16. March 2022

Light downhill machine: the R.G375 in test

Designed for bike park, freeride and downhill: here the R.G375 is ready to push boundaries and explore the feasible. The online magazine eMTB-News.de wanted to find out whether the Gravity Bike can live up to this and prove itself in the downhill-heavy areas of use.

The first impression is right

Even at the first glance at the data sheet with the frame specifications, tester Sebastian Beilmann confirms the orientation as a "downhill machine with a light battery", because "the aggressive geometry with a flat 63° steering angle, 180/177 mm travel and the 29″ wheels promise a lot of fun in tough terrain." In the development of the concept, these fundamentals were an important component, so that smoothness and control allow high speeds in extreme terrain and a lot of airtime.

Progressive geometry: flat 63° steering angle, 475 mm long reach (size L), 460 mm chainstays and 1306 mm wheelbase.

The carbon frame shines with a "very good build quality", the equipment fits perfectly to the rough range of use and does not afford itself any weaknesses according to the test letter: Fox Performance Elite suspension, Shimano XT group and the powerful Magura MT5 brake system, the concept is rounded off by the other parts such as Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro wheels, Schwalbe tires and e*thirteen cockpit.

High-quality processed carbon frame with integrated cable routing and tidy cockpit.

Convincing drive concept

"Reliability and decent power", that attests eMTB-News.de the Shimano EP8 in the R.G375. A particular plus point are the two profiles of the Shimano motor to better adapt the support to their own needs: "ROTWILD delivers the bike with two profiles for the motor support. Profile 1 is unchanged and delivers the full 85 Nm in boost mode. Profile 2 is adapted to the small battery and reduced weight and delivers less max. torque to increase the range. In addition, the assistance feels a bit more natural in this mode."

Strong support when needed: "A full Shimano EP8 motor is found in the bike - but it has a reduced torque mode that allows for a longer range" (eMTB-News.de)

The IPU 375 battery with its quick release mechanism is a perfect match: "the secure, rattle-free battery is unlocked by a large button and easily removed."

Battery removal in seconds with Quick Release: the IPU375 with carbon housing.

Uphill performance

And how did the R.G375 do on the trails? Before every descent is the climb and here eMTB-News.de underlines the climbing capabilities of the bike: "Uphill, the ROTWILD scores with a comfortable seating position. At an effective 76°, the seat angle is in an absolutely good range for an e-freerider and, in combination with the moderately long reach and 50 mm short stem, results in a comfortable position on the bike." The uphill performance is also supported by the 460 mm long chainstays, because they provide "enough pressure on the front" and thus counteract a rising front wheel.

If absolute maximum power is not required, the ROTWILD profile of the Shimano motor also supports the uphill characteristics. Tester Beilmann writes: "Especially the mode with throttled maximum torque is to be emphasized: This not only increases the range, but also convinces with a pleasant power development that feels very natural."

Grandiose downhill

The test report from eMTB-News.de gets straight to the point: "Downhill is of course the great strength of the ROTWILD R.G375. The e-freerider impresses with massive smoothness and a chassis that works enormously sensitive." High drops, stone and root fields at high speed, steep descents and fast changes of direction - tester Beilmann did not spare the R.G375 and states impressively: "Also worth mentioning is the balanced weight distribution on the bike, which always ensures enough pressure on the front and makes the handling of the downhill machine very easy."

Because the chassis always provides a good counterhold and thus permanently invites high jumps and cornering speeds, eMTB-News.de attests to a well thought-out package: "The overall concept of the lightweight e-freerider is consistently pulled through and inspires with terrific performance in the downhill."

At the front works the massive FOX 38 Float Performance GRIP2 with a whopping 180 mm travel, at the rear the FOX Float X2 Performance with 177 mm travel.

Conclusion - Gravity bike for hard use

In summary, eMTB-News.de underlines the strong downhill performance of the ROTWILD R.G375: "The geometry is coherent and the chassis inspires with a sensitive response and massive reserves for hard hits and big jumps. Nevertheless, the E-MTB is also fun on more playful trails, but wants to be moved here with a little more vigor. The overall concept of a small battery and throttled mode is appealing, but might not be the right choice for friends of extended tours - unless you always have a second battery at hand. The low weight of 20.3 kg is really impressive for a downhill machine in this class, including a full-fledged motor. If you are looking for an e-gravity bike for hard use and are not afraid of the price of 8,999 euros, you should definitely take a closer look at the ROTWILD R.G375."

The entire test is online at www.emtb-news.de.

Not made for everyone, but for those who can get everything out of this bike. The high-flyer, the R.G375 PRO.