As "EQ" variant is the Backroad Strictly speaking, it is no longer a gravel bike, as the tyres under the mudguards are only 35 millimetres wide and come without tread as standard. This means that you can still explore dry field and forest paths with some restrictions, but real off-road tours are no longer possible. The maximum tyre width that can be ridden is said to be 40 millimetres, but in the rain, splash water is likely to fly past the rather narrow fenders.
As a pure road touring bike and commuter bike, however, the classic cuts a fine figure. This model also sits upright, but the Rose still has the most road bike feeling of the candidates. This is supported by the relatively low weight of just under twelve kilograms and the light wheelset, which gives the bike a certain amount of liveliness when pedalling. The well-sprung seat post provides sufficient comfort for this purpose, but due to the narrow tyres, the Backroad generally rides harder than the other contenders with wide gravel tyres.
Rose Backroad: a lot of money - a lot of good
In addition, as is typical for Rose, the Backroad boasts well thought-out and high-quality equipment details without exception. The Shimano GRX drivetrain with its small gears is also suitable for tough climbs with luggage. The comfortable saddle and handlebars complete the good basis. Integrated cables and a special stem create a tidy look, but the bike is not as easy to customise as other candidates.
After all, there are seven sizes, and with size 64 there is also something for very tall people. There is unreserved praise for the accessories; in particular the elegant and bright lighting system from Busch&Müller and the very sturdy mudguards are beyond reproach. Although the bike is by far the most expensive in the comparison, it is still a recommendation. It's a pity that Rose doesn't offer an inexpensive version under 2000 euros, which would certainly meet with great interest. Instead, there is a high-end version with a carbon frame, which is almost a kilogram lighter, but only as a remaining stock, Rose is discontinuing the model.
Facts & figures about the Rose Backroad AL EQ
- Price: 2499 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 11.8 kilos
- Frame sizes: 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 64 (frame size greased)
- TOUR grade: 2,4
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 500/560/175 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 619/373 millimetres/1.66
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 672/548 millimetres/1.23
- Wheelbase/caster: 1040/74 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 600/810 (2x11; 46/30, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 2.5
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 400/600 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix Urban 35 mm (eff.: 36 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Impellers/Dyn: Rose G Thirty/Shimano DH-UR 705
- Impeller weights: 1964/2187 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: great lighting system, fast tyres, seven frame sizes
- Minus: Limited off-road capability, relatively expensive
Jens Klötzer
Editor
