Gravel bikes under 2000 euros on test: The Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400 - the long-distance runner
Julian Schultz
· 25.04.2025
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Never change a running system: what has long applied to mail-order competitor Canyon's Endurace model, which is suitable for long distances, is now being adopted by Rose for the Backroad; after all, the aluminium version of the bestseller is now in its fifth year. Of course, the product managers have made small adjustments by changing the components and presenting new paint finishes with sometimes humorous names such as "Leberkas". However, the basic concept has not changed. And why should they? The published sales figures prove the Bocholt-based company right; according to their own statements, the various carbon and aluminium derivatives of the Backroad have been top sellers in the Rose range for years. Compared to the Backroad FF, which symbolises the manufacturer's more modern and progressive product policy, the "normal" version is now somewhat inferior. The cheapest version in the extensive portfolio is no exception and secures a place in our comparison in the densely stacked midfield.
Carbon clone
The Backroad AL GRX RX400 is part of Rose's "Adventure" sub-category and thus draws a clear dividing line to the emphatically sporty Backroad FF. The special focus on travelling is most evident in the frame geometry. Thanks to the long head tube, the handlebars are high above the front wheel, which means that you sit in the saddle in an upright and back-friendly position. In the test field, this upright position is only topped by the Stevens Prestige (see page 66/67). The long wheelbase, plenty of fork travel and a slack steering angle are also characteristic of a touring gravel bike and make the Rose a smooth-running companion.
The build quality is among the best in this class. Thanks to accurately polished weld seams and partially integrated cables, the Backroad AL looks similar to the more expensive models with carbon frames. Three add-on parts stand out in particular: The wide flared Ritchey Gravellen handlebar is a hand flatterer thanks to the additional bend in the lower handlebar, but is a bit of a hindrance for transport and tight spots. Thanks to the large 180 millimetre brake disc on the front wheel, the Rose brakes superbly even with a lot of luggage. The lightweight own-brand wheels also help to accelerate the bike quickly. High-quality studded tyres from Conti round off the almost perfect equipment. Only the 2x10 gearing requires a certain willingness to compromise when measured against the current state of the art with up to 13 sprockets on the rear wheel. The cassette with 11-34 teeth means that the Backroad has a comparatively tight gear ratio, but also allows for a faster pace.
A different era
The fact that the Rose comes from an early gravel bike era can also be seen from the maximum possible tyre width of 45 millimetres. This is tight for an adventure bike and is almost exhausted by the standard tyres. If you want to ride the Rose with wider tyres, you have to switch to smaller 650B wheels. It would be cheaper to achieve more comfort - especially at the unyielding front - with tubeless tyres.
Despite its long service life, the basic model of the Backroad is still a bestseller at Rose, and the bike was completely sold out in all but one frame size during the test period. For the other variants, which are somewhat lighter thanks to the single-speed drivetrains from Shimano or SRAM, a surcharge of 300 euros is payable. The most expensive model is a fully equipped version. Even the carbon models from € 2,999 are only available with expensive equipment in many sizes. It would therefore come as no surprise if the Bocholt-based company is already working on a model change in the background in order to provide the progressive racing bike Backroad FF with an adventure-ready version at eye level.
Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400: Info & test grade
- Price: 1999 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 10.3 kilos
- Frame sizes: 46, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 64 (test size bolded)
- TOUR grade: 2,5
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 500/560/176 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 618/375 millimetres/1.65
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 678/553 millimetres/1.23
- Wheelbase/caster: 1,045/77 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 600/400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 2.5
- Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (180/160 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Continental Terra Trail TR 45 mm (eff.: 44 mm) | Grade: 2.0
- Impellers: Rose G Twenty Five
- Impeller weights: 1,731/2,210 grams (f./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 10,310 grammes | Grade: 4.3
- Driving stability: 9.8 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
- Rear comfort: 153 N/mm| Grade: 2.3
- Comfort front: 124 N/mm | Grade: 3.7
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 76 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
Advantages and disadvantages of the Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400
- Plus: Lightweight wheels, powerful brakes, top workmanship
- Minus: Very little front comfort, relatively low tyre clearance
All 13 bikes in the comparison test
- Bulls Grinder 4
- Canyon Grizl 7
- Carver Gravel 220 1by
- CUBE Nuroad C:62 One >> available here
- Focus Atlas 6.7 >> available here
- Giant Revolt 0 >> available here
- Megamo Jakar 20 >> available here
- Merida Silex 400
- Radon Regard AL 10.0
- Ridley Kanzo Adventure Alu >> available here
- Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400 >> available here
- Scott Speedster Gravel 10 >> available here
- Stevens Prestige >> available here
How TOUR tests
Weight (25 per cent of the overall grade): The weighed complete wheel weight in the standardised test wheel size 56-57 centimetres counts for the evaluation. We also show the wheel weights for orientation. The grading scale is set in such a way that a grade of 1.0 is technically achievable: we award the best grade for weights under 7.5 kilograms.
Rear comfort (20 per cent): A measure of compliance under road shocks, measured in the TOUR laboratory. A suspension travel is measured when the seatpost is loaded. The measured value correlates very well with the riding impressions and the feeling of comfort. Good marks also mean decent riding dynamics, which have a positive effect on speed on poor roads and off-road.
Comfort Front (10 per cent): The deformation of the handlebars under load is determined in the same way as for the rear. A good score means a lot of suspension comfort, which takes the strain off your hands on long rides. However, strong sprinters who want a lot of stiffness should look for stiff handlebars.
Front stiffness (10 per cent): Important parameter for steering precision and confidence in the bike at high speeds, determined in the TOUR laboratory. The overall stiffness is determined on the fully assembled frame set, i.e. including the fork. The stiffness values are capped. The aim is not an infinitely stiff frame, but one that is sufficiently stable to ride.
Bottom bracket stiffness (10 per cent): Reveals how much the frame yields under hard pedalling, for example when sprinting. This measurement also takes place in the TOUR laboratory, with realistic clamping, in which the frame can deform as if it were being ridden.
circuit (5 per cent): The shifting characteristics are determined in the driving test. It is not the price or the quality impression of individual components that is assessed, but exclusively the function of the entire gearbox. The gear range, but also, for example, the cable routing, the quality of the cables and the mounted chain play a role.
Brakes (5 per cent): As with shifting, the test on the road also counts here, and the experience from our countless tests of brakes is also incorporated into the assessment. It is not the component itself that is assessed, but the function of the interaction between the brake body, pads and discs: How well can the brakes be modulated? How durable are the brakes, how do they react in hot or wet conditions, how long are the braking distances?
tyres (5 percent): Rolling resistance and grip are evaluated - as far as known from one of our independent tyre tests or on the basis of driving impressions. The tyre width has no influence on the rating, as this is more a question of personal preference.
Lacquer (5 per cent): The TOUR paint test simulates stone chipping and allows a statement to be made about the durability of the protective top coat. A chisel simulates stone chipping or chain impact. Starting at a height of ten centimetres, the height is increased by ten centimetres until the paint gives way or the maximum drop height of 50 centimetres is reached.
Maintenance/adjustment (5 per cent): The test assesses how easy a bike is to maintain and adjust. Marks are deducted, for example, for special tools required, particularly complex detailed solutions, manufacturer-specific components or maintenance work that can only be carried out in specialised workshops.
The overall score is calculated arithmetically from the individual scores weighted differently (percentages in brackets). It primarily expresses the sporting qualities of the bike.
Julian Schultz
Editor
