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The new Rose Shave FF is the successor to the race all-rounder Xlite. The frame has been aerodynamically optimised and the complete bike is lighter. Does this mean the Xlite is now a thing of the past? This comparison explains the differences between the Shave FF and Xlite.
The new Rose Shave FFX marks the evolution of the previous Xlite model; the Bocholt-based brand is pursuing a new strategy: while the Xlite was designed as a versatile all-rounder for various purposes, the new Shave is divided into two variants - the sporty Shave FF for competitions and the more comfortable Shave for cyclists who want to sit a little more relaxed on their bikes.
The manufacturer is responding to market observations: "We realised that many customers preferred to buy the Xlite, even though the Reveal would have better suited their needs. For them, the sporty bike simply looked better," explains Brand Manager Jonas Tenbrock. With the new concept, Rose wants to cater to both target groups by making the bikes look almost identical, but with different geometry and features. Interesting fact: The Shave FF is also used by the newly sponsored UCI pro team Unibet Rose Rockets, which emphasises their competitive ambitions. But is it worthwhile for ambitious amateur riders to switch from the Xlite to the new model?
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Formally, the frame appears to have only been carefully 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, the visually restrained changes have a measurable effect on performance. In the wind tunnel, the Shave FF achieves a significantly better value of 205 watts than its predecessor, the Xlite, and requires more than ten watts less from the rider to overcome their own wind resistance at 45 km/h. This places the new model between specialised aero bikes from well-known competitors; there is still a small gap to the fastest specialists that break the 200 watt mark.
Lightweight with racing genes
The Shave FF is not only aerodynamic, but also light. With a total weight of 6.7 kilograms in the tested top version FFX, the model is a real challenge to the competition. The lightweight frameset - Rose specifies 795 grams for the frame and 370 grams for the fork - contributes to this, as do the carbon spokes of the high-quality wheels. Few road bikes achieve such a good balance between aerodynamics and low weight. The extremely high stiffness in the bottom bracket area makes the Shave FFX the ideal tool for even the most athletic of riders. In the TOUR test, the new Rose model scored 1.6, just missing out on the top score of 1.5, which is currently shared by the Canyon Aeroad, Scott Foil, Scott Addict and Specialized Tarmac. One reason for this is the average comfort of the bike; however, experience has shown that this criterion is less important for competition-orientated cyclists than for amateur athletes who want to sit comfortably on longer rides.
Sportier geometry
The clearest differences between the models can be seen in the geometry. The Xlite offers a relatively moderate riding position. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.45 (height 57 centimetres), it is sporty but not extremely stretched. The Shave FF, on the other hand, was designed with a much more aggressive racing geometry. The handlebars are lower, the top tube is longer and the rider sits further forwards above the bottom bracket thanks to the offset-free seat post. A direct comparison shows that the Shave FF has a shorter head tube, a steeper seat angle and a shorter wheelbase, which makes it more manoeuvrable. While the Xlite has a stack value of 565 millimetres, the Shave FF has a stack value of 549 millimetres in a comparable size - a clear difference that is noticeable in a lower handlebar position. Interestingly, with the standard Shave (without the FF add-on), Rose offers a geometrically more relaxed alternative with a stack value of 602 millimetres, which is even more comfortable than the Xlite and thus replaces the earlier Reveal model.
Comparison with the predecessor Xlite
The difference between the new Shave FFX and its predecessor, the Xlite, can also be seen in the weight, as mentioned at the beginning. A previously tested Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2 weighed 7.5 kilograms and required around 215 watts for 45 km/h in the wind tunnel - these are still extremely solid values; Rose states that the comparably equipped Shave FF with Shimano's Ultegra weighs 7.1 kilograms, with the 205 watts measured by TOUR in the wind tunnel, which means that the Shave sets new standards in the Rose portfolio. The Xlite scored highly in terms of comfort and value for money, but its aerodynamics were not on a par with specialised aero bikes. The Shave FF and FFX now largely close this gap and also offer a sportier geometry. A previously tested top version of the Xlite, the Unltd Dura-Ace Di2, also couldn't keep up with the new values of the Shave FFX, weighing 7.2 kilograms and producing 213 watts in the wind tunnel.
Equipment details and variants
The Rose Shave FF is available in various equipment versions, which differ in terms of components and price. The top-of-the-range FFX version with SRAM Red AXS costs 8500 euros and weighs 6.7 kilograms. It is equipped with 2x12 gears (50/37, 10-33 teeth) and an integrated power meter. The brakes are also from SRAM Red AXS with 160 millimetre discs front and rear. For the tyres, Rose relies on the Schwalbe Pro One Aero in a width of 28 millimetres, while the wheels are made in-house (Rose RC55CS). The Dura-Ace version is available for 8000 euros, while the cheaper Shave FF versions with Ultegra Di2 (5600 euros) or SRAM Force AXS (5900 euros) have a slightly heavier frame and steel spokes in the wheels. 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 in all sizes.
Prices and price-performance ratio
As the Xlite is currently still available from Rose in various equipment variants, the prices present an interesting picture: the Xlite 06 Ultegra Di2 is currently available for 4900 euros (reduced from 5500 euros), while the new Shave FF Ultegra Di2 costs 5600 euros. The top versions differ even more clearly: the Xlite 06 Dura-Ace Di2 is available for 6000 euros (reduced from 7000 euros), the Shave FFX Dura-Ace Di2 costs 8000 euros. Both model series are equipped with an integrated power meter, which is not a matter of course in this price range. With its improved aerodynamics and lower weight, the Shave FF offers state-of-the-art racing bike technology; the Xlite, with its slightly less aggressive riding position, is currently an attractive offer with a strong price-performance ratio.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
