"Fits like a tight-fitting glove," was the comment of one tester after riding the 7.5-kilo racer from mail-order company Rose. The fact that the bike gives the impression of riding a model at least twice as expensive is largely due to the tried-and-tested "Pro-SL" aluminium frame, which Rose has continuously developed further. The latest feature is a bottom bracket shell for Shimano's integrated "Press-Fit" standard. With excellent technical values and an acceptable weight, it offers a perfect basis for the equipment, which is typically well above the competition in this price range. The new "Force" from SRAM contributes to the feeling of well-being: with improved processing quality, crisp shifting, outstanding brakes and a high-quality look. The somewhat sluggish steering didn't bother the testers because of the perfect riding position.
Order/Info: Rose Versand, phone 02871/275570, www.rose.de
Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 1,493/419/96 g
Frame sizes**: 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 cm
Seat/steering angle: 73°/73°
Seat / top / head tube: 525/566/186 mm
Wheelbase/caster: 1,011/65 mm
Stack/reach***: 402/580 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: Red Bull
Steering bearing: Xtreme, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: SRAM Force (50/34 t.)
Wheels/tyres: DT Swiss R1600/Conti GP 4000S tyres
Handlebar/stem: 3T Pro/3T Pro
Saddle/post: Prologo Navo Evo/Raceface (27.2 mm)
*weighted weights; **manufacturer's specification; test frame size greased; ***stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
