2021 Rotwild R.E375 and R.X375 Aggressive e-MTBs prioritize handling over range

Rotwild have introduced their new Aggressive Series e-MTBs that intentionally sacrifice range for more nimble, natural feeling enduro and all-mountain bikes. This makes a notable change from the big mountain RX.750 model Rotwild are best known for, swapping that 750Wh battery for a much smaller 375Wh battery. Shimano EP8 motors drive both; let’s take a closer look.

Rotwild Aggressive Series

The all-new 29″ full suspension e-MTBs from Rotwild run full carbon frames with a carbon linkage. Appropriately named, their geometry can certainly be described as aggressive with slack head angles, steep seat tube angles and generous reach figures.

This time, it’s not all about how far you can go with the assistance of a motor. It’s more about how a little assistance can be integrated into a bike that still rides like a mountain bike. The Orbea Rise is a recent good example of a bike with similar intentions. Weight was considered carefully for the new frames, shaving up to 4 kg off the big mountain R.X750.

2021 Rotwild R.E375

This is Rotwild’s all-new enduro e-MTB. With a 170mm fork sat at a head angle of 63.5°, there’s no doubt about what this bike is intended for; aggressive trail riding. It gets 160mm of rear wheel travel. The suspension platform is progressive offering a 14% progressive load deflection curve at the limit of travel in comparison with the Rotwild R.E750.

We note that the seat tubes on the Rotwild R.E375 are fairly long, starting at 440mm in medium. Reach is generous at 460mm, stretching up to 510mm in XL. A frame size-consistent chainstay length of 440mm, coupled with boost rear hub spacing leaves sufficient clearance for 2.4″ tires.

A 375Wh battery integrates seamlessly into the downtube, with a neat button-mediated quick release system for easy removal and installation. It powers a Shimano EP8 drive unit offering its full 85 Nm torque with up to 400% assistance. 

The Rotwild R.E375 features their new proprietary cockpit. Specially designed for the Aggressive series, it gets a weight-optimised steering and stem unit with wires invisibly
installed around the user interface and MonkeyLink upgrade option.

The 2021 Rotwild R.E375 is available at Pro and Core price points, starting from €7,499.00 for the entry-level Core. That money gets you a FOX 36 Performance E-Tuned fork, a FOX DPX2 Performance shock, Magura MT5 4-piston brakes, DT SWISS H1900 SPLINE wheel set and Shimano XT 12 speed drivetrain.

Geometry

2021 Rotwild R.X375

This is the all-new all-mountain e-bike from Rotwild. Running a 29″ wheelset, the R.X375 gets a 150mm travel fork paired with a 140mm rear end. And, it’s the only one available in small, with a a S-XL size range. 

The Rotwild R.X375 shares a lot of similarities with the burlier R.E375; the 375Wh quick release battery that can be charged both on and off the bike; the Aggressive Series integrated cockpit setup, the high modulus carbon frame and rocker, for example. 

However, this shorter travel e-MTB differs significantly in geometry to its enduro sibling. A steeper 66.5° head tube angle is paired with a slacker 75.5° seat tube angle. Seat tubes are equivalent, starting at 410mm in small. This bike will likely feel more compact due to slightly shorter reach figures spanning a 430mm to 500mm range.

That shorter reach may be accounted for a little by the more pronounced 30mm BB drop. Chainstays are a little longer, measuring up at 450mm across the size range. It will accommodate a maximum tire width of 2.4″. 

The 2021 Rotwild R.X375 all-mountain e-MTB is available at Ultra, Pro and Core price points. The entry-level Core model will set you back €6,999.00, built up with a FOX 36 Performance E-Tuned fork, a FOX DPX2 Performance shock, Shimano XT drivetrain and Magura MT5 4-piston brakes.

Geometry

Rotwild.com