Rose Sneak Plus EQ Shift: Only 17 kilos light - is that supposed to be an e-bike?

The Bocholt-based company has consistently expanded its Sneak series in recent years: while the Sneak Plus started out as a purist E-singlespeed, the 2025 the non-motorised Sneak with Shimano's automatic Q'Auto gearstick (tested here). Rose is now closing a gap in its portfolio and launching the Sneak Plus EQ Shift - a lightweight urban e-bike with classic derailleur gears. The look remains sporty and discreet. The fact that this is an e-bike at all is only revealed at second or even third glance.

Ten gears instead of fixed transmission

The concept sounds logical: While single-speed purists love their reduced setup, many commuters reach their limits on hilly terrain or longer distances. The new variant relies on Shimano's Cues 6000 shifting system with ten gears (tested here). The wide gradation with 11 - 48 cassette offers a decent range for steep ramps and fast traffic light sprints without compromising the clean design too much.

The engine continues to come from Mahle. The X30 in the rear wheel offers a torque of 45 Nm. The support is intended to have a particularly natural effect and merge seamlessly with your own pedalling power. The system is controlled via a discreet button in the top tube plus a handlebar remote. LED signals provide information about the mode and battery status. If you want even more customisation, you can adjust the support levels via the app.

Lightweight and suitable for everyday use

At 17.1 kilograms (manufacturer's specification), the Sneak Plus remains pleasingly light in the urban e-bike segment. An elegant carbon fork also plays its part in this. The look and riding position are sporty. The 250 Wh battery disappears completely into the frame and is said to deliver a range of up to 90 kilometres. In practice, 50 kilometres is probably more realistic with medium support. For frequent riders, however, Rose offers a 170 Wh range extender that promises additional kilometres.

The EQ equipment includes everything you need for city traffic: 80-lux front headlights, rear light with brake light function and the minimalist pannier rack from Sneak and Backroad EQ (8 kg payload per side). The Sneak Plus is available in two frame shapes - as a classic with a sporty diamond frame (sizes S to L) and as a trapeze version with a lower step-through (S-M).

Availability and price

The Rose Sneak Plus EQ Shift is now available in the colours Lemon (yellow) and Thyme (green) for 3300 euros. The folding lock is already included. This means that Rose has raised the price by 300 euros compared to the single-speed version. However, the bike remains affordable.

BIKE summary of the Rose Sneak

With the new Sneak Plus EQ Shift, Rose is making the cool and lightweight Sneak interesting for a broader target group. For many cyclists, singlespeed was perhaps a little too minimalist. But with classic derailleur gears and a still attractive weight and price, the concept could work out well.