Rose Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2: The all-round carefree package on test - Competition road bikes up to 7000 euros
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The Rose takes centre stage behind the almost outrageously cheap Litening Aero C:68X Race from Cube The Xlite 06 is the second cheapest model in our comparison. Despite comparable equipment with electronic Shimano Ultegra and aerodynamically optimised wheels, the Xlite 06 saves a whopping 1500 euros compared to the most expensive model. Bike from Merida.
However, there is no need to fear any loss of quality with the racer from Bocholt. On the contrary: as one of a total of seven competition bikes in the under 7,000 euro price category, the Rose scored an overall mark of one before the decimal point.
Like the top model, the Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2 has no weaknesses worth mentioning. On the contrary, the price cracker emphasises its approach as a versatile all-rounder. Even without top performances in the most important disciplines, the Rose should therefore appeal to many amateur athletes with racing ambitions.
Rose Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2: Frame under 1000 grams
In terms of overall weight, the Xlite 06 benefits from a conventional chassis which, in contrast to aerodynamic specialists, does without protruding shapes on the fork, steering head or seat tube. As a result, the frame remains under 1000 grams and is one of the lighter models.
However, as the wheels with 60 millimetre high carbon rims are comparatively heavy, the Rose ranks just behind the lightest models in the weight classification. It is worth noting that the manufacturer and mail order company also has a Dura-Ace version in its range for less than 7,000 euros, which is around 350 grams lighter thanks to the use of Shimano's top groupset.
Compromise proves itself in the wind tunnel
The compromise that the Bocholt-based company has made with the reduced frame design is evident in the wind tunnel. The 215 watts at 45 km/h are by no means a bad figure for a competition bike with a wide range of uses; however, in comparison with the fastest competition all-rounders currently available, the Xlite is around ten watts behind. Switching to faster wheels does not bring any significant improvement in this respect; the more expensive "UNLTD" version with slightly higher DT Swiss wheels was hardly any faster.
The Rose shows its greatest strength in a discipline that the designers of other competition bikes like to sweep under the carpet: comfort. The flattened carbon seatpost offers the same level of suspension as very comfortable marathon bikes. The handlebars are - as is often the case with the competition - somewhat less compliant.
However, with the 28 millimetre wide Schwalbe tyres, the bike offers better suspension than Rose's top model in the Xlite range with narrower tyres, for example. In relation to the price range, the bike offers above-average suspension and damping comfort.
Not a matter of course: power meters from 4iiii
Amateur pedallers will also appreciate the relatively moderate riding position and the predictable handling of the track-stable racer. The fact that there is also a crank-based power meter from 4iiii with an integrated tracking service for mobile devices from Apple on board is not a matter of course in this price range.
The modern one-piece cockpit is basically designed for low maintenance, as the brake lines are clipped into a guide and not internally routed. In our experience, however, changing the position of the handlebars does not save you having to cut the lines to length. Replacing the steering unit, on the other hand, is straightforward.
More scope for customisation and adjustment of the riding position is provided by the cheaper equipment variants, which are built as the Xlite 04 with a classic handlebar/stem combination made of aluminium, among other things. However, due to simpler components and cheaper wheels and drivetrains, the three models (from 3599 euros) do not come close to the performance of the test bike. The Xlite 06 with Ultegra, on the other hand, is the most affordable version of the high-end line, which has been available in two new colour options since the beginning of the year.
Rose Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2: Info & test grade
- Price: 5499 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 7.5 kilos
- Frame sizes: 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 62 (test size greased)
- TOUR grade: 1,9
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 504/555/152 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 565/390 millimetres/1.45
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 627/573 millimetres/1.09
- Wheelbase/caster: 1000/57 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra (2x12; 52/36, 1130 t.; PM) | Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Schwalbe Pro One TLE 28 mm (eff.: 29 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: Rose RC Sixty
- Impeller weights: 1277/1711 grams (v./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 7470 grammes | Grade: 2.3
- Aerodynamics: 215 Watt | Grade: 2.3
- Driving stability: 8.0 N/mm | Grade: 2.0
- Rear comfort: 108 N/mm | Grade: 1.7
- Comfort front: 95 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 60 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
Advantages and disadvantages of the Rose Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2
- Plus: very comfortable, lightweight frame set, including power meter
- Minus: Relatively heavy wheels
How TOUR tests
Weight (25 per cent of the overall grade): The weighed complete wheel weight in the standardised test wheel size of 56-57 centimetres counts for the evaluation. However, we also show the wheel weights for orientation purposes. The grading scale is designed so that the physical effect of weight and aerodynamics on the average speed is comparable for an average route profile of 1000 metres in altitude per 100 kilometres. For orientation: The aerodynamic optimisation of the bike can compensate for up to almost four kilograms of weight on such a route. Simultaneous top marks in weight AND aerodynamics are mutually exclusive, but there are racing bikes that find a very good compromise. If the route is more hilly than our reference route, weight becomes more important; if the route is flatter, aerodynamics become more important.
Air resistance (25 per cent of the total score): Dynamically measured in the wind tunnel, with TOUR dummy, rotating wheels, moving legs and over a wide range of flow angles. Summarised to an aerodynamic grade for typical environmental conditions.
Front stiffness (10 per cent of the total score): Important parameter for steering precision and confidence in the bike at high speeds, determined in the TOUR laboratory. The overall stiffness is determined on the fully assembled frame set, i.e. including the fork. The stiffness values are capped. The aim is not an infinitely stiff frame, but one that is sufficiently stable to ride.
Bottom bracket stiffness (10 per cent of the total score): Reveals how much the frame yields under hard pedalling, for example when sprinting. This measurement also takes place in the TOUR laboratory, with realistic clamping, in which the frame can deform as it would when riding.
Rear comfort (10 per cent of the overall score): A measure of compliance under road shocks, measured in the TOUR laboratory. A suspension travel is measured when the seatpost is loaded. The measured value correlates very well with the riding impressions and the feeling of comfort. Good marks also mean decent riding dynamics, which have a positive effect on speed on poor roads.
Comfort front (5 per cent of the overall score): The deformation of the handlebars under load is determined in the same way as for the rear. A good score means a lot of suspension comfort, which takes the strain off your hands on long rides. However, strong sprinters who want a lot of stiffness should look for stiff handlebars.
Switching (5 per cent of the total score): The shifting characteristics are determined in the driving test. It is not the price or the quality impression of individual components that is assessed, but exclusively the function of the entire gearbox. For example, the cable routing, the quality of the cables and the mounted chain also play a role.
Brakes (5 per cent of the overall score): As with shifting, the test on the road also counts here, and the experience from our countless tests of brakes is also incorporated into the assessment. It is not the component itself that is assessed, but the function of the interaction between the brake body, pads and discs: How well can the brakes be modulated? How durable are the brakes, how long are the braking distances?
tyres (5 percent of the overall score): Rolling resistance and grip are evaluated - if known from one of our independent tyre tests or based on driving impressions. The overall score is calculated arithmetically from the differently weighted individual scores (percentages in brackets). It primarily expresses the sporty qualities of the tyre.
The overall score is calculated arithmetically from the individual scores weighted differently (percentages in brackets). It primarily expresses the sporting qualities of the bike.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
