Rose Bikes offers a wide range of bikes. From racing bikes to trekking bikes to downhillers: The people of Bocholt are not just limited to one category of cyclists. Part of the recipe for success is certainly the in-house configurator, with which you can put your bike together according to your own ideas.
We also configured our test bike using the configurator. However, the basis remains the same: the new Granite Chief frame, which this year is available for the first time with 650B wheels.
equipment and practice
The top-of-the-line all-mountain bike comes equipped with some of the best components currently available. While the combination of Fox suspension and a SRAM drivetrain is relatively uncommon, it makes perfect sense. Featuring a Fox 34 Talas FIT fork, DT Swiss XM 1501 wheels, Avid Elixir 9 brakes, and SRAM's X0 drivetrain, there's little to criticize about the basic setup. We only upgraded the crankset, replacing the standard X9 crankset with an X0 version for an additional €99.
Despite its high-quality components, the Rose Granite Chief weighs in at a hefty 13,2 kilograms. It's certainly not one of the lightest all-mountain bikes, but its robust frame should provide plenty of sturdiness. Unboxed, it makes a great impression. The cables are routed internally, and the welds are clean and precise. The bike exudes understated elegance.
The Kashima coating on the Fox suspension further enhances the bike's performance and creates a striking visual highlight against the dark gray, matte black frame. The cockpit features a beautifully designed Race Face Next flat bar, which, at 720 millimeters, is rather narrow. The numerous cables also contribute to a cluttered appearance: the shifters, brakes, and remote levers for the dropper post and shock result in a rather chaotic tangle of wires at the front.
However, the Rose isn't meant to just stand there and shine, but rather to prove its true qualities in action. The SDG Circuit saddle becomes noticeable after just a few meters. Its minimal padding is a source of dissatisfaction. Aside from that, the Granite Chief makes a good impression on flat sections of pedaling. Its compact geometry gives it an extra dose of agility and makes it feel very playful.
Manuals are a breeze thanks to the short chainstays, and the bike is playfully maneuverable over roots and through tight corners. While the cable clutter at the front isn't exactly aesthetically pleasing, the Granite Chief benefits from the components it houses. The wide gear range of the triple crankset is particularly impressive on steep climbs. The handlebar-mounted shock also ensures that the power applied to the pedals is directly converted into forward motion, allowing you to conquer any ascent with ease.
Schwalbe's Hans Dampf tire didn't initially impress us. At 2,35 inches wide, it initially seemed oversized. However, this impression gradually changed for the better, mainly due to its excellent traction on fast descents.
The fact that you have to take it a bit easier on this bike is due to its compact geometry. It doesn't offer much stability, and you always have the feeling that it's quickly reaching its limits. The flat bar does result in a rather front-heavy riding position. However, this could easily be countered with riser bars and a bit more sweep. The suspension also doesn't quite convince in terms of downhill performance. While the Granite Chief does utilize its full travel, it doesn't provide a feeling of comfortable damping or good responsiveness.
Conclusion
Following the test, the question remains whether an all-mountain bike really needs as much suspension travel as the Rose Granite Chief offers. With 145 millimeters at the rear and 150 millimeters at the front, it seems somewhat oversized. And even when considering the bike's resulting enduro capability, it must be said that the balancing act between the two disciplines is only partially successful in this case. That said, the Granite Chief is a fundamentally sound bike that, with a few adjustments in the configurator, certainly has the potential to become a playful trail bike.
product Highlights
- very good climbing properties, but good downhill performance due to lack of smoothness
- lockable damper
- light, stable wheels
price and web
- www.roseversand.de
- 3.398 euros (with X0 crank)