Designed in conjunction with legendary freerider Richie Schley, Rotwild has built a new prototype 27.5″ DH bike that does not look far off from production. Featuring 200mm of travel and weighing a claimed 15.5 KG (without pedals) as pictured, the geometry carefully balances stability and playfulness.
According to Richie, who just finished his first round of intensive testing:
“My first impression of the new 27.5 DH bike was very positive. The bike was very stable, yet i could quietly throw it around like any other DH bike I have had in the past. I think the bigger wheels provide better traction, so it seems to translate to going faster. The low bottom bracket height makes for awesome cornering. “
Some fancy mold designs (which are explained at length in the German press release, but did not translate well to English) have reduced the quantity of gussets and welds at the headtube, which helps keep weight low but still maintain strength. For this design, the frame also also been shaped to create more space for the shock reservoir.
The frame uses all the latest standards – BB83 for tighter chainstays and more tire clearance, ISCG-05 mounts, and a 157×12 rear axle spacing.
Due to the 27.5″ wheels, the axles are significantly above the low BB, which helps improve stability and cornering. The chainstays have also been kept short, and at only 440mm (~17.3″) promise a fun ride.
Planned production will begin in 2015. For more, head over to Rotwild.
