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Test Rose PDQ 2New carbon hardtail from Rose in the price-performance check

Jan Timmermann

 · 24.09.2023

Finally there is a modern race hardtail from Rose. The BIKE test clarifies whether the price-performance ratio of the carbon hardtail is convincing.
Photo: Max Fuchs

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With modern geometry and 120 millimetres of suspension travel, the new Rose PDQ also wants to score points for riding fun on trails. At the same time, the carbon frame and a sporty concept should appeal to cross-country racers. The BIKE test shows whether the calculation really works out and whether the Rose hardtail is worth buying.

After six years in use, Rose is putting its race classic Psycho Path on the back burner and launching a modern race hardtail with the PDQ (Pretty Damn Quick). The chic hardtail with carbon frame is still intended to be sporty. Nevertheless, the increased suspension travel, a completely revised geometry and a new equipment concept are intended to make the Rose PDQ for trail use as well. Can this really work and if so, is the new Rose hardtail worth the price?

>> Click here for a detailed presentation of the new Rose PDQ <<

Now with 120 millimetres more travel: Nevertheless, Rose wants to have retained some of the sporty genes of the old Psycho Path in the PDQ.Photo: Max FuchsNow with 120 millimetres more travel: Nevertheless, Rose wants to have retained some of the sporty genes of the old Psycho Path in the PDQ.

The Rose PDQ 2 on test: How the carbon hardtail rides

Rose has taken a long time to introduce a new race hardtail. Now the mail order company is presenting a completely new bike. Let's start with the facts and figures and the spec. With a 68-degree head angle and 120 millimetres of travel on the brand-new SID fork, Rose has almost set the course for trail use. 2.4-inch wide tyres mounted on 30-millimetre aluminium rims from Newmen and a telescopic seat post should ensure comfort and reserves on the downhill.

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For a complete price of 3799 euros, the Rose PDQ 2 comes with Srams GX Eagle AXS transmission, which changes gears smoothly and reliably even under full load. Thanks to the lightweight 1225 gram frame, the Rose weighs in at just 10.98 kilos despite its solid equipment.

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The basis for the low weight of the Rose PDQ is a lightweight carbon frame with clever details, such as the mount for a chain guide hidden behind a cover.Photo: Max FuchsThe basis for the low weight of the Rose PDQ is a lightweight carbon frame with clever details, such as the mount for a chain guide hidden behind a cover.

The Rose PDQ: Cross-Country Hardtail Plus

In terms of riding position, the Rose PDQ remains a classic racer. With a 74.9 degree seat angle and a 478 millimetre reach, you are stretched over the bike in a sporty manner. The wide, flat handlebars also pull the upper body downwards when seated. The Rose hammers up even steep climbs with plenty of pressure on the front wheel. The suspension fork can be adjusted in three stages using the twist grip - although the platform position has little effect and the lockout does not completely block the fork. On the other hand, the 2.4 recons generate a lot of comfort and traction on the climbs.

Wide but somewhat toothless: The Maxxis Rekon Race in 2.4 inch width.Photo: Max FuchsWide but somewhat toothless: The Maxxis Rekon Race in 2.4 inch width.

On descents, the stiff rear triangle still packs a punch. Despite the 429 millimetre short chainstays, the PDQ is more of a smooth sprinter than a fun cornering killer. Especially as you're hanging far over the front wheel on downhills and the 120 millimetres of travel hardly generate any more riding confidence.

Speaking of safety: The moderately snappy Sram Level brakes with a small 160 mm rear brake disc may still be sufficient for flat stretches, but they are quickly overwhelmed on more demanding descents.

Rose installs 2 Sram-Level brakes with flat-mount brake callipers and a 160 mm rear brake disc on the PDQ. Unfortunately, the stoppers have little power.Photo: Max FuchsRose installs 2 Sram-Level brakes with flat-mount brake callipers and a 160 mm rear brake disc on the PDQ. Unfortunately, the stoppers have little power.

