The new ROTWILD R.X735 2023 – Two wheeled deer with Shimano EP8 and big battery

The ROTWILD R.X735 relies on a powerful Shimano EP8 motor and big 720 Wh battery and combines 150 mm travel at the front and 144 mm at the rear, which should make it a true all-rounder that impresses with agile and direct handling. Keep reading to find out everything about the new R.X735.

So far, the R.X375 with a powerful Shimano EP8 motor and small 375 Wh battery was ROTWILD’s bike of choice for technical trail riding. Now the German manufacturer introduces the R.X735, which combines the same motor with a bigger 720 Wh battery. This puts it right between the R.X375 and ROTWILD’s R.X750 powerhouse with Brose motor and 750-Wh battery. With its light battery and powerful motor, the R.X375 has already proven itself as a playful fun machine, and now the German manufacturer is determined to raise the bar even higher with the R.X735. Like the R.X375, it’s aimed primarily at sporty and active riders, thus forming part of ROTWILD’s Aggressive Series range. To make justice to its area of application, the R.X735 rolls on 29″ wheels and generates 150/144 mm travel at the front and rear, respectively. Prices start at €7,999.

The new ROTWILD R.X735 in Detail

Even when stationary, the R.X735 clearly gives away its intentions. With its aggressive silhouette, square-edged downtube and straight lines, it’s a real head turner and distinctly reconisable as a ROTWILD. Both the main frame triangle and swingarm are made of carbon. The Shimano EP8 motor is neatly integrated into the bottom bracket area while the 720 Wh hides discreetly inside the down tube. The latter can be easily removed from the side of the frame using a quick-release button, allowing you to charge the battery wherever it suits you best. Rotwild show a great love for detail, providing the R.X735 with countless elaborate and well-implemented features. Amongst them, the magnetic cover that protects the charging port from dirt and water and the elongated and ribbed chainstay protector, which is seamlessly integrated into the swingarm and should ensure a quiet ride on the trail – we’ve already praised it on several occasion in previous ROTWILD reviews. The integrated Fidlock bottle cage rounds off the overall tidy look and is a lot more discreet than your average bottle cage. According to Rotwild, the flagship model of the R.X735 in size L tilts the scales at 21.2 kg.

Spec and variants of the ROTWILD R.X735

The ROTWILD R.X735 is available in three spec variants called Core, Pro and Ultra. The Ultra version comes equipped with FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 36 Float Factory FIT 4 fork with lockout mode and Float X Factory shock. However, we’d happily trade the lockout feature for the far superior GRIP2 damper, which offers better damping characteristics and adjustability – and in our opinion the lockout is superfluous on the R.X735 anyway. Shifting and braking is taken care of by a Shimano XT drivetrain and XTR brakes. The Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro i9 carbon wheelset fits well into the elegant overall picture but the standard Schwalbe tire combo with a Magic Mary Super Ground at the front and Hans Dampf Evo Super Trail at the rear doesn’t live up to the potential to the bike, with the thin casing posing a constant threat to the expensive carbon rims, especially with heavy and aggressive riders. We recommend upgrading your tires with a tougher casing straight out of the box.

The geometry of the Rotwild R.X735

The ROTWILD R.X735 is available in four sizes, S to XL. The 475 mm reach in size L isn’t too extreme for a modern trail bike while the 65.5° head angle and 1253 mm wheelbase perfectly suit the character of a nimble allrounder. Particularly short riders should pay attention to the relatively long seat tubes when picking their size. At 470 mm in size L, this makes it hard for short riders to upsize and thus to choose their bike based on their riding style. On top of that, a long seat tube totally defeats the purpose of a long-travel dropper post, like in this case the EIGHTPINS NGS 2.0 of the R.X735 – what a pity!

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	597 mm	617 mm	647 mm	675 mm
Seat tube	410 mm	444 mm	470 mm	506 mm
Head tube	110 mm	110 mm	130 mm	140 mm
Head angle	65.5°	65.5°	65.5°	65.5°
Seat angle	75°	75°	75°	75°
Chainstay	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm	30 mm
Wheelbase	1,200 mm	1,219 mm	1,253 mm	1,282 mm
Reach	430 mm	450 mm	475 mm	500 mm
Stack	625 mm	625 mm	643 mm	652 mm

With the R.X735, ROTWILD filled an important gap in their portfolio, introducing an eMTN for riders who want a classic all-rounder that is capable of more than just a quick post-work ride. Overall, the spec does justice to the character and intended use of the bike, although heavy and aggressive riders could do with more robust tires. We can’t wait to put the R.X735 through the wringer to tell you how it performs on the Trail.

For more information follow Rotwild.com

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Words: Felix Rauch Photos: Manufacturer