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Rose XLite 04 105 - Good base from Bocholt
Similar to Lapierre, delivery problems prevented Rose from sending a bike customised for the test field into the race. The versions of the XLite 04 with Shimano's Ultegra Di2 (4599 euros) or SRAM Force eTap AXS (4799 euros) will not be available again until spring at the earliest. However, the affordable model with mechanical 105 gears from Shimano gives more than just a hint of its performance.
The fact that the cheapest bike in the test field is a real recommendation is due to the excellent basis that the XLite 04 offers. The frame and fork are hardly any heavier than the higher-end XLite 06, which could also be due to the paintwork. The measured values of the two model series are also almost identical, from the reassuringly high stiffness values to the outstanding comfort. The main difference between the framesets is the classic clamped handlebar; the XLite 06 has an integrated carbon handlebar unit.
The fairly light own-brand wheels with aluminium rims ride directly and lively, the tyres roll quickly and safely, the aluminium handlebars are pleasantly shaped - it's also hard to find anything to criticise when it comes to the components. The bike is perfectly equipped for many carefree training laps, and not much is missing to make it a serious competition machine: with the investment in fast carbon rims, the aero grade could be increased to "good" and the bike weight could be reduced to under eight kilos; that would be a respectable result in this category.
The many equipment variants in the XLite range cater for a wide range of requirements, which Top versions of the XLite 06 cost around 8000 euros. The size range extends up to a frame height of 62 centimetres. It is a pity that Rose recently reduced its voluntary warranty on the frame and fork (previously six years) to the meagre two years of the statutory warranty; only a 50 per cent crash replacement discount is still offered for the extended period.
Facts & measurements of the Rose XLite 04 105
- Price2999 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 8,2 Kilo
- Aerodynamics: 224 Watt
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1037/418/83 grammes
- Frame sizes** 50, 53, 55, 57, 59, 62 cm
- Seat/top tube/head tube 505/560/152 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 567/395 millimetres/1.44
- Wheelbase/caster 1000/54 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift Shimano 105 (2x11, 52/36, 11-32 t.)
- Brakes Shimano 105 (160/160 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Rose R Thirty Disc/Continental Grand Prix 5000 25 millimetres (front/rear: 1347/1823 grams)
StrengthsLightweight frame set, functionally equipped, also very large sizes
Weaknessesonly two years warranty
>> The Rose XLite 04 105 gets an overall score of 2.2 in the TOUR test of competition bikes
More competition road bikes in the test:
>> Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 eTap
>> Benotti Fuoco Aero
>> Cube Litening Aero C:68X Race
>> Giant Propel Advanced 1
>> Lapierre Aircode DRS 5.0
>> Merida Reacto Rival Edition
>> Ridley Noah Disc 105
>> Cervélo Soloist 105
>> Storck Aerfast.4 Comp Disc Ultegra
The test results in detail
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube
STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
