Fast and flowing, steep and stony, dust-covered or ravaged with roots, constant switchbacks, tearing along a ridge, or in the deepest, darkest jungle of trees – waterlogged or bone dry – the trails of this world are almost as limitless as the universe, and that’s exactly why we mountain bikers love them. This group test set out to determine the perfect bike for all of these challenges that any ride might encounter – and the results are in! Check out ENDURO issue #016 for the full grouptest and all results!

ROTWILD’s success story began as early as 1994 with what was essentially an unthinkable product: a brake booster. The first full suspension MTB followed in 1996, complete with some interesting and previously unseen details such as a belt drive, electronic shifting, and a carbon-legged fork. Over the past two decades, ADP engineering (Rotwild’s parent company) have vastly enlarged their portfolio – so we tested the ROTWILD R.Q1 FS 27.5 in this group test to see just how far they’ve taken it this time.

Der schlanke und technische Look des ROTWILD R.Q1 FS 27.5 überzeugt auf den ersten Blick.
We really do like the sleak and technical look of the ROTWILD R.Q1 FS 27.5.
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The R.Q1 FS 27.5 is intended to combine the power of the successful XC model, the R.C1, with the sublime trail-based competences of the R.X1. To meet this goal, the efficient XCS chassis has been paired with lightweight tubing similar to the 29er. The tidy-looking red aluminium frame comes with a top-notch spec, including the complete Shimano XT shifting system, stable DT Swiss M1700 Spline wheels, and FOX Performance suspension. Showing their expertise in the market, ROTWILD also went for Ergon grips.

Die kantigen Rohre und Schweißnähte des Aluminiumrahmens sind typisch für ROTWILD  und unterstreichen den technischen Anspruch des deutschen Herstellers.
ROTWILD is known for its angular tubes and welds, and these highlight the technical approach of the German specialists.

From the first pedal stroke, the bike’s origins as a true feat of bicycle engineering are undeniable. No other test bike managed to be as efficient at pedaling as the Rotwild without prior activation of the platform damping or alteration of the geometry. Before submitting the bike for testing, Rotwild carried out one adjustment themselves, solely changing the tyres – an upgrade we’d recommend to anyone who buys this bike …

Fahrer, die sich während der Tour gerne mit allen wichtigen Informationen versorgen lassen, werden die Montagemöglichkeit für den Trittfrequenz- und Speedsensor an der  Kettenstrebe zu schätzen wissen.
Riders who like to immerse themselves in details will appreciate the option of mounting a sensor for pedal cadence and speed on the chainstay.
Um Scheuerstellen der Züge am Rahmen zu verhindern, hat ROTWILD eigene  Gummihüllen an den prägnanten Stellen angebracht.
ROTWILD have attached rubber coating in certain places to avoid the cables rubbing on the frame.
ROTWILD setzt beim R.Q1 auf ein Sattelrohr mit lediglich 27,2 mm Durchmesser.  Leider ist hierfür die Auswahl an Teleskopsattelstützen begrenzt und meist  auf 100 mm Verstellbereich limitiert.
ROTWILD setzt beim R.Q1 auf ein Sattelrohr mit lediglich 27,2 mm Durchmesser.
Rotwild specced a 27.2 mm diameter seat tube on the R.Q1, which means the choice of dropper posts is largely limited to those with 100 mm of adjustment.
Mit keinem Bike im Test ging es so antriebsneutral und effizient bergauf wie mit den ROTWILD.
No bike went uphill as efficient as the ROTWILD.

… as this red rocket of a bike has the capacity to pleasantly surprise you on descents. The linear rear setup and the agreeable suspension fork happily soak up lumps and bumps, but really hard bangs in the Open mode might make you reconsider your previously favourable opinion. More aggressive riders should ride in the Trail mode to get more ground feedback. As a handler, the Rotwild Q1 is nicely balanced, comfortably weaving around tight corners thanks to its relatively short (428 mm) rear. Our testers admitted to wanting more in reserve on rough ground and at high speeds, and the steep 68.25° seat angle could be to blame here.

Bergab ist das R.Q1 gut ausbalanciert und fühlt sich in fast jeder Situation gut an – vorausgesetzt es wird nicht zu schnell oder ruppig.
On the downhill, the R.Q1 is well balanced and feels comfortable in almost any situation – given you’re not going too fast or through the really rough stuff.

Fazit:

The Rotwild R.Q1 FS 27.5 is one of the most efficient rides in the test, exciting us with its chassis and sporty riding position. The Q1 is suited to both marathon racing and relaxed post-work rides. Compared to its competitors, it is not as at home on techy terrain, but Rotwild do have better alternatives for that anyway!

Wer möglichst effizient seine Kilometer fressen will aber trotzdem Spaß auf den Trails erwartet, ist mit dem ROTWILD R.Q1 FS gut bedient.
If you want to do your kilometres as efficient as possible yet still expect some fun on the trails, the ROTWILD R.Q1 FS is a solid choice.

Strengths:

  • Extremely efficient
  • Very tidy frame
  • Cohesive spec

Weaknesses:

  • Can’t cope with high speeds
  • Too little adjustment on the dropper

Spezifications:

  • Fork: Fox 32 Float CTD Performance
  • Shock: Fox Float CTD Performance
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT
  • Brakes: Shimano XT
  • Seatpost: Kind Shock LEV Integra
  • Stem Crankbrothers Cobalt 1 80 mm
  • Bars: Crankbrothers Cobalt 2 740 mm
  • Tires: Continental Trail King 2,2″
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss M 1700 Spline
  • Weight: 12.75 kg
  • Price: 3,999 €

All bikes from the test: SCOTT Genius 710 | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Carbon 29 | Cannondale Trigger Carbon 2 | Cube Stereo 140 Super HPC Race 27.5 | Giant Trance Advanced 1 | Rose Root Miller 3 | ROTWILD R.Q1 FS 27.5

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