The ROSE X-LITE as we know it is now history – not just technically but also aesthetically. With a brand new logo and a neat design, Rose’s racer is an instant eye-catcher. We were the first magazine to be given a chance to test the new ROSE X-LITE 2018. We took it to the roads around Girona, one of the most popular training spots for many pro-teams. What is the new “made in Bocholt racer” capable of? And most importantly how does it stand up against the competition from Specialized, BMC & Co?

The new high-end model of the ROSE X-LITE 6 is available as a series option starting at € 4,299 and features a Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Mavic R-Sys SLR wheels. For around € 8,100 you can get same the top of the range version with optional Zipp 454 NSW wheels and a SRAM RED eTap as pictured above.

ROSE X-LITE 2018 – what’s new?

Until now the Northern-German brand had a reputation for building bikes which are technically solid but aesthetically underwhelming. But now the new X-LITE 6 wants to break the spell and mark the start of a new era for Bocholt. The new logo-design is way more modern than the previous one and superbly matches the elegant lines of the matt-black carbon frame. A wireless SRAM RED eTap groupset blends in with the streamlined silhouette of the bike and allows for a stunning clean look. The parallel-running top tube and stem emphasise the linear and charmingly aggressive character of the ROSE X-LITE 6.

The ROSE X-LITE 6 in our test is the high-end version and features a SRAM RED eTap group, optional Zipp 454 NSW wheels and Zipp Tangente Speed tires which can be selected using the online configurator. With this spec the bike will cost you around € 8,100.
The more basic series-model of the X-LITE 6 on the other hand features a Shimano Ultegra Di2 group, Mavic R-Sys SLR wheels and Mavic Yksion Pro GripLink tires and will set you back € 4,299.

The super stiff X-LITE 6 literally begs you to push harder.

ROSE X-LITE 2018 – the first test

At first glance, the ROSE X-LITE 6 conveys a satisfying feeling of lightness which is confirmed by its weight of just 6.36 kg (with Zipp 454 NSW and without pedals). Apart from being light the X-LITE 6 is also extremely stiff. The asymmetrical chainstays provide for maximum pedalling-efficiency from the first crank-spin through to powerful sprints. As we all know stiffness and efficiency can often compromise riding comfort but that’s not the case with the ROSE X-LITE 6. We were all surprised by how efficiently the components interacted and how well they harmonised. Only when things get really rough does the front-end feel slightly uncomfortable.

Tunnel vision for our GRAN-FONDO-editor Marco.

ROSE X-LITE 2018 – riding characteristics

The ROSE X-LITE 6 follows each steering impulse with clinical precision, sometimes feeling even a little nervous on the front-end. One reason for this is the relatively long head tube which lowers the saddle-to-bar drop noticeably despite the race-setup (without any spacers under the stem) and causes the weight to shift away from the front wheel. In return, the ROSE X-LITE 6 feels clearly more comfortable on long climbs and makes you literally fly up the hills. The lively and agile character of the X-LITE requires an experienced rider but with the right skills, it will give you lots of fun moments!

One positive feature of the ROSE X-LITE 6 is its tire clearance which allows you to fit tires up to 28 mm width giving you great flexibility when it comes to choosing your rubber. Not so great were the 25 mm Zipp Tangente speed tires on our test bike; despite good rolling characteristics these simply lack grip in wet conditions and fail to inspire an acceptable amount of confidence. The same goes for the series Mavic Yksion Pro SSC 25 GripLink tires. Our recommendation: the Vittoria Corsa provides tons of cornering grip and superb rolling characteristics.

Unlike our test bike, the ROSE X-LITE 6 comes with series Mavic R-Sys SLR’s wheels. These certainly can’t compare to the Zipp 454 NSW but still deliver a strong uphill performance thanks to their low weight. The Zipp 454 NSW wheels developed a loud squealing-noise under braking; this created a general mistrust and made us all ride a little more carefully on descents.

