ROTWILD R.C1000 on test for best SUV ebike 2024 – Classy, classier, ROTWILD?

ROTWILD have always stood for prestige and exclusive design, and with the R.C1000 SUV ebike, equipped with innovative components such as the Pinion MGU E1.12, ROTWILD remain true to their philosophy. Find out how the ROTWILD R.C1000 stacks up against the competition and what it has in common with the Lamborghini Huracán!

Click here for an overview of our SUV ebike buyer’s guide: The best e-SUV 2024 – 10 ebikes in our group test.

The ROTWILD R.C1000 has a name worthy of a Terminator movie, and stands out from the other bikes in the test like a Lamborghini Huracán from a Fiat Multipla. This German bike brand have always been known for the exclusive design and clean aesthetics of their eMTBs, and the new ROTWILD R.C1000 tour SUV ebike is no exception. It’s by far the most expensive bike in the test, with a price tag of € 9,999. In return, you get not only a stylish carbon frame but also a host of top-quality components.
The R.C1000 is also supposed to be a jack-of-all-trades, and with the C in its name, Rotwild have opened up a whole new category in their portfolio – Cross Over bikes. These ebikes have a sporty cross-country frame geometry that can adapt to a wide range of riding scenarios: from commuting to work, to leisurely weekend rides with the family, to off-road adventures. In essence, this is what we mean when we talk about an SUV ebike, but in many ways the R.C1000 is very similar to the R.X1000 – its eMTB counterpart in the ROTWILD range.

What sets the ROTWILD R.C1000 apart?

With its angular, clean lines, the R.C1000 is instantly recognisable as a ROTWILD. The full carbon frame is dressed in sleek black lacquer with a playful mix of gloss and matte accents, elegantly complemented by gold lettering – classy! The frame is rather bulky, with a thick down tube that gives the eMTB a robust aesthetic. This bulkiness is due to the large 960 Wh battery, which doesn’t fit snuggly into the downtube, but rather protrudes slightly, giving the bike a bit of a pot belly. ROTWILD don’t offer a smaller battery option, but you can get a variety of batteries for the Pinion motor system from FIT. The Pinion MGU E1.12 motor and gearbox unit adds to the R.C1000’s beefy appearance. While the MGU has a slim and delicate design on the drive side, it adopts a more chunky profile on the other side, exuding confidence with its distinctive cooling fins. Surprisingly, despite housing an integrated gearbox, the MGU is not significantly larger than a comparable full-performance ebike motor. Because the bike no longer needs a rear derailleur and cassette, the motor and gearbox unit allows for a clean and streamlined design around the rear hub. The remaining hardware components around the motor, including the display and remote, are provided by FIT. When it comes to integration, ROTWILD had to make some concessions, given their otherwise high standards. The remote is a little bulky, and the joystick can be a bit tricky to use. In addition, the display, which is mounted on a massive bracket in front of the stem, doesn’t blend in particularly well with the overall aesthetics of the R.C1000. However, the bike offers a number of exciting features rarely found on other ebike systems on the market, including an inclinometer and a black ice warning for sub-zero temperatures.

ROTWILD have equipped their SUV ebike with a range of high quality, locally sourced components that emphasise the brand’s and the bike’s prestige. These components include the Pinion motor system, DT Swiss suspension and wheels, and Schwalbe tires. Unlike a Lamborghini Huracán, the ROTWILD R.C1000 SUV ebike doesn’t just exude style, it also promises impressive functionality. The rear spoiler, also reminiscent of a sports car, is not designed to break the Nürburgring lap record, but serves as a luggage rack with lateral attachment points for panniers. The maximum permitted weight, including the rider, is 150 kg, leaving plenty of room for the maximum payload of 124 kg. If required, the attachment mounts for bags on the rear rack can be effortlessly removed in just 10 seconds without the need for tools, transforming the R.C1000 into an even sleeker-looking ride with the most seductive rear end in the test. Integrated into the rear rack is the TL3 Pro rear light from German manufacturer Supernova. As well as improving visibility, the bright brake and emergency brake lights draw attention to you on the road.Up front, the Supernova M99 Mini Pro’s high beam ensures excellent visibility even on the darkest of nights. The sturdy mudguards will keep your clothes dry, at least from splashes from below. An added benefit of the carbon frame and top-of-the-range components is that, despite the ebike’s long travel, large battery, powerful motor and full equipment list, it’s the lightest in the test, weighing in at just 25.6 kg, over 4 kg less than the test average. This weight advantage will save you a trip to the chiropractor when it comes to lifting your bike onto the bike rack or carrying it up the stairs to your flat.

Tuning Tip: Choose a smaller battery for a cleaner look.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	588 mm	617 mm	6654 mm	688 mm
Seat tube	413 mm	444 mm	473 mm	509 mm
Head tube	110 mm	110 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	66°	66°	66°	66°
Seat angle	76°	76°	76°	76°
Chainstay	460 mm	460 mm	460 mm	460 mm
BB Drop	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm
Wheelbase	1,191 mm	1,215 mm	1,235 mm	1,289 mm
Reach	404 mm	438 mm	469 mm	498 mm
Stack	611 mm	617 mm	637 mm	649 mm

What can the ROTWILD R.C1000 do that other bikes can’t?

