Competition bikes 2018: Rose X-Lite - Innovations 2018: Rose's lightweight X-Lite model

X-LITE stands for "extra light". With this, the Bocholt-based mail order company Rose is hinting at the core competence that characterises the newly developed series. The new X-Lite is not only intended to be light, but also fast. To achieve this, the frame and fork have been aerodynamically optimised; comfort should not suffer as a result.

The frame is available in two carbon qualities and for disc or rim brakes. Rose promises a frame weight of 760 grams for the top model X-LITE Six with rim brakes. The X-LITE Four Disc for disc brakes, made from slightly cheaper carbon fibres, should still weigh a very light 890 grams. Both versions follow the current trend towards wider tyres. While the models for rim brakes can take tyres up to 28 millimetres wide, the disc version can even take tyres up to 30 millimetres wide.

The entry-level X-LITE Four with mechanical Ultegra groupset costs €2,299. The top model X-LITE Six Disc eTap with electric shifting from SRAM costs €5,299. All variants can also be customised as part of Rose's modular programme.

A first test of the X-LITE Four with Ultegra equipment will be published in our big test special in TOUR 3/2018, in which we scrutinised a total of 45 new competition and marathon bikes in laboratory and practical tests. From 21 February in newsagents or to order online!