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When the Bocholt-based company rolled the Rose Backroad FF into the TOUR editorial office shortly after its premiere in spring, we were quite astonished. After all, the new gravel bike is the complete opposite of the somewhat outdated Rose Backroad - but which claimed a test victory. FF - meaning "Fast Forward" - is the programme, the Rose is currently one of the sportiest gravel bikes on the market.
The fact that you are on the Rose Backroad FF feels like a gravel pro for two reasons: On the one hand, you sit in the saddle as stretched out as on a fast road bike. In addition to the aggressive frame geometry, this is due to the handlebar/stem combination, which pulls the upper body downwards and puts it in an aerodynamically favourable position thanks to the narrow design. In addition, thanks to the low weight and the lightning-fast tyres, mounted on voluminous own-brand aero wheels, the Rose accelerates excellently. However, fast corners or muddy trails require some practice due to the relatively low grip of the tyres.
Rose Backroad FF: Fast Forward is the programme
The manoeuvrable Rose Backroad FF also shows its sporty character in terms of suspension. Although the associated carbon seatpost still flexes noticeably, the front end reacts rather unyieldingly to bumps. A point of criticism that can be mitigated with tubeless tyres, as on the test bike, or wider tyres. There is space for tyres up to 45 millimetres wide. Because a bag concept is almost standard on a modern gravel bike, Rose also offers corresponding accessories for the frame triangle and top tube.
Fixed mudguards cannot be fitted, but with a racer like the Backroad FF, very few people will miss them. In addition to the Force XPLR AXS version, four other models are available in the online shop. Remarkable: While the test bike is only just undercutting the price of the comparably equipped model from long-term rival Canyon, the top model is even 1500 euros cheaper. Attack department.
Facts & figures about the Rose Backroad FF
- Price: 4999 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.3 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL (test size greased)
- TOUR grade: 2,0
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 527/565/155 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 586/401 millimetres/1.46
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 661/583 millimetres/1.13
- Wheelbase/caster: 1030/64 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Sram Force XPLR AXS (1x12; 44, 10-44 t.) | Photo: 2.0
- Brakes: Sram Force (160/160 mm) | Photo: 1.5
- Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS 40 mm (eff.: 42 mm) | Photo: 1.0
- Impellers: Rose GC 50
- Impeller weights: 1553/1975 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: good price-performance ratio, ergonomic cockpit, power meter included
- Minus: Comparatively low comfort
Julian Schultz
Editor
