• Europes biggest bike selection
    Gravel biking

    Rose Backroad Review

    Sophia Willmes
    Sophia Willmes
    Mar 4, 2024 4 min
    Rose Backroad Review

    The Rose Backroad under the magnifying glass

    A new day, a new gravel bike review. Today, it's about one of the true beasts of the gravel scene: The Rose Backroad. Everything worth knowing about this icon, you will find in this post.

    The Rose Backroad is the manufacturer's carbon-gravel bike. The lightweight and high-quality carbon provides a comfortable ride on rough terrain, dampening slight vibrations while still being stiff enough to provide a safe driving experience.

    1. Tire clearance and mounting options

    Whether on the way to work, on an extended tour, or on the next bikepacking trip, the various attachment points on the top tube, down tube, seat tube, fork and chainstays make the Backroad a perfect companion to which you can attach bags, mudguards, and a luggage rack can be mounted. As for tire clearance, the fork of the Backroad can accommodate up to 45 mm wide tires in 700c and up to 47 mm wide tires with 650b. These wider tires provide more comfort and grip on rough terrain. In terms of weight, the Backroad weighs about 8.9 kg, which is not bad for a gravel bike.

    🚲
    You can also have a look at our article on how to choose a gravel bike.

    2. Geometry

    Regarding the geometry, you sit with the Backroad compared to pure road bikes in a more upright position, which provides more comfort on longer rides. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.48, the Backroad is more comfortable than other gravel bikes like the Cannondale Topstone or the Specialized Diverge, but it is sportier and more aggressive. That means you'll be sitting a bit more stretched out. This makes it ideal for those looking to switch from a road bike to a gravel bike. The 1039 wheelbase is also significantly shorter than many other gravel bikes on the market. Therefore, riding off-road or at high speeds is slightly less stable but feels more maneuverable.

    3. Components

    The Backroad is compatible with 1x, 2x and mullet groups from Shimano GRX, SRAM or Classified available. This range of options ensures a suitable shifting group for each n rider. Most gravel bikes prefer the 1x drivetrain because it's more efficient on technical climbs, generally lighter, and easier to maintain than a 2x drivetrain. However, if you're looking for a more versatile bike and gearing similar to a road bike, the 2x drivetrain is recommended.

    All Backroads are supplied with a wheelset from Rose. Depending on the version, either G-thirty or R-thirty. ROSE G Thirty Disc wheelset, tubeless Backroad comes with a Ritchey Butano or VentureMax. Both handlebars have a wide bulge for more comfort and control when riding off-road. However, the VentureMax version has a 24-degree bulge and a bio-bend shaping that provides even more control, comfort and variable grip options.

    A great feature missing from many other gravel bikes is the cable routing under the stem, which makes for a very clean look and keeps the bike aerodynamic. Another highlight is the long, d-shaped carbon seatpost in combination with the internal clamping bolt, the low chainstays and the cut-out seat tube with rubber cover. This combination allows the seatpost to flex noticeably and provides a kind of suspension in the rear triangle for more comfort.

    🚲
    We have made a selection of the best gravel bikes to start bikepacking.

    4. Price

    Price-wise, the Backroad in the carbon version starts at € 2,499 and ranges to € 4,999.00. These price differences are due to the different groups, wheelsets and tires. However, the wheel is not too expensive compared to other brands with similar components.

    In summary, the Rose Backroad is a great round bike. Thanks to its rather performance-oriented geometry, it is suitable for rough terrain and long tours as well as asphalt. So, if you're looking for a very versatile gravel bike that's fast and nimble and lets you sit in a slightly more stretched position, the Backroad is your new bike.

    If we could inspire you now so much that you can not wait to get your new Rose favorite bike, look at our website. If you have any questions, our buycycle team is always there. Until then, we wish you: Happy browsing, happy cycling!

    Go to buycycle

    Gravel bike buying guide

    Which bike is for you

    Gravel bike brands 

    Gravel bike reviews

    Bike vs Bike

    Where to buy a bike?

    Components

    Sizing guide