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Rose has opted for a standardised model name for its new road models, but this represents two fundamentally different road bike categories. The Rose Shave (without FF) is the endurance derivative of the platform and is aimed at hobby drivers and long-distance enthusiasts. It replaces the previous Reveal in the portfolio.
>> Predecessor on test: Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2
>> Slim E-road bike: Can you tell that the Rose Reveal Plus has a motor inside?
>> Endurance novelty: Cannondale Synapse 3 on test
>> No more fiddling around: The Rose Backroad Unsupported on test
The frame design is almost identical to the Competition model Shave FF, which in turn means that buyers of the Shave also benefit from the aero performance of the new design, at least in terms of materials. Aero carbon rims are also part of the package in the two higher-value of the four equipment variants. The sleek look, reminiscent of professional racing cars, is also likely to appeal to people who are less interested in top technical performance.
The most striking difference between the bikes is the seating position: the handlebars are almost four centimetres higher on the long-distance model. This means that the bike is still significantly sportier than its predecessor, the Reveal. However, because the Shave FF is extremely race-like, there is still a big difference in the riding position.
Relaxed seating position, manoeuvrable handling
The handlebars are also wider on the comfort-orientated bike and the stem is slightly shorter. As a seatpost with a 14 millimetre offset is fitted, the seat length is roughly the same overall. As a result, you sit more upright on the Shave and more over the rear wheel, which is more comfortable, especially when pedalling up long climbs. In terms of handling, however, the relationship is obvious, as the more comfortably designed Shave also reacts to steering commands in a similarly lively manner to the competition racer.
With the heavier wheels, acceleration and snappy direction changes seem a little slower compared to the one-kilo lighter FFX, but in the context of similar competitor models, the bike is not sluggish. We see potential for tuning in the tyres and the setup with heavy butyl tubes, because with top tyres in a tubeless or TPU setup, the bike would appear a little more lively and roll more smoothly.
Less comfortable than the competition
However, the close alignment with the competition model also has its downsides. The frameset is just as stiff as the Shave FF, which is almost unusually harsh for this category and according to the current state of technology.
Competitors such as Cannondale (Synapse), Canyon (Endurace), Giant (Defy) or Trek (Domane) The best bikes offer twice as much suspension travel, especially on the saddle. Only the slightly wider tyres on the Shave absorb bumps better than the Shave FF. However, it is not possible to achieve much more comfort: The frame can accommodate tyres up to 36 millimetres wide, and here too the competition offers more space, with up to 40 millimetres fitting on some current models.
Purist approach
With its purist approach, Rose also dispenses with practical features that are now standard on many long-distance racers: There are no eyelets for a top tube bag on the bike, nor are there mudguard eyelets or an integrated storage compartment for puncture repair kit and small items.
The hope of a permanently installed lighting system, as used on the Gravelbike Backroad was integrated and the Cannondale recently also established on the Synapse endurance racing bikeRose fans will have to bury their dreams. The Shave is a classic marathon racing bike, a purist racer that clearly sets itself apart from all-road and gravel bikes. That can be a good thing, it is certainly an interesting strategy.
The Rose Shave is available in four equipment variants, and even the Endurance version is only designed for electronic shifting. Nevertheless, the entry-level price is significantly lower than that of the Shave FF, with a 105 Di2 and aluminium rims, the bike is available from 3600 euros. A SRAM Rival costs 200 euros more, and these models also come with (single-sided) power meters as standard. The top versions have Ultegra Di2 (5000 euros) or SRAM Force AXS like our test bike. There are no high-end drivetrains in the programme, nor is there a higher carbon quality for the marathon racer like the Shave FFX.
Rose Shave Force AXS: Measured values & results
- Price: 5200 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 7.7 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL (test size greased)
- TOUR grade: 2,0
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 490/550/155 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 584/377 millimetres/1.55
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 655/572 millimetres/1.15
- Wheelbase/caster: 990/54 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (46/33, 10-33 t.) | Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: SRAM Force AXS (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.0
- Tyres: Continental Grand Prix 32 mm | Grade: 1.0
- Impellers: Newmen Advanced A.50
- Impeller weights: 1,363/1,757 grams (f./h.)
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 7.7 kilos | Grade: 2.7
- Driving stability: 8.7 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
- Rear comfort: 155 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
- Comfort front: 103 N/mm | Grade: 3.0
- Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 64 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
Advantages
- Relatively light
- sleek look
- Power meter included
- Comparatively inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Moderate comfort
- Tuning potential for tyres
Jens Klötzer
Editor
