Back Issue | Rotwild R.X1 FS 27.5 Pro Review
The R.X1 FS 27.5 PRO is Rotwild’s answer to the famous quest for one bike to do it all. With 145mm of suspension travel, 27.5″ wheels, and a short rear end it looks good on paper. We tested out the ‘pro’ spec for you.
The looks of the R.X1 could best be described as “technically elegant” — the bike doesn’t hide that a lot of engineering work has gone into it. The aluminum frame is outstandingly well put together and bristles with clever details: for example, the seat post clamp has been rotated 90 degrees in order to use the space saved behind the seat tube to make the chainstays even shorter (423mm). These short chain stays are what mainly determine the geometry of the Rotwild, making it such a wonderfully nimble and agile trail bike. It can be precisely navigated through tight trail sections, the stiff frame and pleasantly wide Crankbrothers cockpit making worthy contributions to the ride.
The nippy character of the bike is supported by its great acceleration; the light DT Swiss M1700 Spline 27.5″ wheels combined with a fast rolling Continental Trail King/X-King tyre set are a big part of this. Yet on open, high-speed trails the X1 is also convincing. The long front triangle and carefully chosen 67.5-degree head angle give it the necessary stability and confidence whilst the low bottom bracket give the rider a very well-balanced position on the bike.
The suspension is firm, and together with the Fox Float CTD the rear end gives the rider defined feedback and supports an active riding style. While the front and rear suspension may not be ultra plush over smaller impacts, the X1 still sticks solidly to the trail and generates plenty of traction.
The rear end is competent on bigger hits and feels like more than 145mm of travel. Despite the bump hungry suspension, the 27.5″ bike doesn’t use excessive travel in berms, compressions, or when standing during sprints. Only harsh landings are redeemed with bottom-outs, and one is reminded that this isn’t a bike park-orientated machine underneath you. Quite the opposite, in fact: on the climbs the Rotwild rewards the rider with serious power thanks to the steep seat tube angle and stretched seating position.
The rear end is, at least in the ‘trail’ position, almost bob-free. Thus epic rides and tough climbs present no problems for the Rotwild.
For the rest of the spec Rotwild has chosen proven performers: Shimano XT brakes have great bite, the Kind Shock Lev dropper post has 125 mm of adjustment, and the 2-ring XT drivetrain doesn’t give any scope for complaints. Given the high-quality frame, the price of 3,999 Euros is absolutely fair.
Conclusion: with the R.X1 FS 27.5″, Rotwild has created a wonderfully nimble trail bike in its range. All day Alpine rides or demanding trail descents — the sorted geometry and efficient, firm suspension make the versatile Rotwild a great performer everywhere.
Price: 3.999 € Weight: 13,0 kg More Information: rotwild.de
Words: Aaron Steinke | Pictures: Christoph Bayer