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Bikepacker, commuter or newcomer: with the Backroad AL Plus Rose wants to appeal to a large target group and is also putting an attractive price tag on the new bike. As with the non-motorised gravel bike from the Bocholt-based mail order company, you sit relatively upright in the saddle on the Plus version. Numerous mounting eyelets for bags and mudguards as well as a maximum tyre clearance of 47 millimetres turn the Rose into a robust companion on the way to the office or on off-road adventures lasting several days - provided you can find a charging facility.
Backroad AL Plus: The most important facts at a glance
- Weight of complete wheel: 13.4 kilogrammes (frame size 56)
- Motor: Mahle X35 hub motor (3.5 kilograms)
- Maximum range: 100 kilometres (170 kilometres with range extender)
- Performance: 40 Newton metres
- Battery capacity: 250 watt hours (458 watt hours with range extender)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 598/378 millimetres/1.58 (frame size 56)
- Switching group: Shimano GRX RX810 (1x11) or SRAM Apex XPLR (1x12)
- Maximum tyre clearance: 47 millimetres
- Frame sizes: 50, 53, 56, 59, 61
- Prices: 3399 and 3499 euros
This is because the maximum range of 100 kilometres is likely to be a little tight for bikepacking specialists. The Mahle X35 on the rear wheel hub provides support in three stages, which can be selected during the ride via a push button on the top tube and customised using an app. The maximum torque is 40 Newton metres. For comparison: The Reveal Plus, which the Bocholt-based company presented in February, delivers up to 55 Newton metres with the same range thanks to the new X20 from Mahle. With an optional range extender, up to 170 kilometres should be possible. However, you will then have to compromise on weight: According to Rose, the new E-gravel bike in size M weighs around 13.4 kilograms, with an additional battery on the seat tube adding just under 2.3 kilograms.
Two equipment options, two paint finishes
The Backroad AL Plus is available in two equipment variants and five frame sizes. Either with the new SRAM Apex XPLR (1x12) for 3399 euros or with Shimano GRX (1x11) for 3499 euros. Apart from the gearbox, both versions are identical and come with sturdy aluminium wheels from Rose, chunky WTB tyres and aluminium handlebars from Ritchey.
