The MTB Report: Rotwild R.EX Ultra, Santa Cruz Vala AL 2026, Avinox Offensive & YT Industries in Trouble

on September 27, 2025

2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for mountain biking. New motors, fresh frame concepts, bigger batteries – and at the same time, shocking news from Germany: YT Industries is in deep financial trouble. Let’s take a closer look at what these developments mean and which trends to keep an eye on.

🔋 Rotwild R.EX Ultra – Range Without Limits

The new Rotwild R.EX Ultra makes a bold statement in the premium segment. Equipped with the brand-new DJI/Avinox drive unit, it offers:

160 mm front travel, 150 mm rear
Mullet setup (29” front, 27.5” rear)
a massive 864 Wh battery
system weight around 23.2 kg

The Avinox motor delivers up to 120 Nm of torque and peaks at 1000 watts, making it one of the most powerful eMTB systems currently available. Rotwild pairs it with its own IPU Gen4 battery tech, designed to be removable and service-friendly.

👉 Takeaway:
Too expensive for most beginners, but it shows the direction: more range, more power, better integration. For riders tackling alpine tours or long adventures, this sets a new benchmark.

🛠️ Santa Cruz Vala AL 2026 – Santa Cruz for Everyday Riders

Santa Cruz just released the Vala AL 2026, an aluminum version of its eMTB lineup. Compared to the carbon Vala:

Frame: Aluminum → cheaper, but heavier
Motor: Bosch Performance CX Gen5
Battery: 600 Wh, with optional 250 Wh extender
Suspension: 160/150 mm
Setup: Mullet
No flip-chips – fewer geometry adjustments
No XXL frame size – tall riders need carbon

With an MSRP starting at around €5,299, the Vala AL finally brings Santa Cruz to a wider audience.

👉 Takeaway:
The Vala AL isn’t a budget bike, but a robust option for those who want Santa Cruz without carbon pricing. The missing adjustability is minor – handling remains fun and solid.

⚡ Avinox – DJI Joins the Race

DJI’s e-bike brand Avinox is turning heads. By Eurobike 2025, it was clear: more and more manufacturers are adopting this new system. Partners include Rotwild, Commencal, and Amflow.

Tech highlights:

Peak power: 1000 watts
Torque: 120 Nm
Batteries: 600–864 Wh, with extender options
Display: full-color touchscreen with app connectivity
Integration: more compact and lighter than Bosch or Shimano

👉 Takeaway:
The eMTB motor market could shift dramatically. Bosch, Shimano, and Brose have dominated for years, but DJI brings not only hardware but also deep software expertise. For riders: more variety, more competition, and maybe better pricing down the road.

⚠️ YT Industries in Trouble

Perhaps the biggest shock: YT Industries has filed for self-administration – a form of bankruptcy restructuring.

The facts:

Official confirmation by YT
Company says service will continue
Many customers report canceled orders & missing refunds
Reasons: overproduction, heavy discounting, supply chain issues

👉 Takeaway:
YT built its reputation on modern geometry, solid spec, and direct-to-consumer pricing – especially attractive to beginners and amateurs. But this business model is fragile under market pressure. For riders: be cautious with new purchases and secure spare parts early.

🔮 Trends & Outlook

At Eurobike 2025, some wild concepts appeared:

32-inch wheels for maximum stability
Inverted forks
Show bikes like the Commencal Meta SX with Avinox

👉 Conclusion:
2026 will be a year of realignment: more motor power, more range, but also uncertainty among brands. For beginners and amateurs: stay curious, test thoroughly – but don’t jump on every hype.