ROSE BACKROAD GRX RX810 Di2 in Review

Along with its fresh look, the ROSE BACKROAD GRX RX810 Di2 is equipped with Shimano’s newest electronic groupset. Read on to find out about the strengths and weaknesses of this gravel bike.

Click here for an overview of the best gravel bike 2020 group test.

The ROSE BACKROAD has become a bit of a classic in the European gravel market. For 2020, the family-run company from Bocholt has given its evergreen model a new groupset, speccing the new Shimano GRX RX810 Di2 drivetrain with additional satellite shifters on the bar tops. With a 40 t chainring and 11-42 t cassette, you have 11 gears that shift with the Japanese precision you would expect. The cockpit comes courtesy of Ritchey WCS components: the 420 mm Butano carbon bars and lengthy 120 mm C220 stem provide a svelte overall finish. The ROSE R Thirty wheels are shod in tan wall 700 x 40C Schwalbe G-One All-Round TLE tires that harmonise nicely with the sand-coloured carbon frame. The geometry has remained the same since 2017, designed around a proven stack-to-reach ratio of 1.5. The traditional forms of the frame are timeless in their design, and a refreshing sight amongst the angled top tubes and dropped seat stays of the competition. Weighing in at 8.79 kg in size 57, the BACKROAD is in the top half of the test. But look at the price and, just like the Canyon Grail AL 7.0, you’ll find excellent value for money. The ROSE costs “only” € 3,199.

The ROSE BACKROAD GRX RX810 Di2 in detail

Drivetrain Shimano GRX RX810 Di2
Gearing 40 t and 11-42 t, 1×11
Brakes Shimano GRX RX810, 160/160 mm
Handlebar Ritchey WCS Butano Carbon, 420 mm
Stem Ritchey WCS C220, 120 mm
Seatpost ROSE RC-170 Carbon, 25 mm offset
Wheels ROSE R Thirty Disc
Tires Schwalbe G-One All-Round TLE 700 x 40C

Size	51	54	57	59	62
Seat tube	483 mm	513 mm	543 mm	563 mm	593 mm
Top tube	525 mm	540 mm	555 mm	568 mm	582 mm
Head tube	130 mm	147 mm	164 mm	174 mm	188 mm
Head angle	71.0°	71.5°	72.0°	72.0°	72.0°
Seat angle	74.0°	73.8°	73.5°	73.3°	73.0°
Chainstays	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm
BB Drop	60 mm	60 mm	60 mm	60 mm	60 mm
Wheelbase	1,016 mm	1,025 mm	1,033 mm	1,043 mm	1,054 mm
Reach	370 mm	377 mm	384 mm	391 mm	398 mm
Stack	541 mm	559 mm	577 mm	587 mm	599 mm

The ROSE BACKROAD GRX RX810 Di2 in review

Our test team found the BACKROAD to be a quick accelerator. There’s nothing to fault in terms of acceleration or efficiency and the new GRX RX810 Di2 drivetrain works very well, shifting precisely on rough ground. We particularly like the additional shift buttons for relaxed cruising in the tops, making everything easier and more comfortable. That suits the ROSE well, though it does often invite you to blast through the forest thanks to its stable ride. Likewise, the riding position with the long 120 mm stem is relatively aggressive, resulting in a stretched out position that puts lots of pressure on the front wheel.

The stylish bike from Bocholt continues to cut a fine figure on compacted surfaces.

That makes the bike, as the name suggests, particularly well suited to broken up tarmac and compacted gravel roads. In more demanding terrain, it reaches its limits and tends to be a little difficult to handle through tight corners. Its limited comfort is due to the small amount of compliance of the frameset and the stiff wheels. Larger volume tires would no doubt result in a more secure ride on rough terrain and a higher level of overall comfort.

Conclusion

The ROSE BACKROAD GRX RX810 Di2 is a solid gravel all-rounder which is most at home on compacted gravel and chopped up roads. Thanks to its appealing design and the modern groupset, the frameset still feels up to date despite entering its fourth season. Thanks to the numerous configuration options, those who are looking for a road-bike-familiar position that invites them to leave the roads and venture a bit further afield will be well served here.

For more info: rosebikes.com

Click here for an overview of the best gravel bike 2020 group test.

All bikes in test: Argon 18 Dark Matter | Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX | Canyon Grail AL 7.0 | Cervélo Áspero | Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force | Kona Libre AL | Liteville 4-ONE MK1 | OPEN WI.DE. | Pivot Vault Team Force | ROSE BACKROAD GRX RX810 Di2 | Santa Cruz Stigmata CC | Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO | Standert Pfadfinder | Trek Domane SLR 9 eTap

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Words: Photos: GRAN FONDO-Team