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Who by name Unibet Rose Rockets of classic professional racing bike teams is only half right. The one from Bas Tietema The "Rockets" want to deliberately attract attention with their unconventional activities in the otherwise professional and unapproachable world of cycle racing in the context of the major tours. Storytelling instead of just focussing on results. The focus is on fan proximity and a fresh look at cycling. It is precisely in this context that the new project for the Giro d'Italia 2026: the Rose Hobo in a special Rockets Edition.
The Hobo as a stage for a different kind of cycling
The Rose Hobo is deliberately outside the pure racing categories in the Bochholt portfolio. Versatile, functional and open for urban and sporty use - a bike for commuting as well as spontaneous adventures. It has not been reinvented for the Giro, but has been purposefully styled.
The "Rockets Edition" remains a Single piecethat picks up on the team's idea: racing can be serious, but doesn't always have to take itself seriously. This makes the Hobo a rolling symbol of cycling that does not separate performance from everyday life.
Rockets setup instead of series configuration
Will the Rockets use the Hobo Soner edition to ensure the team's supplies during the race? Doubtful. But it's possible, because the central highlight of the one-off in team livery is the Hobo front carrier. With a maximum load capacity of five kilograms it offers space for Up to eight standard pizza boxes. What initially seems like a gag fits in surprisingly well with the identity of the Unibet Rose Rockets: Proximity to the fans, functional solutions and a deliberate move away from pure aero thinking.
In technical terms, the Hobo has a clearly sporty but not weight-fanatical design. Fitted is a Vision SC 45 XDR wheelsetcombined with Sram Rival eTap AXS XPLR. The tyres used are Vittoria Terreno T30 Fine Loose G2.0 The contact to the seat surface is made by means of a Selle Italia SLR Superflow L3 with carbon struts.
The selection is deliberately balanced: sufficiently performance-orientated for long stages in the Giro environment, yet robust and suitable for everyday use - in keeping with the Hobo concept.
Rose Hobo "Rockets Edition" - The most important facts
- Team: Unibet Rose Rockets
- Category: Flatbar gravel bike / Urban Adventure
- Drive: Sram Rival eTap AXS XPLR
- Impellers: Vision SC 45 XDR
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno T30 Fine Loose G2.0
- Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Superflow L3 Carbon Rail
- Special feature: Front carrier with 5 kg load capacity (pizza rack)
- Availability: One-off, not a series model
- Action: Raffle of a built-up bike as part of the Giro
Rose Hobo - special edition with series base
The Rose Hobo "Rockets Edition" is designed as a one-off and is not intended as a series model. However, the basis of the bike is not unique: the Rose Hobo is firmly anchored in Rose's Everyday Gravel portfolio and is regularly available in several equipment variants. All models follow the same basic concept: steel frame, flatbar handlebars, wide tyres and a high level of transport and everyday competence. The Hobo is thus clearly positioned between urban bike, gravel bike and lightweight adventure bike.
The Rose Hobo models at a glance
Rose Hobo Deore
The entry into the Hobo world is aimed at riders who are looking for a robust, uncomplicated bike for everyday use, commuting and occasional detours on gravel.
- Circuit: Shimano Deore
- Character: Reliable, low-maintenance
- Use: City traffic, commuting, weekend laps
- Typical: Steel frame, carbon fork, flat bar, optional front racks
- Price1100 Euro >> available here
Rose Hobo GRX 810
The sportier version is aimed more at gravel and longer tours.
- Circuit: Shimano GRX 810 (gravel-specific)
- Character: more precise, tour-orientated
- Use: longer distances, gravel, bikepacking
- Typical: Wider gear ratio, high control off the tarmac
- Price: 1500 Euro >> available here
What characterises all Hobo models Regardless of the equipment, the Hobo always follows the same design and usage principle:
- Steel frame with high durability and a comfortable ride
- Carbon fork for weight reduction and vibration damping
- Flatbar handlebars for control, overview and a relaxed sitting position
- Large tyre clearance (up to 47 mm) For tarmac, gravel and poor paths
- Numerous mounting points for bags, bottles and accessories
- Optional hobo front carrier system with a load capacity of up to 5 kg
Conclusion from an editorial point of view
The Rose Hobo "Rockets Edition" is not a classic product innovation, but rather a a deliberate sign. It shows how brand, team and product can be combined to create a coherent story without bending the bike itself. Technically, the Hobo remains what it is: a versatile flatbar gravel bike beyond racing constraints.
The real novelty value comes from the context. In an environment dominated by high-end carbon racing bikes, Rose and the Unibet Rose Rockets are focusing on everyday usability, function and humour. A project that is less about measurement results, but all the more about attitude - and that is precisely what makes it stand out in modern cycling.
Stefan Frey
Editor
