First look: The Rotwild R.EXC is a race-oriented High-Pivot eMTB

On May 7, 2024By Vaseline

Rotwild went for the basic approach for their new long travel eMTB, using a suspension design unlike anything else in their range. With a mid-pivot point, raised stays and aggressive geometry throughout, the R.EXC is clearly intended for serious terrain and high speeds. With a very large capacity battery and Shimano’s latest motor system, it should also have plenty of juice for the way back up the hill. There are two models to choose from, and some unique frame features worth highlighting, so dig in.

R.EXC details

• Carbon frame
• 29″/27.5″ mixed wheel
• 145/150/160mm travel, 170mm fork
• Head angle of 63.3°
• 78° seating angle
• Battery: 820 Wh
• Shimano EP801 motor, torque 85 Nm
• Price: €9,990 – €11,990
• rotwild.com

Geometry

Rotwild designed the R.EXC to be competitive in the E-Enduro World Cup, with plenty of input from Claudio Caluori to hone the details. The geometry is certainly aimed at steep and challenging terrain, with a head angle of 63.3° and a seat angle of 78°, making for a very modern combination. The range numbers fit standard dimensions, with 430, 455, 480 and 505mm increments completing the range. Stack height doesn’t grow much per size, so taller riders may need to compensate via a higher riser to get fit.

The chainstay length is the same for all sizes, but is adjustable by 5mm via a flip chip. The geomap shows the rear center length as 436mm, but it’s unclear whether that’s in the short or long position. A 21mm bottom bracket drop and a mixed wheel layout should keep cornering lively for an eMTB at full power.

Frame properties

The R.EXC is built on the Shimano EP801 motor standard, with Rotwild’s own take on the battery case and access. The 820Wh battery is accessible from the side of the bike and features a quick release mechanism for quick changes.

A distinguishing feature of the frame is the addition of an Eightpins dropper post, which is integrated directly into the frame. The NGS2.0 has a suspension travel of up to 225mm and has independently adjustable stroke and ride height to suit the individual rider. You can read more about these unique posts in Richard Cunningham’s review.

Other frame details include the use of a universal derailleur hanger, along with adjustable chainstay length via a flip chip. That chip allows for 5mm of adjustment fore and aft, depending on your preference. There’s room for a large water bottle, plenty of room to reach the shock to make adjustments, and the cables are routed through the frame.

Suspension design

In lieu of graphs and charts, Rotwild provided some explanation of their approach to the kinematics of the R.EXC. As mentioned above, the bike’s suspension travel can be changed via the upper shock absorber, allowing you to switch between 145, 150 and 160mm of rear wheel travel.

About the suspension layout:

Compared to previous ROTWILD models, the main swingarm hinge on the R.EXC is higher and further forward. This demonstrates the excellent riding characteristics of a “Mid-High Pivot Design” without having to accept the significant disadvantages of a High Pivot Bike (such as widely varying chainstay lengths, very high Anti-Rise). In the main range of active travel between 20% and 75% travel, the chainstay length only changes by an extremely small 1.5mm on the R.EXC.

About anti-rise:

As for the so-called Anti-Rise, which refers to the suppression of rear wheel extension during rear wheel braking, we were able to reduce the value to 58% Anti-Rise in the SAG. The Anti-Rise remains at relatively constant low values throughout the journey: 49% Anti-Rise when fully extended, to 65% Anti-Rise when fully compressed. High Anti-Rise values of over 80% lead to the dreaded brake jack, which has been largely constructively eliminated in the R.EXC.

About anti-squatting:

The R.EXC features incredibly consistent anti-squat of 106-108% throughout the travel range. This means that the chain tension stabilizes the suspension without causing disruptions.

Construction kits

There are two kits available for the R.EXC, differing mainly in terms of suspension, wheels and cockpit items. Both builds use Shimano XT brakes and drivetrain, the same motor and battery, and the same Eightpins dropper. The Ultra model gets Fox Factory suspension, while the Pro uses Performance and Performance Elite. The Ultra has carbon wheels and cockpit, while the Pro specification is all aluminum. No weight has been specified for the Pro build yet, but that will likely be the most tangible difference between the two in the long run.