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The Backroad gravel bike was Rose's bestseller of 2019. the Bocholt-based company presented a successor in spring - but only as a carbon model and with an entry-level price of € 2,499. Now the Backroad 2020 is also available with an aluminium frame, which is clearly noticeable in the price: the Rose Backroad AL is available in the cheapest version for just € 1,549.
Rose Backroad AL: All details
The aluminium version of the new gravel bike also has a clean look, which is mainly due to the fully integrated cables. The slightly more upright gravel geometry is also taken from the carbon backroad. The off-road suitability of the bike is underlined by the stiff carbon forks, which allow a tyre width of up to 50 millimetres for the smaller 650b wheels and up to 45 millimetres for 700c wheels.
Unusual for entry-level gravel bikes under €2,000 is the fully integrated seatpost clamp. The wide range of frame sizes ensures that almost every amateur athlete should be able to find a suitable model. Starting at 46 and 49 centimetres, then equipped with the smaller 650b wheels. With the largest frame height of 64, Rose deliberately appeals to tall riders of up to 2.00 metres in height.
Bikepacking with the Rose Backroad AL
As with last year's model, the new Backroad AL also has plenty of mounting options for bottle cages, mudguards or bags - practical for multi-day bikepacking tours or for anyone who uses the bike as a commuter. The thread of the front derailleur mount is countersunk and the down tube is equipped with protection against falling rocks
The entry-level price of 1,549 euros is the Backroad AL with the Shimano GRX RX400 groupset and DT Swiss P1850 Spline Disc wheels, which weighs a total of approx. 9.6 kilograms. Like the models Backroad AL GRX RX 600and Backroad AL Apex 1x11 you can choose between the colours "roasted olive" and "fog grey" for the colour scheme.
The Backroad AL with the Shimano GRX RX810 groupset will be offered in a second launch phase at the end of 2020. The more expensive gravel groupset will then bring a weight saving of 400 grams to a total weight of 9.2 kilograms. The launch of the Backroad AL Mullet Build (total weight 9.9 kilograms) with the SRAM APEX 1 groupset and smaller ROSE R Thirty DISC 27.5-inch wheelset has also been announced for the end of the year.
The entire Rose Backroad model range at a glance
- Backroad AL GRX RX400 - 1,549 euros
- Backroad AL Apex 1x11 - 1,599 euros
- Backroad AL GRX RX600- 1.799 Euro
- Backroad AL GRX RX810 - 2,049 euros
- Backroad AL Apex Mullet Build - 1,899 euros
- Backroad GRX RX 600 - 2,699 euros
- Backroad Force 1x11 - 2,999 euros
- Backroad GRX RX 810 - 2,999 euros
- Backroad Force eTap AXS - 3,599 euros
- Backroad GRX RX 810 Di2 - 3,599 euros
- Backroad AXS Mullet Build - 3,799 euros
- Backroad GRX RX 810 Di2 Limited - 4,649 euros
- Backroad Force eTap AXS Limited - 4,949 euros
