Rotwild are a high end German brand with a reputation for being ahead of the e-bike crowd in their use of pioneering technology and eyecatching designs. We spotted them at Eurobike this year where they had a full-sus e-MTB incorporating Pinion's groundbreaking mid-drive MGU (motor and gearbox unit). Having specialized in mountain bike designs previously, Rotwild have now launched their first e-gravel machine, the uncatchily monikered R.R275 X. It comes in two variants, the Pro and the higher spec, rather futuristic-looking, Ultra and it's the design of the latter that really catches eye, so it's that one we'll concentrate on here.
R stands for Race apparently and this is undoubtedly a sporty machine, boasting a carbon frame and, on the Ultra version only, eyecatching Xentis five spoke carbon wheels and a design that sees the top tube merge with the line of the handlebar stem.
Cabling is virtually invisible and very powerful lights (the front with high and low beams) are beautifully integrated and will appeal to riders whose sporty gravel endeavours extend into the night.
The TQ HPR50 motor used by the Rotwild R.R275 claims 50Nm torque and is one of a group of emerging lightweight yet pretty powerful mid-drives being seen in a new class of sleek yet punchy e-bikes.
Its HPR (harmonic pin ring) technology is unique in the e-bike world but our reviewer Rebecca really got on with it when riding it across challenging Yorkshire scenery in winter on a full-sus Trek e-MTB.
At 1.85kg it's light for a mid-drive as well as being pretty powerful. Despite our best efforts we couldn't find an overall weight for the bike itself on the Rotwild website but 15-17kg is our best guesstimate.
There is a 250Wh battery hidden in the carbon frame (a 160Wh range extender is an option) and as you might expected on a premium e-gravel machine, there is SRAM wireless shifting courtesy of a Force AXS derailleur setup on the Ultra variant.
Both models come in four frame sizes and cost €8,999 and €11,999 respectively. Whilst Rotwild did, once upon a time, have a UK presence, sadly all their dealers now appear to be in continental Europe.
