Initial testing with the R.X1000
Tests at various stages are essential in the development process of a ROTWILD bike. We do them with individual components, as well as with test bikes or models that are already very close to production readiness. The R.X1000 - our most powerful all-mountain bike - was no different. Designer Lutz Scheffer and ROTWILD engineer Christoph Scheuvens set off for the Ötztal and subjected the R.X1000 to a final check in its ultimate range of use. Both were out and about above the tree line. Where rocks and wild water characterize the landscape.
Preparation is (almost) everything
It's early in the morning. If you want to go high up and far into the mountains, you know that an early start creates a buffer for the imponderables along the way. So Christoph and Lutz take a good sip of coffee, look at the map and discuss the tour. Lutz knows the terrain in the Austrian Alps. His partner is an experienced mountain biker and sportsman. So physical fitness shouldn't be a problem. So it's time to get the two R.X1000s ready. This includes adjusting the suspension and tire pressure. Also a check of the equipment. Shock pump and air pump as well as mobile tools are always included.
Electronic and reliable shifting in the mountains
The first stage to the next hut is a smooth ride on a gravel road. Time to talk about the basics of the bike. For example, the Motor.Gearbox.Unit (MGU) from Pinion, a new development that the manufacturer from Swabia presented to the world at Eurobike in Frankfurt in 2023. "The MGU combines the motor and gearbox in one unit. With 85 Nm, up to 600 watts of power and 12 gears, the drive provides very powerful support," says Christoph Scheuvens. This is a good omen for the upcoming climbs. "The gearshift sits in a robust magnesium housing and is well protected from external influences. The magnesium also helps to keep the weight down. This is a major advantage, especially on stony terrain with an increased risk of touching down." "Electronic shifting in a unit consisting of a mid-engine and central gearbox is an enormous added value. There has never been anything like this before in the eMTB sector. The mass is centered in the middle of the bike and is suspended there. The MGU is also very low-maintenance," adds Lutz Scheffer. "The sequential spur gear shifts under any condition. You press the switch on the handlebars and the gear is reliably engaged. The gears can also be shifted through when stationary without revs. Especially considering the terrain here, that gives you a lot of confidence."
Time for a short breather
Soon the first section is done. It's time to take a breather. Recharge your batteries before the next section. "The R.X1000 is a consistent further development of the R.X750, with which we redefined a specific area of use in the all-mountain sector a few years ago: the search for extra altitude meters," explains Lutz Scheffer. "As Pinion's application partner for the development of the MGU, the R.X750 was the basis for the design," emphasizes the designer. "With the MGU in combination with the FIT battery with an effective capacity of 960 watt hours, we give the rider a good portion of more power and endurance," says Christoph Scheuvens. They both turn onto the now narrower trail. "Especially when - as here on the trail - the pedaling gets a little rougher, it helps that the electronic gearshift always shifts to the preselected gear. This makes starting uphill and from a standstill easier," continues the engineer. "What's more, the R.X1000 no longer needs a separate rear derailleur or cassette thanks to the MGU. If it's not there, it can't break."
The R.X1000 proves its climbing expertise
By now the trail is getting more and more winding. We are above the tree line and the path is getting rockier. "We rely on a mullet concept in the R.X1000. We run a 27.5" tire on the rear. This is a little wider than the tire on the front wheel. With correspondingly less pressure, the tire contact area increases. This leads to more grip in this terrain," summarizes Christoph Scheuvens. "We can also shorten the chassis with the smaller rear wheel. This ensures more agility in the movement of the bike. In addition, the rear wheel comes too close to the rider less quickly on demanding sections than with a 29er wheel." "Especially from the point of view of sportiness and our ROTWILD tradition, we rely on a long-life chain in the R.X1000 in conjunction with the MGU. In contrast to an inclined derailleur chain, it runs very quietly. In addition, the chain tensioner is optimally protected against bottom bracket contact. It is small and light and does not protrude laterally from the frame," emphasizes Lutz Scheffer. "It has an efficiency of 98%. This means that the power of the motor reaches the rear wheel without much friction loss. It is also very low-maintenance, because it always runs in a straight line in combination with the MGU without the skewing over individual chainrings of a derailleur system."
Shortly before the finish, the ascent becomes arduous
At some point the duo reaches the high plateau. The view of imposing mountain peaks opens up. The ice of a glacier glistens in the sunlight. The destination slowly approaches, the turning point from which the route leads back down into the valley. Within reach and yet still a long way off. Because the terrain gets rough. Blocked passages lie along the way. Pedaling becomes impossible in places. This is when the push assist comes into play, which can be shifted manually. "In particularly difficult, alpine terrain, you also learn to appreciate the push assist. It always provides support at the right speed, because the motor-gearbox unit knows which gear it is in at all times. Unlike a system with conventional derailleur gears. The pushing speed can also be set very sensitively on the display. This provides the rider with ideal support. You don't have to wait for the bike or even rush after it."
Back at the finish line
Back at the finish line, it is clear to see: The tour was exhausting, it's time to recharge the batteries - the purely biological ones as well as the electronic ones. "We were on the road all day. Of course, that used up energy from the FIT battery. Nevertheless, we still have a comfortable cushion. So you really don't have to worry about range with the R.X1000. It's made for long, epic tours in lonely terrain. Thanks to the powerful motor, the strong battery and the robust construction, the R.X1000 is a real game changer," says Lutz Scheffer.
