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Urban, e-bike, MTB or sporty racing bike? The Bocholt-based mail-order company Rose is no longer just a warehouse for accessories, but also has a wide range of complete bikes. One model in particular has enjoyed enormous success in recent years: The Backroad! (here in the test) With its universal gravel concept, it hits the nerve of the times. Now Rose is following up with the next candidate, the Sneak, with a modern frame and stylish look. The next bestseller?
While the predecessor Multistreet was still a classic fitness bike, the Sneak now has a new frame. The fully integrated cable routing, flat-mount brakes and the new tube design ensure a clean look. The classic Sneak still shines as an alternative to the gravel bike with straight handlebars. For commuters and everyday cyclists, the Sneak EQ with light, side stand, mudguards and luggage rack ex works is the more interesting option. Its low weight and sporty riding position still promise direct acceleration and good propulsion.
Rose Sneak 3 EQ: Details & Price
- Price: 2399 Euro >> available here
- Drive: Chain
- Circuit: Shimano Cues Di2 Q'Auto (11-speed)
- Translation: 40; 11-50 teeth
- Brakes: BR-RS405
- Tyres: Continental Ride City Wire, 42 mm
- Lighting system: v. / h. Light Skin LED / LED integrated
- Luggage carrier: Rose, 16 kg
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Frame shapes: Diamond, trapezoid
- Fork: Rose, aluminium
- Permissible total weight: 130 kg
- Guarantee: 2 years
- Special features: Automated, electronic derailleur gears, integrated front light
- Weight: 13.9 kg (MYBIKE measurement)
Our test bike, the Top model Sneak 3 EQ Rose has also added another highlight: Shimano's intelligent and self-sufficient Q'Auto electronic shifting system, which is powered by a simple dynamo at the rear. In combination with the Cues Di2 rear derailleur, it can also shift the eleven gears fully automatically if required. How well that works, you can read here, in the test of the Q'Auto gearstick.
Sporty propulsion
The Sneak itself pleases with its crisp acceleration and stiff frame. The 42 millimetre wide Conti Urban tyres provide basic comfort, but the Rose is not a comfortable sofa. This is also due to the sporty riding position with low handlebars. It puts the rider in a dynamic and streamlined position. Almost a little too sporty for cosy rolling. Beyond 25 km/h, however, the position and the fast urban tyres make perfect sense.
Terry's ergonomic wing grips and saddles are well chosen and provide comfort despite the sporty position. However, the 90 mm stem is quite long for our taste and makes the otherwise lively handling a little more indirect than necessary. Normally an easily replaceable component. However, the Rose needs a model with integrated cable routing and the square stem is not available in the aftermarket portfolio of the mail order company. Rose could make improvements here.
The Rose Sneak 3 EQ is made for everyday use
The side stand and minimalist pannier rack do their job well. The frame can carry panniers weighing up to 8kg per side. Thanks to the rigid frame, the bike is not unstable even when fully loaded. Only if you deliberately provoke it does the trapeze version sway slightly. The narrow metal mudguards look high-quality, but could be a little wider for ultimate splash protection. The Shimano flat-mount brakes provide reliable deceleration. Thanks to the 180 mm disc at the front, even heavy riders can come to a safe stop.
There is also praise for the light. The seemingly minimalist front light is integrated into the handlebars, but is also perfectly adequate for dark country lanes. The tyre sidewalls and even the manufacturer's logos on the frame are reflective. This scores extra points in the everyday use category. At under 14 kilograms, the Rose is light for a fully equipped bike. Only randonneurs or fully equipped gravel bikes such as the in-house Backroad EQ (tested here) but weigh considerably less.
Rose Sneak 3 EQ: MYBIKE review
Strengths
- Fast and sporty
- Modern concept
- Direct handling
Weaknesses
- not a lightweight miracle and relatively stiff
- Borderline narrow mudguards
- Stem a little long and not very flexible
MYBIKE verdict on the Rose Sneak 3 EQ
The Rose Sneak 3 EQ* is stylish and sporty. A great city bike for fast commuters and short trips. The price of the top model in this test is not quite low, but the Rose scores with smart technology such as the integrated lights and the first automatic derailleur gears for classic everyday bikes. - Barbara Merz-Weigandt, Editor-in-Chief MYBIKE
Adrian Kaether
Editor
