E-bike novelty Rose Root Miller+: Favourable and light on trail and tour

Back in 2017, the Bocholt-based mail-order company Rose Bikes presented the Elec Tec its first e-mountainbike. And the Germans were early to the game. But the second edition of a full-size e-bike was a long time coming. Almost six years later, the Rose Root Miller+ saw the light of day. And the E-MTB newcomer has pretty much nothing in common with its ancestor. Given the rapid development of e-MTBs, this comes as no surprise to anyone. But, fun fact: one detail has remained surprisingly similar. And that is, of all things, the battery size of the Rose e-bike. The jump from 612 to 625 watt hours is only minimal compared to the drastic watt hour arms race in the industry. Were the 612 watt hours of the Elec Tec in our big comparison test Almost a record at the end of 2017, 625 Wh is now a small calibre.

The Root Miller+ doesn't throw around records and superlatives. It is rather the fair price-performance ratio that makes this e-bike so interesting. It starts at 4999 euros (>> available here). The chic full carbon frame is exceptional in this price range and helps the Rose e-bike to be lightweight. The entry-level model weighs 22.9 kilos (EMTB measurement, size L). The workmanship and attention to detail also stand out positively. Even the entry-level model looks very high quality. The classic four-bar rear suspension provides 150 millimetres of travel, which Rose combines with a 150 mm fork. This puts the bike in the all-round category for trail and touring.

>> Where are Rose bikes made?

The chassis of the Root Miller+ in detail

The facts about the Rose Root Miller+

• Motor: Bosch Performance CX (no Smart System!)
• Battery: Bosch Powertube 625 Wh
• Suspension travel: 150 mm
• Wheel size: MX-Mix (29" front, 27.5" rear)
• Full carbon frame
• Weight: from 22.65 kg (manufacturer's specification), entry-level model 22.9 kg (EMTB measurement, size L)
• Four models from 4999 euros >> available here
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL

Motor and battery in the Rose e-mountainbike

Unfortunately, the Bosch Performance CX motor with a 625 battery and clunky Purion display is no longer quite up to date. This is not yet the latest technology of the new Bosch Performance CX Smart system in the bike. This makes no difference in terms of support and trail handling. The older Bosch Performance CX version also provides very powerful, lively and effective assistance. However, features such as the fine adjustment of the support levels via app or compatibility with newer Bosch e-bike products such as the modern Displays, remote levers and larger batteries or even the new ABS system does not exist. The battery, a Powertube 625, is folded out to the front in the classic way and integrates well into the look of the Rose e-bike with a carbon cover in the frame colour.

The geometry of the Root Miller+

Rose offers four sizes of its Root Miller+ e-mountainbike. The geometry avoids extremes. The short chainstays of 444 millimetres make for agile handling, as do the moderate steering angle of 66 degrees and the moderate wheelbase. The new Rose All Mountain e-bike aims to shine as a sporty trail speedster. The bike does not follow the "longer-flatter-crasser trend".

Models and prices

There are four different equipment variants of the Rose Root Miller+ to choose from. The e-mountain bikes will be available immediately from the direct mail order company Rose Bikes. There are two colour variants to choose from for each model: silver/grey and green (see pictures below).

Root Miller 1+ for 4999 euros

The entry-level model of the Root Miller costs 4999 euros. There are very few truly off-road capable E-Fullys in this price range. The high-quality and lightweight full carbon frame of the Root Miller+ is outstanding in this price range. In terms of equipment, there is not much money left to splash out. The Rockshox 35 suspension fork is a (less glamorous) classic in this price range, although the Root Miller 1+ comes with the higher quality Gold version with adjustable compression damping. The gears are Sram's NX/SX Eagle and the brakes are from Shimano's Deore range.

Root Miller 2+ for 5499 euros

Price-conscious bikers who like to tackle challenging trails should take a closer look at this model. For 5499 euros (>> available here), the significantly more powerful suspension is a huge argument in favour of the new model. The Rockshox ZEB fork and Superdeluxe damper are a significant update to the entry-level model off-road. Shimano's SLX drivetrain and Formula Cura4 brakes also look good on a real trail bike. In terms of value for money, the 2 model is even better than its cheaper brother. The tyres are from Schwalbe and go by the name of Hans Dampf.

Root Miller 3+ for 5999 euros

For another 500 euros more, there are lighter wheels (DT Swiss HX 1700) with super grippy Maxxis tyres and an XT drivetrain. The brakes also come with 3-Root Miller+ from Shimano, SLX category. The suspension fork has also been updated: ZEB Select + instead of ZEB Select.

Root Miller 4+ for 8599 euros

For the Top model calls Rose 8599 Euro on. The Bocholt-based company combines a Fox 38 Factory with a Rockshox Superdeluxe Ultimate shock. Very light carbon wheels (DT Swiss HXC 1501) ensure considerable weight savings and wireless Sram AXS components (gears and seat post) add that certain something. Also on board is the Bosch Fast Charger, which charges the battery significantly faster than the standard unit at 6A.

Ride report: First test with the new Rose E-MTB

We tested the entry-level Root Miller 1+ for our EMTB 2/23 print issue. The first impression of the mail-order e-MTB is absolutely positive. The e-bike looks high-quality and well thought-out in many details. The handling is fun and agile, which is not often the case with inexpensive full-suspension e-MTBs. All too often, e-bikes in this price range suffer from excess weight. At 22.9 kilos (size L), our test bike remains absolutely within limits. The moderate geometry gives the Rose Bikes e-mountainbike a lively character. For example, the Root Miller is easy to pull onto the rear wheel and actively steer over trails.

EMTB conclusion on the Rose Root Miller+

You don't have to be clairvoyant to realise that the Rose Root Miller+ should have been launched much earlier. The "old" Bosch technology is the main reason for this. However, this motor also works excellently on the trail and the 625 battery, together with the stylish carbon frame, makes for a really light e-bike. For price-conscious bikers, Rose offers the Root Miller+ a fun and well-balanced trail tool. Especially for the affordable models: a rarity in this price range!