R.E375 and R.E735: Which circle of friends do you belong to?
Briefly introduced: the R.E375
The R.E375 focuses on high riding dynamics and performance. It rolls on 29-inch wheels and features a powerful suspension system with a 170 mm fork and 160 mm rear travel. The geometry is designed to be very aggressive, with a 63.5-degree head angle and a reach of 485 mm in size L, making it suitable for rough trails. It is a Light-eMTB, meaning that handling, acceleration, and body positioning closely resemble a traditional mountain bike. It is equipped with the Shimano EP8 motor, offering two different riding profiles, up to 85 Nm of torque, and a 360 Wh battery. In the ULTRA configuration and size L, it weighs 19.4 kg.
You can find all information about the R.E375 ULTRA here.
That's what sets the R.E735 apart
The R.E735 is an adventurer that combines a distinctive enduro geometry and a powerful suspension system with the performance of a true eMTB. This is ensured by the new Integrated Power Unit, IPU 735, consisting of the Shimano EP801 motor and a battery with an effective capacity of 720 watt-hours. The motor delivers up to 85 Nm of torque. A notable feature of the R.E735 is the Mullet concept with a 29" front wheel and a 27.5" rear wheel. This allows for the use of a shorter chainstay of 440 mm, ensuring high agility. It features a 170 mm front suspension fork and 150 mm rear travel. The bike's geometry is characterized by a head angle of 64.5 degrees, a seat angle of 74 degrees, and a reach of 465 mm in size L. The R.E735 weighs 22.1 kg.
Learn more about the R.E735 in the ULTRA configuration here.
What an enduro biker must be able to do
MTB pioneer Richie Schley knows both bikes very well. He rides the R.E375 on his home trails in California. He tested the R.E735, among other places, on the trails around Feldberg in the Taunus region during the autumn. When asked what defines a typical enduro rider, he gives a clear answer: "That's someone who enjoys climbing uphill but is more of a downhill rider at heart." Let's interpret it this way: The friend of a ROTWILD Enduro eMTB doesn't shy away from the sporty ascent to the first trail and the passages in between, but is truly in their element when going downhill. This will play a role in differentiating between the two bikes.
What do enduro bikers want?
Fans of the enduro discipline move swiftly on rough terrain, overcoming sections with jumps. On these trails, they encounter root passages, narrow spots between trees, or rocky fields. On the other hand, each rider balances these circumstances with their skills, experiences, and a calculable level of remaining risk. Enduro bikes – such as the R.E375 or the R.E735 – must, with their geometry and suspension, precisely navigate the fine line between stability and safety in challenging terrain and the ability to achieve high speeds on straightaways and in curves. This requires manageable handling in extremely technical sections and efficient performance uphill. Both of our enduros share a large common ground here. The nuances decide whether you turn them towards the trail downhill or off the path into adventure.
The R.E375 is the "finer blade"
Choosing the R.E375 means seeking the best time on aggressive enduro trails with an uncompromising layout. It possesses endurance qualities and stability in steep high-speed sections. The contrast is the long tour into equally steep terrain, where enduro genes are inherently beneficial. The rider of an R.E735 wants to explore unknown terrain. The tour takes them away from the classic trail, into an adventure. Both forms of biking are characterized by high intensity. However, for the R.E375, the focus is on three or four descents, preferably every day of the week. The R.E735 is more suitable for an extended weekend tour, requiring preparation and anticipation. With the higher battery capacity, you can complete the long route with plenty of reserve, instead of selectively heading to the trails. Because the R.E735 is an all-rounder.
The battery capacity makes a difference
Effective 360 to effective 720: The battery capacity differentiates our two enduros and, among other factors, determines their intended use: The balanced interplay of low weight, natural handling, and tuned motor performance define the spirit of the R.E375. It is a Light-eMTB. Riders who choose this bike focus on their own performance and know the terrain they are navigating. They understand what they have with the bike on their home trails and how to use it for maximum fun. For example, by extracting the optimum range with reduced motor power and conserving energy resources while benefiting from agility through lower weight. The pre-set EP8 motor setup from Shimano with 60 Nm of torque is the optimal choice here. With the ROTWILD Quick Release Button, you can remove the battery in seconds. With a second battery, you can quickly extend the range on the tour. Additionally, Shimano's E-Tube app offers further fine-tuning possibilities. The Elektrorad magazine tested the R.E375 for motor efficiency and concluded: "With its robust-sporty characteristic, the Shimano EP8 is a congenial partner for the light, generally powerful R.E375. The Japanese motor impresses with harmonious thrust, both at low and high cadences. It proves to be moderate in consumption." Utilizing the full 85 Nm in the factory setting bridges the gap towards more powerful eMTBs while preserving the advantages of a Light-eMTB. The R.E735 follows a different approach. Here, a crucial factor is to fully exploit the motor's power. The high battery capacity enables this riding style. This is ideal for riders seeking adventure, constantly charting new routes on their personal map, and wanting to explore as many detours as possible. With the high battery capacity, the R.E735 puts an end to range anxiety.
Read our summary from the Elektrorad report here.
The geometry also sets the two bikes apart
Due to the 77-degree seat angle, the rider sits upright on the R.E375. This greatly facilitates relaxed pedaling uphill. The head angle is relatively shallow compared to other bikes. One must handle this factor to bring the optimum grip to the front wheel. In return, you are rewarded with a lot of stability and suspension responsiveness. For the R.E735, the head angle is a bit more subtle, measuring 64.5 degrees. Both bikes have 170 mm of front suspension travel. The rear suspension travel on the R.E735 is 150 mm, compared to 160 mm on its "smaller" sibling, making it less aggressive. The larger front wheel provides stability when rolling over thick roots, rocks, and blocks. The smaller circumference at the back, coupled with the shorter chainstay of 440 mm, creates a more compact rear end, increasing grip. These features on the R.E735 are more means to an end, ensuring rough terrain doesn't hinder the adventure. The rider of the R.E375 actively seeks out these passages.
The final impression from our tester
For Richie Schley, one of the pioneers who perfected the art of freeriding, the choice between our two enduros is relatively simple. "The R.E375 is my favorite bike. I like bicycles with long travel and slack angles for steep technical riding. The low weight of the small battery, in a fully capable eMTB, is ideal for short and fast rides," he says. In contrast, he describes the R.E735 as follows: "It's more of a doer. It comes equipped with angles and travel suitable for a variety of terrains. This includes steep technical terrain, fast trails, or longer rides. In combination with the mixed wheel sizes and geometry, this bike becomes very playful and entertaining."
