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After the first pictures of a new Rose in a brightly coloured team livery appeared last year, the Unibet Rose Rockets have now officially unveiled their future work equipment. Information about the competition bike, which will probably be the previous XLite is not yet available. However, many details can already be recognised from the highly professional marketing activities of the French second-division manufacturer with countless training images. The new racer celebrated its racing debut in Spain - and was promptly honoured with a victory. The market launch could take place this spring.
The previously unreleased bike looks like a consistent further development of the current race all-rounder from Rose. The XLite impressed in the TOUR test as a road bike for many occasions. With a total weight of just over seven kilograms and an aero output of 213 watts, the "UNLTD" version, which is no longer available, left a small gap to the absolute top material. However, with a very good overall score (1.7), it did not need to hide behind the professional models, some of which were significantly more expensive.
Overall, the Bocholt development department has given the new racing bike a sharper design and made the geometry more aggressive. Among other things, the cockpit sits lower and there is also a seat post without offset in the frame. This should make the riding position more race-like than the XLite. The handlebar/stem unit, apparently developed in-house by Rose, also indicates a large reach due to the slightly curved shape of the top bar, which would further emphasise the stretched riding position.
Aerodynamic tube shapes
Rose has obviously given the new model an aerodynamic tuning. The bike looks more streamlined, especially at the front: the concave head tube and the fork blades have grown slightly in length, and an edge can be seen at the transition to the down tube. The top link is characterised by a flat cross-section. A truncated aero profile can be recognised on the down tube. The seat stays and seat tube also appear somewhat more voluminous. However, compared to fast specialists, the Rose does not utilise the maximum permissible tread depths according to UCI regulations. Like the XLite, the new racer looks homogeneous and pleasing.
The Unibet pros around sprinter Dylan Groenewegen (Netherlands)will be equipped with Vision wheels. Rose will probably build the production bikes with models developed in-house, a strategy that the Bocholt-based company applies to almost all bikes with curved handlebars. The team bike will also come with a modern UDH derailleur hanger, while the racing team will receive the shifting components from SRAM. It is not known whether the 1x13 setup of the Red AXS will be available on Groenewegen's bike.
Model name mystery
We can only speculate about the model name so far. Although published Unibet Rose Rockets countless pictures of the new tool, although the labelling on the top tube is blurred. There is also speculation online that the new Rose will probably be called "Brave" or "Shave". During the pre-season preparations in Spain, the pro team also showed off their time trial bike for 2026. As Rose does not (yet) have a TT bike in its range, Groenewegen & Co. are relying on a repainted Ridley Dean Fast.
With Groenewegen's success in the Clásica Comunitat Valceniana, a race in the 1.1 category, the Rose is already decorated with a victory for the season. The unreleased bike celebrated its race debut a few days earlier at another preparatory race in Spain, which marked the start of the 2026 season for the Unibet Rose Rockets. This is set to culminate with participation in the Tour de France (4 to 26 July) have. As a pro team, the "Rockets" are dependent on one of the two wild cards from tour organiser A.S.O.. According to reports, however, the team of ex-pro Bas Tietema has a good chance of taking part in the "Grande Boucle" for the first time.
Julian Schultz
Editor