Technical data & notes on the Rose PDQ 2

Manufacturer information

  • Category: Hardtail, Cross Country / Down Country
  • Price¹: 3799 Euro >> available here
  • Available from: Shipper
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
The cockpit of the Rose PDQ 2 is flat and wide.Photo: Max FuchsThe cockpit of the Rose PDQ 2 is flat and wide.

Measured values

  • Suspension travel: 122 mm
  • Weight without pedals: 10.98 kg
  • Frame weight: 1225 g
  • Weight of wheels: 4421 g
  • Acceleration of running wheels: 3419 kg x cm²
  • Handlebar width: 760 mm
  • Seat comfort: 6.73 mm
  • Frame rigidity (absolute): 52 N/mm

How BIKE tests - The test authority of the MTB scene

The new Rockshox Sid provides 120 millimetres of travel on the Rose PDQ 2. However, this is the cheapest model of the fork.Photo: Max FuchsThe new Rockshox Sid provides 120 millimetres of travel on the Rose PDQ 2. However, this is the cheapest model of the fork.

Equipment

  • Wheels: Newmen Evolution A 30
  • Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.4
  • Fork: Rockshox Sid RLC
  • Brakes: Sram Level SLV 180/160 mm
  • Gear system: Sram GX AXS Eagle Transmission 1 x 12
  • Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-52 / 520 %
  • Telescopic seatpost / stroke: eThirteen Infinite / 150 mm
The Rose PDQ 2 comes with a Sram GX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain with the latest wireless technology.Photo: Max FuchsThe Rose PDQ 2 comes with a Sram GX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain with the latest wireless technology.

Valuation

  • Driving behaviour uphill: 29.75 from 35
  • Front suspension: 12 out of 15
  • Rolling resistance: 12 out of 15
  • Weight: 12.5 from 25
  • Inertia impellers: 9 out of 15
  • Bottle cage: 10 out of 10
  • Seating comfort: 6 out of 10
  • Driving behaviour downhill: 22.5 from 30
  • Front suspension: 15 out of 20
  • Saddle retractability 10 out of 10
  • Brakes: 6.5 out of 10
  • Tyre grip: 10.5 out of 15
  • Driving stability: 5 out of 10

TOTAL MOUNT: 91.25 from 125

TOTAL RECOVERY: 69.5 from 95

  • Miscellaneous: 20 from 30
  • Ease of maintenance: weak

BIKE test rating²: Very good - 180.8 out of 250 points

The non-slip lever on the cockpit of the Rose PDQ is excellent. However, the dropper post wheezes when extending and retracting and runs roughly in its bushings.Photo: Max FuchsThe non-slip lever on the cockpit of the Rose PDQ is excellent. However, the dropper post wheezes when extending and retracting and runs roughly in its bushings.The geometry of the Rose PDQ 2 in frame size L.Photo: BIKE-MagazinThe geometry of the Rose PDQ 2 in frame size L.Rose does not equip all hardtails in the PDQ line-up with a dropper post. With the PDQ 2, however, you can enjoy the benefits of a dropper post.Photo: Max FuchsRose does not equip all hardtails in the PDQ line-up with a dropper post. With the PDQ 2, however, you can enjoy the benefits of a dropper post.

Conclusion on the test of the Rose PDQ 2

With the PDQ, Rose has an extremely stylish and well-equipped race hardtail in the shed for the price. Despite the dropper post and 120 millimetre fork, the bike remains more of a classic racer than a fun down-country hardtail. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor.Photo: Max FuchsStefan Frey, BIKE test editor.

¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.

²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.). The weighting of the points in the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.

Jan Timmermann

Jan Timmermann is a true mountain biker. His interests cover almost everything from marathon to trail bikes and from street to gravel. True to the motto "life is too short for boring bikes", the technical editor's heart lies above all in bikes with charisma. Jan also runs the fitness centre for our cycling brands.

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