6. November 2020

ROTWILD Insights: Johannes Matschos

When it comes to the new development of ROTWILD bikes, there is no way around Johannes Matschos. As a product manager with a degree in mechanical engineering, he is the link between engineering and production. In the recent past, he has been particularly involved with the bikes of the new Aggressive Series. In the interview, he therefore talks about some details of the new R.375 bikes and gives insights into his job and everyday working life at ROTWILD.v

Johannes Matschos is Product Manager at ROTWILD and involved in many development phases of new bikes. A focus of activity for the passionate enduro rider was recently the intensive work on the ROTWILD Aggressive Series.

How long have you been working at ROTWILD and how did you get the job?

I started working as a student trainee at ROTWILD in 2014 while studying for my Master's degree at the TU Darmstadt. At that time, a position in engineering was advertised and I asked whether I could also do this job part-time while studying. After my studies, it was clear to both parties that it would continue full-time.

Which colleagues from product management and engineering do you work closely with?

Because we are a small team, I am in constant contact with all my colleagues in Engineering. In product management, I work very closely with Peter Schlitt and Marc Faude.

How are the tasks in your team distributed?

Engineering takes over the classic development tasks such as technology development, design and implementation of the design with the producer. My task is to accompany the respective project from the idea to the market launch. This also involves communicating the relevant information with other departments such as marketing, sales, purchasing and production planning. There is no other job at ROTWILD where you accompany a product through so many project phases. That is exactly the beauty of my job.

As product manager, you were intensively involved in the development of the R.E375 E-MTB enduro. How did the idea for the new bike come about?

The deciding factor was our own experience in the Taunus region at home. Here we have many fast and rough enduro trails. During our tours, we noticed that we never completely needed the 750 Wh of our previous mountain bikes. At the same time, we saw a need for optimization in the total weight of the bikes for such enduro trails. So it made sense to significantly reduce the battery capacity in order to save weight. Thus the idea for the new 375 platform was born. Developing an aggressive enduro bike based on this concept was the logical consequence for us.

Already in the conception phase of the R.E375 Johannes had clear requirements for the new enduro: "The bike must never be the limiting factor, rather it must offer reliable handling in all sections". Of course, that the first prototypes were also extensively tested by him.

To what extent did your own experience as an enduro biker help you with product development?

It's always good if you also get to grips with the product intensively during product development. Only then can I effectively incorporate my experience and understand the needs of the target group much better.

What criteria were particularly important to you in the development of the R.E375?

For me, geometry was very important in the development process. Because in the end it is the deciding factor whether I feel comfortable on a bike or not.

Why did you install the new Shimano EP8 motor?

In addition to the small installation space and low weight, the engine convinced us of its driving characteristics. The dynamic, lively response fits perfectly with the concept of the new Aggressive Series. In addition, the motor can be very easily adjusted individually via the E-Tube app.

For the first time, you have developed a linkage made entirely of carbon for the R.E375. What are the advantages over the previously used linkages?

The design can be implemented very well in carbon, almost easier than if it were made of aluminum. So it was clear for us to take this step and consistently manufacture the frame 100 percent from carbon.

A key reason for the active driving dynamics of the R.E375 is the newly developed suspension with its increased progression. The new, one-piece carbon linkage reduces weight and ensures smooth operation of the damper.

How does the geometry of the new R.E375 differ from that of the other Rotwild Enduro bikes?

There are three main differences to the older bikes: First, the longer reach, which provides more freedom of movement on the bike. Secondly, the flatter steering angle, which makes the bike smoother and thirdly, a steeper seat angle, which makes pedaling uphill more pleasant.

What does a "normal" working day look like for you?

Depending on which project phase we are in at the moment, my everyday life looks quite different. Sometimes I spend a lot of time in the office, while during prototyping I'm more likely to be found in the workshop. On occasional test rides, I'm also out on the trail. In general, I write a lot of e-mails to gather information and communicate it further.

On the way to the final standard equipment, many decisions have to be made to ensure that all add-on parts are optimally suited to the area of application. This is also an important area of work for ROTWILD Product Manager Johannes.

That sounds quite varied. What are the biggest challenges for you in your job?

It's often not easy to keep track of all the projects and the corresponding details and not forget anything. The only thing that helps me here is the classic notepad.

In which areas do you see the greatest potential for further technical improvement of the current bikes?

When I look at carbon structures from other industries, I still see a lot of lightweight construction and quality potential here. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes very expensive when using carbon. Especially when you get into these lightweight categories. So the question here is more when and if these technologies will become affordable so that our industry can work with them.

Do you have any tips for someone who would also like to work in the bike industry?

You should keep applying and keep in touch with people in the industry. It's a small industry that is constantly looking for good people. You'll eventually find the right place for you.

About your personal bike preferences: Downhill or Uphill?

Quite clearly: Downhill.

Fully or Hardtail?

I don't have to think about that either: Fully.

From the specifications to the test rides, the feedback of our own employees is an essential input in all development phases. True to our philosophy: we build bikes that we would also like to ride ourselves.

E-bike or conventional?

I like both.

And which is your favorite bike from the ROTWILD collection?

Now that autumn is just around the corner, I like to be on my R.X1 FS 29 on the road. This is for me an optimal wheel for the home trails.

How many kilometers do you sit in the saddle per year?

In a good year I come to about 6,500 kilometers.

Do you have a favorite area for biking?

For me, it's the Taunus. I'm quickly in a varied terrain without long journeys.