Rose Backroad FF XPLR AXS vs. XPLR AXS: From gravel to race gravel bike?

Rain beats down on your helmet, mud splashes colour your calves in no time at all and the track becomes a slalom around puddles: During the test rides of the two gravel bikes from Rose, April lived up to its name. Within a very short space of time, a thunderstorm was brewing and during the lap with the Backroad Force XPLR AXS descends upon us after we have Backroad FF Force XPLR AXS had just chased through the terrain in glorious sunshine. A scene as if painted for our double test: Although both top versions of the Backroad have almost the same model name and cost almost the same, they are as different in their orientation and riding characteristics as the weather in April.

On the one hand, we have the tried-and-tested Backroad - without FF in the model name - an adventure-ready all-rounder whose last model change was four years ago, but which is the undisputed number one in the mail-order company's portfolio in terms of sales figures. On the other hand, the brand new FF - the abbreviation stands for "Fast Forward" - is an aerodynamically optimised racing machine with which the Bocholt-based company is responding to the diversification of the gravel scene.

Rose Backroad FF: New cockpit sets new standards

Rose based the development of the new bike on the XLite competition bike (see TOUR 4/2023) and gave the Fast Forward an aggressive geometry. Despite the smaller frame, you sit in a more stretched and race-like position than on the Backroad, whose handlebar is around 40 millimetres higher above the front wheel and puts the rider in a back-friendly riding position. While the Backroad adopts the carbon cockpit of the long-distance Reveal (see TOUR 4/2022), the Fast Forward is characterised by a new development that makes a welcome change to the sometimes overly wide handlebars on many gravel bikes.

With compact race dimensions, the cockpit, which Rose also offers individually in the online shop (349 euros), goes to the other extreme and brings the riding experience closer to fast road bikes. Aerodynamically, the handlebar-stem combination benefits from the inclined stem, the strongly twisted handlebar humps and the narrow top bar. The upper body is noticeably pulled downwards and the shoulders are tilted slightly inwards, reducing the surface area exposed to the wind. The progressive shape is continued on the ergonomic handlebar arch: the shift brake levers can be reached from any position, the flared handlebar ends facilitate control in difficult terrain and can serve as a comfortable resting surface for the hands at moderate speeds. "Aero in the hoods (the grip humps, editor's note), control in the drops" is how Rose describes the concept, which is to be understood as a reaction to the UCI ban on time trial attachments in gravel races.

The Fast Forward is also breaking new ground with the GC50 wheelset. Like the tyre, the carbon rim of the front wheel is 40 millimetres wide and, in combination with the subtly optimised frameset, should improve aero performance. However, you shouldn't expect a quantum leap compared to the previous GC40 gravel wheelset, which is also used in the classic test backroad. According to Rose, pedalling performance should only improve by a maximum of three watts at angles of attack of up to ten degrees. The Bocholt-based company did not provide any concrete figures, but according to our exemplary tests (see TOUR 1/2024), the aero potential of current off-road bikes is on a par with average competition bikes. Because the rear wheel has less influence on the aerodynamics, Rose dispenses with the bulky rim and saves some weight.

Rose Backroad: Agile lightweights with a touring mindset

All in all, the Fast Forward weighs in at 8220 grams, making it one of the lighter gravel bikes and a formidable ride on gravel tracks. The "old" version, which Rose has kept in its range due to its great success, is also one of the lightest gravel bikes in the country at 8480 grams. However, the high handlebars mean that you sit more in the bike than on it, which makes it feel a little slower overall. In direct comparison, the Fast Forward is always ridden at a higher basic speed; the bike is more agile and, thanks to its fast tyres, also allows speeds on asphalt that make some marathon racers seem a little sluggish.

Despite its racing genes, the Fast Forward has practical mounting points, albeit far fewer than the Backroad, which can be transformed into an adventure bike for multi-day tours with panniers, fixed mudguards and a minimalist pannier rack. On the other hand, the optional panniers for the top tube and frame triangle of the Fast Forward are better integrated and can be mounted quickly thanks to the magnetic Quickload mounts from accessory specialist Fidlock. Canyon Grail (see TOUR 11/2023) or Merida Silex (see TOUR 3/2024) use the same mounting system. However, 74.95 euros for the top tube bag and 109.95 euros for the frame bag are comparatively expensive.

Rose Backroad: Racer or adventurer?

The neck-and-neck race for the better TOUR score is also reflected in the riding comfort. The Backroad has a slight advantage on the test bench, the flattened carbon seat post offers slightly more effective suspension than the aerodynamically optimised version on the Fast Forward thanks to the long extension and deep clamping. In the wild, the new model benefits from the slightly wider and tubeless tyres. At the front, both bikes are set up comparatively hard. The maximum tyre clearance of 45 millimetres each leaves reserves. Slightly wider tyres would be possible on the backroad, but this would require a change to smaller 650B wheels.

In the final ranking, the Fast Forward came out on top by a tenth of a point ahead of the classic Backroad. In addition to the lower weight, the new model benefits from slightly better stiffness values, whereby both bikes are extremely stable. The electronic SRAM Force with single cranks and mountain-compatible gear ratios works perfectly on both bikes; the FF with its 44 t chainring is geared a little more towards speed, while the normal Backroad with its 40 t chainring and possible gear reduction is even more climbing-friendly. A plus point of the Fast Forward is the integrated power meter. A chain catcher prevents the chain from falling off the chainring and damaging the frame in the event of strong vibrations. The UDH derailleur hanger is less sensitive to falls.

As the prices are also almost identical and fairly calculated, the purchase recommendation ultimately depends on personal preferences. The Fast Forward is closer to the feel of a road bike, while the Backroad is more versatile and comfortable. At the time of going to press, the new platform was only available in a further, heavier equipment version (3499 euros). According to Rose, further versions are to follow. The size specifications are new: With the Fast Forward, the Bocholt-based company has dispensed with traditional measurements in centimetres and instead specifies the frame sizes in ready-made sizes. Instead of the inseam, a size recommendation in centimetres will be given in future. The new frame size ML, for example, corresponds to 57 centimetres. Eight carbon models of the Backroad (from 2999 euros) are available in the online shop.

Rose Backroad and Rose Backroad FF: Technical data

Rose Backroad FF Force AXS XPLR

• Price: 4999 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.2 kg
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 510/545/136 mm
• Stack/Reach/STR: 571/393 mm /1.45
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 643/577 mm /1.11
• Wheelbase/caster: 1,015/64 mm

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Force AXS XPLR (1x12; 44, 10-44 t.)
• Brakes: Sram Force (160/160 mm)
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One RS 40 mm (eff.: 42 mm)
• Impellers: Rose GC50
• Impeller weights: 1,555/1,930 grams (f./h.)

+ lightweight, ergonomic handlebars, fairly priced, power meter included

- Relatively hard seatpost, long delivery time

Rose Backroad Force AXS XPLR

• Price: 4899 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.5 kg
• Frame sizes: 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 62

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 521/570/150 mm
• Stack/Reach/STR: 605/387mm /1.56
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 682/563 mm /1.21
• Wheelbase/caster: 1,040/66 mm

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Force AXS XPLR (1x12; 44, 10-44 t.)
• Brakes: Sram Force (180/160 mm)
• Tyres: Continental Terra Speed 40 mm (eff.: 40 mm)
• Impellers: Rose GC40
• Impeller weights: 1,592/2,085 grams (f./h.)

+ Lightweight, wide range of applications, fairly priced

- chronically sold out, relatively low tyre clearance