Welcome back to racing - The ROTWILD R.EXC in the final endurance test
The development of the ROTWILD R.EXC (Part 4)
In the fourth and final part about the development of the ROTWILD R.EXC, we take a look at the final test: its use in tough competition. Racing has always been anchored in our DNA, which is precisely why the ROTWILD R.EXC has undergone the ultimate endurance test for a whole year: in the middle of the World Cup circuit, on the most demanding tracks of the E-EDR World Cup. Real racing conditions cannot be recreated artificially - they have to be experienced. So how does the bike perform in practice? To find out, we spoke to Torben Drach from the ROTWILD Schwalbe Gravity Team, former German Enduro champion. He was one of the first riders to test the ROTWILD R.EXC on the trails and in competitions before it went into production.
It was clear from the outset that a racing series is the perfect test bench for a bike designed for maximum performance. Each race served as a real test laboratory to optimize the final details and explore the limits of what is possible. With the R.EXC, we didn't just want to measure ourselves - we wanted to prove that our development approach makes the decisive difference.
“You have to be able to rely blindly on a bike”
Torben Drach knows the pressure that riders are under in competition. Precision, confidence and an optimal set-up are the cornerstones of success. “The R.EXC was actually my first E-MTB,” says Torben Drach. “It was a big change, but when I got the prototype model in January 2024, I was immediately impressed.” Despite the unfamiliar platform - a mullet bike with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel - the transition was easy for him. “You immediately felt comfortable, and that's the most important thing for me on a race bike. After a few rides, I knew that this bike would work in the race.”
The ROTWILD R.EXC was developed specifically for ambitious riders and competition use. It combines a robust chassis with innovative rear suspension kinematics and a powerful drive. Developed to meet the highest demands in enduro racing, it also shows its strengths on technical trails and during training rides.
Here we go - season opener in Finale Ligure
Anyone who has ever ridden an MTB in Finale Ligure knows about the challenging terrain. For everyone else: The trails towards the sea are extremely rough and steep, the racing line is not an option here, but a vital necessity. When the race is about seconds or even tenths of a second, you are in an area where the smallest parameters can make a huge difference.
“I was lucky enough to have the R.EXC in my hands at the start of the season. Finale Ligure is extremely demanding, and the suspension and kinematics in particular are of crucial importance. The mid-high pivot system of the R.EXC showed its great advantages on this terrain. It can be very individually adjusted and perfectly adapted to the conditions,” recalls Torben Drach of his first race.
Finale Ligure is mercilessly rocky and demanding, and any small uncertainty can have fatal consequences. Control and safety are disproportionately important in this terrain - they ensure a top time in the end.
“If you have control, you're simply faster, that's no secret. Finale Ligure has a lot of loose stones, which makes things very challenging. But the R.EXC worked extremely well here, the rear end literally sticks to the ground. During the race, I was able to take all my concentration off the bike and onto the course. I've rarely felt so confident on a bike.” Handling is also very important in the tight bends on the trails around the Mediterranean. Thanks to the mullet setup, i.e. the combination of different wheel sizes, the R.EXC really impressed here. “I was skeptical at first, but the smaller rear wheel makes the bike incredibly agile,” admits Torben. “Especially in tight corners or on the technical trails towards the sea in Finale, you notice how lively the bike is. At the same time, the large front wheel tracks mercilessly, it's super smooth and very stable, especially on fast descents!”
The uphill
An e-enduro race is even more physically and tactically challenging than a classic enduro race. In addition to the familiar downhill stages, Finale also featured two power stages - extremely steep, technically demanding climbs where not only fitness but also motor control, tire choice and battery power play a decisive role. The ROTWILD R.EXC proved to be a real game changer here. “The uphill capabilities were almost more spectacular for me than the downhill performance,” Torben continues. “Uphill, the rear triangle transfers the power of the chain directly to the ground. The coordination of kinematics and motor is super important here, you want permanent contact with the ground to be able to generate propulsion. And the bike worked really well here.”
But it's not just the suspension, the bike's drive system is also very impressive. With the Shimano EP801, the R.EXC relies on a motor that is both powerful and intuitive. “The assistance starts smoothly and ends with a seamless fade-out. This ensures that the e-bike experience remains as natural as possible,” praises Torben. The motor has proven its qualities in racing in particular, as it delivers enough power even on steep climbs without sacrificing efficiency.
Another highlight is the battery's quick-release system. “We change the battery once during the race,” explains Torben. “This takes just a few seconds and gives us a clear advantage over other teams, who need a lot more time to do this because they have to remove the battery with tools.”
This system has not only proven itself in competition, but also in training. “We often emptied several batteries in a row to test tires, rims or suspension settings. With the quick-release system, we were simply able to work more efficiently,” reports Torben. This feature shows that the R.EXC was not only developed with performance in mind, but also user-friendliness.
Design meets function
“One point that has been talked about a lot is the design of the R.EXC. The bike has a techy look - you can immediately see that it was developed for a special purpose,” says Torben. While function always comes first for him, he also emphasizes that the R.EXC stands out from the crowd with its unique look: “It's cool to ride something that doesn't look like every other bike.”
The construction of the frame, in particular the box design of the swingarm, not only ensures stability, but also symmetrical handling. “You simply notice that the bike reacts perfectly in every corner. Nothing wobbles, it stays on the line - that gives you an enormous feeling of safety,” explains Torben.
The R.EXC: The future of racing?
With the R.EXC, we wanted to create a bike that sets new standards - not only in competition, but also in the development of innovative technologies. For Torben Drach, one thing is clear: “This bike shows where the E-Enduro sector is heading. It is incredibly powerful in races and I always had the feeling that I was riding perfect equipment. With every contest we gain more experience and constantly improve the performance, and I'm looking forward to being part of this development.”
With its combination of technical innovation, practical development and a clear focus on the rider, the ROTWILD R.EXC has not only impressed on the trail, but also in racing. It is a bike that pushes boundaries - and shows what is possible in the E-Enduro sector.
