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Verdict on the Rose Backroad GRX 820 test
Sicher in Kurven, souverän bergab und gut kontrollierbar im Gelände – das Backroad hat alles im Griff. Nur beim Sprint macht sich das Gewicht bemerkbar. Gegen Cube und Radon wirkt es etwas behäbiger – kein ICE, ein Bummelzug aber auch nicht. Die gelungene Geometrie und das angenehme Cockpit bringen die Kraft effizient auf den Boden.
Data and facts about the Rose Backroad GRX 820
| Weight | 9.83 kg |
| Drivetrain | Shimano GRX RX 822 |
| Front brake | Shimano GRX RX 820 |
| Wheelset | Rose G30 |
| Front tire | Continental Terra Adventure TrailCasing Grip Compound 700x45c |
A bike like an iPhone. Angular, stylish, chic. Its imposing appearance divides opinion. Some even suspect the Rose might have an electric motor, such is the sheer massiveness of the oversized down tube with its integrated storage compartment. Yet the Backroad offers plenty of practical benefits. The Backroad is long since more than just a gravel bike: Rose has created a German gravel classic. Now in its third generation, this carbon bike is moving even further away from its cyclo-cross heritage and towards becoming a comfortable long-distance off-road bike. Weighing in at 9.8 kilos, the Backroad is no lightweight. Yet it’s more the bike’s appearance that makes it seem heavy. This impression is reinforced by the frame bag supplied as standard. It attaches to the frame almost by itself via a magnet. No fiddling about with Velcro fastenings or straps – click, and it’s in place. The cockpit is also neatly integrated and features a USB-C port for charging a smartphone or sat-nav. Everything appears to have been thought through down to the last detail. The wheelbase is comparatively compact at 1,037 millimetres, yet the handling is well-balanced. As a rider standing 178 centimetres tall, we found the medium-sized test bike very comfortable to ride. The Rose Backroad 3.0, for example, is currently on offer here.
Without a doubt: safety!
Stable in bends, confident on descents and easy to control off-road – the Backroad has it all under control. It’s only when sprinting that its weight becomes noticeable. Compared to Cube and Radon, it feels a bit more sedate – it’s no ICE, but it’s not a slowpoke either. The well-designed geometry and comfortable cockpit transfer power to the ground efficiently. Added to this are 45-millimetre-wide tyres, which provide plenty of grip and comfort. Those who prefer a rougher ride can upgrade to tyres up to 54 millimetres wide. For off-road adventures, Rose has even included a chain guide. For the 1x12 drivetrain, Rose – like Radon and Cube – opts for a cassette with 10 to 51 teeth. This makes it easy to tackle even steep climbs on tours. And that suits the character of the Backroad: less of a racing machine, more of an all-rounder. Those who, on the other hand, want to fly as fast as possible over field and gravel tracks will find the Backroad FF to be the sportier alternative. FF stands for Fast Forward – and that says it all. More propulsion, more pressure on the pedals, but also more strain on the balls of the feet and wrists. For all-round use and adventure rides, the classic Backroad is therefore the more comfortable choice. The quiet freewheel is also a good match for this: the Backroad doesn’t need to announce that it’s on the move every time you coast.
Yellow like a lion’s mane
Our test bike in Taxi Beige is called Rose ‘Lion Mane’“. Alternatively, there is a version in grey and rosé called ‘Terra’. Colour scheme aside, the Backroad remains a gravel bike without any pretensions. Not the fastest, not the lightest, but one of the most versatile. Anyone who loves long distances or tours with plenty of luggage is sure to be well served by this gravel bike.
Conclusion by Dimitri Lehner, BIKE test editor
The Backroad 3.0 divides opinion with its angular, oversized frame. Some hail it as a new-age design, whilst for others the bold look is a bit ‘too much’. But that’s just appearances! All the testers were impressed by the Rose’s performance.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Category | Data |
| Price | 2,900 euros >> available here |
| Weight | 9.83 kg |
| Frames / Sizes | Carbon, XS to XL, tested: M |
| Drive | Shimano GRX RX822, 1x12, 40 teeth, 10–51-tooth cassette |
| Brakes | Shimano GRX RX820, 160/160 mm |
| Wheels / Tyres | Rose G30 / Continental Terra Adventure TrailCasing Grip Compound, 45 mm |
| Ground clearance | Up to 54 mm |
| Cockpit extras | Built-in USB-C socket |
| Storage space | Magnetic frame bag included |
| Shape, size M | Wheelbase 1037 mm, steering angle 71.2° |
| Measurements | Ride stability 10.2 N/mm, rear comfort 192 N/mm, front comfort 112 N/mm, bottom bracket stiffness 63 N/mm |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very wide range of applications | At 9.8 kg, it’s no lightweight |
| Safe, confident handling | A bit slow off the mark in the sprint |
| High level of comfort thanks to 45 mm tyres | Its striking appearance divides opinion |
| Clever features such as a magnetic pocket and USB-C | |
| Generous tyre clearance of up to 54 mm | |
| Wide gear ratio for steep climbs |
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
