It's been nearly four years since Rose updated the Xlite, and this unreleased road bike looks like the next iteration of the brand's aero offering.
While not yet confirmed by Rose, the bike can be seen on Unibet Rose Rockets' Instagram page, with the team racing it this year.
The new bike shares some similarities with the current model, while we can’t help but see a bit of the Specialized Venge in the seatstays.
Notable changes to the bike appear to be an elongated fork, different aeroforming around the rear seatstays and exposed hardware for the rear axle.
The previous version of the Xlite saw the hardware covered up, possibly for aero gains, but it appears Rose has dropped this idea, at least on the rear of the bike, with the fork remaining covered.
Tyre clearance on the fork appears to be the same as the previous model, with the bike pictured with 30mm Vittoria Corsa tyres. However, the profile of the fork has grown, potentially reducing drag.
Unibet Rose Rockets’ bike features a SRAM Red AXS groupset, Vision Metron wheels and a Selle Italia SLR 3D Carbon saddle.
We’re not sure when to expect an official announcement about the bike, but with Rose finally back in the UK, it could be an interesting option for those looking for their next aero road bike.
In an Instagram post, the team has also announced it is riding a Rose-branded Ridley Dean Fast Disc, which it says has been licensed through a technical partnership with Rose Bikes for 2026.
It goes on to say: “This collaboration ensures the team’s riders are equipped with the fastest possible TT setup, built on a long-standing relationship and shared commitment to top-level performance.”
