Enduros with 160 millimetres of suspension travel? That's right, there used to be something. But once you've sat on the Beef Cake, you won't want to miss the extra 20 millimetres. The Rose suspension irons away rough chunks as if it were cat litter. Sure, with the long-travel Talas and the DHX shock from Fox, the bike is sprung like a monster truck. But the doubters are more likely to be convinced: Despite its total weight of just under 15 kilos, the muscleman climbs as if it wanted to recommend itself as a Transalp bike. Although you sit compactly due to the rather short top tube, if you lower the Talas to 140 millimetres, you don't even need to move the platform lever on the shock: The suspension doesn't annoy you with nervous twitching on the climbs, but saves its temperament and suspension travel for the descent. Only Schwalbe's Big Betty (test tyres: Onza Ibex) should prevent the wind from blowing sweat off your face on the climbs.
You can order the Beef Cake from Rose-Versand for 3199 euros, and inside the box is a smartly finished frame (internally routed cables) with a colourful mix of stylish add-on parts: Formula The One brakes with 203 discs at the front and rear, DTSwiss Enduro wheels, SRAM XO rear derailleur and a wide (740 mm) Syncros handlebar.
And what's the catch? There are deductions in the B grade for the drivetrain: although double cranks are in the spirit of the times for enduro bikes, even low-drive enduro riders are underserved with the 32 mm chainring. At the top of our enduro wish list: a hydraulic seat post.
Conclusion: playful character, fat suspension travel, yet still suitable for touring.
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