Saddle up on the ROTWILD R.C1000 eSUV and you’ll find yourself in a sporty riding position that feels more like riding an eMTB than a touring bike. MTB enthusiasts will feel right at home and the temptation to head straight for the next trail will be strong. The wide 780 mm handlebar gives you plenty of control when venturing off-road. However, the sporty riding position and challenging handling may leave beginners feeling less integrated and a little insecure. Unfortunately, the riding position cannot be adjusted from the cockpit because the stem that ROTWILD used only allows you to lower the front. On the other hand, the R.C1000 has good ergonomics and a clean cockpit, with the exception of the clunky FIT remote. The ROTWILD shares the top spot in the suspension travel category with the Riese & Müller Delite 4 GT Touring. The R.C1000 uses DT Swiss suspension, which offers 140 mm travel front and rear. This setup makes it comfortable and suitable for long-distance riding. But the sporty nature of the ROTWILD is more suited to shorter trips with occasional off-road excursions.

The powerful Pinion MGU motor and gearbox unit isn’t quite as responsive as the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, but it takes the edge off nasty climbs. Thanks to the Pinion MGU’s integrated gearbox, you can shift at any time, even under full load. You will notice some slightly delayed shifting between gears 4 and 5, which are often used on climbs, and the higher gears 8 and 9. That’s due to the internal shift logic and the arrangement of the gears on two shift shafts. With its wide range of gears, no climb is too steep, and when you’re cruising above the 25km/h limit, you’ll always find the perfect gear to avoid having to pedal at the cadence of a sewing machine. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery with the semi-automatic Pre.Shift mode, which selects the appropriate gear according to a pre-configured cadence as you coast along. This prevents you from spinning out when coasting downhill just after climbing in case you’re still in an easy gear from the climb. But if you decide to take a shortcut to the summit on a rooty trail, you can change gears on the fly without pedalling, even if you forget to shift down before the climb. Thanks to its closed system, the MGU requires less maintenance than a conventional rear derailleur and there’s no need to re-adjust or worry about a bent hanger. The ROTWILD R.C1000 SUV ebike is one of the few bikes currently available that combines the Pinion MGU E1.12 with a Pinion X1 Longlife chain instead of a belt. For ROTWILD, the chain embodies the sporty aspect of an MTB rather than a belt, which gives off more of a trekking vibe. As a result, you may have to put up with a bit of chain rattle while riding.

The powerful TRP C2.3 four-piston brakes with large 200 mm discs front and rear deliver plenty of braking power, making sure that even the steepest descents you won’t be a problem. However, ROTWILD sacrifice some performance potential with their choice of tires. The Schwalbe Racing Ray at the front and the Racing Ralph at the rear can hold their own against other tires in the test, but due to their off-road suitability they tend to accumulate dirt quickly in muddy conditions. With tires with a slightly chunkier tread, the ROTWILD R.C1000 eSUV could both unleash its full potential on easy trails and handle more challenging conditions with ease. On your weekend adventures, the integrated navigation system will help you find your way. The display at the front of the stem provides turn-by-turn directions with arrows. The stem also comes with an SP Connect mount and a standard USB-C connection, allowing you to navigate more effectively by using the FIT ebike Connect app rather than relying on the small arrows on the display – even Indiana Jones would be jealous! However, the ebike has a few drawbacks. In particular, the side kickstand has a tendency to come loose and unfold during active off-roading. Also, the noise level of the Pinion MGU, especially in the lower gears, can be quite annoying.

Who should take a closer look at ROTWILD R.C1000?

If you’re an experienced mountain biker looking for a bike for weekend rides, easy trails and commuting, the ROTWILD R.C1000 is a good choice. Similarly, it’s an ideal match for riders who value prestige and high quality components. Its lightweight construction also makes it easy to load on a hitch bike rack, and its elegant design blends seamlessly with the luxurious car.

Our conclusion on the ROTWILD R.C1000

The ROTWILD R.C1000 stands out as the most exclusive bike in the test! It boasts uniqueness not only in terms of price but also design and equipment. The price tag just shy of the € 10,000 mark is steep, but it only adds to the bike’s exclusivity. And, for the target group ROTWILD are aiming at, the price is of little importance anyway. The R.C1000 is best suited for leisurely rides and short trips off the beaten track. The sporty riding position makes it less ideal for extended tours.

You can find out more about at rotwild.com

The test field

Click here for an overview of our SUV ebike buyer’s guide: The best e-SUV 2024 – 10 ebikes in our group test.

All bikes in test:

ADVANCED Trekking Pro FS Wave | BULLS Vuca EVO FSX 1 | CENTURION Country R3000i LX | CONWAY CAIRON SUV FS 7.7 | FLYER Goroc TR:X 8.63 | GIANT Stormguard E+ 1 | Moustache J. All | Riese & Müller Delite 4 GT Touring | ROTWILD R. C1000 TOUR | Specialized Turbo Tero X 6.0

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Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Jan Richter, Robin Schmitt