Rotwild have always been recognised as pioneers in the eMTB sector and with the new R.X375 and R.E375 models, the German brand is proving that it’s still at the top of its game. While many brands have integrated the new Shimano EP8 into their existing bikes, the Dieburg team have come up with an entirely new concept and it looks very promising!
The concept of the Rotwild R.X375 and R.E375 in detail
The new Rotwild R.X375 and R.E375 were both clearly designed to deliver fun on the trail. Both bikes are aimed at riders who want a light, agile eMTB and are willing to accept compromises in terms of battery capacity. But don’t worry, the engineers at Rotwild have come up with a lot of good ideas to prevent you from getting stuck mid-ride with a dead battery. On the one hand, the new Shimano EP8 motor allows you to preconfigure two motor profiles and tune Eco, Trail and Boost modes in each. You could create a more economical profile, which provides a natural ride feel and uses little battery power as well as a more powerful one for technical sections, which you can switch between on the fly. If you want to find out more about the EP8 motor, you can read our detailed and comprehensive review with our first ride impressions, suggested settings and much more. Another highlight is the quick-change battery system, which allows you to remove the battery from the frame within seconds. If you can afford an extra € 749, you can buy a second external battery with a lightweight carbon housing to double your range. Rotwild will also be releasing a new version of their popular Rotwild R.X750, which we tested extensively last year. However, the updated 2021 model has remained pretty much unchanged.
Both the Rotwild R.X375 and the R.E375 feature a full carbon frame, each its own specific platform. Both bikes roll on 29″ wheels and have 150 mm and 170 mm travel respectively, front and rear. Besides the practical battery removal system, the frames are packed with many clever and beautiful details. For example, a magnet on the cap of the charging socket allows you to secure it to the frame. A massive chainstay protector ensures a quiet ride and Rotwild’s in-house stem and handlebars make for a tidy cockpit – a nice touch!
The spec of the Rotwild R.X375 and Rotwild R.E375 in detail
While the two bikes were designed for different purposes, they have some things in common. Both share the same Shimano drivetrain and brakes, except for the entry-level CORE model which comes equipped with Magura MT5 brakes. It’s worth mentioning that there isn’t a single SRAM component on this bike. The whole range rolls on DT Swiss wheels, where high-end models feature top of the range carbon wheelsets and more affordable spec options come with cheaper wheels. However, experience has shown that DT Swiss wheelsets are always reliable and durable. As far as the tires go, Rotwild are saying goodbye to Continental and starting a new partnership with Schwalbe. The R.E375 comes with a Magic Mary/Big Betty combo with Super Trail casing and the R.X375 with Nobby Nics with the ultra-light Super Ground casing. Riders with trail ambitions should upgrade to more robust tires to improve puncture resistance and sidewall stiffness. A real highlight is the EightPins dropper, which can be found on all models except the most affordable CORE version. Depending on the frame size, the dropper has up to 230 mm travel. The ULTRA model features the new hydraulic version of the EightPins dropper, which is a lot smoother than the mechanical version.
All the specs of the R.X375 at a glance
The two R.E375 specs at a glance
The geometry of the Rotwild R.X375 and R.E375
With Rotwild designing a specific frame for each bike, it made sense to adapt the geometry of each to its respective area of application. Rotwild offer the R.X375 in four sizes. The large frame has a reach of 470 mm, a relatively conservative 66.5° head angle and a low bottom bracket (30 mm drop). At 75.5°, the seat angle should provide a comfortable riding position for long days in the saddle. Together with the 450 mm chainstays, all of these numbers suggest lively yet good-natured handling.
The geometry of the Rotwild R.X375 at a glance:
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 506 mm |
| Top tube | 590 mm | 610 mm | 640 mm | 667 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 110 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° |
| Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| Chainstay | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm |
| BB Height | 345 mm | 345 mm | 345 mm | 345 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1184 mm | 1205 mm | 1237 mm | 1266 mm |
| Reach | 430 mm | 450 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm |
| Stack | 618 mm | 620 mm | 636 mm | 645 mm |
You can immediately tell that the geometry of the R.E375 is more progressive than the R.X375. In a size Large, the bike has a reach of 485 mm and a slack 63.5° head angle. Since the enduro version has more travel and thus more SAG, at 77 °, the seat angle is significantly steeper than the R.X375. With a 25 mm drop, the bottom bracket is also higher. At 445 mm, the chainstays are slightly shorter and should make for very lively handling. Unlike the R.X375, the enduro version is only available in three sizes, from M to XL.
The geometry of the Rotwild R.E375 at a glance:
| Size | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 440 mm | 470 mm | 506 mm |
| Top tube | 604mm | 632 mm | 655 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 125 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
| Seat angle | 77° | 77° | 77° |
| Chainstay | 445 mm | 445 mm | 445 mm |
| BB Height | 350 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1253 mm | 1284 mm | 1311 mm |
| Reach | 460 mm | 485 mm | 510 mm |
| Stack | 625 mm | 636 mm | 641 mm |
Who are the two Rotwild models for?
When looking at the two bikes, you’ll inevitably ask the question: which one is right for me?
Rotwild call the enduro version “The daredevil” and describe it with the following statement:
The R.X375 is dubbed “The trail king” and described as follows:
Pricing and availability of the new Rotwild R.X375 and R.E375
Depending on the model and spec, prices range from € 6,999 to € 11,499 for the R.X375 and from € 7,499 to € 8,999 for the R.E375. If you want to double your range, you can buy an optional 375 Wh IPU battery with carbon housing for an extra € 749.
While the official release is planned for the end of the year, Shimano are currently experiencing some problems fulfilling the supply of their new motor. This currently makes it impossible to give an exact date for availability.
The new Rotwild R.X375 and R.E375 conclusion
Once again, Rotwild live up to their reputation as a driver of innovation in the eMTB sector, presenting bikes that push forward the eMTB concept and that make use of the new Shimano EP8 motor. The coherent integration and clever battery removal system could give the Specialized Levo SL some competition. However, the bikes will have to prove their potential in a more detailed test and we can’t wait to review them for you.
More information at rotwild.de
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