The downhiller "Unchained" from the same company had already surprised us positively last year, because it was very linear and smooth with similar rear suspension kinematics - quite different from what we experienced with the otherwise (too) progressive rear suspension of the sender. The "Soulfire 3" comes with ideal freeride equipment: telescopic seatpost, downhill-orientated shock, 1x11 gear ratio. The very short stem was too short for our taste for the otherwise rather classic geometry and limited both the riding characteristics uphill and the handling downhill. With a 50 mm stem, we found it to be suitable - fortunately, Rose customers also have the choice.
At exactly 14 kilos, the Rose is light and rides well uphill. The rear end hardly bobs at all - with the compression damping turned up, you can also ride in the cradle. Downhill, the bike offers a pretty good compromise between manoeuvrability and safety. Good pop, good grip, balanced in tight and wide corners. At least until the terrain gets really angry. Like in Bolzano, on the rocky thunderstorm of the Kohlern 4-seater climb. This is where the "Soulfire" reaches its geometry limits. The steepest head angle in the test (66 degrees) and the otherwise rather conservative geometry make it less secure than the Kona or the Cube, for example. In our opinion, 1.5 degrees slacker at the front would be suitable for the range of use.
ConclusionWith its low weight and good suspension performance, the Rose "Soulfire" offers good conditions for a wide-ranging freerider. The steering angle is a little steep for rough terrain and lacks composure. A geo update would be recommended here. The lightweight wheelset did not survive the test unscathed.
PLUS - Rear triangle - Equipment - Weight
MINUS - Smooth running
Manufacturer information
Distribution Rose Versand GmbH www.roseversand.de
Material / Sizes Aluminium / S, M, L, XL
Price / weight without pedals 3 999 Euro / 14 kg
Measurement data
Front / rear suspension travel 180 mm / 180 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Equipment
Fork / damper Fox 36 Float 180 Fit CTD / RockShox Vivid Air R2C
Cranks / gears eThirteen TRS+ / SRAM X01
Brake system SRAM Guide RSC
Impellers DT-Swiss EX 1750 Spline system wheelset, Continental Trail King 2.4 tyres
