The Granite Chief is a 5.5in-travel (140mm) all-mountain bike from German company Rose, whose range is going to be available in the UK for the first time this year.
BikeRadar's Matt Cole slung a leg over the top-end Granite Chief 8 at Rose's 2010 launch in Italy last year and was very impressed – so impressed, in fact, that he claimed the experience left him "smiling like a wild baboon in heat".
With a recommendation like that it was an easy choice for our long-term test fleet. We've just taken delivery of the slightly lower spec Granite Chief 4 – look out for a full review in the near future, along with updates on how it performs over the next half year.
Spec highlights include a Fox Talas RLC fork and custom-tuned Float R shock, FSA Afterburner crankset, Shimano XT shifting kit, DT Swiss wheels, Formula RX brakes and Syncros finishing kit. Claimed weight is 13.1kg (28.8lb). RRP is £2,159.
To find out more about the Rose range, visit www.rosebikes.co.uk (under construction at time of going to press), call 49 2871 275570 or email UK main man Andy Mayne at andy@rosebikes.co.uk.
