Rose gravel bike with update: No more cosy! The Backroad becomes a race graveler

For Rose, Backroad represents a thoroughly positive development, as it is the German online retailer and producer's best-selling platform. According to Managing Director Thorsten Heckrath-Rose, this area with its wide tyres is the main engine for growth. After a long phase without innovations, Rose now has an additional ace up its sleeve: The new Rose Backroad Fast Forward (FF), positions itself as a race-orientated bike with a total weight of 8 to 8.5 kilograms, and it complements the edgy adventure model of the Backroad.

The Backroad FF in figures

• Stack/Reach/STR: 574/405 millimetres/1.42
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 650/585 millimetres/1.13
• Maximum tyre clearance: 45 millimetres
• Special features: Powermeter, pocket concept, chain guide
• Weight: from 8.0 kilogrammes
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, ML, L, XL
• Prices: 3499 and 4999 Euro >> available here

When developing the new FF model, Rose claims to have taken inspiration from the XLite race all-rounder, which is around two years older, and given it a more aggressive geometry. Compared to previous models, this results in a more stretched seating position, recognisable by the lower STR-Plus value of 1.13, which is less than a marathon bike designed for long distances. A new cockpit, developed in co-operation with ergonomics specialist Bastian Marks, also known as the host of the "Besenwagen" podcastalso contributes to this.

The fully integrated cockpit is designed to put the rider in an aerodynamically favourable position thanks to inwardly turned hoods and improved contact surfaces on the upper handlebars. Better control on demanding terrain is ensured by a small distance between the handlebar arch and shift/brake levers as well as outwardly angled handlebar ends (15 degrees). Rose describes the design of the Backroad FF as "aero in the hoods, control in the drops", which requires more care compared to the traditional handlebar-stem combination of the previous Backroad.

>> Prefer a less racy bike? The Rose Backroad Flatbar on test

The new GC 50 carbon wheelset is also designed to increase aerodynamic efficiency. This is achieved through a combination of a very wide rim on the front wheel and rather narrow tyres (40 millimetres) as well as an improved hub from Newmen, which reduces air resistance. However, you shouldn't expect any revolutionary improvements compared to the previous GC 40 model: Rose's simulations show that the effort required is reduced by a maximum of three watts. The rear wheel has a narrower rim (32 millimetres) and is designed to be lightweight; the entire set weighs around 1550 grams.

You don't have to do without mounting points on the Rose Backroad FF either. Although the chassis offers fewer mounts than, for example, the top seller Backroad Rival eTap. On the other hand, the optionally available and expensive bags for the top tube (79.95 euros) and frame triangle (109.95 euros) are better integrated. Thanks to the magnetic Fidlock system, they can also be mounted quickly. Bags that are attached to the frame triangle using the Fidlock system, as is the case with the Canyon Grail and E-gravel bike Canyon Grizl:ON is implemented.

Features and prices of the Rose Backroad FF

Rose is launching sales of the Backroad FF with two equipment options, which are available for € 3499 and € 4999 respectively. Both models can be shifted with gravel-specific Sram drivetrains, utilise the UDH standard and even have an integrated Quarq power meter. The differences between the two bikes lie in the gearing and the wheelset: while the higher-quality model (Force AXS) benefits from the aerodynamic fine-tuning of the GC 50 wheelset, the basic model (Rival AXS) is equipped with aluminium wheels. However, Rose is planning to launch further models on the market, and we are expecting a version with the new Shimano GRX Di2 soon.

Rose is breaking new ground when it comes to sizing: for the Backroad FF The manufacturer no longer uses classic centimetre measurements, but instead uses ready-made sizes as for its mountain bikes. Instead of the stride length, a size recommendation is now given in centimetres. For example, the new size ML corresponds to a recommendation of 57 centimetres. The bike is available in a total of six sizes and three colour variants.

Rose Backroad FF Rival AXS XPLR

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS XPLR (1x12; 44, 10-44 t.)
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One R (40 mm)
• Impellers: Rose G30 Light (aluminium)
• Weight: 8.5 kilos
• Price: 3499 Euro >> available here

Rose Backroad FF Force AXS XPLR

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS XPLR (1x12; 44, 10-44 t.)
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS (40 mm)
• Impellers: Rose GC50 (Carbon)
• Weight: 8.0 kilos
• Price: 4999 Euro >> available here