Big bikes on test: The Rose Scrub DC 3 impresses with its price-performance ratio

Last autumn, the Scrub celebrated its debut in the direct mail order company's portfolio - Rose is finally offering a big bike again. The newly designed aluminium frame with the cleverly integrated shock serves as a platform for four models ranging from freeride to downhill. Originally we wanted the lighter Top model Scrub DC3 (17.8 kg) with the top Rockshox Boxxer Ultimate fork, but we were given the cheaper DC2 with Boxxer Rush RC. The bike has a modern, stretched geometry with a generous reach (475 mm), but it didn't feel too long. Only when we wanted to pull the scrub onto the rear wheel did we need more momentum and arm strength, despite the small rear wheel.

The scrub's plump weight has two sides. One side: The kilos stabilise the Scrub and press it firmly into the trail - that's not unpleasant. Where the lightweight Scott can sometimes skip, the Rose armours over it smoothly. The other side: logical, heavy = sluggish. The Rose requires more physical effort in fast corner changes, spontaneous off-road jumps etc.. However, this doesn't detract from the riding pleasure - which is high and surprisingly close to the high-end sleds of the competition. If you consider that you get two Rose bikes for the price of one Scott, you come to the conclusion that the riding pleasure is anything but proportional to the purchase price.

Conclusion on the Rose Scrub DC 3

Fun big bike with a cool look and very good value for money. If image is not so important to you, the Scrub is a superior aluminium downhiller with a robust design.

Confident, safe, smooth - the Rose offers reserves and tracks well, also due to its higher weight. The other side of the coin: it feels slower in turns and requires more effort. - Laurin Lehner, test editor

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>> You can find more Rose bikes here.

The most important information about the Rose Scrub DC 3 (29/27.5 inch)

Manufacturer information

• Distribution: Rose Bikes GmbH rosebikes.de
• Material: Aluminium
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 3899 Euro >> available here
• Weight without pedals: 18 kg

Measurement data

• Front / rear suspension travel: 200 mm / 200 mm
• rear suspension system: Four-bar linkage

Equipment

• Fork / damper: Rockshox Boxxer Rush RC / Rockshox Super Deluxe Ultimate (450 lbs)
• Cranks / gears: Truvativ Descendant / Sram GX DH
• Brake system: Sram Code R
• Impellers: System wheel Newmen Evolution E.G.30
• Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo Addix Soft SG 2.4, Schwalbe Big Betty Evo Addix Soft SG 2.4

Strengths and weaknesses

• Plus: Traction, control, price/performance
• Minus: somewhat sluggish, manual is difficult

Sheet music

• Park: 4 from 6
• Race: 5 from 6
• Overall grade: 8.5 (price/performance tip)