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Sleek appearance, stylish carbon chassis, low weight: the Root Miller Plus stands out from the crowd. On top of that, it also scores massive plus points on the scales. 22.8 kilos is a rarity for a bike with 85 Newton metres in this price range - especially with robust trail equipment. On closer inspection, however, there are a few points that may not be to everyone's liking. The Bosch motor is from the older generation, when there were the Performance CX with Smartsystem did not yet exist. This makes no difference to the performance and riding experience, but it does make a difference to the electronics. App, 750cc battery, new controls or ABS - none of this is available for the predecessor in the Rose.
The second conspicuous feature, apart from the outdated Bosch drive: the geometry is compact and emphatically moderate. If you're looking for modern trail genes, you'll first have to swallow when studying the geo table. Rose counteracts this with robust equipment: The thick ZEB fork, a potent shock and the strong tyre combination from Maxxis are intended to pimp up the downhill strength. If you agree with these two restrictions, you can get a bargain! Because the Root Miller Plus 3 is available at Direct mail order company and its brand stores currently reduced by a whopping 1000 euros. This makes it one of the cheapest in our comparison test of 8 E-All-Mountains under 6000 euros - with really strong equipment. In addition to the high-quality suspension and the strong tyre combination, the super-expensive and lightweight HX 1501 wheels from DT Swiss stand out in particular.
The facts about the Rose Root Miller Plus 3
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX (older generation VOR Smartsystem), 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 625 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 150 / 150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Price: 5999 euros (reduced to 4999 euros at the time of going to press) >> available here
- Weight: 22.8 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg (manufacturer's specification)
The e-bike drive
The Bosch Performance CX is still from an older generation. Functionally top, but without compatibility with the Bosch smart system products, including the app. This means that you can't connect a smartphone, the support levels can't be adjusted and updates for the system are only available from the dealer - not from the comfort of your couch, as is the case today. The Rose comes with the 625 battery, as the 750 is not available for the "old" system. This is another reason for the dashing weight of the Root Miller Plus. The battery can be folded out to the front, but the cover has to be laboriously unscrewed to do so. The carbon cover is mounted with four fiddly screws - a pity!
The geometry of the new Rose E-MTB
Short wheelbase, moderate reach, steep steering angle: the Root Miller Plus is a compact and touring E-MTB. Manoeuvrability and neutral steering behaviour take precedence over riding stability and grip. If you want to go for the larger size for a smoother ride, you have to take the rather long seat tube into account.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 457 mm
- Wheelbase: 1225 mm
- Reach: 461 mm
- Stack: 632 mm
- Steering angle: 66 degrees
- Seat angle: 75.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 446 mm
The features of the Rose Root Miller Plus 3
- Fork / shock: Rockshox ZEB Select+ / Super Deluxe Select+
- Gear system: Shimano SLX 12-speed, 36; 10-51 teeth
- Brakes: Shimano SLX 7120, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1501
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / DHR II Exo+, 27.5 x 2.6''
- Special features: Telescopic seat post with 180 mm stroke, narrower handlebar with 770 mm
E-MTB in a practical test: How the Rose Root Miller Plus 3 rides
Anyone who loves classic touring mountain bikes will feel particularly at home on the Root Miller. The geometry and handling are markedly different to most current E-All-Mountains. The very direct, light-footed handling is a positive feature. The low front gives the front wheel a lot of pressure, while the steeper steering angle makes the steering behaviour neutral. The firm suspension also ensures lively propulsion and defined handling.
The other side of the coin: the bike does not cope with high speeds in difficult terrain as well as more downhill-orientated candidates. Smoothness and grip are limited. Even if the good suspension fork, grippy tyres and good brakes do provide the potential for difficult trails. However, when ridden at a leisurely pace, the suspension only offers moderate traction and comfort, which reduces the feeling of safety somewhat.
Good: The bike always keeps the rider aware of everything that is happening underneath. This is particularly beneficial for active riders on berms and when jumping off. The rear suspension offers plenty of support here. Overall, however, the bike cannot keep up with the modern competition of the E-All-Mountains at a sporty pace on the trail. Too bad: The carbon cover is tightly fitted to the frame and the friction between the two components repeatedly caused creaking noises during the ride.
EMTB review of the Rose Root Miller Plus 3
Strengths
- High-quality carbon chassis
- Very light
- Powerful features at a fair price
- Manoeuvrable and agile
Weaknesses
- Old generation of the Bosch CX without app
- Moderate geometry inhibits trail strength
- Engine rattles
The EMTB conclusion
Low weight, strong equipment, tempting price - with the Root Miller Plus 3, Rose delivers a harmonious package. However, there are better bikes for rough terrain and a very fast pace, as the geometry is very moderate and a little dusty. Not quite up to date with the older Bosch drive. - Adrian Kaether, test editor at EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
