Rose Bonero 3: Trail hardtail on test

Trail hardtails like the Rose Bonero have become increasingly popular in recent years. With their simple technology, moderate prices and modern geometries, they are fighting back against the upgrade in the fully segment.

The aluminium frame of the Rose Bonero - which is the same for all three Rose Bonero models - may look simple, but it offers a few clever details: bottle cages or accessories can be mounted on a total of five bolts on the down tube and top tube, and there are also holes for pannier racks. The internally routed cables are clamped rattle-free at the exit in front of the bottom bracket, and the down tube, chain stays and seat stays are well protected.

The equipment is quite impressive for the price of just under 2200 euros: a complete GX groupset with a wide range, powerful Formula Cura brakes and system wheels from DT Swiss - even mountain bike fullys for over 3000 euros are usually less well equipped. In addition, the 2357 gram frame (L) is available in six sizes, whereby the Rose hardtail bikes in XS and S roll on the smaller 27.5-inch wheels.

Without a rear shock, even beginners can set up the new Bonero in no time at all. The setup table on the solid 140-millimetre Pike provides suitable recommendations for the air pressure, but the lack of rear suspension means that it can be ridden a little firmer.

The 2.3 inch wide Kenda Regolith tyres on our test bike are mounted tubeless - unlike the standard tyres. A good decision, because the MTB tyres can be ridden with only 1.3 bar pressure at a weight of almost 80 kilos and generate a lot of grip as well as a certain amount of damping.

Rose Bonero: Faithful, but a little weighty

With the dimensions of a genuine All-mountain bikes rolls the Rose Bonero off-road. Thanks to the 480 mm reach and 76-degree seat angle, you sit in sporty comfort, while the 436 millimetre chainstays keep the front wheel reliably on the ground even on steep stretches.

The fact that uphill progress is slow is due to the total weight of a good 13 kilos with pedals. Sprinting attempts are quickly stifled by the tough rolling Kenda tyres. In tight bends, the long wheelbase demands an active riding style.

Once you reach the summit and lower the E-Thirteen seatpost using the really well-designed lever on the handlebars, the fun really starts. Hold on to the reins and switch to a gallop. The smooth-running Rose hardtail with its 65 degree steering angle masters fast sections with ease, root carpets and stone fields can be rattled past with the right line selection, the rest is taken care of by the confident suspension fork.

The Bonero is also great fun on flow trails: pushing through berms, flying over tables - no problem as long as the terrain allows for speed. But as soon as the bends get tighter and the trails more technical, it gets tiring. The Rose Bonero is reluctant to get on the rear wheel, and you have to work hard on natural edges to get off the ground - playful riding is not the Rose's favourite discipline.

Conclusion from Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor:

As with many other trail hardtails, the high weight of the Rose Bonero 3 is the limiting factor. One kilo less and the mail-order bike would be a real trail rocket. As it is, it remains a reliable companion with a slight penchant for fast descents - for relaxed tours, days in the trail park or bikepacking adventures.

Technical data Rose Bonero 3

General information

• Price: 2199 Euro¹ >> available here
• Frame material: aluminium
• Frame size: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL (tested in 46 cm)
• to the Rose website

Measured values

• Weight without pedals: 12.8 kg

Equipment

• Wheels: DT Swiss XM 1900
• Tyres: Kenda Regolith Elite TLR 29x2.4
• Fork: Rockshox Pike Select+
• Brakes: Formula Cura 4 / Cura 203 / 180 mm
• Gear system: Sram GX Eagle 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
• Tele support / stroke: Ethirteen Vario Inf. / 175 mm