Rose Bonero Plus: Carbon hardtail with TQ motor on test

Hardtails have a hard time among e-mountain bikers. Too little off-road expertise and at the same time not really light or cheap. This could change with the new Bonero Plus from Rose. The weight, price and riding characteristics of the first light e-MTB from the Bocholt-based mail-order company are successful, and the TQ motor fits the concept perfectly: as inconspicuous as possible for an e-bike and yet with a little tailwind if desired. Perhaps not a bike for everyone, but if you enjoy longer, relaxed tours and still want to have fun on flowing trails, the new Rose is a charming and lightweight bike that won't break the bank.

The facts about the Rose Bonero Plus

• Motor: TQ HPR 50, 50 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 360 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Spring travel: 140
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: from 4499 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 16.86 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)

Full carbon fibre trail hardtail: frame and geometry of the Rose Bonero Plus

Rose has designed the Bonero Plus as a trail hardtail for the widest possible range of use. As the name suggests, the Bonero Plus inherits the DNA of the classic Bonero, which has already won one of our tests. The most important difference to the Bonero without motor: the Bonero Plus comes with a carbon instead of an aluminium frame and of course has a motor. The suspension travel on both bikes is 140 millimetres and the geometry is long. This means that the Bocholt-based company gives its trail hardtail a good dose of smoothness and riding safety, even in the E version. The weight allowance for the bike and frame is 130 kilograms. The bike comes from the factory with a kickstand mount but without attachment points for pannier racks or mudguards.

The geometry

The reach of the Bonero is extremely long for a hardtail and the seat angle is steep. This places the rider far forward on the bike, both uphill and downhill. In addition to the long main frame, long chainstays ensure a smooth ride, and the 446 millimetre rear end is particularly long for sizes S and M. The low bottom bracket and the rather high handlebars (stack) favour a secure position on the bike. If you like your bike to be playful, you should aim for a size smaller on the large Rose.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

• Seat tube length: 448 mm
• Wheelbase: 1255 mm
• Reach: 485 mm
• Stack: 642 mm
• Steering angle: 65 degrees
• Seat angle: 75.7 degrees
• Chainstay length: 446 mm

Whisper quiet: The TQ HPR 50 motor

For the first time in a hardtail, Rose on the minimalist HPR 50 motor from TQ Systems. The great strength of this system: unobtrusive thrust. No other e-bike motor is as quiet and compact as the TQ. The fist-sized drive is barely noticeable even in the side line of the bike and the drive noise is almost drowned out by the rolling noise of tyres on gravel, even under full load when climbing. The application of power is very direct and always feels very natural.

However, at 300 watts, the TQ only offers half the power of a classic Bosch CX e-bike motor, and the torque is also noticeably lower at a maximum of 50 Newton metres. And the TQ can't do magic either - at 360 watt hours, the range is only half that of full power systems with over 700 watt hours. Nevertheless, for a hardtail that is also used on easy, flatter tours or sometimes without a motor, the TQ is a very good choice from our point of view. For longer tours, the range can easily be extended by almost 50 per cent with the optional range extender (160 Wh, 1053 g, approx. 600 euros). If you order the bike in May 2024, you can even get the extender for free with your bike.

From 4499 euros and under 17 kilos: equipment and models

The new Rose starts with the Bonero Plus 1 for 4499 euros. This may not sound like an extreme bargain, but for a carbon bike with high-quality equipment - Rockshox Lyrik Base, twelve-speed Deore, Deore brakes and Newmen wheels - the price is fair in a market comparison. Especially as the TQ drive system for the Bonero Plus, which is produced at Ammersee, is likely to cost quite a bit.

The equipment of the Rose Bonero Plus 2 for 4999 euros, which we have already tested (see below). A Lyrik Select fork, a mix of SLX and XT components and high-quality HX1700 Spline LS wheels from DT Swiss are used here. The top model Bonero Plus 3 for 5799 euros comes with GX-Transmission, Lyrik Select Plus with the new Charger 3 damping, Code Bronze brakes and lightweight Newmen aluminium wheels. All e-bikes come with long E-Thirteen dropper posts.

Practical test: How the Rose Bonero Plus rides

Anyone who still associates hardtails with compact geometry, low handlebars and steep angles will be in for a little surprise with the new Rose Bonero Plus. In L, the bike has the reach of a modern enduro bike, while the steep seat angle, slack head angle and high front end give the Bonero a very modern look. Nevertheless, the bike sits comfortably even on longer flat stretches. We don't have to criticise excessive pressure on the wrists, even if the 800 mm handlebar is certainly quite wide for a hardtail.

As usual, the TQ HPR 50 motor doesn't push too hard, and the ergonomic remote and low noise level are excellent. It's also great for overtaking hikers on uphill forest roads, whereas classic e-bikes like to throttle back the assistance to minimise the background noise. Even when things get really steep, the Rose cuts a fine figure and clearly pushes the range of rideability upwards compared to a bike without a motor. However, the 34 mm chainring at the front could be smaller to save power. Even on a steep forest road in the lightest gear, you still need full support from time to time. And for real uphill challenges like with a classic e-bike, the Rose with fixed rear clearly lacks traction on the rear wheel.

Downhill, the long Rose gives you a lot of confidence and the 140 mm fork smoothes out even the roughest obstacles. Rough trails and high speeds are not the Bonero Plus's expertise due to its design, but at a moderate speed the bike also cuts a fine figure on more demanding trails. The tyre combination of Wicked Will and Nobby Nic is well suited to the area of use, providing sufficient grip on the downhill and good rolling characteristics at the same time. Only at the rear would the hardtail benefit from a slightly wider 2.6-inch tyre for more damping. The bike's clear strength: flowing trails with not too many obstacles. You can generate a lot of momentum over waves with the rigid rear end, and the Rose also copes very well with small berms. Both uphill and downhill, the Bonero Plus is one of the quietest e-bikes we have tested so far. Discreet motor noise and no rattling from the motor, cables or chain downhill give the Rose a high-quality feel.

The EMTB conclusion

This is what makes an e-hardtail fun! The Rose Bonero Plus impresses with a really well-rounded concept, a high-quality and well thought-out frame and strong riding characteristics. The TQ drive is as inconspicuous as possible and brings the lightweight Rose so close to a classic trail hardtail that the Bonero Plus is even fun off-road again. A clear tip for anyone who doesn't necessarily need a fully.

Pro

• Good trail characteristics in a hardtail comparison
• Nice and quiet uphill and downhill
• Lightweight bike at a fair price

Contra

• No luggage rack or mudguard mount
• Less ride comfort and traction due to rigid rear end
• Range only mediocre