Aluminium model for road and gravel: Rose presents the beginner-friendly Blend

After the Backroad FF the Blend is the second new platform from Bocholt in just a few weeks. In contrast to the race gravel bike, the all-road bike is trimmed for comfort and suitability for everyday use with an upright riding position, plenty of tyre clearance and indestructible components. The Blend takes the place of the previous entry-level model Pro SL, which is currently only available in marginal sizes and will soon be discontinued.

Rose Blend: The most important facts

• Weight: 10.2 kilogrammes (size M, weighed weight)
• Stack/Reach/STR: 605/374 millimetres/1.62
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 666/557 millimetres/1.20
• Maximum tyre clearance: 40 millimetres
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (test size greased)
• Prices: 1199 Euro (Road), 1399 Euro (Gravel)

The frame geometry is designed for carefree touring. The high-mounted handlebars mean you sit extremely upright in the saddle. The new TOUR measurement method, which takes the stem and handlebars into account when classifying the riding position, results in an STR+ of 1.20. The aluminium frame is well made overall. Bulging weld seams, which are common on bikes in this price category, can only be found on the bottom bracket. However, asymmetrical seat stays on the test bike reveal that not every detail is obviously taken into account during production.

Maintenance-friendly aluminium add-on parts underline its character as a durable racing bike. The wheels, seat post and stem are all made in-house. The handlebars are from Ritchey, with the shift cables and brake lines routed into the head tube under the stem. Both equipment variants are fitted with 2x10 drivetrains from Shimano: The Blend Road comes with Tiagra, the Blend Gravel with GRX 400. The gear ratios on both models are suitable for climbing, but unlike modern drivetrains, you have two fewer sprockets available on the rear wheel. Thanks to the UDH derailleur hanger attached to the thru-axle, the rear derailleur is better protected in the event of a fall and adjustment is also easier.

First driving impression

The biggest drawback of the cost-cutting programme is the extremely high weight: at 10.2 kilograms, the Blend Road in size M hung on the TOUR scales, which puts it roughly on a par with robust gravel bikes. The Blend Gravel, which makes full use of the maximum tyre clearance of 40 millimetres, is a few hundred grams heavier again. Consequently, the new Rose requires powerful pedalling to get going. Overall, the bike sits firmly on the road and scores with an extremely smooth ride. However, it reacts stubbornly to fast cornering.

High-quality tyres are an effective and inexpensive tuning tip: Although the 32-millimetre-wide Ultra Sport tyres from Continental provide plenty of cushioning, the rubber is heavy and rolls slowly. The mounts for fixed mudguards are interesting for commuters or winter cyclists. The option for a side stand is unusual on a road bike.

Rose Blend: Features and prices

Like the Backroad FF, the two equipment variants are listed with new size specifications. Instead of the classic information in centimetres, Rose specifies the frame sizes in clothing sizes. The size recommendation is no longer based on stride length, but on body height. The Blend is available in a total of seven frame sizes for riders between 1.60 and 2.00 metres. The permissible total weight is 110 kilograms.

Blend Road

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
• Impellers: Rose G20 (aluminium)
• Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport (32 mm)
• Price: 1199 Euro >> available here

Blend Gravel

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-34 t.)
• Impellers: Rose G20 (aluminium)
• Tyres: Continental Terra Trail (40 mm)
• Price: 1399 Euro >> available here