Cheap road bikes for around 1500 euros: The Rose Blend Road on test

The newcomer from Bocholt takes the place of the previous Pro SL, which Rose has taken out of the shop for good. The aluminium frame with its exceptionally comfortable geometry is well made, while the partially integrated handlebar/stem combination gives the Blend an elegant and modern look. A less convincing feature of the cheapest racer in the test is the comparatively high weight: at 10.2 kilograms, the Blend Road reaches the level of robust gravel bikes. Consequently, it needs a lot of pedalling to get going. Overall, the bike sits firmly on the road and likes the straight line more than fast cornering. Maintenance-friendly add-on parts including UDH derailleur hanger and mounts for mudguards make the Blend interesting for commuters or winter cyclists. The option for a side stand is unusual for a road bike.

Rose Blend Road - Tuning tip

Higher-quality tyres are an effective and inexpensive tuning tip: Although the 32-millimetre-wide clincher tyres provide plenty of cushioning, the rubber is heavy and rolls slowly. In addition to the road version, Rose also offers a gravel set-up for 1399 euros, which makes full use of the maximum tyre clearance of 40 millimetres, but is slightly heavier. Rose is the only manufacturer in the test that no longer offers a warranty beyond the two-year statutory warranty.

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>> All test road bikes around 1500 euros at a glance

Rose Blend Road - Test grade and info

• TOUR grade: 2,9
• Price: 1199 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 10.2 kilos
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 497/555/172 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 605/374 millimetres/1.62
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 666/557 millimetres/1.20
• Wheelbase/caster: 1045/78 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.) | Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-34 t.) Grade: 2.5
• Brakes: Shimano Tiagra (160/160 mm) | Shimano Tiagra (160/160 mm) Grade: 2.5
• Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport 32 mm (eff.: 33 mm) | Grade: 4.0
• Impellers: Rose G20/Newmen
• Impeller weights: 1591/2148 grams (v./h.)

How TOUR tests

Here you can find all the information and background to our test procedure.