Rose Hobo Rival eTap AXS XPLR: Your all-in-one gravel bike for everyday use and adventure
The Rose Hobo Rival eTap AXS XPLR combines robust steel construction with high-quality features – from electronic shifting to comfortable handlebars – to offer a versatile gravel experience for everyday use, commuting, and off-road touring.
Rose Hobo: Steel frame with a focus on comfort
The 25CrMo4 steel frame ensures stability, long-lasting performance, and noticeable cushioning on unpaved trails. At approximately 11,3 kg (size M, without pedals), the Hobo offers a surprisingly low weight for a gravel bike of this class, despite its solid construction.
Limited edition: The Hobo is limited to 500 pieces and is available in speckled white.
Ergonomic handlebar & saddle for long tours
The Ergotec M-Bar Sport Flatbar, with its shape and width, ensures a relaxed posture with high control. Combined with the Selle Italia leather saddle, it creates a comfortable setup suitable for everyday use.
Ergonomic: Tidy handlebars and comfortable leather saddle for relaxed riding.
Gravel-suitable wheels & tires
The ROSE G THIRTY Disc wheels, with a 30 mm rim depth and 25 mm inner width, work perfectly with the 47 mm wide WTB gravel tires. The result: grip, ride comfort, and safety – even on loose surfaces or small jumps.
Suitable for off-road use: WTB gravel tires offer traction and low rolling resistance.
Point of criticism: The WTB Byway shows slight optical irregularities in the barrel due to the dual compound – purely visually.
Purely optical imbalance due to dual rubber compound
Electronic switching technology: precise & wireless
The gravel-specific SRAM Rival eTap AXS XPLR 1×12 drivetrain features wireless technology and advanced chain management for fast and intuitive gear changes. The setup proves adaptable, reliable, and efficient, especially off-road.
Wireless: The SRAM eTap AXS enables precise shifting without cables.
Driving fun in everyday life and on tour
Whether commuting or on a weekend tour, the Hobo rides confidently, comfortably, and flexibly. The combination of flat bars, a steel frame, wide tires, and electronic shifting creates a harmonious overall package.
Ready for anything: The Hobo feels at home in the city as well as on gravel.
Concept bike: From the office to the dirt road – the Hobo covers many areas of use.
In everyday commuting: The hobo on the way to the editorial office.
Customization options
The Hobo is delivered “naked” in its basic configuration, but can be usefully supplemented with a Hobo Rack Bag, mudguard set or lighting system – for greater suitability for everyday use or longer tours.
Customizable: With accessories, the hobo becomes a tourer or commuter bike.
Conclusion
The Hobo Rival eTap AXS XPLR is a versatile gravel bike for riders seeking a balance of comfort, stability, and technical features. The electronic shifting, steel frame, and high-quality wheels make it a compelling everyday and adventure companion—limited in size, but with plenty of potential for a wide range of uses.
More in-depth individual tests on setup variants and accessories will follow soon.