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The new Rose Shave FFX marks the evolution of the previous Xlite model; the Bocholt-based brand is pursuing a new strategy: Whilst the Xlite was designed as a versatile all-rounder for various uses, the new Shave comes in two versions – the sporty Shave FF for competitions and the more comfortable Shave for cyclists who prefer a slightly more relaxed riding position.
The manufacturer is responding to market observations: “We noticed that many customers preferred to buy the Xlite, even though the Reveal would have better suited their needs. To them, the sporty bike simply looked better,” explains Brand Manager Jonas Tenbrock. With this new concept, Rose aims to cater to both target groups by ensuring the bikes look almost identical, whilst differing in geometry and specifications. Interestingly, the Shave FF is also being used by the newly sponsored UCI Pro Team, Unibet Rose Rockets, which underlines its competitive ambitions. But is it worth it for ambitious amateur cyclists to switch from the Xlite to the new model?
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On the surface, the frame appears to have been only slightly revised: the down tube has been given a more pronounced aero profile, the head tube has been made slimmer and longer, and the fork looks more aerodynamic. However, these visually subtle changes have a measurable impact on performance. In the wind tunnel, the Shave FF achieves a significantly better figure of 205 watts than its predecessor, the Xlite, and requires the rider to exert more than ten watts less to overcome drag at 45 km/h. This places the new model amongst the specialist aero bikes from well-known competitors; there is still a small gap to bridge before it joins the fastest specialists that break the 200-watt mark.
A lightweight with racing DNA
The Shave FF is not only aerodynamic, but also lightweight. Weighing in at 6.7 kilograms in total in the top-of-the-range FFX version tested, this model is a real challenge to the competition. The lightweight frame set – Rose specifies 795 grams for the frame and 370 grams for the fork – contributes to this, as do the carbon spokes on the high-quality wheelsets. Few road bikes manage to strike such a good balance between aerodynamics and low weight. The extremely high stiffness around the bottom bracket makes the Shave FFX the ideal machine even for particularly athletic riders. In the TOUR test, the new Rose model, with a score of 1.6, only just missed out on the top mark of 1.5, which is currently shared by the Canyon Aeroad, Scott Foil, Scott Addict and Specialized Tarmac. One reason for this is the bike’s average level of comfort; however, experience shows that this criterion is less important for competitive cyclists than for amateur cyclists who want to be comfortable over longer distances.
A sportier geometry
The most noticeable differences between the models lie in their geometry. The Xlite offers a relatively moderate riding position. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.45 (size 57 centimetres), it is sporty but not extremely stretched out. The Shave FF, on the other hand, was designed with a significantly more aggressive racing geometry. The handlebars sit lower, the top tube is longer, and with the offset-free seatpost, the rider sits further forward over the bottom bracket. A direct comparison reveals that the Shave FF has a shorter head tube, a steeper seat angle and a shorter wheelbase, making it more manoeuvrable. Whilst the Xlite has a stack of 565 millimetres, the Shave FF in a comparable size measures 549 millimetres – a significant difference that is noticeable in a lower handlebar position. Interestingly, with the standard Shave (without the FF suffix), Rose offers a geometrically more relaxed alternative with a stack of 602 millimetres, which is even more comfortable than the Xlite and thus replaces the earlier Reveal model.
Comparison with its predecessor, the Xlite
As mentioned at the start, the difference between the new Shave FFX and its predecessor, the Xlite, is also evident in terms of weight. An Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2 tested previously weighed in at 7.5 kilograms and required around 215 watts in the wind tunnel to reach 45 km/h – these are still exceptionally solid figures; Rose states that the similarly specced Shave FF, fitted with Shimano’s Ultegra, weighs 7.1 kilograms; in the wind tunnel, TOUR measured 205 watts, meaning the Shave sets new standards within the Rose range. The Xlite scored particularly highly for its high level of comfort and good value for money, but aerodynamically it was not on a par with specialised aero bikes. The Shave FF and FFX now largely bridge this gap and also offer a sportier geometry. A top-of-the-range version of the Xlite tested previously, the Unltd Dura-Ace Di2, weighing 7.2 kilograms and recording 213 watts in the wind tunnel, was also unable to match the new figures achieved by the Shave FFX.
Specification details and variants
The Rose Shave FF is available in various configurations, which differ in terms of components and price. The top-of-the-range FFX version with SRAM Red AXS costs 8,500 euros and weighs 6.7 kilograms. It is fitted with a 2x12 drivetrain (50/37, 10–33 teeth) and an integrated power metre. The brakes are also from SRAM Red AXS, with 160-millimetre discs at the front and rear. For the tyres, Rose has opted for the Schwalbe Pro One Aero in a 28-millimetre width, whilst the wheelsets are manufactured in-house (Rose RC55CS). The Dura-Ace version is available for 8,000 euros, whilst the more affordable Shave FF variants with Ultegra Di2 (5,600 euros) or SRAM Force AXS (5,900 euros) feature a slightly heavier frame and steel spokes in the wheelsets. The Shave FF is available in frame sizes XS, S, M, M/L, L and XL, with the geometry designed for a sporty riding position across all sizes.
Prices and value for money
As the Xlite is currently still available from Rose in a range of different specifications, the prices paint an interesting picture: The The Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2 is currently available for 4,900 euros (reduced from 5,500 euros), whilst the new Shave FF Ultegra Di2 costs 5,600 euros. The differences between the top-of-the-range models are even more pronounced: The The Xlite 06 Dura-Ace Di2 is available for 6,000 euros (reduced from 7,000 euros), the Shave FFX Dura-Ace Di2 costs 8,000 euros. Both model ranges are fitted with an integrated power metre, which is not a given in this price range. With improved aerodynamics and reduced weight, the Shave FF offers state-of-the-art road bike technology; the Xlite, with a slightly less aggressive riding position, currently represents an attractive option offering excellent value for money.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
