOX 34 Boost fork, leaving the customer to decide which tyre size to ride – the fork gives room for up to 3.0″ tyres.

Specification: ROTWILD R.X+ FS 27,5″ EVO 2016

Fork: FOX 34 Float 140 27,5+ Factory
Rear Shock: FOX Float EVOL DPS
Motor: Brose Power Engine
Battery: Rotwild Power Pack 518 Wh
Brakes: Shimano XT 203/180
Drivetrain: Shimano XTR/XT
Seatpost: Kind Shock LEV Integra
Stem: Crankbrothers Iodine 1
Handlebars: Crankbrothers Cobalt 11 780
Tires: Continental Mountain King
Wheelset: DT Swiss M1700 Spline
Weight/Size: 20,74 kg / Size M
Prize: € 6,999

Conclusion

With the R.X+, ROTWILD have served up a masterstroke. With the fat plus-size tyres, the bike never shies away from delivering masses of traction, while still delivering the sought-after agility and balance that we all love. Unfortunately, our test bike didn’t come with the finalized spec or motor control unit, which renders this bike null and void in the test’s overall standings.

Strengths:

Incredible suspension
Balanced handling
Flexible design

Weaknesses:

Display not finalized for the production series bike

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More amazing bikes can be found in our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.