11. August 2022

Put through its paces - the R.X735

The ROTWILD R.X735 is a border crosser between the worlds. It is a "performance e-MTB" next to the R.X375 a classic, light-footed all-mountain for collecting altitude meters and the sporty ride over the trail. The large battery, meanwhile, provides it with that extra bit of energy for endurance riding. Editor Rico Haase took a close look and hammered over the trail with the latest ROTWILD in Franconia.

(All photos: Rico Hase - eMTB-News.de)

A few numbers up front: eMTB-News.de rode the R.X735 on a set test cycle near Bamberg in Franconia. For the round of 52.1 kilometers, with 1,412 meters of altitude, the testers needed two hours 11 minutes with the continuous highest support level "Boost" - until the battery was empty. The conclusion of the bike journalists: The R.X735 "shines [...] on the trail with confident, agile handling and leaves a very positive overall impression as an extremely fun overall package [...]". The magazine clearly emphasized that the factors "performance" and "design" are decisive for R.X735.

IPU - with 720 watt hours and Shimano EP8

The unique selling point of the new R.X735 is the battery with innovative cell technology. The cells are arranged more densely in this ROTWILD in-house development and offer an effective capacity of 720 watt hours. The battery designation "735" is a reminiscence of the relationship to the R.X375. In the new model, too, it can be removed from the side of the frame at the touch of a button using Quick Release. "Battery removal has never been easier, more comfortable and faster," summarizes EMTB News. For the motor in the IPU, ROTWILD has taken a new approach compared to other models with similarly high battery performance. The manufacturer uses an EP8 from Shimano and now builds in its performance e-MTB - with the Shimano and the Brose Drive S Mag - on two different motor systems. The EP8 has a maximum torque of 85 Newton meters. It finds the best power development at a high cadence of the rider. The motor does not want to take the work off the rider, but to support her or him powerfully during sporty riding. The EP8 is small and can be well integrated into modern frames due to the relatively smaller installation volume.

Regarding the motor, the testers note: "ROTWILD relies in the R.X735, contrary to the well-known Brose Drive S Mag, now on a Shimano EP8 motor, which provides 85 Nm max. torque, has a compact design and a high acceptance in terms of durability."

The geometry - with 150 millimeters of travel

In terms of geometry, the latest ROTWILD bike is sporty. The R.X735 has a front suspension travel of 150 millimeters. The ROTWILD engineers have tuned the chassis to 144 millimeters. "Even at first glance, the slim dimensions of the frame are striking," Rico Haase emphasizes in his test. The new frame is the result of consistent development work and the integration of the battery in the down tube. The frame is made entirely of high-quality carbon. Thus, the bike weighs 21 kilograms in the tested frame size L and the Ultra equipment variant. Even the values such as suspension travel or the steering angle of 65.5 degrees or the seat angle of 75 degrees show the parallels to the second all-mountain, the R.X375. The high cockpit would speak for "suitable comfort with simultaneous sportiness", emphasizes eMTB-News.de in the test. The longer wheelbase and reach helps bikers shift the center of gravity optimally and stay on the trigger in extreme riding situations. The flat steering angle ensures a lot of safety at high speeds.

High-end also in the chassis. "Of course, a Fox Kashima suspension works on the top model ROTWILD R.X735 Ultra. At the front are 150 mm, at the rear 144 mm suspension travel available."

Three equipment variants - Core, Pro, Ultra

Ex works, the entry-level variant Core has, among other things, a Shimano XT shifting, Magura MT5 brakes or a Fox chassis a solid equipment. In the Pro and Ultra variants, for example, in the chassis, the circuit higher-quality components are installed. Thus, these two models brake with a Shimano brake. In the Ultra, for example, the wheels from Crankbrothers are also made of carbon. "The compliance and pleasant flexibility of the carbon rims calm the e-mountain bike in rough terrain and ensure silky smooth straight-line running," judges eMTB-News.de. In addition, the engineers rely on a Kashima suspension from Fox in the ultra version. A Fox Float X damper is installed in the chassis, which is adapted to the kinematics of the carbon rear triangle.

ROTWILD R.X735 - slim design meets sporty geometry. But that's not all, because also technically holds this new E-MTB some finesse ready. (eMTB-News.de)

The practical test - "A fun overall package".

The testers noticed the bike's high cockpit before the first ride. This ensures clarity. The rider has a central position even when standing and can read the values from the display without having to bend over the handlebars. Riders need a confident posture on the trail - whether sitting or standing - in order to master the route safely. Rico Haase says, "Here you don't get a super comfortable all-around sofa that you just throw down the trail, hold on and somehow get to the bottom okay. No, here the line wants to be well chosen. If line choice and riding skills fit, then the very fastest times are the result." The bike benefits here from the fact that the engineers have taken the Aggressive Series' weight-optimized approach further. "The rear end has a lot of pop and the balance of the entire bike is central and low," says Rico Haase. So you get with the bike even over wild roots, stony trail passages. The new R.X735 is dynamic and performant on the trail. Rico Haase, meanwhile, was convinced by the lightness of the bike: "I'm sticking with it: the future belongs less to the pure light e-MTB, but to the light performance e-MTB."

Den kompletten eMTB-News.de Test report by Rico Haase can be read online.

eMTB News tester Rico Haase rode on his test lap 52.1 kilometers and 1412 meters of altitude in 2 hours and 11 minutes. In addition, "the ROTWILD R.X735 Ultra shines" and leaves an enthusiastic overall impression in the first test.