There was no renovation or facelift here - engineer Max Sistenich, who recently started designing bikes for the large mail-order company from Bocholt, completely redesigned the "Uncle Jimbo". He pushed the formerly round tubes of the enduro classic from the Rose range through the oil squeezer. Sistenich gave the new uncle's top tube a distinctive kink, thus saving material and fixing the shock rocker lower in the bike on the seat tube. While the predecessor tended more towards all-mountain, the new "Uncle Jimbo" is a potent enduro bike. The geometry is modern, instead of narrow, high and somewhat stalky as before. You now stand low on the bike. On the high-speed sections, the Rose was able to handle a surprising amount of speed despite its short wheelbase. Together with Giant and Bionicon, it was one of the downhill experts in the test field. The Fox suspension was well-balanced and powerful, making it easy to leave the throttle open. The Rose tracks well and always feels secure, precise and controlled. Pleasant: the wide Race Face cockpit. The yellow, not too stiff Crossmax wheels are a particular eye-catcher. In wet conditions, you should change the low-profile rear tyre - risk of slipping! But the "Uncle Jimbo" doesn't just score points in the downhill category, the bike also achieves a very good mix of smoothness and manoeuvrability. Isn't that exactly what you want from an enduro bike? Potent downhill and yet agile and playful. On the flat, the Rose charges forwards with vigour. This is where the steep seat angle and (even with the compression damping open) bob-neutral rear end make themselves felt. Especially on long tours and trail rides in undulating terrain, you benefit from this propulsion.
ConclusionThe new "Uncle Jimbo" is the best enduro bike that Rose has ever built. Thanks to its modern geometry and harmonious chassis, it achieves a mix of smoothness and manoeuvrability.
STRENGTHS Geometry, chassis, equipment
WEAKNESSES Rear tyre has little grip, cables rattle
Manufacturer information
Distribution Rose Versand GmbH www.roseversand.de
Material/sizes Aluminium/S, M, L, XL
Price/weight without pedals* 3799 Euro/13.7 kg
Measurement data
Front/rear suspension travel 130-160 mm/165 mm
Rear suspension system Four-bar linkage
Equipment
Fork/damper Fox 36 Talas RC2/Fox Float X CTD
Cranks/gears eThirteen TRSr/SRAM XO1
Brake system SRAM Guide RSC
Impellers Mavic Crossmax Enduro system wheelset, vo. Mavic Crossmax Charger 2.4, hi. Crossmax Roam XL 2.2 II tyres
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
