Rotwild Generation X - First Look

Rotwild, the German Deer, heads into its 20th year of business with a heritage built upon racing thoroughbreds and a few wacky downhill bikes 'back in the day.' For 2017, the brand from Dieburg, introduces the Generation X: a 140mm chassis that's ready to take 27.5", 27.5+ and 29er wheels, a full carbon or aluminum frame, adjustable head angle, chainstay length and even an electric-assist bike that shares the same geometry. Ranging from €4799 up to a Euro shy of eight grand, the Generation X series is expected to hit stores in October this year.



The full carbon flagship model, the RX.2 boasts a frame weight of 2040 grams (claimed) which puts it in line with some cross country race bikes but with travel and geometry aimed towards general mountain bikers over racing whippets. An alloy frame is also an option and there is and alloy framed e-bike in the same range which uses a Brose motor and integrated battery. Adjustability is key with the Generation X as there is space on all models to fit your wheel size of choice; the bikes are specced with wheel options monikered Trail/27.5" wheels, Traction/27.5+ and Transalp/29". The geometry stays the same regardless of wheel size as Rotwild say the radius of the wheel and tires only changes about 14mm between the smallest and largest wheels, and more important than the riders distance from the ground is to have a geometry and riding position will always feel the same for the rider. Four frame sizes are available with a wide range of reach numbers from 400mm to 475mm, in almost perfect 25mm increments. Stack height also changes around 10mm per size.


Bikes are supplied with Rotwild's own angled headset cups which give a zero, -1.5º or + 1.5º change. The head angle is 67º as standard, and can drop to 65.5º which could make one of the slacker 140mm/29" bikes of the moment.


The frame uses a full compliment of stainless bearings including the lower shock mount where DU bushes usually take care of any rotation.


Chainstay length is adjustable between 422.5 and 435mm, but only the 27.5' wheel can use either, plus or 29" wheels must use the longer setting.



The Rotwild appears to be loaded with all the finishing touches that we expect nowadays like internal cable routing, customized seat and clamp, integrated chainstay and chain-suck protection, stealth dropper routing and even though front derailleurs have been officially pronounced dead the RX still has a mounting option and removable ISCG tabs.


All the bits and pieces you might need for angles, adjustments and wheel sizes. The red ring (bottom left) is a guard that can be bolted on to the granny chainring and will stop the frame being damaged if the chain is dropped.

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