Take two. With the Pikes Peak presents the Bocholt-based mail order company Rose not just a brand new bike with modern geometry and a 27.5-inch wheel size. With the new frame as a basis, two completely different bikes can be built at the same time. The design language has also been completely refreshed and will be continued in future new MTB developments. The matt black frame with neon green details is already appealing and the data on paper also sounds promising.
Rose Pikes Peak - the facts
- Frame weight: 2369 grams
- Completely internal cable routing
- 27.5" wheels with tyre clearance up to 2.5 inches
- Boost standard
- Chainstay length: 430 millimetres for agile handling
- Metric Shock Standard
- Only suitable for 1-gang drives
The frame of the Pikes Peak is made entirely of carbon and weighs in at 2369 grams in size M - that's impressive. The real speciality, however, is that the bike can be built in two completely different specs. Either as an enduro bike with 165 millimetres of travel at the rear, a slacker steering angle and a slightly higher bottom bracket. Or as an all-mountain bike with 150 millimetres of suspension travel and steeper angles for slightly more agile handling.
Enduro setup
- Suspension travel: 160 front / 165 rear
- Complete weight Pikes Peak 3 EN: 13.2 kilos
- Steering angle: 65.5° (flat setting) / 66.5° (steep setting)
- Reach in size M: 445 mm (flat setting) / 455 (steep setting)
All mountain setup
- Suspension travel: 150 front / 150 rear
- Complete weight Pikes Peak 3 AM: 12.3 kilos
- Steering angle: 66° (flat setting) / 67° (steep setting)
- Reach in size M: 450 mm (flat setting) / 460 (steep setting)
Progeo: patented geometry adjustment
Also new: the patented "Progeo" geometry adjustment system. The system was devised by Rose developer Max Sistenich and is being used for the first time on the Pikes Peak. The name is made up of the terms progression and geometry, which should make it clear what it is all about. Depending on preference or trail conditions, the rider can change the progression of the shock, as well as the steering and seat angle and the bottom bracket height. From the flat to the steep position, the steering and seat angle change by one degree each, while the bottom bracket height varies by twelve millimetres. Three progression settings (low, mid, high) are available.
The "Progeo" system is located on the lower shock mount and should be easy to adjust on the trail. Steep, technical uphills, flowing trails or fast descents - the four different settings should allow the Pikes Peak to be optimally adapted to the respective use. The good thing about it: there are no loose parts that could get lost on the trail. The system is simply loosened using an Allen key, then the flip chip is turned to the desired position and then locked in place again. The respective setting is clearly labelled on the frame.
Modern geometry - long and flat
With a slack head angle, steep seat angle and a reach of 455 millimetres in size M for the Enduro and 460 millimetres for the All Mountain, Rose aims to meet the current zeitgeist. Short stems of 30 to 40 millimetres are intended to compensate for the long reach and ensure a comfortable riding position. Nevertheless, bikers might get a bit confused when choosing the frame size - the frames are longer than most people are used to. That's why Rose has decided not to offer an XL size and only offers the Pikes Peak in sizes S, M and L. To keep the standover height comfortably low, the top tube is pulled down low. The extension length of the dropper post is adapted to the respective frame size and is between 125 mm (size S) and 170 mm (size L). Even the smallest frame has space for a 500 millilitre water bottle.
The equipment - drawn from the full
When it comes to the equipment, the Bocholt-based company is not one to let its guard down and bolts high-quality parts to the Pikes Peak throughout. The suspension of the top enduro model comes with a 36 mm Fox fork and the new Fox Float X2 Factory for 4799 euros. DT Swiss EX 1501 Spline One wheels and a Sram XO1 Eagle complete the equipment. The All Mountain version rolls out of the online shop for 4499 euros with similar equipment, but adapted to the area of use. Rose has deliberately dispensed with a front derailleur. In return, the Bocholt-based company uses large bearings from Enduro Bearings to increase the durability of the frame. In addition, the absence of a front derailleur naturally benefits the geometry and enables shorter chainstays and better adaptation of the kinematics to the individual chainring.
In general, the Pikes Peak will be available in three enduro and three all-mountain variants. Prices start at 3299 euros for the Pikes Peak 1 AM and 3399 euros for the Pikes Peak 1 EN. All models are now available in the Rose online shop.
Rose Pikes Peak - first ride impression
To gain a first riding impression of the new enduro bike, an extensive tour of Kronplatz is on the programme. We start in San Vigilio and ride up the 500 metres in altitude to the Ruis valley station, mainly on forest paths. The "Progeo" in the High/Steep setting, with a steep steering angle and strong progression, climbs the Pikes Peak in a very relaxed manner. Despite the long reach, the riding position is comfortable and you immediately feel at ease in the saddle. The grippy tyres suck the reserves from your calves. Their qualities clearly lie in the downhill. The sensitive rear end nods slightly with every pedal stroke, so even the switchable platform can't completely calm things down - a full lockout is not available. However, this is never unpleasant. Halfway up the climb, the terrain becomes steep, very steep, and the feeling that the geometry could be a little steeper becomes stronger. And yet: for a bike with 165 millimetres of travel, the Pikes Peak climbs with astonishing confidence.
On the next 600 metres up the gondola, the heart rate drops back to normal and we have time to bring the Progeo into the downhill position. Take out the Allen key, open the flip chip and turn it to the mid/slack position. It's as easy as tying your shoelaces and takes less than a minute. When closing the system, however, the Progeo chip could snap into place a little more cleanly. But the system itself is foolproof and a really innovative solution for geometry customisation.
A few minutes later, the gondola spits us out at the top of Kronplatz and we set off towards the valley on the Herrensteig trail. On the built trail, the Pikes Peak is smooth and composed from the very first metre, tempting us to leave the brakes open. The Pikes Peak takes the bends, peppered with rubble and braking bumps, in its stride. Small jumps, off-road steps, the new Rose utilises the suspension travel well without reaching its limits. However, the progression could be a little stronger towards the end. However, this could be compensated for with volume spacers. It is astonishing how quiet the suspension is. No clattering or chain slap. Apart from the freewheel, all you can hear is the muffled rumble of the grippy tyres. Shortly afterwards, the character of the descent changes. We turn onto a wooded natural trail. Damp roots and slippery boulders lie bulky over the trail. We take it easy, skipping the odd obstacle. The Rose willingly gets on the rear wheel and is easy to animate to jump off-road. In tight corners, however, the long bike demands a lot of pressure. The 36 Fox is high in its travel and gives the rider the feeling of always being in control of the bike, even on the steepest terrain.
Conclusion on the new Rose Pikes Peak
With the Pikes Peak EN, Rose has a potent enduro MTB in its programme that impresses with its successful, modern geometry and a superior rear triangle. With Progeo, Rose delivers an exciting approach to geometry adjustment, which is particularly impressive in terms of handling. However, the difference between the individual positions is limited, at least in the first test. Equipment, weight and workmanship are at a very high level for the price. We are looking forward to the all-mountain version and a detailed test.
Stefan Frey
Editor