The ROSE X-LITE 6 in detail

ROSE X-LITE 6 SRAM RED eTap | 6.36 kg (Size 57) | € 8,164

Group SRAM RED eTap, 11-speed
Wheelset Zipp 454 NSW
Brakes SRAM RED Rim
Tires Zipp Tangente Speed 25 c
Weight 6.36 kg (Size 57)
Price € 8,164

Frame size 50 cm 53 cm 55 cm 57 cm 59 cm 62 cm
Seat tube length 430 mm 460 mm 480 mm 500 mm 525 mm 560 mm
Top tube length 517 mm 535 mm 550 mm 563 mm 577 mm 597 mm
Head angle 71.00 ° 72.00 ° 72.75 ° 73.50 ° 73.50 ° 73.75 °
Seat tube angle 74.50 ° 74.00 ° 73.50 ° 73.50 ° 73.50 ° 73.50 °
Wheelsbase 973 mm 977 mm 981 mm 987 mm 1000 mm 1018 mm
Front centre 578 mm 582 mm 586 mm 592 mm 605 mm 623 mm
Chainstay length 405 mm 405 mm 405 mm 405 mm 405 mm 410 mm
Head tube length 125 mm 140 mm 155 mm 170 mm 190 mm 210 mm
Stack 520 mm 538 mm 555 mm 572 mm 591 mm 611 mm
Reach 373 mm 380 mm 386 mm 394 mm 402 mm 416 mm
Required seat post diameter 27.2 mm 27.2 mm 27.2 mm 27.2 mm 27.2 mm 27.2 mm
BB-Drop 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm
Recommended inside leg length 73-77 cm 78-81 cm 82-84 cm 85-87 cm 88-91 cm 91-94 cm
The new italic–logo elegantly wraps around the downtube.
The SRAM RED eTap totally convinced us both with its great performance and good looks. With a 52/36 and 11/28 gearing this setup is the right choice for every terrain.
Clean and cleaner – SRAM RED eTap.
A stunning blend of proportions and efficiency.
The saddle clamp is cleverly implemented and easy to reach.
A very clean cockpit thanks to a SRAM RED eTap – the neatly-routed brake cables don’t make any noise and don’t get in your way.

ROSE X-LITE 2018 – models, prices

The ROSE X-LITE 6 will also be available as a disc-brake version. Depending on the spec this model will be slightly cheaper and feature a standard ROSE CWX-1550 carbon wheelset.
ROSE will also offer a version of the frame which is 100 g heavier and is called the ROSE X-LITE 4 or ROSE X-LITE 4 DISC. The basic spec will feature a Shimano Ultegra group and DT Swiss P1750 wheels with prices starting at € 2,299.
According to the manufacturer, these versions will be on the market at the end of January/beginning of February 2018.

ROSE X-LITE 6 Dura-Ace Di2

Group Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Wheelset Mavic R-Sys SLR
Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Rim
Tires Mavic Yksion Pro SSC 25 GripLink
Price € 5,599

ROSE X-LITE 6 DISC Dura-Ace Di2

Group Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
Wheelset ROSE CWX-1550 Carbon Disc
Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace Disc
Tires Continental GP 4000 S II, 25 mm
Price € 5,499

ROSE X-LITE 4 SRAM Force

Group SRAM Force
Wheelset DT Swiss P1750
Brakes SRAM Force Rim
Tires Continental GP 4000 S II, 25 mm
Price € 2,299

ROSE X-LITE 4 DISC Shimano Ultegra

Group Shimano Ultegra
Wheelset DT Swiss P1750 Disc
Brakes Shimano Ultegra Disc
Tires Continental GP 4000 S II, 25 mm
Price € 2,799

Conclusion

The ROSE X-LITE enters a new league. Thanks to the aesthetically and technically sound overall concept combined with an attractive price of € 5,599, the X-LITE series model will cause a stir amongst the competitors. Whilst newbies might feel a little intimidated by the nimble character of the new X-LITE 6, experienced hobby-riders and pro racers will find it a very exciting option. We’ve already had a chance to test the X-LITE and find out how it compares to the hottest Racebikes from 2018 – but we won’t tell you anything now. You can find out more in our comprehensive comparison test in issue #007. This will be published in March 2018.

For more information visit: rosebikes.com


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Words: Photos: Noah Haxel