It looks like 2016 will be another busy year for German online giant Rose. It's launching five bikes – consisting of three all-new models and two major revisions to existing ones.
X-Lite CW combines disc and aero benefits
First up and probably the biggest of the bunch is the X-Lite CW. It replaces Rose’s previous aero-road machine, the Xeon CW, with the new CW getting two versions – one designed around direct-mount caliper brakes and the second equipped with Shimano’s Flat Mount disc standard fittings (and 12mm thru’ axles).
The aero design of the frame and fork is also capable of taking wider rubber than the previous incarnation: the caliper bike can take a 25mm tyre, while on the disc this increases to 28mm. The tapered 1 1/8 to 1 1/2in head tube increases the stiffness to weight ratio compared to the Xeon CW by 20 percent, and the bike as a whole improves aerodynamics by eight percent too.
Lead developer of the bike, Jürgen Telahr explained: "We understand a bike like this will be used by triathletes and those looking to time trial occasionally, so we designed the slim aerodynamic seatpost to be able to flip 180 degrees, increasing the seat angle from 73 to 76 degrees. We also have the Selle Italia Moonlike clamp available on the bike so you get masses of adjustment on the seat too."
All Rose’s new bikes incorporate a new ‘clip-in’ cable stop system, which the firm claims enables easier maintenance, and a much cleaner look too. Another neat trick is the down tube bottle mounting – with three bosses instead of the usual two and a recessed shape around them it allows you to mount the bottle in the standard position if using two cages, or lower down and more aerodynamically if you only use a single cage.
The new frame weighs in at 1050g for a 57cm size; the X-Lite CW will be available in sizes 51 to 62cm.
New Aero Flyer TT machine
Next up is Rose’s new TT machine the Aero Flyer. The new chassis is all about integration, with a dedicated bar system and internal cable routing throughout the bike. Both front and rear integrated brakes were designed in-house, with everything kept within UCI regulations.
The front end features a tapered to 1 1/2in hourglass-shaped head tube with a flush-fitting integrated stem (which can be adjusted for height with spacers from 30 to 60mm). The one-piece base bar and extension setup has a noticeable angled drop away from the stem; Telahr told us this was to improve handling through corners by giving the front end a more natural feel.
Rose has also taken into account the popularity of wider rims, especially on aero wheelsets, so the new Flyer was designed around Zipp’s wide Firecrest design, and super-wide Sub-9 disc wheel.
There’s also a neat solution to incorporating a Di2 battery. As the bike has a slim aero post the battery doesn’t fit in its usual position, so Rose designed a port that sits inside the seat tube level with the seatstay junction. The battery slots in here and can be accessed via a cover that sits at the back of the seat tube inline with the dropped seatstay junction.
The seat angle can be adjusted via the saddle rail clamp between 74 and 80 degrees, and on the top tube are bosses for a Profile nutrition box, Rose is also working on its own box to house nutrition, a multi-tool and a CO2 inflator. The Flyer frame tips the scales at 1400g and is available in four sizes from S to XL.
Endurance-oriented Xeon CGF updated
The popular sportive/fondo-styled Xeon CGF has had some major revisions to its frame for 2016. First, under the skin Rose's engineers have worked on the manufacturing process and carbon layup, enabling them to decrease the frame weight to an impressive 970g for a 57cm paired with a 320g fork.
Both the down tube and seat tube have been reshaped and the diameter reduced to reduce weight but maintain stiffness. The head tube has increased in width to improve stiffness, up by 10 percent over the previous version. Front and rear tyre clearances have been increased to allow for 28mm treads.
The final revision is a purely aesthetic one. Telahr told BikeRadar that Rose had received feedback from some customers who didn’t like the deep curve of the seatstays on the previous CGF, so it's been made shallower with a revised shape to maintain the ride characteristics while improving the look. The CGF is available in seven sizes from a 50cm up to a gargantuan 64cm.
Budget-minded Pro SL refreshed
Rose’s entry level alloy Pro SL has also seen some major revisions and improvements. Up front it has a new tapered 1 1/8 to 1 1/2in head tube and a new fork capable of accepting 28mm clinchers.
Out back the seatstays have been shortened and dropped lower to enable Rose to reduce the height of the seat tube (allowing for more exposed seatpost for improved comfort). The down tube has been reshaped and also features a wide cable exit port in front of the bottom bracket, for easier access to the cables, so making it easier to maintain or replace them.
The new frame tips the scales at 1350g (57cm) and the new fork is only 330g. Rose will also offer the Pro SL in a massive nine sizes from 48cm to 65cm.
New Team DX 'cross bike
Rose's new cyclocross bike aims to be a very versatile machine. For starters the frame and fork will take up to a vast 42c tyres with mudguards. The Flat Mount-equipped frame also has bosses for 'guards, a front low-rider pannier, a rear rack and even a rear stay-mounted kickstand. So it's not just a bike for mud plugging, but could easily come into service for serious expedition tourists too. You can configure the bike to whichever style you want using Rose’s online bike builder.
Up front Rose has used a15mm thru-axle with a 12mm specimen at the rear. Plenty of exposed seatpost for flex giving comfort has also been factored in by incorporating the integrated seat-clamp design of Rose's road range. The frame tips the scales at 1390g, with the fork adding a further 460g. The new Team DX cross is available in sizes from 49cm up to 64cm.
