Rose Hobo Deore in the test: Bright! Eye-catching urban bike with the finest equipment on test
Timo Dillenberger
· 18.10.2024
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Inspired by the old racing bike frames of the 80s, which were popular with bike couriers and young "intellectuals" in particular, the bike is very clean, but with bright colours. The look is broken up by the massive front carrier, which is, however, an accessory and not standard. The bike really makes an impression at the traffic lights.
Exceptional urban bike with the finest technology
Even more so when every gear change is accompanied by the quiet whirring of the gearstick motor, because: The Hobo is actually available with a radio-controlled electronic gearstick. This has less tangible operating advantages, but is simply a statement to screw such a modern gear system onto a rather clean and simple bike.
And the Hobo could look like this if product managers were given a free hand. The contrasting colour scheme is just the cherry on top. If you don't like it, all Hobos are also available in a more "muted" colour combination. However, the vast majority of testers and passers-by liked the fresh, bright colour, at least at second glance.
More about Urban Bikes:
Rose Hobo Deore: Bright colours, (over)large front carrier
It's harder to get used to the dimensions of the front carrier, at least from the driver's perspective. You can't see the front wheel and the fact that the carrier doesn't steer is also confusing.
It's all a question of time, but not the dimensions of the carrier and, above all, the handlebars. At 78 centimetres, it is definitely no longer suitable for the urban jungle! Narrow passages such as at railway crossings or at the end of bridges become a test of driving skills.
City bike with good handling characteristics - even when loaded
But it has to be said: even with a lot of weight on the front, the city bike remains stable and easy to control, much better than with handlebar bags and baskets. You have to be a little careful with the height of the load, as the handlebar ends swing over the loading area. Tip: The extensive and clever accessories for the Rose Hobo include a bag that fits perfectly.
If you have more room to manoeuvre, you can really give the bike the spurs, it can go straight ahead better than tight bends, and the fast shifting times of an electric Sram eTap would also suit the dynamic riding style perfectly.
Rose Hobo Deore: Technical data and features
- Price: 1,449 Euro >> currently available at a reduced price (2,349 with Sram Rival eTap)
- Weight: 13.2 kg (incl. carrier)
- Frame: Steel frame with aluminium fork, oversize headset, thread for front carrier, lowrider eyelets
- Drive: Shimano Deore 1 x 10 derailleur gears
- Brakes: Tektro Hobo hydraulic disc brakes 180 / 180 mm discs
- Tyres: WTB Byway, 650 x 47 mm
- Special features / accessories: 4 pairs of bottle cage threads, real reader saddle
Conclusion: The Rose Hobo Deore
Due to the generous dimensions of the front, especially the handlebars, the Rose Hobo is more likely to conquer the suburbs than narrow city centres. In terms of wow effect, it was unsurprisingly ahead of most bikes on the cycle path.
