30. August 2024

Outstanding riding characteristics. The R.EXC PRO in the EMTB test.

The R.EXC is an outstanding e-mountain bike that was designed for competition and developed on the race tracks. With its innovative design and advanced technology, it sets new standards in the E-MTB segment. With the R.EXC, ROTWILD has returned to its downhill roots and re-entered the World Cup in 2024.

The ROTWILD R.EXC has been specially developed for enduro and downhill racing, Torben from the ROTWILD Schwalbe Gravity Team rips around the race track at the E-EDR World Cup.

This bike fascinates: not only the professional riders in the ROTWILD Schwalbe Gravity Team, but also many enduro and downhill-oriented bikers. So it's only natural that the editors of EMTB magazine wanted to test a Race Enduro as soon as possible after its launch. The report was published in issue 04-2024 and EMTB attests to the R.EXC PRO's low overall weight, massive range and, above all, outstanding riding characteristics: “The ROTWILD's superbly forgiving rear end and its strong cornering handling are phenomenal.”

With 170 mm front suspension travel, mullet, adjustable geometry and rear triangle, the R.EXC sets new standards in terms of versatility and performance.

Modern enduro for high speed

E-EDR World Cup racing means going on the attack: That's why the ROTWILD engineers designed the R.EXC for high speeds and implemented the geometry accordingly. The magazine testers immediately noticed this and stated: “The ROTWILD has modern enduro dimensions. The head angle is very slack and the bottom bracket is low. This favors the riding characteristics on fast downhills. The chainstays are short, but can be extended by five millimeters using a flip chip for smoother running and less front wheel climb.”

Recognizable at first glance, the elevated box design with the higher pivot point. The large volume of the carbon swingarm ensures symmetrical stiffness performance.

Outstanding driving characteristics

With the Elevated Box Design, we have rethought the suspension principle and developed it from scratch. This mid-high pivot system works around a higher pivot point and raises the bike's riding dynamics to a new level. The high rear suspension stiffness and the optimized anti-rise and anti-squat values have a noticeable effect on the riding characteristics, which is also proven in the test report: “Even on flowing trails, the R.EXC inspires with a high fun factor and rides more lively than some trail bikes. In addition to the low weight, the short chainstays and the low front end play a decisive role in this.”

The test bike reveals its potential on downhill sections in particular, as EMTB Magazine writes: “When the terrain gets steeper and rougher, ROTWILD's Enduro can show off its qualities even more. The slack head angle craves high speed, while the rear suspension with its raised pivot point effectively smoothes out even demanding root passages and rock gardens.”

The 820 Wh battery on the R.EXC can be removed quickly and easily using ROTWILD's own Quick Release. This is also a great advantage when racing, when the battery can be changed between individual stages.

Powerful drive and the latest cell technology

The R.EXC combines Gen2 high-performance 21700 cells with the Shimano EP801 motor. This is an outstanding example of innovative e-bike technology and is predestined for use in e-enduro racing. With a torque of up to 85 Nm, the Shimano EP801 offers powerful support and at the same time the option of using ROTWILD's proprietary battery technology.

With up to 85 Nm of torque, the Shimano EP801 offers powerful support and at the same time the option of using ROTWILD's proprietary battery technology.

The test crew commented on this combination: “At 3.65 kilos, the large battery is extremely light and can be easily removed. In addition to the standard set-up, ROTWILD also offers a harmonious setting for the Shimano EP801 based on the race update with more progressive support levels and defined trail. A clear plus for technical uphills.”

Racing is your thing? With the R.EXC you can master steep power days and demanding, fast descents with ease.

Approved for racing

EMTB Magazine writes: “For downhill fans, this is one of the best bikes on the market, only the rattling chain and the warranty exclusion for racing don't really fit the picture.” A note on our own behalf: we have developed the R.EXC bike explicitly for the E-Enduro racing format and demanding World Cup routes. It goes without saying that our voluntary manufacturer's warranty remains valid even when the bike is used for racing. Due to a communication error, EMTB Magazine inadvertently received incorrect information from us when registering for the test.

Typical racing: The suspension travel of the ROTWILD R.EXC is adjustable in three settings of 160 mm, 150 mm and 145 mm. If the suspension travel is reduced, the progression on the shock increases. At the same time, the steering angle becomes steeper and the bottom bracket rises.

Test rating “Very good”

In one of the first specialist magazine tests, the new R.EXC impressed across the board. With a test rating of Very Good, the bike underlines its performance. Editor Adrian Kaether describes it as follows: “The ROTWILD achieves an impressive balancing act. With its plush suspension and aggressive geometry, it is close to the ideal for demanding downhill riding and is also a lot of fun on flatter trails.” EMTB concludes: “The ROTWILD encourages you to go hard downhill and can really take a beating, but also remains more playful and lively on flatter trails than some trail bikes. And that with top weight and massive range.”

All info on the R.EXC