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A bike like an iPhone. Angular, stylish, chic. Its imposing appearance divides opinion. Some even suspect the Rose might have an electric motor, such is the imposing appearance of the oversized down tube with its integrated storage compartment. But the Backroad offers plenty of practical benefits. The Backroad (German for ‘country road’) has long been more than just a gravel bike: Rose has created a German gravel classic. Now in its third generation, this carbon bike is moving even further away from its cyclo-cross heritage and towards becoming a comfortable long-distance off-road bike. Weighing in at 9.8 kilos, the Backroad is no lightweight. Yet it’s really the bike’s appearance that makes it seem heavy. This impression is reinforced by the frame bag supplied as standard. It attaches to the frame almost automatically via a magnet. No fiddling about with Velcro fastenings or straps – just a click, and it’s in place. The cockpit is also neatly integrated and features a USB-C port for charging a smartphone or sat-nav. Everything appears to have been thought through right down to the last detail. The wheelbase is comparatively compact at 1,037 millimetres, yet the handling is well-balanced. As a rider standing 178 centimetres tall, we found the medium-sized test bike to be a good fit. The Rose Backroad 3.0, for example, is currently available at a reduced price here.
Without a doubt: safety!
Stable in bends, confident on descents and easy to control off-road – the Backroad has it all under control. It’s only when sprinting that its weight becomes noticeable. Compared to Cube and Radon, it feels a bit more sedate – not an ICE, but not a slowpoke either. The well-designed geometry and comfortable cockpit transfer power efficiently to the ground. Added to this are 45-millimetre-wide tyres, which provide plenty of grip and comfort. Those who prefer rougher terrain can upgrade to tyres up to 54 millimetres wide. For off-road adventures, Rose has even fitted a chain guide. For the 1x12 drivetrain, Rose – like Radon and Cube – opts for a cassette with 10 to 51 teeth. This makes it easy to tackle even steep climbs on tours. And that suits the character of the Backroad: less of a racing machine, more of an all-rounder. Those who, on the other hand, want to fly as fast as possible over field and gravel tracks will find the Backroad FF to be the sportier alternative. FF stands for Fast Forward – and that says it all. More propulsion, more pressure on the pedals, but also more strain on the balls of the feet and wrists. For all-round use and adventure rides, the classic Backroad is therefore the more comfortable choice. The quiet freewheel also fits the bill: the Backroad doesn’t need to announce that it’s on the move every time you coast.
Yellow like a lion’s mane
Our test bike in Taxi Beige is called 'Lion Mane' rose. Alternatively, there’s a version in grey and rosé called ‘Terra’. Colour scheme aside, the Backroad remains a no-nonsense gravel bike. Not the fastest, not the lightest, but one of the most versatile. Anyone who loves long distances or tours with plenty of luggage is likely to find this gravel bike an excellent choice.
Conclusion by Dimitri Lehner, BIKE test editor
The Backroad 3.0 divides opinion with its angular, oversized frame. Some hail it as a new-age design, whilst for others the bold look is a bit ‘too much’. But that’s just appearances! All the testers were impressed by the Rose’s performance.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Category | Data |
| Price | 2,900 euros >> available here |
| Weight | 9.83 kg |
| Frames / Sizes | Carbon, XS to XL, tested: M |
| Drive | Shimano GRX RX822, 1x12, 40 teeth, 10–51-tooth cassette |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX RX820, 160/160 mm |
| Wheels / Tyres | Rose G30 / Continental Terra Adventure TrailCasing Grip Compound, 45 mm |
| Ground clearance | Up to 54 mm |
| Cockpit extras | Built-in USB-C port |
| Storage space | Magnetic frame bag included |
| Shape, size M | Wheelbase 1037 mm, steering angle 71.2° |
| Measurements | Ride stability 10.2 N/mm, rear comfort 192 N/mm, front comfort 112 N/mm, bottom bracket stiffness 63 N/mm |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very wide range of applications | At 9.8 kg, it’s no lightweight |
| Safe, confident handling | A bit sluggish in the sprint |
| High level of comfort thanks to 45 mm tyres | Its imposing appearance divides opinion |
| Clever features such as a magnetic pocket and USB-C | |
| Generous tyre clearance of up to 54 mm | |
| Wide gear ratio for steep climbs |
Technical Specifications
Frame sizes XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Geometry
Seat tube / top tube / head tube 501/553/137 millimetres
Stack/Reach/STR 596/391 millimetres/1.52
Stack+/Reach+/STR+ 666/567 millimetres/1.17
Wheelbase/steering angle 1,037 millimetres/71.2°
Facilities
Drive/Gearbox Shimano GRX RX 822 (40, 10–51 t.)
Brakes Shimano GRX RX 820 (160/160 mm)
Tyres Continental Terra Adventure TrailCasing Grip Compound (45 mm)
Bicycle wheels Rose G30
Impeller weights 1715/2356 grammes (w./h.)
Measurements
Weight of complete bike 9,830 g
Driving stability 10.2 N/mm
Rear comfort 192 N/mm
Comfort Front 112 N/mm
Start-up/Bottom bracket stiffness 63 N/mm
Dimitri Lehner
Editor